Swap to ZZ4 or something else
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Annapolis Maryland
Swap to ZZ4 or something else
My numbers matching 72 stock 200 hp 350ci blew up the other day. My resto guy recommends not rebuilding that motor but dropping a GM ZZ4 in her. Apparently the block is still ok on the numbers matching. Recommendations? I'm leaning heavily towards the ZZ4....can anyone convince me otherwise? Thanks.
m
m
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Charleston SC
You could build a Dart 400 ci for a little more....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...d=180323969078
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...d=180323969078
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
ZZ4 redline 5800 RPM. I don't like Powdered metal rods or hyper pistons if you ever consider increasing power above 1 HP per CI. The dart engine has a cast crank and hyper pistons. Same deal. If you ever would consider upping power go forged bottom end and internally balanced. In my opinion the extra 6 or $700 it cost is well worth it. JMHO. 
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
You could build a Dart 400 ci for a little more....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...d=180323969078
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...d=180323969078
A Dart short block is $3600. By the time all is said and done (Al heads alone are near $1500) it will be a lot more than "a little more"... IMHO... without the GM warranty..
Everyone's pockets aren't the same depth...
But hey, what do I know?
Last edited by MakoShark72; Mar 4, 2010 at 02:34 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
It kind of all depends how much faster you want to go. The ZZ4 is a great engine that runs like a clock right out of the box. I bought one, ran it for a year and decided I need more HP so I ended up changing the cam and heads, now it's better. It's not a HP monster but if you're replacing your present 200 HP motor and you'd like a dependible great running motor that has around 355 HP, the ZZ4 is an excellent choice. 
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 355
Likes: 18
From: Corona Ca
I have a ZZ3 in a 71 Monte Carlo. Runs well, dead reliable, doesn't leak, plenty of power for me to push a 40-something-hundred-pound barge. And has fairly good MPG. I don't baby it, just drive the pee-pee's out of it!
A ZZ4 is the evolution of the -3. Shop for price, may find one at a deal. I wouldn't shy away from one for my 71 Vette if I didn't have a motor for it already.
Best,
Tom
A ZZ4 is the evolution of the -3. Shop for price, may find one at a deal. I wouldn't shy away from one for my 71 Vette if I didn't have a motor for it already.
Best,
Tom
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: KY
You need to read GMs warranty closely if you install the engine yourself you only get parts no labor ,if you get lucky and your GM dealer will honor the warranty.
Also I read somewhere the powdered metal rods are forged 4340 steel good for 500 hp and can be reved to 6500 rpm.
Also I read somewhere the powdered metal rods are forged 4340 steel good for 500 hp and can be reved to 6500 rpm.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
You need to read GMs warranty closely if you install the engine yourself you only get parts no labor ,if you get lucky and your GM dealer will honor the warranty.
Also I read somewhere the powdered metal rods are forged 4340 steel good for 500 hp and can be reved to 6500 rpm.
Also I read somewhere the powdered metal rods are forged 4340 steel good for 500 hp and can be reved to 6500 rpm.
FWIW...may vary by locale.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 156
From: Mid West
Cruise-In III Veteran
I've upgraded my ZZ4 to ~400 HP and been running it for years now with no problems. It has GM's LT4 "Hot Cam", Manley springs & valves, AFR "rev kit", and home ported heads. That's about as far as I'm going to push this engine. I originally went with the ZZ4 about 10 years ago because it was my daily driver at the time,and I had to have the entire swap done over a weekend.
If I ever decide I need more power, I'll probably upgrade to a 383 or 400 CI engine.
If I ever decide I need more power, I'll probably upgrade to a 383 or 400 CI engine.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
I have a GM 350 HO Deluxe (330 hp) crate in my '80 that I bought for $2400 slightly used with 1200 miles (i.e., broken in). It is pretty quick, but a ZZ4 would be better. If I didn't have plans for a Keisler 5-speed trans, I would skip over the ZZ4 and upgrade to a GM 383 HO.
