Chev crate engine
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Chev crate engine
Thinking of pulling my l82 engine out of my 74 vett and putting in a 350 hp 400 lbf torque engine my question is would my original tranny handle the extra power ? Anyone done this replacement ? And what are some surprises that can come unexpected
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 9
From: Science Bitch! Mississauga, Ontario
Canadian Events Coordinator
Which crate engine are you thinking of installing? Your stock transmission should handle it if it's in good condition and you don't pound the hell out of it on slicks. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 74
From: Palatine, Peoples Republic of Illinois
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I had a ZZ4 in front of a stock 4 speed for a couple years with no problems. Swapped is for a TKO500 about 2 years ago but only because I want the OD and a taller rear gear.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
The 74 I had was a TH400. If you still have a 400, unless it's a little sick, it'll take pretty much whatever you want to put in front of it. Like maybe a 383. Might need to swap the converter, and add a Trans-Go shift kit, but it'll be fine. A 400 with a good rebuild and a Trans-go kit ran a Camaro with a 496 deep enough into the 10's they told the guy not to bring it back without a cage.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 74
From: Palatine, Peoples Republic of Illinois
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I am happy with the performance. It doesn't feel like a big block, but then again, I don't race. First gear will smoke the tires all day, and good rubber in 2nd, and 3rd, and a good chirp in 4th. Always make me smile.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 4
From: Okinawa Okinawa
I also have a ZZ4 with a T400. Love it. Great power, no issues at all with the trans. I put in a 2100 hole shot torque converter due to the smaller flexplate on the zz4. You can either change the flexplate or put in a smaller diameter TC. Either way is good. That was the only surprise I had when I changed the engine.
You will be very happy.
You will be very happy.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Newport News VA
Of course there are countless options of engine sizes and power ratings. I went with the ZZ4 been a daily driver for 5 years now. Had to change the water pump, flex plate and went with a smaller starter. Also helped underhood heat with ceramic coated block hugger headers. Best 1/4 mi time with street tires is 13.26. Never regretted the choice.