jwbwx1

If I replace my 1977 L82 350 with a ZZ4 350 HP or like engine, do I need to replace my transmission or even rebuild it?

Is anyone running an engine from Phoenixengine.com?

http://www.phoenixengine.com/CratesMain.html

drwet

Nope

GT's 78

I'f threre's nothing wrong with your auto/man transmission then no there's not a need. I'f you have the money and the while-your-at-it's then yes. As far as need, I would look at replacing driveshaft and halfshaft u-joints with spicer solids. I think your trans can handle another 130HP. Just my .02 worth. As far as that engine company I dont know anything about them. I looked at them when I first stated my body off resto because of their cheap/HP prices also, but I,ve come to understand in many things (especially engines) that you get what you pay for.

ptroxx

I did the ZZ4 swap and while I had the motor out, I went ahead and had the TH350 rebuilt. I said why not do it now and make sure everything was either new or rebuilt..
Id hate to have gone thru all that work to have the trans go out in 5000 miles...

Better safe than sorry was my thought.

dpw21562

I'd use the GM crate motor ZZ4. Definately do the driveshaft and half shafts, good luck.

richardttu

The two times in the past where i have put a new engine in a vehicle, the trans lasted about 3 months. They were not radical rebuilds, but just "as good as new". I hope you have better luck..

63mako

I would do a google search on these guys. I remember a forum member a while back with issues with Phoenix Engines.
http://www.ripoffreport.com/director...ix-Engine.aspx

scottw

Good advice so far. Ujoints will be the weakest link in the drivetrain.
I put in a ZZ4 this winter and had the transmission rebuilt only because it has not been out in 38 years. There was nothing wrong with it, just wanted to get it rebuilt. One of those "while I'm at it" things.

Good luck with your project.

jwbwx1

Talked to a couple of the local engine shops today. Looks like the ZZ4 Turnkey is the plan. $5250 delivered from jegs is the best I can find. Let me know if anyone knows where I can get a better price. I will do as everyone indicated and replace the driveshaft and half shaft and cross my fingers that I wont trash my transmission.


What's a rebuilt 350 worth when I have the old engine pulled and placed up for sale?

MakoShark72

Just a thought...if you can afford it, install a 2004R overdrive tranny while the motor is out. I have a ZZ4 with a 2004R and I get in the mid-20's mpg.... that tranny will handle the 355hp and 405tq of the ZZ4 easily..

Check out Bowtie or find one locally and have a local shop go through it for you..

ptroxx

You do know that the turn key has the long style water pump ??
you will need a different water pump and a few other things.. it will change the alt ps pump and ac..
you may want this motor.
http://www.jegs.com/i/GM-Performance...oductId=749876

GT's 78

I believe it was recommended to change u-joints not the shafts themselves. Also while you have the half-shafts out you may want to check that the c-clips are still holding the side yokes in the diff.

jwbwx1

I did not know of the pump and other issues. Is this the crate that everyone is using or are people making the mods?

ptroxx

I used this motor.
http://www.jegs.com/i/GM-Performance...oductId=749876

and used this pump
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-8812/

ptroxx

OK this took forever for me to find, but I found it......http://corvettec3.ca/zz4.htm

THis is a good read... and if you have questions Binnie is glad to help ....

jwbwx1

Great read! Thank you!!!

ptroxx

I just did the swap so that came in handy for me...

jwbwx1

Any bad reports or modifications with this 383? Hard to pull the trigger on 350HP for 4K when the 383/420HP is about the same.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Blueprint-Engi...CTC1K/10002/-1

ptroxx

Google blueprint engine reviews...

Vette5.5

While maybe a long shot, recently discovered Advance Auto parts carries reman engines and tranny's. If you order online, usually give 20% off on most items. For the tranny, if you have the funds, not a bad idea going with a 700R4 lock up od auto, or TKO 5 speed od, while you're at it.