ZZ4 vs. LT1 and compatibility
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 22,142
Likes: 76
From: North East
ZZ4 vs. LT1 and compatibility
The basic block as far as bolt on accessories go, is the same.
The differences? Heads. But, I would *still think that a ZZ4 is a good replacement for an LT1 in terms of cost. Sure, all of the ancilliary stuff needs to be reinstalled for the ZZ4, but everything should fit, should it not? Water pump mounting is the same (though squarish vs. oval port) but it'll still work.
Tell me why a ZZ4 doesn't fit the LT1 cars.
The differences? Heads. But, I would *still think that a ZZ4 is a good replacement for an LT1 in terms of cost. Sure, all of the ancilliary stuff needs to be reinstalled for the ZZ4, but everything should fit, should it not? Water pump mounting is the same (though squarish vs. oval port) but it'll still work.
Tell me why a ZZ4 doesn't fit the LT1 cars.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Va
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
If I understand correctly you want to take a zz4 block and replace a LT1 block.
Problems I see, is heads are different, timing cover is different, timing set is different, distributor setup is different, waterpump drive is different, and thats just the things I know of. Heck, even accessories such as AC are on the oposite side of the motor. I feel sure all accessories such as ps, etc are going to mount differently.
Problems I see, is heads are different, timing cover is different, timing set is different, distributor setup is different, waterpump drive is different, and thats just the things I know of. Heck, even accessories such as AC are on the oposite side of the motor. I feel sure all accessories such as ps, etc are going to mount differently.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,847
Likes: 293
From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
LT1/4's are very different from the standard old smallblock.
They're reversed cooled, the block has 4 holes not two for the waterpump.
Here's a good read
http://www.automotiverebuilder.com/ar/ar99928.htm
They're reversed cooled, the block has 4 holes not two for the waterpump.
Here's a good read
http://www.automotiverebuilder.com/ar/ar99928.htm
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 22,142
Likes: 76
From: North East
Brian- thanks for the heads up. That's exactly what I was looking for. I have an electric water pump, so I think the water pump issue is a non issue with a ZZ4 replacement. I'd swear that the mounting holes are tapped in the same position..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 10
From: College Station TX
A regular SBC and an LT1 block are not the same and not interchangeable. The cooling pattern is totally different. Not to mention the lack of a hole for the water pump drive in the block. LT1 blocks aren't hard to find. Check LS1tech.com or camaroz28.org.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
The LT1 timing cover will not bolt to the ZZ4 block. This means that you have to use the ZZ4 timing cover. Problem is, there's no way to mount the Optispark (much less be able to drive the Opti off the cam gear) with the ZZ4 timing cover.
Since you can't use the Opti, you now have to hack an intake to mount a conventional HEI distributor or switch to a carb setup. Both of which will mandate computer mods or a different engine management setup.
By the time you've done all the above (and then some), you could have bought a 2 bolt LT1 block for next to nothing, had it machined for 4-bolt mains, and been done with it.
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