ZZ454 engine install help
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: westmont illinois
ZZ454 engine install help
Would like some feedback on the GM Performance motor ZZ454. I have a 69 Vette coupe 427 4bbl 4spd(numbers match). I wanted more power, so figured I'd preserve the original motor and drop on the new motor. Got a price of $6000 for the ZZ454 brand new, looking for some guidance. Thanks!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: westmont illinois
yeah sure; http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/Pa...l.jsp?engine=3
just pick the motor you want and call your local Chevy dealer. I think I'm using Arlington Heights Chevy in Illinois. Friend connection for me.
just pick the motor you want and call your local Chevy dealer. I think I'm using Arlington Heights Chevy in Illinois. Friend connection for me.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,948
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
There is very encouraging article in the March 2009 issue of Super Chevy. On the Dyno the motor made 490 horsepower and 520 lbs of torque. Not bad considering it's rated a 440 horsepower. It sounds like you would be getting exactly what you're looking for.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: westmont illinois
That's what I heard! I don't "baby" my car either, I'm kinda hard on it, and I would be an idiot to wreck the original block. Pay the extra dough, put in a solid motor, put the orig motor in storage, and have fun...
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 8
From: Cataumet MA
Would like some feedback on the GM Performance motor ZZ454. I have a 69 Vette coupe 427 4bbl 4spd(numbers match). I wanted more power, so figured I'd preserve the original motor and drop on the new motor. Got a price of $6000 for the ZZ454 brand new, looking for some guidance. Thanks!
Please feel free to E-mail me about any specific questions that you have regarding the installation. I'd be happy to share any knowledge that I gained during the process.
Good Luck!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: westmont illinois
Big help-thanks. What is the TKO 600, and do you have any advice on carb/ignition/ set-up? I think we are very much alike, wanting a little bit more than what is listed on the specs. I also have the '69 side pipe, but was thinking of going with the Hooker chrome(4 into 1) side pipe. I need headers, so thought this would be a good choice.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Forget the chrome....they are expensive, and they rust...chrome on those headers is flash chrome and before you know it you will be faced with rust where the four pipes join the collector...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 105
From: State of Confusion!!!
2018 C2 of Year Winner
You're gonna love it!!! I put a tach drive HEI dist and an 850 dual feed Holley on it.
No it'll never be a 7500rpm screamer out of the crate...but it makes great low end power, and plenty of top end to bring a
to your face!!!
No it'll never be a 7500rpm screamer out of the crate...but it makes great low end power, and plenty of top end to bring a
to your face!!!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 8
From: Cataumet MA
Big help-thanks. What is the TKO 600, and do you have any advice on carb/ignition/ set-up? I think we are very much alike, wanting a little bit more than what is listed on the specs. I also have the '69 side pipe, but was thinking of going with the Hooker chrome(4 into 1) side pipe. I need headers, so thought this would be a good choice.
I am using an 850 double pumper ProForm body on an Edelbrock TM-1 Tarantula single plane intake. I have port matched the manifold to the heads. I am using a fairly agressive roller camshaft along with some roller rockers. If you plan on using the engine as it comes out of the box, you should be fine with the intake that comes with the engine. A good second choice would be Edelbrock's Performer RPM dual plane intake. A good 750 double pumper carb would work fine. I have been using a Mallory Unilite distributor for years with no problems. I am also adding a Summit CD box to the system when I get it ready in the spring. I have been using the Hooker Black side pipes since the car was new. (Second Set) I agree that you should stay away from the chrome. What ever exhaust that you do use, make sure that you fit it to the heads while the engine is out and on the engine stand. you don't want to be trying to fit and grind the flanges while the engine is in the car. Also make sure that you can get a wrench on all the plugs. You may have to massage a tube or two so that the socket will slide onto the plug.
Again, good luck with your project.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,262
Likes: 283
From: I'd like to propose a toast... to internal combustion and wind in the face.
Some of the guys over at the Chevelles forum are pretty big on this deal: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/454-5...Q5fAccessories
I personally don't know anything about the seller but the h.p. numbers sound good for the money.
I personally don't know anything about the seller but the h.p. numbers sound good for the money.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: westmont illinois
Zz454
Some of the guys over at the Chevelles forum are pretty big on this deal: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/454-5...Q5fAccessories
I personally don't know anything about the seller but the h.p. numbers sound good for the money.
I personally don't know anything about the seller but the h.p. numbers sound good for the money.
I just started using this Corvette forum, and I am suprised how cool this forum is! I REALLY appreciate the advice from all you guys.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 12
From: Kalispell MT
Come on, bite the big bullet, go for the new GMPP LS9 crate motor. Known as the LSX 454 rated at 620 HP with 590 ft lbs torque. Still an iron block. GM part # 19166972. Nice article on it in the April '09 issue of Vette magazine.
I know where I'd spend my TARP fund stimulus....
I know where I'd spend my TARP fund stimulus....
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,029
Likes: 63
Aren't all old 427's internally balanced and 454's externally balanced? What about ZZ454?
And does it matter if you replace internally balanced motor with external balance motor? What parts needs to be changed? Balancer, flywheel/flexplate?
And does it matter if you replace internally balanced motor with external balance motor? What parts needs to be changed? Balancer, flywheel/flexplate?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
you will need to buy the flywheel from gm that is specific to the one piece seal zz 454. also the clutch bracket they have available. watch for ground clearance with the new oil pan because it is a 6 qt. instead of 5 and your power steering cylinder may rub the pan on left turns........
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
Will a '71 stock rearend and M-21 trans hold up to a stock ZZ454 with normal street tires? I definitely want to put in a TKO-600 at some point, but want to know if putting a ZZ454 in my car w/ the stock driveline is a bad idea. I won't put slicks on the car and I'm not taking it to the track...it will be purely driven on the street. I figure if I "ask too much," the tires are just going to spin anyways, thus not catching and snapping the diff in half. Is this a correct/safe assumption or can I not put this engine in my car until I get a TKO? Thanks guys!