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Gm crate engine swap ?

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Old Nov 13, 2004 | 09:37 PM
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From: Brandon Manitoba
Default Gm crate engine swap ?

I have been looking into a Gm cratre engine swap for my 1980 corvette however most of the motors sold are of the vortec head design. To work with this vortec head you must have a higher style of intake manifold. Thus comes up this warning that this motor may not fit into a corvette because of tight clearances under the hood. Has anybody from the forum had any experience or advise to give on the use of GM crate motors in a corvette. Thanx Brent
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Old Nov 13, 2004 | 09:44 PM
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From: All humans are vermin in the eyes of Guru VA
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the zz4 is pretty popular here
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Old Nov 13, 2004 | 09:46 PM
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
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you should be able to get the dimensions from the intake manifold company ...just compare them to what you know will fit....this is a popular conversion and it may be as simple as getting a differnent base for the carb air cleaner that drops down more... i don't think this is a really big issue....
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Old Nov 13, 2004 | 10:18 PM
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Hoping to hear a reply from a member of the forum who has dropped in the likes of a zz4 and what manifold they used to make it work .
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Old Nov 13, 2004 | 11:48 PM
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From: All humans are vermin in the eyes of Guru VA
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the ZZ4 uses the centerbolt corvette heads. you could run a RPM airgap if you wanted the 1.25 drop base cleaner and a KN xtreme on top
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Old Nov 14, 2004 | 04:53 AM
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I built my own Iron head "ZZ4" with a Hot cam

The GM intake fits under the hood just fine.....
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Old Nov 14, 2004 | 09:26 AM
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Remember, the 80-82 hood is lower in profile than the '73-79 hood. So make sure you get a response from someone who has an early or late C3...
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Old Nov 14, 2004 | 09:46 AM
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Default crate motor

I have a GM crate 454 in my 72 I had to put a drop base air cleaner and a K&N 2in air filter with a K%N 14in lid and all fits under the hood fine.
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Old Nov 14, 2004 | 10:22 AM
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GM PART # 12496820
CATEGORY: Engine Fuel Intake Manifold
PACK QTY: 1 CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $304.35
OUR PRICE: $213.04
DESCRIPTION: MANIFOLD
This Vortec manifold was designed for ultimate horsepower and torque to be used with Vortec cylinder head, P/N 12529093, 12558060, 12497186 or 12464298. This aluminum four-barrel manifold will accept Holley or Quadrajet carburetors and is EGR equipped. Use intake manifold gasket P/N 12529094 and (8) special manifold bolts P/N 12550027


4 months ago when I bought THIS intake it stated it would fit all Corvettes with limited hood clearance.... That part has been removed!
Well it fits under my hood without a drop base air filter.

Last edited by jcswm; Nov 14, 2004 at 10:27 AM.
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Old Nov 14, 2004 | 01:22 PM
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Ram Jet 350 with vortech heads and an intake thats pretty damn high. Anyways, haven't put it in yet, but everyone claims its not goign to fit. Everyone with a Ram Jet on this forum has an L88 Hood. I think I'm gonna go with the 2" Dominator, I like the look and it eliminates the wiper door.

Bry
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