oil and filter recommendations for ZZ4
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,228
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From: lancaster ma
oil and filter recommendations for ZZ4
I just bought a 1979 with a ZZ4 and am looking for recommendations on oil type viscosity and what type of filter to use on this engine. I have no documentation and the on line specs Ihave foungd are not very helpful.
Pro
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 515
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From: IL
Re: oil and filter recommendations for ZZ4 (adamdinat)
Welcome to the forum. Let me get your post back to the top. I use Valvoline 10/30 dino oil "Crisco" with a K&N filter. For your engine I'm sure you will get many suggestions. Are you planning trips to the track or Sunday driving? Will you store it for the winter?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 209
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From: Prescott Valley, AZ USA
Re: oil and filter recommendations for ZZ4 (FERL 73)
My ZZ4 oil filter, as recommended by Chevy, is ACDelco PF35L, and I run a Valvoline 10/30 oil. Good Luck with the new ride and welcome to the forum.
Team Owner
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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Re: oil and filter recommendations for ZZ4 (Cookwithvette)
Val 10/30 in "winter" and 10/40 in our "summer"
Le Mans Master
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From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
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Re: oil and filter recommendations for ZZ4 (adamdinat)
A/C Delco PF35 is the filter of choice for me, actually the one I'm using on my ZZ4 is the higher grade of PF35, but I can't remember the number. I'm going to run Castrol 10w-30, for initial break-in, then switch to Castrol Syntec, synthetic.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
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Re: oil and filter recommendations for ZZ4 (adamdinat)
I run 10w40 or 10w30 whatever I can get on sale. For a filter stick with AC Delco and try to get the longer filter. I think the long one is the PF35 and the short is the PF25. After I get some more miles on the car I will probably switch to Mobil 1.
Mark B.
Mark B.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: lancaster ma
Re: oil and filter recommendations for ZZ4 (adamdinat)
Thanks for the help. What I am liking about the forum is the different approaches to problems. It really helps you make an informed decision. Here is what i recived form the customer service dept at GM.
The oil filter is either a ac-delco PF-25 or PF35. Gm recommends using a 10w30 regular engine oil for break in and suggests using a synthetic engine oil after break in due to the high performance nature of this engine.
Thank You, http://www.GMPartsDirect.com
The oil filter is either a ac-delco PF-25 or PF35. Gm recommends using a 10w30 regular engine oil for break in and suggests using a synthetic engine oil after break in due to the high performance nature of this engine.
Thank You, http://www.GMPartsDirect.com
1st Gear
Joined: May 2025
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zz4 parts list and filter.
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aai...3-1321b638ec79
Compatible Parts
Compatible Parts
- Engine Block: Both engines use a cast iron 4-bolt main block, making them structurally similar.
- Cylinder Heads: Both feature aluminum heads with 58cc chambers, though the ZZ4 has upgraded LT4 chrome silicon valve springs.
- Camshaft: Both use a hydraulic roller tappet camshaft, but the ZZ4 has a refined version for better performance.
- Pistons: The ZZ3 uses cast hypereutectic aluminum pistons, while the ZZ4 has high silicon aluminum pistons with offset pins—they are similar but not identical.
- Ignition System: Both engines use an HEI distributor with centrifugal and vacuum advance.
- Oil Filter: The ZZ4 typically uses an ACDelco PF35L oil filter, which is likely compatible with the ZZ3.
- Fuel Requirements: Both engines require premium 92 octane fuel.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 5
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Compatible Parts
https://www.crateenginedepot.com/pdfs/SB_zzengine.pdf
- Engine Block: Both engines use a cast iron 4-bolt main block, making them structurally similar.
- Cylinder Heads: Both feature aluminum heads with 58cc chambers, though the ZZ4 has upgraded LT4 chrome silicon valve springs.
- Camshaft: Both use a hydraulic roller tappet camshaft, but the ZZ4 has a refined version for better performance.
- Pistons: The ZZ3 uses cast hypereutectic aluminum pistons, while the ZZ4 has high silicon aluminum pistons with offset pins—they are similar but not identical.
- Ignition System: Both engines use an HEI distributor with centrifugal and vacuum advance.
- Oil Filter: The ZZ4 typically uses an ACDelco PF35L oil filter, which is likely compatible with the ZZ3.
- Fuel Requirements: Both engines require premium 92 octane fuel.
https://www.crateenginedepot.com/pdfs/SB_zzengine.pdf
