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what will a zz4 do for my vette?

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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 01:45 AM
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Default what will a zz4 do for my vette?

I have a 77 corvette with the auto 350th trans and 3:70 gears. What 1/4 mile times can I approximately expect from a zz4 with 355hp, 385 or 395hp. I haven't decided which zz4 to get. Please help, I know a ton of you have this engine. PS is it worth it to spend the extra $700 for the extra 30-40 hp option? Can I actually feel the difference? I rarely take it to the track. So I'm not concerned with tenths of a second. I mostly like to rip around deserted country roads and have fun. thanks for any help. :)
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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 02:08 AM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (andre77)

What will a ZZ4 do for your vette?
See Strips of rubber below. Note Smile on my face.



The ZZ4 would be a substantial boost in power for your 77. Problem is in NJ don't you have to pass the new emissions test? I don't think the ZZ4 will pass, although I think 74 vette (chris) got his to pass with some tweaking.

my best et so far is 13.4@106 but I still think there are a few more tenths left in it the way it is! It's a great motor. If I were to do it now I'd spend the extra 700 beans...it wasnt an option when I got mine! If pretty fast is not enough, too fast is just right. :yesnod:
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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 02:41 AM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (Mike69)

I recently did the swap and I am going through the emissions hassle right now. My problem is just carb settings, nothing that should keep you from doing the swap.

Check out my web pages that chronicle the engine swap -- I haven't put in the final update yet as the saga continues with the emissions stuff.

find the updates at http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/bseery/zz41.htm

Good luck -- it should pull mid 13's with the motor -- that is what I am counting on.


[Modified by BSeery, 10:42 PM 10/24/2001]
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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 08:28 AM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (BSeery)

Dependable, streetable, starts right up, runs smooth, not tempermental, plenty of power for the street... Best change I ever made. :D
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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 09:18 AM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (Mack76)

Smartest move I made in the 34 years of ownership; recommend highly :D
Cruz
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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 12:25 PM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (Cruzmeisters)

I also have the same black mark problem.(note tires below and car not moving) You can also build up a ZZ-4 like I did from GM parts. My block was in good shape and it never left the car. My only limitation is the TPI's lower power band.
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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 02:23 PM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (andre77)

I have a ZZ4 in my 80 and I'm real pleased with it. Don't get to caught up in the HP war! It's torque that moves you down the road/strip in a hurry. I think the ZZ4 is 403 pound feet of torque.

Also, with my 80, I run all the stock emissions stuff including the rochester carb and this car really pulls stong now. The EGR is mounted but doesnt do anything because the heads do not have exhaust crossover ports. Looks like a sleeper.

I'm sure dual exhaust and headers would help but must of the time this is driven on the street. Still runs much better than the L82 motor.
Dave

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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 02:33 PM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (DaveL82)

Is there any way someone can get that kind of power out of a stock engine, like an 81, or would it be cheaper/easier just to get the new motor?
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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 02:35 PM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (DaveL82)

I think the ZZ4 is 403 pound feet of torque.
Its 405@3500 rpm just to be picky :yesnod: :yesnod: :crazy:

I love the torque curve of tis engine. Its nice and flat so you have a lot of tire smoking ability throughout the rpm range. I havn't taken mine to the track yet (old u-joint need replacing before then) but my buddys slightly modified 98 Camero SS does 13.4's and I am every bit as fast as him on the street (if not a little quicker). Great engine. Without much mods to it (cam, roller tip rockers, valve springs) you can get up to 430Hp and 430 ft/Lbs of torque. Buy it.
John


[Modified by theandies, 12:41 PM 10/25/2001]
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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 02:41 PM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (andre77)

I have read the other comments on this thread, and I agree with all of them. I replaced the original 327/350 hp engine in my '65 Coupe with a ZZ4 crate motor and a 3310 Holley this summer. I am very pleased especially since I no longer have to mix the gas (lead and octane booster). With the 405 lb./ft. of torque, this motor has NO problems spinning the tires and is very responsive. I had no problems overpowering a new SS Camaro (I think rated around 336 HP) from a dead stop ( I rolled out before getting on it hard) within stop lights (I have the orginal 3.55 posi rear end, which helped matters). I would make this swap again. Definitely worth it.
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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 04:08 PM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (andre77)

Man ...am I jealous. I would love to have a ZZ4 installed but Massachusetts is pretty strick with its emmissions/visual test. Plus with an 82 I think I'm kinda out of the game on mods.

If I were to do it...I would buy as much engine as I could afford. Don't forget there are alot of little add ons you'll have to buy too. (Starter, pulleys, belts, etc.)
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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 04:15 PM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (CharlieF)

it will make it GGGGOOOOOOOoooooooooooo!!! Get it. you wont be disappointed. my father has this motor in his 2100 pound HotRod and it is very reliable and powerfull.
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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 04:23 PM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (CharlieF)

Man ...am I jealous. I would love to have a ZZ4 installed but Massachusetts is pretty strick with its emmissions/visual test. Plus with an 82 I think I'm kinda out of the game on mods.

If I were to do it...I would buy as much engine as I could afford. Don't forget there are alot of little add ons you'll have to buy too. (Starter, pulleys, belts, etc.)
The ZZ4 has all the mounting points for all the accessories so that is not a problem. It will accept all your stock pulleys so you can use stock belts. The only thing you have to supply is the carb, starter, oil filter adaptor and fuel pump. I used everything from my old engine. I think that GM Performance Parts makes and emmissions compliant conversion kit for 80's 305 powered Camaros so that should be able to pass any 1977 tail pipe standards. It shouldn't be that hard to adapt this kit to an older late 70's vintage Vette.
John
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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 07:47 PM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (andre77)

answer lies in my signature pic and quarter mile time....
mike69, i still didnt get it to pass yet....so beware of what you do...if your historic registered, you have nothing to worry about....the zz4 might pass though...but im trying to go through with the HOTCAM which is a bit more power so its a lil different Definitely worth the extra 700, and if your really crazy, get the Fastburn heads to go with the HOTCAM and your talkin 430HP

good luck
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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 08:02 PM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (74VETTE)

andre, glad to see that you posted this question here.:D

As the rest have told you, mid-13s is no problem. A friend of mine has a 74 with 4spd, 3.70 and when he hooks up, it is a 13.2 car. :cheers:
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Old Oct 25, 2001 | 10:16 PM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (andre77)

I think the better question, is "what won't it do?" :)
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Old Oct 26, 2001 | 12:55 AM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (74VETTE)

theandies: you forgot that it comes with long-shaft water pump and you need the shoert-shaft. Also comes with spark plugs, but no wires...is that because they hook it up at the factory and run it, then just leave the plugs in?
Cruz
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Old Oct 26, 2001 | 01:38 AM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (andre77)

Thank you all for you help. I will purchase one asap. Where do I get the best deal? again, thanks [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]
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Old Oct 26, 2001 | 10:58 AM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (Cruzmeisters)

Opps, Forgot about the water pump. If you do the water pump swap yourself, you have to grind down one of the timing chain cover bolts to make it fit. No big deal. If you get one from Sallee-Chevrolet they will give you credit for the long water pump and put a shorty style on there if your applications calls for the short pump. As far as the best deal, you just have to shop around and remember that its going to cost between $200 and $300 to ship and also most shipping companys will only deliver to the back of the truck.......i.e. if you get it shipped to your house you need some way to get it off the back of the truck. I bought my engine from a local Chevy dealership and borrowed a friends trailer and they forklifted onto the trailer for me.....this saved me the shipping costs. One more thing about the swap. The engine comes with an auto transmission flex plate so if you are going to use a manual tranny you have to get a new flywheel. The ZZ4 has the new style crank rear bolt pattern so your old flywheel will not work. Old cranks have a 3.28 inch bolt pattern and the new cranks have a 3.0 inch blot pattern. This is due to the fact that the new blocks chevy is making now have the 1 piece rear main seal. If you have any other questions about the swap please feel free to e-mail me.
John
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Old Oct 26, 2001 | 01:15 PM
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Default Re: what will a zz4 do for my vette? (theandies)

Thanks, I will. :)
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