After going through two different displacement engines (383 and 408) in the vette, I've decided to return to the good ole' stock 350 (although this engine will be far from stock). The base I'll be working off of will be the popular and much reliable ZZ4 shortblock. As you all know the ZZ4 is equipped with a steel forged crankshaft, GM forged "pink" rods, and LT-1 hypereutectic flat top pistons.








First on the agenda was installing the camshaft. I chose to go with the tried and true Lingenfelter 219 roller cam. The install was pretty straight foward. I bought (3) 6inch 5/16 bolts and threaded them on the front of the cam for extra support. Then from there, I applied Redline assembley lube to the first two journals nand 8 lobes. I carfulley slid the cam and rotated it each time it sat on a new bearing to make sure it wasn't binding. The final step was to install the camshaft retainer plate and torque the bolts down to 10 ft/lbs. (sorry for the cruddy pic)



Next step was to install the timing gear set. I went with a Cloyes dual billet 9-way adjustable timing set. For the lower sprocket, I greased the crank snout with antiseize and used a brass pipe to gently hammer it on. Next, I rotated the engine to make sure #1 piston was at TDC. I gave the timing chain a bath in engine oil then installed it on the upper gear. I then applied assemble lube to the back side of the upper gear, lined up the timing marker on both gears and installed the chain then used the 3 retaining bolt and torqued them down to 20 ft/lbs.



Last job of the day was installing the timing cover. I went all out and bought the Comp Cams two-piece billet cover (sweet!). You'll also notice the trick billet CSI fuel pump block off plate



Next project will be the oil pump and pickup and a hamburgers L98 oil pan. Stay tuned....

Update #2

 

looks nice. I built an enging from a ZZ4 short block, one time.

 

looks nice. I built an engine from a ZZ4 short block, one time.

 

Very nice pics. I'm doing pretty much the same building a 383.

Does your engine use hydraulic rollers?

Im using the cloyes double roller and the same fuel block off plate. looks great!

I'm looking forward to your next post

 

Looks great! Did you degree the cam in?Or did you run it straight up or etc?I was just curious how you did it.Hope the new combo works out great for ya.

 

Yes, I installed the cam straight up. I'm not to sure on the procedure for degreeing a cam and I'm afraid if I try it I will screw something up. It's best to do it along side someone that has experience in doing this.

 

Just out of curiosity, why did you go back to the 350?

 

For simplicity, driveability, gas mileage, for ease of tuning, and the list goes on. I have not had great success with my previous bigger displacement engines.

 

I think the pics are great, it looks like a "clean room" operation. I think you are having fun, and, the result will be a strong reliable engine. Looking forward to your updates. I would love to pick up a late model truck 4bolt block and start the process. Bogus and others that I respect have said that R&R the engine is the toughest part and I hope that you will document your progress so we can better understand what is a challenge and how it was overcome/tricks. Regards

 

Looks good!



Keep the updates coming

 

things look good! she will be a strong running 350.

 

Nice! Way to clean garage! More pix please...when ya get time.

 

I have his old 383, we'll see how it goes later this summer...

 

Sounds like a familiar build. My current motor is based off of a ZZ4 shortblock, I love it so far, it revs to 7000 rpm and no problems yet. I am still debating whether the pistons can handle 100 shot of nitrous. Good luck and have fun.

 

I wouldn't risk it if they are the hypereutectic pistons. One good dose of detonation and you'll have a crankcase full of rocks.

 

Are you injecting the beast

cal

 

If by injecting you mean fuel, then yes. Nitrous, probably not. A superram will be going on top of the ZZ4.

 

As you're a pro with engine swaps, how do you plan on "tuning" your chip. I ask as I want to put a mostly stock ZZ4 in my '89 but don't know of a place locally, Hawaii, that can tune my chip while it's in the car. As ZZ4 conversions are not so rare does anyone sell a pre-programed chip that would work.

Thanks for letting me pick your brain.

 

I put a ZZ4 in mine 3 yerars ago and it has been running just fine, despite some other peoples horror stories. I wish I had put the 219 cam in before the install. But it runs fine with the stock cam. I had Fomato chips build me a custom chip over the internet and a phone call and a fax. I ran 12.9 secs in quarter mile again tonight. I guess I will need another chip done when I swap my OE motor back in. Lookin forward to more pictures of project. My machine shop would not 383 stroke my vette motor, he said the walls are too thin and he didnt want to chance it. So I will be happy with a 355, later. Keep the pics coming...did I say that already.;..

 

Can I use the stock 1988 or 89 TPI with a new ZZ4,

cal