And when he says 350 I doubt he's talking about a ZZ6.
IF someone is talking about a new 350, they're talking about a zz6. It's the only crate 350 motor worth talking about.. so, I disagree on that one. MAybe he was talking about going to a junk yard and grabbing a 350.. if that's the case, then I agree, that's almost never worth doing.
Even then, yes, those are obsolete engines. LS is better for less money.
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nope. The zz6 is neck and neck at 420 hp, and it's a bargain. You can get a fully loaded, turn-key, ready to run (ok, no oil) zz6 motor for $7,800 from jegg. Thjat comes with EVERYTHING. the intake, starter motor, spark plugs, wires, crap, it even comes with the water pump and an ac compressor. All attached and ready to go. A long block for $6,400 -- still includes the intake and a bunch of accessories.. zz6 is 420hp, 405 tq.
A comparable ls CRATE motor, say, the ls3, starts at $7,500. At that price, you're getting a long block. No electronics. By the time you're done, you're easily kissing $9-$10k. And the LS3 isn't that much more powerful -- 430hp/425tq (ok, fine, it has a much flatter curve)
MY point is.. yeah, the ls is a better motor, no question. But the zz6 has a lot going for it, it has a ton of brand new tech in it, and has it's place. IF I were doing a brand new install, I'd without a doubt go with an LS motor. But if budget were an issue, and if I didn't want to mess with electronics, (which I have zero issues with, but some old timers do), I'd would not discount the zz6.
as for lasting longer... huh? where'd you get that one from? keep a 350 well maintained, it'll last just as long.
ZZ6 still has electronics like an LS. And they are REALLY expensive.
so, dealt with the expensive part, as for electronics.. zz6 can be bought with a carb, you can drop a your own intake and add a self-contained tbi, and even if you buy the efi Crate unit, the only "electronics" it comes with is a self contained box, with a chevy-tuned curve, specific to the zz6.... Read some articles and interviews from chevy engineers talking about the zz6.. they really pulled out the stops, squeezing out every bit of performance from this block, and it has some really impressive power right out of the crate. No laptops, no tuning. So, no, I don't agree that comparing the "electronics" of a zz6 is the same as comparing the "electronics" of an ls.
Again.. I agree with you that the ls is the better motor... but... the zz6 is amazing for what they've done with it, and should not be discounted. I know a ton of guys that are getting it.