ZZ4 questions
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Le Mans Master
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
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ZZ4 questions
Well I made a decision on the motor I will go with now I need help. Exactly what do I need to make the motor got into my car smoothly. I am really unsure if my car has a 14in or smaller flywheel is there any way to tell? I plan on pulling/disconnecting things from my car tommorrow. I was also wondering should I stick with the gm hei (no tach) or can my points work on this motor so I can keep my tach functional? Are these motors externally or internally balanced? I have seen some conflicting information and if at all possible I would like to swap my streetdampr on this motor. What type of cluch should I get? I figure I need to replace this while the motor is out. Any info would be helpful.
Mark B.
Mark B.
Drifting
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From: Medford, Or
Re: ZZ4 questions (Sigforty)
Sigforty-Your old distributor should work. An HEI distributor should work with your tach, unless of course yours is mechanical. I replace my V-drive boat with a HEI dist. there was no problem with the tach. All small blocks are internally balanced so your streetdampr should work. I would go with a Center Force Clutch. If I'm wrong with any of this I'm sure I will hear about it. BTW, I have a lot of friend that have use the GM's ZZ4, There an awesome engine.
Dan
[Modified by vettedan, 11:20 PM 4/26/2002]
Dan
[Modified by vettedan, 11:20 PM 4/26/2002]
Drifting
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Re: ZZ4 questions (vettedan)
A ZZ4 has the one piece real oil seal so you can't use your old flywheel. You can't use the HEI as a '71 has a mecanical tach drive. The water pump on the ZZ4 is the long type. You need a short type for a Corvette. Damn I know I forgot something. I can't seem to remember what though. Must be brain damage!
ZZ4's are great motors though.
ZZ4's are great motors though.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: St. Amant LA
Re: ZZ4 questions (Sigforty)
I have a zz4, i live in st. amant, la, we were supposed to go cruising on highland rd. one day, ill show u my zz4 and take u for a spin if u like, right now my timing feels off, feels like poopie off the line
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
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Re: ZZ4 questions (C3Vettesrock)
Yeah that will definitly sounds fun. I cannot beleive how all the bad things happen at once and pile on. I mean first the fire on vette then my blazer blows a motor. Now I find out the real damage and problems that cause the fire. I just hope the bad does not pile in on my school work. I should have the motor done in about a month or so. I plan on ording the ZZ4 this coming week and they said two weeks for it to arrive. So until then I am disconnecting and pulling stuff off the old motor.
Mark B.
Mark B.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Orange Park Florida
Re: ZZ4 questions (Sigforty)
Sig, Tell you waht about things going rong....
water pump blows up BIG TYME on the old Dodge van.....vette needs something fixed....big deal....
then the van starts dripping water, little bit, been loosing water somewhere for a LONG time, can't find leak....finally put t stat housing and t stat in..thought that fixed it....NO
had to drop tranny out, poor old engine had 6 out of ten freeze plugs replaced...4 to go....tons of fun....
that evening, that very evening wifey poo comes home say vette has troubles...
ok, next morning good thing I looked....power steering pressure hose to the rack I installed, came with rack from junkyard....well it's got a pinhole leak...but ONLY under LOCK pressures....not while normal driving...no wonder I couldn't find the leak idleing in the driveway...everything was wet, I mean everything one huge oiley mess.....so I cleaned it up, finally caught it, so one new hose later, it's fixed.....
what's next???? dunno, don't wanna know....glad I fix my own cars, tell you what, it's a necessity...payments on a new one being 400/month these daze....
GENE
water pump blows up BIG TYME on the old Dodge van.....vette needs something fixed....big deal....
then the van starts dripping water, little bit, been loosing water somewhere for a LONG time, can't find leak....finally put t stat housing and t stat in..thought that fixed it....NO
had to drop tranny out, poor old engine had 6 out of ten freeze plugs replaced...4 to go....tons of fun....
that evening, that very evening wifey poo comes home say vette has troubles...
ok, next morning good thing I looked....power steering pressure hose to the rack I installed, came with rack from junkyard....well it's got a pinhole leak...but ONLY under LOCK pressures....not while normal driving...no wonder I couldn't find the leak idleing in the driveway...everything was wet, I mean everything one huge oiley mess.....so I cleaned it up, finally caught it, so one new hose later, it's fixed.....
what's next???? dunno, don't wanna know....glad I fix my own cars, tell you what, it's a necessity...payments on a new one being 400/month these daze....
GENE
Le Mans Master
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From: Life is Messy, Bring a mop
Re: ZZ4 questions (Robert Holtman)
I seem to remember water pump fitment problems on the new small blocks with the plastic cam covers.
Don't you have to grind down one bolt and part of the pump?
:confused:
Don't you have to grind down one bolt and part of the pump?
:confused:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
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Re: ZZ4 questions (72rdstr)
I heard the same thing about the water pump. I guess I will see what has to be done whenever I get the motor. I started removing everything from my old motor today to hopefully pull it next week. I noticed the starter has bolts that are offset from each other instead on in a straight line. Does this mean I have the 168 tooth 14 inch flywheel?
Mark B
Mark B
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Team Owner
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From: Virginia USA
Re: ZZ4 questions (Sigforty)
You will have to buy a new flywheel but yes the offset starter bolts mean you have the 168 tooth setup. The ZZ4 has a 3.0 inch flywheel bolt pattern and the old style cranks have a 3.58 inch bolt pattern. Get a new short nose water pump also. The ZZ4 comes from GM with a long nose. You can use your old one if you want. I bought an Edelbrock aluminum pump. If I can ever log on to my home page editor I'll post a picture of my ZZ4 in my 71 Convertible.
John
EDIT - I forgot this also, you'll have to grind down the head of one of the timing chain cover bolts for the short water pump to fit. Test fit it and you'll figure it out. No Big deal.
[Modified by theandies, 3:14 PM 4/27/2002]
John
EDIT - I forgot this also, you'll have to grind down the head of one of the timing chain cover bolts for the short water pump to fit. Test fit it and you'll figure it out. No Big deal.
[Modified by theandies, 3:14 PM 4/27/2002]
Advanced
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From: Gulph MIlls PA
Re: ZZ4 questions (theandies)
I just put a ZZ4 in my 71'. I suggest you get an MSD mechanical tach drive distributor and keep your original tach with the original motor. You can get them from SUmmit, or Jegs at competitive prices.
You'll definitely ned a flywheel and some girnding on the water pump.
Great Motor Though.... GOOD LUCK!!
You'll definitely ned a flywheel and some girnding on the water pump.
Great Motor Though.... GOOD LUCK!!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Plum Boro, Pa. USA Pennsylvania
Re: ZZ4 questions (TQ67)
[QUOTE]I just put a ZZ4 in my 71'. I suggest you get an MSD mechanical tach drive distributor and keep your original tach with the original motor. You can get them from SUmmit, or Jegs at competitive price
#1: Somone tonight in C-1,2 "Parts for Sale" has an MSD #8572 - brand new - for sale, at a bit better price than he paid; THAT'S the one that I put atop the ZZ4 to make my mechanical tach go "roundy-round! :yesnod:
#2: If you put your original distributor into a ZZ4, I'm pretty sure you have to replace the bottom gear on the distributor with a "melonized gear" (last time I looked, I think they were +/- $28 @ http://www.paceparts.com
O.K. Gear-Heads, confirm or disaffirm #2 ;)
Cruz
#1: Somone tonight in C-1,2 "Parts for Sale" has an MSD #8572 - brand new - for sale, at a bit better price than he paid; THAT'S the one that I put atop the ZZ4 to make my mechanical tach go "roundy-round! :yesnod:
#2: If you put your original distributor into a ZZ4, I'm pretty sure you have to replace the bottom gear on the distributor with a "melonized gear" (last time I looked, I think they were +/- $28 @ http://www.paceparts.com
O.K. Gear-Heads, confirm or disaffirm #2 ;)
Cruz
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: stafford va
Re: ZZ4 questions (TQ67)
How much $ are you guys paying for a new zz4? Is it delivered to your house? Can my stock turbo 350 tranny handle a zz4, I understand it will wind out on the interstates but is there to much torque for the stock tranny to handle. If I have a lockup on my 81 what should you do when installing a zz4. THanks for all the info on the forum, I am a spunge for knowlege when I read this stuff
Team Owner
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From: Virginia USA
Re: ZZ4 questions (Cruzmeisters)
I just put a ZZ4 in my 71'. I suggest you get an MSD mechanical tach drive distributor and keep your original tach with the original motor. You can get them from SUmmit, or Jegs at competitive price
Thats what I did.....works great!!
#1: Somone tonight in C-1,2 "Parts for Sale" has an MSD #8572 - brand new - for sale, at a bit better price than he paid; THAT'S the one that I put atop the ZZ4 to make my mechanical tach go "roundy-round! :yesnod:
Correct again MSD 8572 but you'll need and MSD control box to run it (at least that is what the directions say...I suggest a MSD 6AL
#2: If you put your original distributor into a ZZ4, I'm pretty sure you have to replace the bottom gear on the distributor with a "melonized gear" (last time I looked, I think they were +/- $28 @ http://www.paceparts.com
Correct about the gear if you use your old distributor. ZZ4's come with a steel roller cam and it will chew up a non-melonized gear. MSD distributors come with a melonized gear.
Hope this helps
John
[Modified by theandies, 12:02 AM 4/28/2002]
Thats what I did.....works great!!
#1: Somone tonight in C-1,2 "Parts for Sale" has an MSD #8572 - brand new - for sale, at a bit better price than he paid; THAT'S the one that I put atop the ZZ4 to make my mechanical tach go "roundy-round! :yesnod:
Correct again MSD 8572 but you'll need and MSD control box to run it (at least that is what the directions say...I suggest a MSD 6AL
#2: If you put your original distributor into a ZZ4, I'm pretty sure you have to replace the bottom gear on the distributor with a "melonized gear" (last time I looked, I think they were +/- $28 @ http://www.paceparts.com
Correct about the gear if you use your old distributor. ZZ4's come with a steel roller cam and it will chew up a non-melonized gear. MSD distributors come with a melonized gear.
Hope this helps
John
[Modified by theandies, 12:02 AM 4/28/2002]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
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Re: ZZ4 questions (theandies)
Instead of buying another gear could I just pull the one off of the HEI that comes with the motor?? I also plan on pulling the trans and motor hopefully next week. Does anyone have tips on pulling this? I found my ZZ4 at sam taylor in fort walton beach FL. They have a website and appear to have the cheapest price ($3349). I am not sure about delivery cause I am getting mine sent to a friends buisness where they have a fork lift so I can get it on my pick up.
Mark B.
Mark B.
Racer
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From: Sanford Florida
Re: ZZ4 questions (vettedan)
Just as a note, not all small blocks are internally balanced. We all know about the 400 sbc, but I believe the newer one piece cranks/blocks are externally balanced as well. I know mine is. :cheers:
Team Owner
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From: Virginia USA
Re: ZZ4 questions (Sigforty)
Instead of buying another gear could I just pull the one off of the HEI that comes with the motor??
If it is the distributor shaft is the same diameter I don't see why not. I'd check the gears really close while you have them out and note any differances.
I also plan on pulling the trans and motor hopefully next week. Does anyone have tips on pulling this?
I pulled and installed mine as a unit. I think this is the easiest way. I removed the fan shroud and put a piece of 3/4 inch plywood over my raditor "just in case". This give you a lot of room to pull the engine. Oh ya...remove the hood.
John
[Modified by theandies, 2:15 PM 4/28/2002]
If it is the distributor shaft is the same diameter I don't see why not. I'd check the gears really close while you have them out and note any differances.
I also plan on pulling the trans and motor hopefully next week. Does anyone have tips on pulling this?
I pulled and installed mine as a unit. I think this is the easiest way. I removed the fan shroud and put a piece of 3/4 inch plywood over my raditor "just in case". This give you a lot of room to pull the engine. Oh ya...remove the hood.
John
[Modified by theandies, 2:15 PM 4/28/2002]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
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Re: ZZ4 questions (theandies)
The hood is off and I pulled the radiator and support already to make add room. Does the motor come with a start up procedure? I am wondering what break in has to be done with this motor.
Mark B.
Mark B.
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From: Plum Boro, Pa. USA Pennsylvania
Re: ZZ4 questions (Sigforty)
[QUOTE]The hood is off and I pulled the radiator and support already to make add room. Does the motor come with a start up procedure? I am wondering what break in has to be done with this motor.
:nono: :nono: I didn't go above 95mph the first 24 hours...then I put radial tires on it :smash: :smash:
Cruz
:nono: :nono: I didn't go above 95mph the first 24 hours...then I put radial tires on it :smash: :smash:
Cruz
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From: Virginia USA
Re: ZZ4 questions (Cruzmeisters)
Go here http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/Info..._break-in.html
Should answer any start-up questions you may have. Their discussion board is good for ZZ4 or just Chevy questions in general.
John
EDIT - Here is a picture of My ZZ4 :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:
[Modified by theandies, 9:01 PM 4/28/2002]
Should answer any start-up questions you may have. Their discussion board is good for ZZ4 or just Chevy questions in general.
John
EDIT - Here is a picture of My ZZ4 :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:
[Modified by theandies, 9:01 PM 4/28/2002]
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Re: ZZ4 questions (Sigforty)
You have to use a special gear for the distributor
also instead of grinding the bolt on the timing chain cover- I replaced the plastic cover with a chrome cover from GM($19)-I don't like the idea of grinding bolts
also instead of grinding the bolt on the timing chain cover- I replaced the plastic cover with a chrome cover from GM($19)-I don't like the idea of grinding bolts