Crate motor vs. rebuilding DZ 302...?

[musclecarjohn]

I broke a cam in my DZ 302 and while I haven't yanked it out yet,many other problems exsist as can be expected with any engine mishap.The motor spins over freely and to listen to it,it sounds like there isn't anything wrong at all.There are small pin-holes near the top of the pan where it appears small bits of metal tried to sneak down around the windage tray.The distributor is jammed in the block (broken cam)and when i drained the oil,I got about a gallon of water out first...never a good sign.

The motor will come out next week.I am hearing 4-6 months by every engine builder I've spoken to...MINIMUM!
This car was just completely restored (paint,glass,chrome,interior,exterior,gas tank,every nut & bolt,etc.)and I have had exactly ZERO time to enjoy it unless you count sitting in it in my garage at night.

I wanted to post my two options to see what everyone thinks:

Option 1) Buy the nastiest crate motor available (Bill Mitchell 454ci. small block (600+ hp!)and bag the 302 for now and re-build at my leisure.This would get me back behind the wheel doing burnouts in a month or so.

Option 2) Send the 302 out for checking and possible repairs.Downside is this could take forever (a year? ).

I just sold my '70 El Camino SS-454 so I have $$$ burning a hole in my pocket.It's not like I don't have other cars to drive and show but this one has quickly become my favorite.

What would you do?

[markjohnson]

If you put that Bill Mitchell 454 CID small block in that car, you will forget all about that 302! Personally, I think I would opt for the 427 CID version. A little thicker cylinder walls and it's such a magic number to so many people. It's hard to believe but the 454 Bill Mitchell small block has the same bore and stroke as a 454 big block. He even had to come up with a special head gasket. Another great engine you should look into that's priced lower is the GM Performance Parts ZZ383. It makes 425 HP and 460 FT.LBS or torque. Granted, it won't tear your head off your shoulders like one of those Bill Mitchell motors will but you could save a little bit of money to spend elsewhere.

[Stuart Adams]

Sounds like you put alot into the restoration. If the goal of restoring it was to show it then put the 302 back in it, if it is for driving alot, save the motor(it has to come out anyway) and use it later. There are some GREAT crate motors these days. If performance is what you want, the 302 will dissapoint IMO compared to a great crate motor.Good Luck

[musclecarjohn]

I have considered the ZZ383 ($4700) which would certainly be cheaper.I know someone who put it in a '71 Camaro and is very happy with it.I'd have to convert the center bolt valve covers to perimeter and I don't think my LT-1 manifold will work with it either,will it?I just wonder how well these GM motors are put together compared to a specialty house like Mitchell's.The best of the best parts are in these motors.I am even considering the Motown 415 alloy head motor for around $8K.

Choices...choices.

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
Sounds like you put alot into the restoration. If the goal of restoring it was to show it then put the 302 back in it, if it is for driving alot, save the motor(it has to come out anyway) and use it later. There are some GREAT crate motors these days. If performance is what you want, the 302 will dissapoint IMO compared to a great crate motor.Good Luck

[/ QUOTE ]

Every engine builder I've spoken to makes me aware...within minutes of starting the conversation...that it would be much more cost-effective to buy a crate motor and you're right,the choices are endless.

I am torn though because the beauty of these cars is winding them out.We all know there is no torque or power below 4-grand.But from 4-8K,hold on to your hat!
On the other hand,most of these crate motors are all in by 5500rpm but I guess it doesn't matter if you've got 500 lb. ft. of torque by 4-grand!

This car is built to drive not only on the street but occasionally at the track.And it will never will be sold!

[Salvatore]

John, When you restored the car didn't you redo the motor? I am hard pressed to believe that a good machine shop/engine builder can't get you running in a few weeks to a month. If the car is that nice, just rebuild. If you feel the need to go fast, Do what Darren did buy a 72 or whatever camaro that needs some TLC work with a BB for little money and go drag racing! No matching anything. I would keep the 02 in your car. JMO Sam

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
John, When you restored the car didn't you redo the motor? I am hard pressed to believe that a good machine shop/engine builder can't get you running in a few weeks to a month. If the car is that nice, just rebuild. If you feel the need to go fast, Do what Darren did buy a 72 or whatever camaro that needs some TLC work with a BB for little money and go drag racing! No matching anything. I would keep the 02 in your car. JMO Sam

[/ QUOTE ]

Sam,

Bought the car used of course and the motor ran fine.Just checked the compression and everything was in specs.No leaks and didn't use any oil.Just added roller rockers (Comp Cams chrome-moly 1.5 ratio)and a Proform mechanical secondary 750 cfm race carb and only ran it for about 15 minutes in this configuration.About 6200rpm,it decided it didn't want to run anymore and exploded.I have revved this motor well in excess of 7-grand without any problems.

Shouldn't have happen at 6200,I'll tell you that.

[Salvatore]

I agree it should not of blown. Maybe a bad cam from the factory? Might have a warranty issue there?

[Stuart Adams]

If that is the original motor, take it out if your driving it!!! You will blow it up again eventually doing 6-7 grand on the tac alot. You got a lead foot man, which is cool, but honestly it will blow up again from the sounds it. Not worth the risk IMO, because if hot rodding the car is what ya like (me too), then get a better/faster motor and drive it like you stole it.

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
If that is the original motor, take it out if your driving it!!! You will blow it up again eventually doing 6-7 grand on the tac alot. You got a lead foot man, which is cool, but honestly it will blow up again from the sounds it. Not worth the risk IMO, because if hot rodding the car is what ya like (me too), then get a better/faster motor and drive it like you stole it.

[/ QUOTE ]

A crate motor is starting to make more sense everyday,let me tell you.And since that $$$ is burning a hole in my pocket,picking up the phone and charging it to your card is TOO easy to do...