New ZZ4 Engine Install in 1981 Coupe
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 656
Likes: 38
From: Midwest
St. Jude Donor '08
New ZZ4 Engine Install in 1981 Coupe
Hi,
I have a decent, solid 1981 automatic coupe available to me.
A friend basically wants to give it to me.
The car doesn't have an engine.
Everything else is all there.
It has the factory equipped untouched automatic trans.
All other driveline components are there and unmodified as equipped from the factory.
Looking at installing a ZZ4 crate motor in it.
Not sure if that would work out as far as durability with everything else being stock as delivered from the factory back in 1981.
Any other tips or comments as far as updating other components to work together with a higher performance small block?
Thanks in advance,
Silverbird
I have a decent, solid 1981 automatic coupe available to me.
A friend basically wants to give it to me.
The car doesn't have an engine.
Everything else is all there.
It has the factory equipped untouched automatic trans.
All other driveline components are there and unmodified as equipped from the factory.
Looking at installing a ZZ4 crate motor in it.
Not sure if that would work out as far as durability with everything else being stock as delivered from the factory back in 1981.
Any other tips or comments as far as updating other components to work together with a higher performance small block?
Thanks in advance,
Silverbird
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 76
Likes: 23
I put a ZZ4 in my 80 model about 8 years ago. Bought the package crate engine from Pace Performance , it needs to have the drop base air cleaner to fit under the hood otherwise it is straight up a bolt on job.
The only other thing , since yours is an 81 and computer controlled transmission torque convertor lockup , you may need to address that , however Ive heard of others that just disregarded the lockup feature and ran it without. I changed an 81 to a stock crate enigne and didnt address the lockup feature, no problems.
My 80 with the ZZ4 will chirp the tires easily, I just dont keep my foot in it. LOVE my ZZ4. Where do you plan to buy it from ? Build it yourself? Good luck.
The only other thing , since yours is an 81 and computer controlled transmission torque convertor lockup , you may need to address that , however Ive heard of others that just disregarded the lockup feature and ran it without. I changed an 81 to a stock crate enigne and didnt address the lockup feature, no problems.
My 80 with the ZZ4 will chirp the tires easily, I just dont keep my foot in it. LOVE my ZZ4. Where do you plan to buy it from ? Build it yourself? Good luck.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 656
Likes: 38
From: Midwest
St. Jude Donor '08
Thanks for the great input guys.
Seems like it I don't get too carried away, the driveline should hold up fine.
I'm probably going to purchase the engine as a complete new crate motor.
I'll shop it around and see if I can find a decent deal.
Thanks again.
Silverbird
Seems like it I don't get too carried away, the driveline should hold up fine.
I'm probably going to purchase the engine as a complete new crate motor.
I'll shop it around and see if I can find a decent deal.
Thanks again.
Silverbird
Highway Man
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 445
Likes: 188
From: Ca
I think they’re up to the ZZ6 now. One of the differences (I’m sure there are others) is the ZZ6 comes with D-port fastburn heads.
The flexplate that came with my ZZ6 was not a universal that could bolt to three or four bolt toque converters. It was a three bolt only but I installed a 700R4 trans that used a three bolt lock up convertor so it didn’t mess with me.
I may be all wrong here but check those things out so you know.
Cheers,
Richard
The flexplate that came with my ZZ6 was not a universal that could bolt to three or four bolt toque converters. It was a three bolt only but I installed a 700R4 trans that used a three bolt lock up convertor so it didn’t mess with me.
I may be all wrong here but check those things out so you know.
Cheers,
Richard
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 2,021
From: MA/NH Seacoast
As long as you're not constantly launching the thing on slicks, everything should hold up fine. I'd personally change the torque converter to match the powerband of the ZZ4, and ditch the lock up. If you use the stock converter, just disregard the lockup.
The car should be a blast to drive compared to the stock setup!
The car should be a blast to drive compared to the stock setup!
