ZZ4 crate motors

Ryan Whittaker · May 24, 2001

I'm looking for any input from anyone running GM's ZZ4 350. I'm looking for a good street motor for my 69 and felt this may be a good option. My wish list includes something in the neighborhood of 350 to 400 HP, great torque and a fairly radical sounding cam. Not sure if the ZZ4 would fit the cam request.

Thanks, Ryan

redbandit928 · May 24, 2001

I have an 80 Z28 with a ZZ4, I love it. The only thing I can recommend is DO not get a vacumn secondary carb!! getting the carb to run right is the biggest pain in the neck ever. Mine has a 750 holley, underdrive pulleys, and an MSD box in which i can pull a 13.4 in the quarter.

Scoop69RS-SS · May 24, 2001

My RS-SS is in constant change. Though I do not intend on swapping out the motor for another two years, I am always fine-tuning my plans for the restoration of this car.

As part of that, I have moved away from a GM Crate ZZ4 motor and I am considering something from American Speed or All Chevy Engines. A.S. is currently in the lead with the 383cid "Enforcer 400" as my choice.

I have plenty of time to gather background so I am afraid I haven't gone much farther than that. I can only offer you those two alternatives engine suppliers.

Very best of luck.

Rick.

ZZ_430 · May 26, 2001

I got my ZZ4 back in 1998 I ran it about 400 miles and went with the GM HOT cam and GM 1.6 roller rockers. That added about 30 hp. Then this year I put on the "Fast Burn" heads with Edelbrock RPM Air-Gap manifold. Now I'm happy. The stock ZZ4 cam SOUNDS mild with just a little loping. Even the HOT cam isn't that lumpy (manual trans) Being a roller cam, the #s "mellow out". On paper you'd think they would sound wilder than they do. But I like the 440 hp that I'm estimating I have. I'd rather go with a stroker to tell you the truth If I had it to do over again. Good luck....Don http://hometown.aol.com/zz430droptop67rs/

[This message has been edited by ZZ430DropTop67RS (edited 05-25-2001).]

camaro-69ss · May 26, 2001

I put a ZZ4 with the Hot Cam and 1.6 roller rockers in my '69SS. absolutely love it. i'm running a 750 Holley with vacuum secondaries, and after a lot of time and effort getting the carb dialed in, it runs terrific! I've got about 2000 miles on it now, and i wouldn't do anything different. Definately add the Hot Cam kit to it before you install though. I ran one summer with it stock, then pulled it this winter and added the Hot Cam. Wish i would have done it right away. BIG difference! go for it. it's worth the extra bucks.

choptop · May 26, 2001

Very nice engine choice...but I do agree about the cam/ rocker change. I am looking to swap mine out to gain some more power!

The zz4 is a great crate motor! You may want to shop prices though...I have seen some differences in cost. GM also is not the only source of good crate motors.

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See my '68 RS/ZZ4 at http://www.100megsfree.com/choptop/camaro.html

327Mike · May 27, 2001

If you're thinking about a ZZ4, look at http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/. Read their tech discussion board, and look at the ZZ430 which already has the HOT cam and fast burn heads, or the stroker ZZ450. Seems all the ZZ engines are very fussy about timing and carburation, though.

Crosley · May 29, 2001

I have a ZZ4 in my 71 chevy 1/2 ton truck. I've run Holley carb, Howell EFI 4 barrel unit, and an Carter AFB type carb. THe Holley makes the most power and worst mileage.

I keep going back to the Carter carb for best all round drivablity.

Yep the ZZ4 is fussy about timing and how it's fed fuel.

I use my ZZ4 to pull a car trailer. Also my Zz4 is the same as it was built from GM. No changes.

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Tony
if it ain't broke, get out the tool box!

ZZ4 crate motors

Ryan Whittaker

redbandit928

Scoop69RS-SS

ZZ_430

camaro-69ss

choptop

327Mike

Crosley

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