71 Engine swap
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
71 Engine swap
I want to do an engine swap in my 71 and found a ZZ4 vortec 350, 1995-2000, the block has casting #10243880. Can anyone tell me if it would be worth the trouble or if I would be better off getting a motor that wouldn't require any conversions to install?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 150
From: Forth Worth TX
Well, thats up to you. What is your hp goal and budget?
The ZZ4 is rated at 355hp (gross), you could most likely accomplish that with new heads, cam, and intake manifold on your current engine at less cost.
The ZZ4 is rated at 355hp (gross), you could most likely accomplish that with new heads, cam, and intake manifold on your current engine at less cost.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I don't have a particular hp goal. The ZZ4 engine I found has never been installed but has no warranty because it has changed hands twice already. Not sure of the details. The guy that has it for sale is asking $2000.00, but I can get a gm crate engine(290 hp) with a warranty delivered to my door for $2350.00. I was thinking about putting a new motor in the car and having the original engine rebuilt to put back in the car several years from now.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 150
From: Forth Worth TX
I don't have a particular hp goal. The ZZ4 engine I found has never been installed but has no warranty because it has changed hands twice already. Not sure of the details. The guy that has it for sale is asking $2000.00, but I can get a gm crate engine(290 hp) with a warranty delivered to my door for $2350.00. I was thinking about putting a new motor in the car and having the original engine rebuilt to put back in the car several years from now.
You should decide what your HP goal is. If it's 270/290hp, then you don't need to change anything. If it's 350/400hp, you'll need to compare costs with buying a crate engine or rebuilding/modifying what you have.
My opinion is to, have only one engine, have it built the way you want it, and have it installed in the car. Having an unused engine laying around ends up being a pain in the butt. (Again, my opinion only.)
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I'm assuming your 71 has the base (270hp gross) engine in it. Why would you spend money on a 290hp crate engine and then rebuild your base engine? Seems like a waste of time and money.
You should decide what your HP goal is. If it's 270/290hp, then you don't need to change anything. If it's 350/400hp, you'll need to compare costs with buying a crate engine or rebuilding/modifying what you have.
My opinion is to, have only one engine, have it built the way you want it, and have it installed in the car. Having an unused engine laying around ends up being a pain in the butt. (Again, my opinion only.)
You should decide what your HP goal is. If it's 270/290hp, then you don't need to change anything. If it's 350/400hp, you'll need to compare costs with buying a crate engine or rebuilding/modifying what you have.
My opinion is to, have only one engine, have it built the way you want it, and have it installed in the car. Having an unused engine laying around ends up being a pain in the butt. (Again, my opinion only.)
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
The 270 gross hp rating is more like 200 net hp. My 72 had the same engine and it was pretty tame. If you swap engines or have the original rebuilt, switch to a fuel injection system and you will get a lot of horsepower and good fuel economy as well as great driveability.
Rick B.
Rick B.
