First Gen Engine choice..Opinions wanted!

[4MuscleMachines]

Got a true 67 RS/SS 396 Camaro that is in paint, need to choose which engine to put in it. The matching 396 is long gone, but the car has all the pedigree papers. I want a killer PT car with either a ZZ502 or GMPP ZL1. I already chose a 4L80e with a manumatic paddle shifter. What should I choose?? ZL1 has the EFI from GM that I am not sure looks that good but has lower weight thanks to all aluminum block/heads. The ZZ502 has much lower lift cam and low compression...good for supercharger? Plus the ZZ502 would get an edelbrock RPM fuel injection. What would you do?? Which would get better resale about 5yrs from now??


http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/3509/products/153750/ZL1-454ci-510-HP-Fuel-Injected-GM-Performance-Parts-Crate-Engine.htm

http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/120/products/688/ZZ502-Complete-Kit-Fully-Assembled-GM-Performance-Parts-Crate-Engine.htm

[Steve1968LS2]

Kind of big price delta there with your choices..

Set on a big block?

How about a ZZ572? :)

[Steve Chryssos]

90 day warranty on the 502 and no warranty on the ZL-1. Before proceeding, I would consider these engines as well. Built with all brand name parts and includes a real warranty.

The Engine Shop (http://www.theengineshop.com)

Edit: The answer to your original question is ZZ502. For the difference in price, you can really tweak the 502 to the max. Specs, performance or value, the ZL1 engine is really nothing more than a fancy nametag.

Edit again: By the way "Better Off Dead" is one of my favorite movies too. "...I WANT my TWO dollars...."

[4MuscleMachines]

yes its a fancy name, but isn't that the point to it? Trying to stick with GM only Big Block engine/theme since the car is a true 67 RS/SS big block. IMO, when I get around to selling it, wont more potential buyers, in general, feel comfortable buying a car with a nice GM crate motor and more comfortable paying more for it? If the car were a 350 RS/SS then I would consider an LS6. Maybe I am thinking too hard about this when it really wont matter??

[Ummgawa]

for 9K more? Paint the block aluminum color and Lie about the ZL-1 thang. then PT the suspension/brakes/wheels(maybe)the rest of the car with the difference. Just a thought.

[socalfandabodys]

in my opinion the zL1 will be like the zz430. It will be a collectors item. Can you still find those zl1 I thought they only made 200 of them?

[yody]

ZL1 is definetly nice! but only for the name and aluminum block. I would look to either sharifoff(spelling?) engines or a zz502 with a cam swap, possibly a head swap also. Sell the edelbrock/gm heads that come on the zz502 and get a set of AFR CNC 315CC's and slap a solid roller in it. 650hp all day long!

[Camaro_Kyle]

I agree that a ZL1 would be trick in your camaro. If you are considering spending that much money, you should check out Nelson Racing engines. Their big block centrifical blown engines are cheaper than the ZL1 and have more power. Not sure about warranty, but check them out here (http://www.nelsonracingengines.com/motors.html)

[Travis B]

I wouldn't worry about resale as long as it has a killer big block in it will sell just fine! And I definitly would not pay the big price for that ZL-1! Pump gas Pro-Charged BBC W/intercooler is where I would put my money!JMO

[gEtyOpAPiOn]

how about an ls7 ...all aluminum hehe ...it has big block cc too lol and it should be in the same price range for all you big ballers

[Steve Chryssos]

yes its a fancy name, but isn't that the point to it? Trying to stick with GM only Big Block engine/theme since the car is a true 67 RS/SS big block. If the car were a 350 RS/SS then I would consider an LS6. Maybe I am thinking too hard about this when it really wont matter??

Well, if it's a matter of themes, then let's get creative: How 'bout a 396 cubic inch LS1 based small block? OR A rev-happy BIG bore / SMALL stroke 396 big block. The big bore will move lots of air while the small stroke will yield a favorable rod to stroke ratio. A 396 like no other.

[Travis B]

A rev-happy BIG bore / SMALL stroke 396 big block. The big bore will move lots of air while the small stroke will yield a favorable rod to stroke ratio. A 396 like no other.

I do like that Idea! That would be a killer BB!
Lots of RPMs, plenty of power, fun to drive

[rob07002]

If its resale your concerned about why not find a correctly dated 396 and tranny, drop it in and sell it, then take your bundle of cash and build your dream car. According to sources like Barret Jackson, true SS cars even with non-matching drivetrains, that have correct dated blocks and stuff are fetching BIG $$.

[Steve Chryssos]

397ci: 4.250 bore by 3.500" stroke
395ci: 4.400 bore by 3.250" stroke
Use of a 10.200" deck height will allow a 2:1 rod/stroke ratio (or close to it). as fo resale, the ad would say: "One of a kind 625HP 396 will rev to 9000 rpm with plenty of low speed torque." That should close the sale.

It will take some work to generate 1.5 HP per cube NA (i.e. lightweight valvetrain parts for revving, fuel injection), but a $16K budget should suffice.

[Todds69]

502...with a supercharger on it.