GM ZZ4 350 Turn-Key Engine
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 896
Likes: 7
Summit, Jegs all are priced similar. I had a zz4 in my C2 and I was very disappointed with it's performance. Reliability good, performance ho-hum. If price is not your only consideration, you may want to do a search for crate 383s. There are some very nice motors for sale for a little more than a GM crate.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Newport News VA
I called local Chevy dealers and one had a crate sitting around in stock...paid no shipping and few dollars less than mail order. I'm happy with the ZZ4, I guess it's a matter of what you're looking for. I run 13.2 in the 1/4 mi. That's with belt driven fan and AC.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Newport News VA
It came with AC. It mounts just fine to the ZZ4. I had to change out the water pump to keep the belt driven fan. Also went with a smaller starter. You might want to consider headers, I've got block huggers, the original cast iron rams horn manifold held back the engine and got pretty hot. There are lots of posts about the swap in this forum. also if you do a search on the web there should be a few more.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,451
Likes: 974
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
I would say that is some pretty awesome performance for a C3-13.2 in the 1/4 !! I don't think that you could expect much more from a daily driven C3 IMHO. Those numbers easily trump an LT-1 and most BB's C3's, C4's and most C5's. Excellent.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,634
Likes: 15
From: IL, Chicago area.
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16
I have the same motor backed by a Tremec 5 Spd/ hydraulic clutch and in a couple weeks a 3:73 rear end. I am hoping to gosh to get into the mid 12's with sticky tires.
What other mods do you have to the motor/exhaust/ect if any?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
With the modern aluminum head designs we've got now and someone with a good eye for tuning (or just go to EFI) I think a 12 second car is easily done, possibly even high 11s assuming good tire.
Much past that point you'll be knocking on the door of differential heaven, though.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Newport News VA
jb78L-82
I go toe to toe with other stock vettes C4-C6.
PHPD7102Accel DFI Gen VII, 2" x 14" air filter w/ filter on lid, block hugger headers, mild shift kit, 5,400 rpm shift points Pypes exhaust w/ x pipe and race mufflers, 25 psi in P255 Firestone Indy 500's, stock torque convertor and diff.
Shark RacerAgreed 12's is possible. I just put in a wideband sensor and am now logging runs to adjust ve and timing tables. Once I tidy up the interior a bit I'll buy the pro key and adjust the temperature modifier tables and finally run it closed loop with the wideband...should be faster and pretty consistent times by then.