12498772 - GM Performance Parts ZZ383 Engine Details

Note: This engine has provisions for a mechanical fuel pump, however the fuel pump pushrod and adapter plate are not included.

The engine block and cylinder heads are drilled and tapped for all standard accessory mounting bracket locations including two clutch ''Z-bar'' ball stud locations - standard and 1963-82 Corvette.

Front face of engine block is also drilled and tapped for the 1955-57 Chevy type motor mounts. If using these motor mounts, the mounts will need to be modified to clear the 8'' harmonic balancer on this engine.

If a short water pump is to be used on this engine, there will be clearance problems between the water pump backing plate bolt heads and the composite timing cover used on the Fast Burn 385. Many times this problem can be fixed easily by replacing the bolts on the water pump backing plate with button head Allen bolts. If this approach does not work, the timing cover will need to be replaced with a sheetmetal or any chrome unit. Any small block Chevy timing cover will work on the Fast Burn 385. If the timing cover is replaced, dowel pins are also needed.

This engine comes equipped with a 12-3/4'' automatic transmission flexplate which works with most TH-350 and 700R4 torque converters. If a TH-400 is being used, a 14'' flexplate must be used.

If this engine is to be used behind a manual transmission, two manual transmission flywheels are available, a 12-3/4'' or a 14''. The 12-3/4'' flywheel is used with 10'' to 10-1/2'' clutches and the 14'' flywheel is used with 11'' to 12'' clutches. Flywheel bolts and a pilot bearing are also required.

It is possible to retrofit this engine with a L98/LB9 TPI system. Special intake manifold 12498060SD along with 24 lb. injectors PTE24 must be used (Available through GM Performance Parts). Custom computer re-programming is also necessary.

There is a confusing history of spark plugs that have been used in the Fast Burn 385 throughout it's lifetime. Originally, most of these engines used a (not commonly available) AC Delco MR43LTS spark plug, which is a marine version of the R43LTS (it has nickle plated barrels to resist corrosion). These plugs can be replaced by an AC Delco R42LTS (commonly available). If some extra clearance is required, a gasket seat plug can also be used (cylinder heads accept either style). The gasket seat equivalent is FR3LS (also commonly available). All plugs should be gapped at .045''.