89' Engine replacement questions (please help)
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 319
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From: Denver Colorado
89' Engine replacement questions (please help)
I have an 89' vette with blown head gaskets, I’m thinking at this time I would rather replace the entire motor with a crate motor, any ideas on what a good replacement would be? I’m not looking for allot of horsepower or torque, (trying to keep it simple) I would like to use the existing intake and tpi, again keep it reliable (automatic transmission) I heard the ZZ4 is a great swap anyone have any good experience with this? If so can you let me know where to buy it from and the stock #. Thanks 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
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From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
I have an 89' vette with blown head gaskets, I’m thinking at this time I would rather replace the entire motor with a crate motor, any ideas on what a good replacement would be? I’m not looking for allot of horsepower or torque, (trying to keep it simple) I would like to use the existing intake and tpi, again keep it reliable (automatic transmission) I heard the ZZ4 is a great swap anyone have any good experience with this? If so can you let me know where to buy it from and the stock #. Thanks
Last edited by BADDUCK; Sep 6, 2010 at 11:17 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 308
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City MO
Unless you're time constrained (i.e. need to do the swap over a weekend because it's your daily driver) then I'd seriously consider just rebuilding what you've got. A simple refresh by a local engine builder will usually cost a LOT less than a 'crate engine' short block and rebuilding your heads. The local shops around here can do a basic .030 over 350 engine with stock dished or flat-top hyper pistons and molly rings for $750-ish - then add about $300 to rebuild your stock heads (unless it needs a LOT of work) and you'll have a stock horsepower very reliable engine. If you're like most of us here you'll end up wanting a little more horsepower - since it's tore down I'd be looking at a cam swap, upgrading the valve springs, and going with roller rockers during the rebuild - the remaining stuff you might want is bolt-on and can be done afterward when funds allow (exhaust, better intake, etc.)
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,880
Likes: 4
From: Montgomery Texas
here is one for $4000.00
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ZZ4-S...Q5fAccessories
here is another one
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Turn-...Q5fAccessories
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ZZ4-S...Q5fAccessories
here is another one
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Turn-...Q5fAccessories
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
with getting a rebuild..If you just want another stock motor, go for a rebuild, it will cost you way less then a crate engine and you will have the same block numbers, if that means anything to you.. The ZZ4 engine won't give you much more hp then what you have now if your going to stick with a stock TPI setup, maybe 30 to 35 hp more and there $2,500 for the shortblock and $3,400 with new heads. For what you say you want, a rebuild is probably the way to go. In my area you can get a complete rebuild including heads for around $1,600....WW
Last edited by WW7; Sep 7, 2010 at 11:47 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,880
Likes: 4
From: Montgomery Texas
If you just want another stock motor, go for a rebuild, it will cost you way less then a crate engine and you will have the same block numbers, if that means anything to you.. The ZZ4 engine won't give you much more hp then what you have now if your going to stick with a stock TPI setup, maybe 30 to 35 hp more and there $2,500 for the shortblock and $3,400 with new heads. For what you say you want a rebuild is probably the way to go In my area you can get a complete rebuild including heads for around $1,600....WWI do not understand this?
The ZZ4 makes 355 horsepower at 5250 rpm the fatcory motor is not even close to that.
1989 vet specs
1989 Corvette Engines
EngineHP/TQ0-60Quarter Mile5.7L V-8 L98 240 HP @ 4000 RPM
345lb-ft @ 3200 RPM 6.3 sec 15.1 sec @ 93mph 5.7L V-8 L98 Twin
So that means the ZZ4 makes 115 more HP then the factory engine and that is with the stock ZZ4 cam. You can put a hot cam in your factory ZZ4 replacment engine and really wake it up.
Don't get me wrong I am all for rebuilding but the zz4 strait bolt in with a warranty is hard to beat.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
I do not understand this?
The ZZ4 makes 355 horsepower at 5250 rpm the fatcory motor is not even close to that.
1989 vet specs
1989 Corvette Engines
EngineHP/TQ0-60Quarter Mile5.7L V-8 L98 240 HP @ 4000 RPM
345lb-ft @ 3200 RPM 6.3 sec 15.1 sec @ 93mph 5.7L V-8 L98 Twin
So that means the ZZ4 makes 115 more HP then the factory engine and that is with the stock ZZ4 cam. You can put a hot cam in your factory ZZ4 replacment engine and really wake it up.
Don't get me wrong I am all for rebuilding but the zz4 strait bolt in with a warranty is hard to beat.
The ZZ4 makes 355 horsepower at 5250 rpm the fatcory motor is not even close to that.
1989 vet specs
1989 Corvette Engines
EngineHP/TQ0-60Quarter Mile5.7L V-8 L98 240 HP @ 4000 RPM
345lb-ft @ 3200 RPM 6.3 sec 15.1 sec @ 93mph 5.7L V-8 L98 Twin
So that means the ZZ4 makes 115 more HP then the factory engine and that is with the stock ZZ4 cam. You can put a hot cam in your factory ZZ4 replacment engine and really wake it up.
Don't get me wrong I am all for rebuilding but the zz4 strait bolt in with a warranty is hard to beat.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
I do not understand this?
The ZZ4 makes 355 horsepower at 5250 rpm the fatcory motor is not even close to that.
1989 vet specs
1989 Corvette Engines
EngineHP/TQ0-60Quarter Mile5.7L V-8 L98 240 HP @ 4000 RPM
345lb-ft @ 3200 RPM 6.3 sec 15.1 sec @ 93mph 5.7L V-8 L98 Twin
So that means the ZZ4 makes 115 more HP then the factory engine and that is with the stock ZZ4 cam. You can put a hot cam in your factory ZZ4 replacment engine and really wake it up.
Don't get me wrong I am all for rebuilding but the zz4 strait bolt in with a warranty is hard to beat.
The ZZ4 makes 355 horsepower at 5250 rpm the fatcory motor is not even close to that.
1989 vet specs
1989 Corvette Engines
EngineHP/TQ0-60Quarter Mile5.7L V-8 L98 240 HP @ 4000 RPM
345lb-ft @ 3200 RPM 6.3 sec 15.1 sec @ 93mph 5.7L V-8 L98 Twin
So that means the ZZ4 makes 115 more HP then the factory engine and that is with the stock ZZ4 cam. You can put a hot cam in your factory ZZ4 replacment engine and really wake it up.
Don't get me wrong I am all for rebuilding but the zz4 strait bolt in with a warranty is hard to beat.
Last edited by WW7; Sep 7, 2010 at 12:22 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,880
Likes: 4
From: Montgomery Texas
Guys I was not trying to rub the dog against the hair! When I pull my engine I will go with a 434ci 23* stroker. But I do engine pretty often, for an easy strait bolt in I think the ZZ4 is a pretty nice set up. No down time, wham bam you are done.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
The ZZ4 does make it quick to replace, and the engine is fine, its just that its a lot of money for what you get, which is in his case a little more then stock, when using a stock tpi setup. WW
Last edited by WW7; Sep 7, 2010 at 12:20 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 308
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City MO
The zz4's horsepower numbers come from one equipped with a nice dual plane intake, carb and long tube headers - what most would run in 60's and 70's "muscle cars" or trucks. It's a good combo for what it is...
Since the heads are about equal between the 89 corvette and the ZZ4 the difference in Horsepower is made up with the camshaft in this case - and the ZZ4 cams can be had as take-outs for about $100-125 (people pull them and upgrade to bigger cams for more horsepower). The short block is a simple stock style bottom end that's no different than what you can get with a rebuild, put in a zz4 or better cam ($250ish for an aftermarket hyd roller) and rebuild the heads with new springs/retainers/locks ($100 or so for a similar setup, $150-200 for nice stuff) and you're still way below what a zz4 short block would cost - plus if you step up to a bigger cam then you'll likely make a little more power in the long run.
The only thing that I see you gain is the time factor - most machine shops will take 1-2 weeks to do an engine - if you can't wait that long then go for the crate engine....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 892
Likes: 1
From: New Smyrna Beach Florida
I have an 89' vette with blown head gaskets, I’m thinking at this time I would rather replace the entire motor with a crate motor, any ideas on what a good replacement would be? I’m not looking for allot of horsepower or torque, (trying to keep it simple) I would like to use the existing intake and tpi, again keep it reliable (automatic transmission) I heard the ZZ4 is a great swap anyone have any good experience with this? If so can you let me know where to buy it from and the stock #. Thanks
With 3.07 gears, and a few simple mods, I have all the power I need from light to light.
SHOP AROUND FIRST!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
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From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 319
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From: Denver Colorado
Well thanks for all of the input, I’m definitely going to shop this one. I think I will plan to pull it and take it to a machine shop for a rebuild quote, I definitely thought the ZZ4 crate motor was the way to go but after seeing and hearing that there’s not allot of extra horse power still using my stock TPI set up makes me think I don’t want to spend the extra $$$$. Any suggestions on the biggest cam I can go with an easy tune if I decide to rebuild mine??? I guess the real question is if you could rebuild the motor from scratch what internals would you go with still using the stock TPI????? Thanks again
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: Cape Town
Why use the TPI? Buy an old school carbed 383 turnkey motor , 400hp or so and drop it in...you need a regulator for your high pressure fuel pump , thats all - all you lose is the fuel consumption figures...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Well thanks for all of the input, I’m definitely going to shop this one. I think I will plan to pull it and take it to a machine shop for a rebuild quote, I definitely thought the ZZ4 crate motor was the way to go but after seeing and hearing that there’s not allot of extra horse power still using my stock TPI set up makes me think I don’t want to spend the extra $$$$. Any suggestions on the biggest cam I can go with an easy tune if I decide to rebuild mine??? I guess the real question is if you could rebuild the motor from scratch what internals would you go with still using the stock TPI????? Thanks again