ZZ4 crate motor ?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 348
Likes: 12
From: Ocala, Florida
ZZ4 crate motor ?
Will the zz4 crate motor fit a 1979 4 speed corvette with a stock hood? What additional parts will i need to make this swap? Does anyone have this motor in a c3 and how does it perform? I am pulling out the original L48 with just headers and tru 2 1/2 duals. Thanx for any info
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Replaced the 69 350-350 with this ZZ4.Wide ratio 4 speed and 3:36 rear gear.Very easy exchange,just a few minor mods to take care of.
Last edited by ...Roger...; Nov 4, 2008 at 07:16 AM. Reason: For some reason the pic keeps disappearing???
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 have a ZZ4 in my '70 installed by PO. From what I understand, most parts will move over from the old to the new. Depending on which ZZ4 you get, you will probably need a short water pump, carb, and a flywheel. In addition, the exhaust ports on tne ZZ4 are "D" shaped and may not match up perfectly with your headers or manifolds.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 3
From: Halifax, NS, Canada
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Hickam AFB Hawaii
I just replaced the L48 in my 1980 with a ZZ4 this summer. You will need a Corvette short water pump. You can use your old one if it's not too old, but I'd buy a new one. You will need either a new starter or a new flexplate. The flexplate is smaller diameter. I bought a NAPA starter for a mid-80s Camaro. I used my stock Quadrajet, rebuilt by Lars. Right now I have my stock exhaust manifolds and stock exhaust pipes installed, but will be replacing with headers and full dual exhaust soon. If you use your stock headers, make sure you get some D-port header gaskets. My manifolds leaked badly with no gaskets installed. I reused my oil transmitter and water temp transmitter. Installed the oil transmitter in the same place and the water temp according to Binnie77's directions in the previous post. Both gauges work fine. You should buy new motor mounts, but the stock ones fit fine. All my accessory brackets bolted right up and I'm using my stock alternator, power steering pump, a/c compressor, pulleys and fan. I bought a cheap drop base air cleaner plus the spacer kit from Autozone so it would clear my stock hood. I've got about a 1/4" clearance from the air cleaner nut. Let me know if you have other questions.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,435
Likes: 793
From: Redondo Beach, California
ZZ4 into a 68 with stock SB hood. No problem with fit. The D port exhausts shouldn't be a concern. If you want, a small bit of grinding will do a good job of matching your headers to the D ports.
Also, another option is to install the Serpentine kit from GM Performance Parts. It fits also. The Serpentine kit will mean you have to remove the radiator shroud and switch over to electric fans.
Also, another option is to install the Serpentine kit from GM Performance Parts. It fits also. The Serpentine kit will mean you have to remove the radiator shroud and switch over to electric fans.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: Streator Illinois
I just replaced the L48 in my 1980 with a ZZ4 this summer. You will need a Corvette short water pump. You can use your old one if it's not too old, but I'd buy a new one. You will need either a new starter or a new flexplate. The flexplate is smaller diameter. I bought a NAPA starter for a mid-80s Camaro. I used my stock Quadrajet, rebuilt by Lars. Right now I have my stock exhaust manifolds and stock exhaust pipes installed, but will be replacing with headers and full dual exhaust soon. If you use your stock headers, make sure you get some D-port header gaskets. My manifolds leaked badly with no gaskets installed. I reused my oil transmitter and water temp transmitter. Installed the oil transmitter in the same place and the water temp according to Binnie77's directions in the previous post. Both gauges work fine. You should buy new motor mounts, but the stock ones fit fine. All my accessory brackets bolted right up and I'm using my stock alternator, power steering pump, a/c compressor, pulleys and fan. I bought a cheap drop base air cleaner plus the spacer kit from Autozone so it would clear my stock hood. I've got about a 1/4" clearance from the air cleaner nut. Let me know if you have other questions.
Terry
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Will the zz4 crate motor fit a 1979 4 speed corvette with a stock hood? What additional parts will i need to make this swap? Does anyone have this motor in a c3 and how does it perform? I am pulling out the original L48 with just headers and tru 2 1/2 duals. Thanx for any info
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/member.php?u=185766
Last edited by jackson; Nov 4, 2008 at 08:37 PM.
