Optional Motors
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 998
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis IN
Optional Motors
Ran a few searches, looking for engine swap threads without much success on the topic. 
L98, 1989 Auto tranny.
Planned use is high speed open road racing and road course but some street use to shows and local gatherings.
I have the stock motors top end apart and am considering pulling it for something else.
The ZZ4 is a nice option but what else is there in the 350 or 355 market for this car? I would be looking for a long block complete that I can drop in and go get a tune if needed.
I have pulled up several on ebay but most look to be for carb applications and not sure they would work correctly with the car.
L98, 1989 Auto tranny.
Planned use is high speed open road racing and road course but some street use to shows and local gatherings.
I have the stock motors top end apart and am considering pulling it for something else.
The ZZ4 is a nice option but what else is there in the 350 or 355 market for this car? I would be looking for a long block complete that I can drop in and go get a tune if needed.
I have pulled up several on ebay but most look to be for carb applications and not sure they would work correctly with the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The ZZ4 will go in with no issues. But bolting the TPI back on will lose a few HP from the ZZ4 advertised power level. But it will still be a good improvement over a stock L98. GM also has a ZZ383 (425HP) and a "Fast Burn 383" (385HP) but you have to check to see if the TPI manifold will bolt on.
The motor choice will also depend on the class you intend to run for open road racing. The ZZ4 can add some more MPH over a stock motor, but if you are thinking about an additional 100 HP or more, you will have to make some mods to the tranny (which would include a complete rebuild. And you should upgrade the differential from the D36 that came with the A4 to a D44 from a manual tranny car.
IMHO, you would be better off with a manual trans car for a buildup for racing. The A4 will work, but there are limitations especially up and down shifting on road race courses.
Do you live in an area where emissions testing is required? That would play a part in what sort of power you can make or go larger in terms of displacement.
The motor choice will also depend on the class you intend to run for open road racing. The ZZ4 can add some more MPH over a stock motor, but if you are thinking about an additional 100 HP or more, you will have to make some mods to the tranny (which would include a complete rebuild. And you should upgrade the differential from the D36 that came with the A4 to a D44 from a manual tranny car.
IMHO, you would be better off with a manual trans car for a buildup for racing. The A4 will work, but there are limitations especially up and down shifting on road race courses.
Do you live in an area where emissions testing is required? That would play a part in what sort of power you can make or go larger in terms of displacement.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
ZZ4 has better bottom end(4 bolt ) but same heads with better springs.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 998
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis IN
I want to keep it simple, so if in that respect keeping the TPI would be better then thats what I would prefer to do.
For now sticking with the A4, knowing that in the future I may loose the transmission and need a good rebuild on it.
Is there anything not in crate form from GM that you might recommend? Some of their motors are nice but they get $ quick.
For now sticking with the A4, knowing that in the future I may loose the transmission and need a good rebuild on it.
Is there anything not in crate form from GM that you might recommend? Some of their motors are nice but they get $ quick.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
You might think about getting the ZZ4 in a short block form. I think they also have it in a 383 version. That way you put in the cam you want and swap most of your parts over..there are a few exceptions to this.....
If you are going to turn any motor you get at high speed, thing about balancing it before you drop it in.
If you are going to turn any motor you get at high speed, thing about balancing it before you drop it in.
