Crate or not?

[ccmblack]

I just bought my first 69 'vert and the engine numbers come back as an '83 350 out of a truck.  It runs rough and doesn't look that good, (all the paint has flaked off).  The body paint is excellent and the interior in great shape.  I am considering a new engine...crate or rebuild....

My intention is for this to be a weekend driver, (fun for the family), but don't want to be embarrased when I raise the hood up for some friends. 

Any suggestions?  I have heard the ZZ4 idea before and this 350/290 hp seems like a fair balance of power with price...thoughts?

Please keep in mind it took me 3 years to talk my wife into letting me buy this 69...although the price was worth every penny when I told my 5 year old daughter this would be her car one day!

[hotrod68]

I'd go with the ZZ4--'83 engines SUCKED...lol. A crate engine comes virtually ready to fire up and you'd save all the machine shop hassles. If you can afford it, I vote crate engine. My 2 cents.

[ccmblack]

hotrod68 - what would/should I be looking at cost-wise for a turn-key ZZ4.  Could I transfer the cowl induction parts?  (as you can tell - engines are not my forte). 

[wtexz10]

I second the vote for the ZZ4. Maybe because that's whats in my 69.  I wanted to save the original motor, so in went the crate.  I found a slightly used ZZ4 on ebay with less than 2000 miles for $2200 + freight which was about $175.  I didn't realize how enimic my L48 really was.  The car has power and more importantly "TORQUE".

My 2 cents

Kris

[ccmblack]

Thanks guys!  Any other crate motors you would recommend other than the ZZ4 - keep in mind my budget...

[hotrod68]

I don't know what the carburetor height on a ZZ4 manifold is, but I'm sure the right cowl air cleaner spacer ring would adapt to it. I say use a ZZ4 because you really get what you pay for versus an Auto Zone or other such crate engine. The GM crate engines are brand-new with high-quality parts. If you know or can stroke a Chevy parts guy at a dealership to get the wholesale price, you can save serious bucks over retail. It never hurts to negotiate! GM is hurting in parts sales right now and you could easily land a golden BB. Good luck!