ZZ4 engine questions
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
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ZZ4 engine questions
Okay, I think my 85' is just asking for a new engine... a more powerful engine. I'm pretty sure that I want to do a ZZ4 from what I have read on the forum, and what I've heard about doing LT1 swaps. I think the ZZ4 is the way to go for my car. Granted a ZZ383 would be sweet 
I just don't think I can justify the extra cost. Besides, If I really want the extra 100HP, I can just spray it right...right??? Anyway, I have a few questions...
1. Would I be better off buying a tall block, or a short block??? The "tall block" looks like about $3800 from what I've seen on Jegs, and Summit. However, the short block is only $2000. which is a much smaller chunk of money to dish out at one time. It's not that I'm against spending $4000. It's just that I have to explain to the wife why I am spending $4000 on an engine, for a car that runs fine. It's a little easier to spend $2000 on the short block, then later spend more on the heads, cam, ect,... you know build the engine slowly so the price would creap up instead of break the bank all at once... Also, it seems like I could build a better engine (more HP) if I could pick and choose which the components went onto the engine. Maybe after market heads/cam. I'm fine with building a $5000 engine, as long as I don't have to spend the $5000 all at once...if that makes sense.
2. What else will I need to put the ZZ4 into my Vette??? Will the intake, ignition, motor mounts,exhaust, and accessories just transfer over??? Also, I live in AZ in Maricopa County, so the car will have to pass the sniffer test. Sorry for my ignorance here, I'm still learning about the Chevy SB thing. I have been an import guy my whole life.
Anyway, sorry for the long post, and thanks for your imput.
I just don't think I can justify the extra cost. Besides, If I really want the extra 100HP, I can just spray it right...right??? Anyway, I have a few questions...1. Would I be better off buying a tall block, or a short block??? The "tall block" looks like about $3800 from what I've seen on Jegs, and Summit. However, the short block is only $2000. which is a much smaller chunk of money to dish out at one time. It's not that I'm against spending $4000. It's just that I have to explain to the wife why I am spending $4000 on an engine, for a car that runs fine. It's a little easier to spend $2000 on the short block, then later spend more on the heads, cam, ect,... you know build the engine slowly so the price would creap up instead of break the bank all at once... Also, it seems like I could build a better engine (more HP) if I could pick and choose which the components went onto the engine. Maybe after market heads/cam. I'm fine with building a $5000 engine, as long as I don't have to spend the $5000 all at once...if that makes sense.
2. What else will I need to put the ZZ4 into my Vette??? Will the intake, ignition, motor mounts,exhaust, and accessories just transfer over??? Also, I live in AZ in Maricopa County, so the car will have to pass the sniffer test. Sorry for my ignorance here, I'm still learning about the Chevy SB thing. I have been an import guy my whole life.
Anyway, sorry for the long post, and thanks for your imput.
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 472
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From: Tampa Bay Area
What year is your Vette? If you already have the 113 heads (AL L98 Heads), then buy the short block and ZZ4 cam (or equivilant), and use your existing heads cleaned up with new springs and retainers. Otherwise buy the Long block.
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From: St. Peters MO Sometimes you have to prove yourself by doing alot of killing or alot of dying...
:dupe:... is there some new unwritten rule that I'm not aware of that states that we have to post the same question in Tech and General? Which one are we supposed to respond to? 
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From: Maryville Tn
CI 5 thru 12 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '23
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The ZZ4 is what I want to put in my '85 when my L98 gets tired. I'd just buy the long block and be done with it. The TPI and manifold should switch over with no problems. You'll have to change the distributor (our's is controlled by the computer). If I've missed anything, someone chime in. I want to make sure I get everything right when I hook my car up. 
