I have a 69 RS with a small block now and I was planning on building a 500hp 383 with a 4340 forged bottom end with AFR 195 comp heads and roller cam but after cacculating the cost I could almost buy a zz502 crate straight from gm. Which would you guys choose the 502 or the build 383? THe car is a street brawler with some highway time and some strip time. Thanks for your help

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69 Camaro RS, 355ci, 71 gm heads 74cc 1.72in 1.50ex,mild cam, Preformer rpm intake, edelbrock 600 carb, 350 turbo w/ shift kit 2500 stall, 12 bolt 4.56 posi..

it would probably be best to make a torquey 383, it'll keep the front end wait minimal, and it will bolt right in.
dont shoot for a 500hp 383, build it for torque if its a street car.

[This message has been edited by CamaroNOTcamero (edited 03-08-2002).]

502's the way to go. It may not be easier, and it will certainly be more expensive, but you'll be happier in the long run. I promise.

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John D. Smith
69 SS/396 CLONE!
The Texas Tornado lives!

North Texas Camaro Club (http://www.northtxcamaros.com)

Hobbystage Free Picture Posting!!! http://hobbystage.net/camaro/69ss396/

It's the age old debate. BBC vs. SBC. Do you want tire melting torque? Or a mill that wraps up to 7,000rpm as you bang through the gears? IMHO, a BBC is more FUN. Torque is FUN. Anyone who argues with that hasn't ever had a ride in a stout big block car. Small blocks have their place though, when things like financial reasons come into play, the small block usually wins hands down. The initial build is cheaper. The driveline lasts longer(torque breaks parts). The fuel economy is better...Now don't get me wrong, small blocks can be plenty of fun http://www.camaros.net/forum/cool.gif, but if I lived in a world of $.25 gasoline, you could bet your *** I'd have a 468ci Big Block sitting between my fenders.

CnC- I guarentee I can make enough power with a big block to overcome the extra 150-200 lbs. http://www.camaros.net/forum/wink.gif

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79' Z28 4-spd- built 355, TRW 10:1 forged flat tops, WP SportsmanII heads, Crane Energizer 230/230 duration .480"/.480" lift, Edelbrock Victor Jr., Holley 750cfm, Dynomax headers, dual 3" flowmasters :) 3.73 Posi 10-bolt

sure can, but realistically it's very expensive, and i'm not too big a fan of crate motors, less your looking at a world products 509 or 540! they should be nice.
If you gonna put in a BBC, build your own, you can make that thing a serious torquer!

Something else to think about if you go with the b/b. You'll have to convert your car to fit it correctly. Engine perches, cross-member, brackets for your alternator and power steering pump if you have p/s, maybe even a bigger radiator. Don't get me wrong, I have a b/b, and I love it. But you should be aware of the potential costs involved. Does your car have power brakes? If so, and if the zz502 has roller rockers, you'll have to go with tall valve covers. I don't know about 69's, but my 68 w/ p/b's wont accept tall vavle covers. Clearance problems.

Good luck http://www.camaros.net/forum/smile.gif

also, with the heinous torque of the 502, you will have to do more suspension work to get it to hook at the track than you would with the 383 most likely.

As much as I like my 383, I'd say go for the 502. You could build the 383 for probably $5000 so the 502 is only a grand more. But you will have a LOT of room to grow with the 502 where the 383 is pretty much maxed out. If you're into driving the twisties, the 383 might be more fun though.

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68 Camaro, 383 small block with TH350 trans. 11.98's at 111mph and never trailered.

Most definatly the 502.
I had the same decision to make when getting my engine. I asked all the 383 guys and then the 502 guys the same question. With the 383 you can get it up to 500hp and a little more.
With the 502/502 your starting out with 502 hp. and 576 lb. torque. From there your starting at the base hp. and you can add on more hp. if you want it.
You'll love the torque and so will your tire shop. I went through 9 pr. last year and I want to top it this year. The 1st pair are just about shot. I got them for the Frank Maratta's show Feb. 3rd in Hartford and baked them pretty good on the way out. Well
it's time for a little "Rubber Roasting"
Good luck with your decision.
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502 Bob

69 Z-502
Nothing like a 69 with traction issues.
www.mobiletools1.com (http://www.mobiletools1.com)

[This message has been edited by mobiletools (edited 03-09-2002).]

bob, that hilarious, 9 pairs of tires. what do the people at your tire shop say when you come back every couple of months(weeks?) with no treads?

Wonder if he gets a fleet discount??? http://www.camaros.net/forum/wink.gif

Or perhaps frequent tire miles...

ok, that one was just crummy...ah well http://www.camaros.net/forum/biggrin.gif

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79' Z28 4-spd- built 355, TRW 10:1 forged flat tops, WP SportsmanII heads, Crane Energizer 230/230 duration .480"/.480" lift, Edelbrock Victor Jr., Holley 750cfm, Dynomax headers, dual 3" flowmasters :) 3.73 Posi 10-bolt

haha, still had me laughing!