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ZZ4 in a 73

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Old Oct 29, 2012 | 11:50 PM
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Default ZZ4 in a 73

I bought a 73 project and I'm pretty sure I want to put a ZZ4 crate motor in it (it has an empty engine bay currently) Will it fit with a dual plane manifold and low profile air cleaner? I plan on installing steroids rack also.
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Old Oct 30, 2012 | 08:07 AM
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I bought a ZZ4 this past winter. Fits with no issues. I have the manifold that it comes with, a 670 Holley SA, and a 3 inch K&N Air Filter. Shouldn't be a problem.
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Old Oct 30, 2012 | 08:51 AM
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I put one in my 71 years ago. There are a few issues, but not with fitment. You will have to relocate the temp sender to the intake, the HEI distributor requires some different wiring than points, you will need a new flywheel if the car is a manual, and the water pump will need to be changed or a new accessory drive purchased to keep the ZZ4 pump.
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Old Oct 30, 2012 | 09:16 AM
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If an auto, the flywheel comes with 10 3/4 inch bolts, not 11 1/2. Can't remember the exact dimensions but it comes with a smaller bolt pattern than the stock torque converter. I ended up getting a smaller dimension torque converter (B&M 2100 Hole Shot) and a new starter.
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Old Oct 30, 2012 | 08:42 PM
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this is the engine I've been looking at:

http://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19201330.html

as long as it clears the radiator I hope to be fine (wp too long)??

I was also thinking of going with a 75 electronic tach to work with the HEI.

just trying to not waste money...
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by rickslt4
this is the engine I've been looking at:

http://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19201330.html

as long as it clears the radiator I hope to be fine (wp too long)??

I was also thinking of going with a 75 electronic tach to work with the HEI.

just trying to not waste money...
Are you running or going to run an electric fan? Not sure how the serp setup would work with the clutch fan rotation wise, or the long water pump.
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Old Oct 31, 2012 | 10:37 PM
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I bought a Dewitt with the dual electric
fans, hope it fits??
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Old Nov 1, 2012 | 10:35 AM
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Originally Posted by rickslt4
I bought a Dewitt with the dual electric
fans, hope it fits??
Should not have any problems.
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Old Nov 1, 2012 | 06:34 PM
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If your inclined to do some work I would do the zz4 short block and install your own top end making it a zz430 or even more with a little research that way you have gobs of streetable power for not much more.
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Old Nov 2, 2012 | 01:50 PM
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I installed the "Turn Key" ZZ4 355hp came with serpentine belt system in my 1974 had to flip over the "lower belt roller" on passenger side to avoid hitting a-arm (simple fix). I installed HTC hedman headers (long) had to dimple (very small) one tube on passenger side to get mounting bolt in one place. Went with DeWitt aluminum radiator with electric fan kit.
All in all happy with the over all project.

Also:
installed electronic tach (76)
did blower motor upgrade also (92) motor with fan blades. used 3/4" solid plastic for spacer and noticed improved air flow.

Wanting to change out 4-speed transmission to 5 or 6 speed, 3.73 rear end is not highway friendly on road trips 60mph at 3100rmp.

Last edited by Alan74; Nov 2, 2012 at 01:59 PM. Reason: add info
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