This question comes down to 4 questions you have to ask yourself?

1. How much money do you want to spend?
2. What are you going to do with the car?
3. how much HP/TQ are you looking for?
4. Which is easier to accomplish?

1. A properly built 383 will cost just as much as a ZZ4 crate engine, maybe more..
2. If you are going to just cruise around with a rare race stint, the ZZ4 would seem the answer.
3. If you are looking for max power, the 383 would be the way to go or you are looking in the 475-500+ Gross HP range.
4. A ZZ4 crate engine is quicker and easier to install in your car...less work and build time

In my case, I wanted to keep the OEM L-82 engine from my 78 so I built it into a 355 with most of the OEM L-82 internals (forged crank, forged L-82 rods, L-82 aluminum intake) and added some of the best parts you can buy (AFR aluminum heads, Roller cam, JE Forged Racing pistons, 10.2:1 compression) looking for 450-460 Gross HP...no racing for the engine...runs on 89 octane easily. It was expensive but I was willing to go that route for the power out of the OEM numbers matching block. Not as much power as an all out built 383 but more than the crate ZZ4...depends what you want

This thread is 14 years old... lol. I'm not sure the OP is still watching it. :D

Can anyone comment how the cam in a ZZ4 behaves?

Does it idle as smooth as stock, or is there obvious evidence of a lope?

Thanks

Guys, this thread is 14 years old. I doubt many of the members are even still here. Maybe better to start new or find a similar thread not so old.

**EDIT** Haha.. didn't see that it went to page two with ever more continuation. Nevermind... was already pointed out I guess.

:lol::lol::rofl::rofl:

a 383 is so close in power to a streetable daily driver 350 it is a waste of money. If you want a lot of real power and drive ability go 427 sbc . If you want moderate power / over drive or upgraded suspension for the cost difference go 350.

OP:
"Last Activity: 07-23-2007 04:09 AM"

:rofl::rofl:

I know the thread is ancient but the issue asked is relevant for many folks...

:iagree: with Diehrd

The power difference between a 383 and properly built 355 on the street for 95% of drivers is simply negligible. The 28 cubes will NOT make that much of a difference in most applications unless the 383 is built to the max. This issue reminds me of the GM V6 forum where many of the young enthusiasts argue pretty vehemently about the stock 3.1 V6 versus the 3.8 V6 GM engines power difference. I have owned both V6's and have to chuckle...there is VERY little difference in power....they are both anemic...

To make a significant difference in power over the 355, you really need a 400/427 SBC....

It's much better to start a new thread, you can also link the old thread.

This way no one argues with ghosts members that haven't logged into the site for almost a decade. :thumbs:

When you start a new thread, someone will invariably will chirp in suggesting that you use the search function.

When you do a search, and post on an old existing thread, it's not long before someone criticizes for not starting a new thread.

Build a 406......you will be glad you did :thumbs:
Torque of a 383 with more potential power....looks the same as a 350.
Here is what 500 horsepower looks like.....

Jebby