engine options
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: West Point MS
engine options
I am looking into replacing my factory 350 with a crate engine. I have been reading about the zz4 and it seems to be what I am looking for. Does anyone have any advice/experience with putting one of these in a 1975 with auto? I am also wandering about the serpentine belt system you can get with these. I have seen where some dealers say that this belt system will not work on corvettes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
No experience with the serpentine belt system myself, but I've seen more than one C-3 with a serp belt setup. As far as the engine, ANY GEN 1 SBC will drop right in. ZZ4, ZZ 383 or whatever. Drop in with ZERO hassles.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
MOST serp setups require LONG waterpump ... your C3 has a vette wp that's much shorter than a Long wp ... Long wp will not fit with belt-driven fan ... Long wp will fit if belt-driven fan replaced by thin electric fan. Again, MOST serp setups.
Suggest swap to motor w/ abundant lowend torque ... 383.
-add- many serp setups locate the alternator or A/C comp or both so high up ... a vette hood can't close.
Suggest swap to motor w/ abundant lowend torque ... 383.
-add- many serp setups locate the alternator or A/C comp or both so high up ... a vette hood can't close.
Last edited by jackson; Jan 12, 2009 at 12:23 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 2
From: San Angelo TX
I'd recomend a 350 or 383 longblock from blueprint engines. They can be had for $1999 - $2999 and are internally balanced units. Throw on a nice set of heads ($1000-$1500) and you've got a beast of an engine. That's one option I'm looking at when the time comes.
