ZZ4 Install Questions
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Joined: Oct 2000
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ZZ4 Install Questions
Got my sights set on a ZZ4 for X-mas! Important questions however:
1. Will my headers fit? Just got 'em, Dynomax Ceramacote headers. The ZZ4 has angle plugs, my current heads have straight plugs. Also, the ZZ$ head have "raised exhaust floors??" Any problems with my headers???
2. Will my current tach drive distributor work?? Hope so, just installed the Pertronix ignitor. Do I need a new drive gear to match the "steel" roller cam??
3. Water pump on the ZZ4. Will I need a new one/will my pump off my existing engine fit??
4. Hood clearance?? Any problems here?? Looks like there will be but any feedback is appreciated. Remember, I do not have as much room as '73's and later!!
5. Carb?? My Q-jet is newly rebuilt (<500 miles), and runs great. Do I need to replace???
6. CAM - go for the HOTCAM??? Price and value??
Thanks for your advice!!! Webpage links to 68-72 ZZ4 installs would be appreciated!!!
1. Will my headers fit? Just got 'em, Dynomax Ceramacote headers. The ZZ4 has angle plugs, my current heads have straight plugs. Also, the ZZ$ head have "raised exhaust floors??" Any problems with my headers???
2. Will my current tach drive distributor work?? Hope so, just installed the Pertronix ignitor. Do I need a new drive gear to match the "steel" roller cam??
3. Water pump on the ZZ4. Will I need a new one/will my pump off my existing engine fit??
4. Hood clearance?? Any problems here?? Looks like there will be but any feedback is appreciated. Remember, I do not have as much room as '73's and later!!
5. Carb?? My Q-jet is newly rebuilt (<500 miles), and runs great. Do I need to replace???
6. CAM - go for the HOTCAM??? Price and value??
Thanks for your advice!!! Webpage links to 68-72 ZZ4 installs would be appreciated!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
Re: ZZ4 Install Questions (72Shark)
Couple of notes. I believe you have the short style water pump and the ZZ4 comes with the long style water pump. Also the distributer on the ZZ4 is HEI but it is not a tach drive so it wont work with your tach which requires the cable to drive it. I went MSD Pro Billet Tach Drive and have been very happy. Dont have any experience with Petronix. I am not sure what CFM your carb is but I would check the recommended specs for the ZZ4 before bolting it on. You should be fine with a 650cfm carb. May even be worth spending a couple hundred bucks and getting a new Edelbrock. :seeya PS yes your should need a new gear drive for the roller cam.
[Modified by ScubaJKD, 5:11 PM 12/13/2001]
[Modified by ScubaJKD, 5:11 PM 12/13/2001]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 5,548
Likes: 41
From: Conn.
St. Jude Donor '21
Re: ZZ4 Install Questions (72Shark)
PS----------Pertronix ROCKS! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Had it in for over a year, no problemo, hotter spark, and easier starts, no points , no hassles! :D :D :D
Had it in for over a year, no problemo, hotter spark, and easier starts, no points , no hassles! :D :D :D
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Toledo,Ohio,USA
Re: ZZ4 Install Questions (72Shark)
You can use your stock distributor but you will need to change to a melonized drive gear, they are listed in the GM HP catalog. You can also use a bronze gear but they wear out sooner.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
Re: ZZ4 Install Questions (72Shark)
Got my sights set on a ZZ4 for X-mas! Important questions however:
1. Will my headers fit? Just got 'em, Dynomax Ceramacote headers. The ZZ4 has angle plugs, my current heads have straight plugs. Also, the ZZ$ head have "raised exhaust floors??" Any problems with my headers???
ZZ4 Heads also have the "D" shaped exhaust port. I'm not saying your headers won't work but Hedman makes headers for ZZ4's. You can get them for Jim Pace coated or not coated. Thats what I put on my ZZ4.
2. Will my current tach drive distributor work?? Hope so, just installed the Pertronix ignitor. Do I need a new drive gear to match the "steel" roller cam??
Yes it will work but change the gear. Get a melonized one like mentioned above. DO NOT RUN THE GEAR THAT IS ON YOUR DISTRIBUTOR NOW IT WILL SHEAD METAL AND RUIN YOUR NEW ENGINE
3. Water pump on the ZZ4. Will I need a new one/will my pump off my existing engine fit??
Your exsisting pump will fit just as all accessories. You need to dry fit it because you are going to have to grind down one of the timing chain cover bolt heads a little. No big deal you'll figure it out. ZZ4's are universal...meaning they have all the bolt holes to use in any GM car that came with a small block.
4. Hood clearance?? Any problems here?? Looks like there will be but any feedback is appreciated. Remember, I do not have as much room as '73's and later!!
I have the q-jet and my stock dual snorkle air cleaner installed and there are no clearance problems. I don't know if there would be any with a Holley or Deamon but the Edlebrock q-jet replacement shouldn't have any problems fitting.
5. Carb?? My Q-jet is newly rebuilt (<500 miles), and runs great. Do I need to replace???
Keep it. It will run great with the q-jet. I think that is the carb GM used to DYNO the ZZ4....I may be mistaken though. I run my q-jet and it works just fine.
6. CAM - go for the HOTCAM??? Price and value??
I didn't do it but it can be done anytime...someday....its a matter of opinion though. If you really want it now then get it.
Thanks for your advice!!! Webpage links to 68-72 ZZ4 installs would be appreciated!!!
If you are runing an automatic the ZZ4 comes with the flexplate. If you have a 4 speed you'll need to buy a flywheel. The ZZ4 is a 1 piece main seal crank so your old 4 speed flywheel won't work. The 2 piece main bolt pattern is 3.58 inches and the 1 piece bolt pattern is 3 inches. Make sure you get the proper diameter flywheel and also ring gear tooth count.
Good luck and Merry Christmas to you Your gonna love that engine
:D
John
[Modified by theandies, 8:07 PM 12/13/2001]
1. Will my headers fit? Just got 'em, Dynomax Ceramacote headers. The ZZ4 has angle plugs, my current heads have straight plugs. Also, the ZZ$ head have "raised exhaust floors??" Any problems with my headers???
ZZ4 Heads also have the "D" shaped exhaust port. I'm not saying your headers won't work but Hedman makes headers for ZZ4's. You can get them for Jim Pace coated or not coated. Thats what I put on my ZZ4.
2. Will my current tach drive distributor work?? Hope so, just installed the Pertronix ignitor. Do I need a new drive gear to match the "steel" roller cam??
Yes it will work but change the gear. Get a melonized one like mentioned above. DO NOT RUN THE GEAR THAT IS ON YOUR DISTRIBUTOR NOW IT WILL SHEAD METAL AND RUIN YOUR NEW ENGINE
3. Water pump on the ZZ4. Will I need a new one/will my pump off my existing engine fit??
Your exsisting pump will fit just as all accessories. You need to dry fit it because you are going to have to grind down one of the timing chain cover bolt heads a little. No big deal you'll figure it out. ZZ4's are universal...meaning they have all the bolt holes to use in any GM car that came with a small block.
4. Hood clearance?? Any problems here?? Looks like there will be but any feedback is appreciated. Remember, I do not have as much room as '73's and later!!
I have the q-jet and my stock dual snorkle air cleaner installed and there are no clearance problems. I don't know if there would be any with a Holley or Deamon but the Edlebrock q-jet replacement shouldn't have any problems fitting.
5. Carb?? My Q-jet is newly rebuilt (<500 miles), and runs great. Do I need to replace???
Keep it. It will run great with the q-jet. I think that is the carb GM used to DYNO the ZZ4....I may be mistaken though. I run my q-jet and it works just fine.
6. CAM - go for the HOTCAM??? Price and value??
I didn't do it but it can be done anytime...someday....its a matter of opinion though. If you really want it now then get it.
Thanks for your advice!!! Webpage links to 68-72 ZZ4 installs would be appreciated!!!
If you are runing an automatic the ZZ4 comes with the flexplate. If you have a 4 speed you'll need to buy a flywheel. The ZZ4 is a 1 piece main seal crank so your old 4 speed flywheel won't work. The 2 piece main bolt pattern is 3.58 inches and the 1 piece bolt pattern is 3 inches. Make sure you get the proper diameter flywheel and also ring gear tooth count.
Good luck and Merry Christmas to you Your gonna love that engine
:D
John
[Modified by theandies, 8:07 PM 12/13/2001]
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,482
Likes: 27
From: Plum Boro, Pa. USA Pennsylvania
Re: ZZ4 Install Questions (theandies)
I've had the Pertronix and Flamethrower coil on the '57 Pink/Linc for over a year and it sure helps fire up those 20W50 oil-soaked plugs! :D
Cruz
Cruz
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 29,745
Likes: 3
From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
CI-VIII Burnout Champ
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: ZZ4 Install Questions (72Shark)
Got my sights set on a ZZ4 for X-mas! Important questions however:
1. Will my headers fit? Just got 'em, Dynomax Ceramacote headers. The ZZ4 has angle plugs, my current heads have straight plugs. Also, the ZZ$ head have "raised exhaust floors??" Any problems with my headers???
Check to see if Dynomax says "with angle plugs". If so, they should work. Don't worry about the "raised floors". You will actually be giving it a larger pipe than it needs, but not so much that it will cause problems. I have read a GM performance letter that said dyno testing with regular headers showed no loss of performance.
2. Will my current tach drive distributor work?? Hope so, just installed the Pertronix ignitor. Do I need a new drive gear to match the "steel" roller cam??No, the current one will not work. It is a roller cam and will need the special gear at the end of it. Once that is done it should work just fine. Check with GM on this
3. Water pump on the ZZ4. Will I need a new one/will my pump off my existing engine fit?? Existing one will fit. I do recommend the Edelbrock aluminum pump
4. Hood clearance?? Any problems here?? Looks like there will be but any feedback is appreciated. Remember, I do not have as much room as '73's and later!! On my 1980, using stock equipment, I have at least 1/2 inch clearance
5. Carb?? My Q-jet is newly rebuilt (<500 miles), and runs great. Do I need to replace??? Depends on the size of QJet. If it is in the 650 - 800 CFM range it should work fine. May need some new rear metering rods and the typical adjustments. My stock one works fine, but does need some tuning for max. performance.
6. CAM - go for the HOTCAM??? Price and value??
Don't have it, didn't have the money and gives me room for upgrades later
Thanks for your advice!!! Webpage links to 68-72 ZZ4 installs would be appreciated!!! See my ZZ4 swap page at http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/bseery//zz41.htm -- this covers each and every problem I ran into, the source for my parts and other comments about the install.
1. Will my headers fit? Just got 'em, Dynomax Ceramacote headers. The ZZ4 has angle plugs, my current heads have straight plugs. Also, the ZZ$ head have "raised exhaust floors??" Any problems with my headers???
Check to see if Dynomax says "with angle plugs". If so, they should work. Don't worry about the "raised floors". You will actually be giving it a larger pipe than it needs, but not so much that it will cause problems. I have read a GM performance letter that said dyno testing with regular headers showed no loss of performance.
2. Will my current tach drive distributor work?? Hope so, just installed the Pertronix ignitor. Do I need a new drive gear to match the "steel" roller cam??No, the current one will not work. It is a roller cam and will need the special gear at the end of it. Once that is done it should work just fine. Check with GM on this
3. Water pump on the ZZ4. Will I need a new one/will my pump off my existing engine fit?? Existing one will fit. I do recommend the Edelbrock aluminum pump
4. Hood clearance?? Any problems here?? Looks like there will be but any feedback is appreciated. Remember, I do not have as much room as '73's and later!! On my 1980, using stock equipment, I have at least 1/2 inch clearance
5. Carb?? My Q-jet is newly rebuilt (<500 miles), and runs great. Do I need to replace??? Depends on the size of QJet. If it is in the 650 - 800 CFM range it should work fine. May need some new rear metering rods and the typical adjustments. My stock one works fine, but does need some tuning for max. performance.
6. CAM - go for the HOTCAM??? Price and value??
Don't have it, didn't have the money and gives me room for upgrades later
Thanks for your advice!!! Webpage links to 68-72 ZZ4 installs would be appreciated!!! See my ZZ4 swap page at http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/bseery//zz41.htm -- this covers each and every problem I ran into, the source for my parts and other comments about the install.
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 29,077
Likes: 0
From: Deep East Texas
Re: ZZ4 Install Questions (theandies)
I can only add a couple of things to BSeery & theandies posts... I've got a 795 Q-Jet with the metering rods swapped out. It works great. (I know. Some people will say, "Use a Holley." "Use this." "Use that"... What I'm saying is I got a Q-Jet and it works for me. You may want a Holley or Demon or whatever.) (Man, I'm super - crabby this morning.)
The other thing is that nobody's mentioned Hooker Super Comp Headers. I've got them and they work fine.
They've covered everthing else pretty well. I did change out the clutch when mine went in. I'd recommend looking CLOSELY at your radiator. I had to come back and change mine out about a year after the engine swap and if I'd really looked at the radiator, I could have saved myself a lot of grief.
The other thing is that nobody's mentioned Hooker Super Comp Headers. I've got them and they work fine.
They've covered everthing else pretty well. I did change out the clutch when mine went in. I'd recommend looking CLOSELY at your radiator. I had to come back and change mine out about a year after the engine swap and if I'd really looked at the radiator, I could have saved myself a lot of grief.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 7,607
Likes: 1
From: ECS Sales & Service Advisor
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: ZZ4 Install Questions (Mack76)
Mack you weren't having cooling problems were you? I remember talking to you a couple of years ago after I installed my ZZ4 and we were discussing how cool they ZZ4 ran. What happend to your rad???
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 29,077
Likes: 0
From: Deep East Texas
Re: ZZ4 Install Questions (Mike69)
Nope... No cooling problems. The dang thing just started leaking. If I'd looked closely at it when the engine was out, I'da seen that it was going to leak real soon. I wish I'da took a picture of it before I junked it. The upper tubes were rotted out where they tie into the tanks. I mean it was obvious, if I had just turned around and looked closely toward the front of the car, instead of always looking at the engine and connections to the transmission, etc.
It's still running cool with the new radiator. :D
It's still running cool with the new radiator. :D
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: ZZ4 Install Questions (SEE3ER)
PS----------Pertronix ROCKS! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Had it in for over a year, no problemo, hotter spark, and easier starts, no points , no hassles! :D :D :D
Had it in for over a year, no problemo, hotter spark, and easier starts, no points , no hassles! :D :D :D
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10,896
Likes: 2
From: CO
Re: ZZ4 Install Questions (Alwyn678)
Sweet pictures of the ZZ4. That is what I want. It looks very nice in the engine compartment with the stock air cleaner. I have a 75 and I really want one. I am going to be pulling the radiator soon and have the hood off. I am seriously considering the engine swap at the same time. But I have some questions as well.
I have the stock tranny and it works good (4 speed). I have heard that it is easier to pull the entire transmission + engine. I figure that I will replace the clutch when the motor is out but I don't know if I should pull the tranny or just replace the clutch with the motor out?
[Modified by flood, 3:50 PM 12/14/2001]
[Modified by flood, 3:50 PM 12/14/2001]
I have the stock tranny and it works good (4 speed). I have heard that it is easier to pull the entire transmission + engine. I figure that I will replace the clutch when the motor is out but I don't know if I should pull the tranny or just replace the clutch with the motor out?
[Modified by flood, 3:50 PM 12/14/2001]
[Modified by flood, 3:50 PM 12/14/2001]
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 7,607
Likes: 1
From: ECS Sales & Service Advisor
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: ZZ4 Install Questions (Mack76)
Nope... No cooling problems. The dang thing just started leaking. If I'd looked closely at it when the engine was out, I'da seen that it was going to leak real soon. I wish I'da took a picture of it before I junked it. The upper tubes were rotted out where they tie into the tanks. I mean it was obvious, if I had just turned around and looked closely toward the front of the car, instead of always looking at the engine and connections to the transmission, etc.
It's still running cool with the new radiator. :D
It's still running cool with the new radiator. :D
Either way 72 Shark you are gonna love this motor!
Good luck with the swap! :cool:
