considering replacing my Mexico crate motor with the ZZ4. Question is, will I have enough vacuum for the wipers & headlights on my 69. Is there any hood clearance issues?Can i use my tech drive distributor & exhaust manifolds?Thanks for any info.

 

Very common conversion, lots of members have used that motor. Here's a link to some discussion about it. You'll have plenty of vacuum for your accessories. It comes with an HEI dist so no tach drive, you'll have to change out the dist to get the tach drive I believe.

And I'm willing to bet, it's assembled in Mexico too!!

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...ate-motor.html

 

I installed a ZZ crate engine in my 70 many years ago. No problems with hood clearance with the current ZZ4 intake.
My earlier ZZ engine had a high rise and no egr configuration. I have a Holley dumper and a GM Corvette type open element air cleaner. This air cleaner has a drop down base, so it fits.
Your exhaust manifolds will bolt onto the ZZ4's aluminum D port heads with no problems. I used my 70's originals.
I did have some exhaust leak issues. Solved the problem in using the same type of exhaust manifold gaskets that are used on the early aluminum headed C4's. No problem with doing this over 15 years ago.
Still using the HEI that came with my ZZ. Very good ignition system. If you have to have a tach to tell you the rpms, you could just buy a SUN ll tack with a shift light and mount it on the steering column or you could remove the distributor gear from the ZZ4's HEI and install this gear on your 69's distributor and have your tack drive. When was the last time you greased your 69's tack gear in the distributor? They last longer when you do.
The new water pump on the ZZ4 cannot be used in your 69 and the automatic flex plate cannot be used. If your 69 is a manual you will need a new flywheel that will fit the ZZ4 and if your 69 is an turbo 400 you will need a 14 inch flex plate and not the 12 inch flex plate on ZZ4. Your torque converter will not bolt on the 12 inch and your 69's starter is made for the larger flex plate.
Your 69 has a resistor wire going to the coil. The ZZ4 HEI will need a full 12 volts. You can do this easily by running a new wire from the fuse block inside your 69 connected to the IGN terminal and to the HEI. Your ignition switch will work the same, just tape off the end of the original resistor wire.
What would be really great is if the GM fuel injection on their crate engine would fit under the hoods of our C3's.

 

Thanks guys for the info.Surely the ZZ4 doesn"t have Mexico on the block. My current 350 does, just kills my soul.Previous owner has changed dist. to HEI. For the Tach drive, changed out cable a couple of months ago. Really appreciate the info., most informative & knowledge people & site i've been on. I'd like to post pics. of my 69 if I can figure that out. Won several local shows this past Fall, here in East ky. Thanks again.

 

To repeat some some of the above, I am just finishing up a ZZ4 install in my 70.
Water pump must be changed to a short one. Distributor has electric tach drive, had to buy a mechanical one as they would not swap it.
D shaped exhaust manifolds on ZZ are not a direct match for stock square ones. I bought Hedman Headers made specifically for the ZZ4.
You can swap clutch and flywheel, I opted for a new Summit Racing set.
Having trouble bolting the bellhousing sheet metal cover on. Haven't solved that yet. Appears to be interference somewhere.

 

You have to trim the large opening that goes around the crankshaft with a good pair of tinsnips. Remove about 1/8 of an inch. I have a picture somewhere I'll post later.

Here's a pic. Note the position of the tabs that will clip against the rear main area of the oil pan. And I agree with Binnie77, you must have misspoken, you have to change the flywheel.

 

How are you able to swap the flywheel? The ZZ4 uses the newer lip seal crank which is smaller in diameter and has a tighter bolt pattern than the older style. At least I had to use the newer flywheel when I did my swap.

 

Thanks for the tip on trimming the cover.
I did mis speak as I bought a new flywheel to go with the clutch and pressure plate.

 

It's likely ZZ4 block will boldy bear Hecho En Mexico raised casting; Grind it off if it's a big deal. I much prefer USA too, but more than half of aftermarket 383 on street must have an asian crank. Even Levi's dungarees are offshored now.