ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Union City CA
ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take?
I have a jegs mag, and it says that the ZZ4 has a forged Crank, and the rods and pistons are not forged. The question is, If I change out the pistons and rods for some forged ones, run some boost. How much can the block take?
Also when they rate max HP use say 400HP, do they really mean that? Can you exceed 400HP on that paticular block and not have any problems? :confused: http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/ Go to the Engine section and look for the short blocks, they have many SBC Shortblocks.
Also when they rate max HP use say 400HP, do they really mean that? Can you exceed 400HP on that paticular block and not have any problems? :confused: http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/ Go to the Engine section and look for the short blocks, they have many SBC Shortblocks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,429
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From: CA
Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (Light84vette)
The block itself is off the marine shelf (Heavy-Duty). The rods are powdered-metal. Not sure on the overall strength, but bearing issues are reduced with this style of rod.
Pistons?
Pistons?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,146
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From: Milford NH
Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (Light84vette)
That is a brand new, high end block, the block should be able to handle more the 400 HP I would think. If you replece the rods and pistons, you should be good to go I would think.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: CT
Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (69stingray)
That is a brand new, high end block, the block should be able to handle more the 400 HP I would think. If you replece the rods and pistons, you should be good to go I would think.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Valdosta Georgia
Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (Light84vette)
A friend has one in a 69 Z28 that we added an ATI Procharger and intercooler making somewhere around 550-560 horses. It has been on for over a year with no problems. He drives it to work once or twice a week, and drags it occasionally. The only thing we changed was the carb and fuel system. We feed it plenty of fuel, keeping it set up kinda rich so there is no detonation and everything is holding up well. Hershey :chevy
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,453
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From: Republic of Texas
Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (Light84vette)
It' a 2 bolt main, but unless the motor is at the track everyweekend you should be fine. Piston and rods swap would make it that much stronger.
:cheers:
:cheers:
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Fountain Hills AZ
Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (Light84vette)
I don't think it'd make a lot of sense to buy a whole shortblock with the intention of replacing major components. The block, crank, etc, are all available separately. Also, buying pieces separately you could build it as a 383 for not much more. Depending on how much boost you intend to use, the stock shortblock might be ok as is. Lot's of L98 C4's and Camaro's run street blowers on what's basically the same engine and without problems. I believe those engines had cast cranks and the old style rods. Supposedly, the powdered metal rods are stronger than the earlier forgings.
[Modified by Vetterodder, 3:49 PM 7/6/2003]
[Modified by Vetterodder, 3:49 PM 7/6/2003]
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Union City CA
Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (Vetterodder)
Okay, If I take out my stock block, overbore it .03 and run a 3.75 crank with new rods and forged pistons with 8psi of boost on top of all of this. Would my stock block take it? I mean If I go with a 383CID on a ported TPI unit I should be into the 275HPish range right? Then with another 8psi I should be right in the 400HPish and maybe 475TQ range? :confused: Will my 2 bolt main block live up or blow up? :confused:
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: OLD DIRTY BASTARD LIVE AND UNCUT
Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (Light84vette)
I have seen that ZZ4 motor as is put out 500+ hp with different heads and a solid roller cam in a test in Hot Rod magazine.
The motor is rock solid as is, IMO.
:chevy
The motor is rock solid as is, IMO.
:chevy
Le Mans Master
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From: DrunkDefender
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Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (reallycoolcorvette)
ZZ4 will easily hold up to 500 flywheel HP. The rods used are rated for use up to 500hp. They are the same ones found in the LT4 engines and are powdered metal. The pistons are the lightweoght hyperuertectic. Good for everyday use but not really suited for juice or boost. The block itself is a 4 bolt main. I'd say something else would let go way before the block does.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (garagedweller2)
Yeap, the zz4 is a 4 bolt main block. They also used the same block with a different set of heads and the lt4 hotcam to make the ZZ430. The zz4 block should be able to hold up to 500 horse. One chevy dealership sells ZZ4s with modded parts up to 450 hp.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Union City CA
Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (Sigforty)
So are you guys saying that the ZZ4 block with the crank and rods that come with it can handle 500HP, but the pistons wont last right? :confused:
I need some help, My engine is leaking oil from the timming cover and is burning it probably due to a leaky piston ring b/c it burns oil at idle, start up, acceleration, all the way through the rpms. So I plan on buying a 383 Stroker kit and having the engine bored to specs. Also ontop I am going to go with a TPI unit and port that thing. Add a power adder and run 8psi boost. DO you guys think the 19yr old 2 bolt main engine block can last with newer stronger internals? :confused:
I need some help, My engine is leaking oil from the timming cover and is burning it probably due to a leaky piston ring b/c it burns oil at idle, start up, acceleration, all the way through the rpms. So I plan on buying a 383 Stroker kit and having the engine bored to specs. Also ontop I am going to go with a TPI unit and port that thing. Add a power adder and run 8psi boost. DO you guys think the 19yr old 2 bolt main engine block can last with newer stronger internals? :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,025
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From: Billings MT
Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (Light84vette)
If you run a set of studs on the mains, the two bolt will work just fine upwards of 500hp. RPM is the main killer, keep it under 6000.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Union City CA
Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (VETDRMS)
How do you get the studs done to the block? You need a threading tool correct? Also where can I get studs and other things that I would need also, Plus should I change out the main caps for some thicker ones or something? :confused:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (Light84vette)
ARP makes studs and you can buy them from Summit racing. Studs just thread in like bolts do nothing special required.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Vancouver,Wa.
Re: ZZ4 engine block, how much can it take? (Light84vette)
I have a ZZ4 in my car. They are a very good short block. They are a 4 bolt main forged crank and GM pink rods. It will take a beating..