marcodarq

hey folks,
marco here, i'm considering attemping an engine change in my 72 that I inherited when Dad passed away. The ZZ4 looks really cool, especially the turnkey option. also planning to get the bowtie 200R4 to go with it.......I spent quite a bit of time with the search engine but didn't come up with the info i'm looking for.
first off, car is stock(restored), power steering, ac, power brakes ( I added this with y'alls help), and point dizzy w/tach drive.
with the turnkey option does the drive system fit and work or are changes needed.
it looks like the turnkey comes with an ac compressor, I already have one and don't want to convert to 134, so will mine work, or are the heads not drilled for it.
I looked to see if anyone posted up doing this job and listing what they did to make it happen, but didn't have any luck. anyone got the lowdown for me? thanks much!!
m

what exhaust changes are needed?

qwank

don't do it, leave it stock

scottw

If you want a higher performing engine, I personally think a crate is the way to go. Just keep the original engine so you can keep the numbers matching.

I changed to a zz4 last year and love it. Still have a TH-400 so I know I'm losing a lot of HP in the tranny and with a three speed, I don't get the OD gear, which I would like at some point.

Can't help you on the AC question. My AC is putting the top down.

I would suggest calling and asking your questions to GM Performance. I know the heads already come pre-tapped for all the holes you need to mount brackets for AC/Alt, etc.

Here is a pretty good write-up on the swap. http://corvettec3.ca/zz4.htm

resdoggie

Your original AC compressor should bolt right up.

mrvette

ZZ4 is essentially same as what I put in my car winter '97-98, '89 truck block with L98 heads, but I had a serp drive and '88 compressor on it, and changed to 134.....the thing as basically a bolt in, I recommend the 200 4r auto, as I have one, runs great....I also have injection, so my car is highly modified, nothing stock....

PM me if you want to discuss various aspects of the swap, as I may not spot this thread again....

American Raven

All of my drive accessories bolted up the the ZZ4 (I had the option of using V-belts vs serpentine drive when I ordered my engine - I didn't want to spend the money converting all my drive accessories to the serpentine version.) The only thing I had to change was the water pump - my ZZ4 came with a long shaft water pump and I had to change it to a short shaft model. If you order you engine, specify you need the short shaft water pump.

Otherwise, it's as close to a perfect fit as you can get.

marcodarq

first off. thanks for all the quick replies,,
second, sorry it took so long to get back to the thread,
so far it looks like that if i order the engine with the short shaft water pump, all my accessories will bolt up and work, my exhaust manifolds and pipes will bolt up and work(stock rams horn manifolds and true dual 2'' i think, need to 2bl check that), what i am not hearing is will the weight difference in the engine cause front ride height issues, what year electric tach do i have to get , since the turnkey comes with the hei and the carb and intake, and is there anything else???
it looks like the bowtie level 2 is the way to go and i need to figure out how to mod the shifter to get first gear,,,input???
and as always, thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
marco

SHARKBIT77

The ZZ4 heads are D port and work best with a set of headers

68/70Vette

Put a ZZ4 in my 68 along with the GMPP serpentine kit for the accessories. Just great..I had to put an electric fan in because the serpentine accessory drive uses a reverse rotation fan. Bought a reverse rotation aluminum Edelbrock water pump to replace the iron pump of the kit. I bought a Be Cool radiator with the electric fan. Bought underdrive Marsh pulleys for the serpentine kit. Whole set up runs cold. This is with pure ethylene glycol colorant, no water.

marcodarq

also just for the record i will be storing the original engine and trans as the car has all matching numbers....can anyone confirm or deny that the "Patriot" brand headers (block hugger type)exit where the stock downpipe is? the website says that they do, to me that would mean i could install d-port headers and not have to correct or mod the rest of the exhaust...coments???????
thanks
marco

SHARKBIT77

My son loves the ZZ4 in his 1981 camaro. Cant help with the header size but I would suggest spending the extra money and getting them coated. Runs a litter cooler in the engine bay and they look much better.

mikejpss

Put a crate ZZ4 in my 80 model. Best thing I ever did to the car.
Everything bolted up as it should. However, I did NOT go back in with the a/c compressor, but was told it would bolt up..Good luck, you will love it.
see it here :

dpw21562

If you get the turnkey version and don't want to bother with 134 there is a refrigerant I have used that is compatible with R12 and R134

Enviro-Safe™ Refrigerant

MakoShark72

I have a ZZ4 and 2004R in my 72. Hooker sidepipes. The combination is phenomenal in my opinion. I have the 3.08 rear and it will still get sideways when I punch it. I get around 24 mpg on the highway, turns around 1600rpms at 60 mph. I have the tranny set to lock up at about 57 mph. I am running a 2400 stall converter.

I have about 9000 trouble free miles on it, in about 3 yrs.

That being said, I have a 500hp/500tq 383 ready to go in, so I will be selling the ZZ4.

Interested? or if you have any questions about the combo, install, etc, shoot me a PM.

Dan H.

When your orig motor is in storage it will need ocasional attention. You'll want to turn the crank every few months to keep some valve springs from being compressed for the time its bagged up.

There are probably some other things you may want to do also... I'm sure some folks will chime in.

Sean77

Bowtie will have everything you need for trans. conversion. Did a 700r4 from them last winter.

marcodarq

ok,looks like a tach drive Hei will solve one issue, anyone else care to chime in as to the ride height??will it make any difference or has it for you?? I saw a cople of shots from another gentleman that did have an issue with his 76, but curious what else anyone else has to say?? so far looks like its a go, just need to start checking pricing with my local Steelership,,,,,,
marco

bluedawg

If you havnt bought it, check out the zz383.

gdh

What did you end up doing? I see Pace has ZZ4's at $3500.

CanadaGrant

I used the ZZ4 in my wife's 78 S/A. It bolted right in. It is a really nice motor but for a couple of extra bucks I would have gone with the 383. I really like the 58cc aluminum heads on the ZZ4 but if I had to do it again, I would take the 383. For the buck you can't really go wrong with either....