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zz4 crate engine

Old 02-24-2011, 05:06 PM
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rugerm44
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Default zz4 crate engine

To all who own one.how do you like it?.did it meet your expectations?Im thinking about putting in a new engine and saving the original one.
Old 02-24-2011, 05:28 PM
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alswagg
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I routinly use the ZZ4 rotating assy as a replacement engine for many marine applications. Absolutly no problems with these engines. We found the brand new ZZ4 rotating assy to be no more money than a reconditioned engine. Good luck Al
Old 02-24-2011, 06:14 PM
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Sigforty
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I put one in my 71 back in 2002. It was a great engine up until the car went under in Katrina. I would definitely use one again. The best thing is the cost for an engine with a roller cam setup.
Old 02-24-2011, 06:34 PM
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ZBRA
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I put one in my '91 Z28 back in 1998 and topped it off with the stock TPI set up. It was perfect. I put 70,000 hard miles on it over the next few years, swapped heads on it a few times. Swapped cams and intakes a few times. Never 1 problem with the motor at all. I highly reccomend them to anyone wanting a replacement GEN1 small block.

The roller lifters, 1 piece rear main seal, and o-ring-type plastic timing cover are all far superior to the what came in our C3s originally.

Old 02-24-2011, 07:04 PM
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dduenkel
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I just put one in my 75 Coupe and I love it. I put headers on it and Magnaflow mufflers and it sounds great too! I would definitely choose that engine again.
Old 02-24-2011, 07:18 PM
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AT-82Collectors
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I bought the ZZ4 turnkey and put it in my 82 last summer. I am more than satisifed with the engine. I will do it again if I ever need to.

Last edited by AT-82Collectors; 02-24-2011 at 08:09 PM.
Old 02-24-2011, 08:11 PM
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ZZ71S
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I put one in my 71 about three years ago dropped wright in place of the stock engine no major modds needed.
If you want some more power in the future there are lots of proven combos ready to bolt on.
Old 02-24-2011, 08:49 PM
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rugerm44
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What would I need to change?I have a 4sp.I have hurd that my fly wheel may not be compatible due to the one piece rear main seal.
Old 02-24-2011, 09:04 PM
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tonyv123
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Yes you'll need a new flywheel, as the ZZ4 comes with a flexplate. If you use the search box here, there is alot of good write-ups of people putting a ZZ4 in a C3.
Old 02-24-2011, 09:06 PM
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rugerm44
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Thanks for the info.the guy I bought mine from rebuilt the original engine but rather than hop it up and take a chance with it I think would rather pickle it and put a new one in it.
Old 02-25-2011, 09:15 PM
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Originally Posted by dduenkel
I just put one in my 75 Coupe and I love it. I put headers on it and Magnaflow mufflers and it sounds great too! I would definitely choose that engine again.
Ditto. The ZZ4 in my '75 has great torque and pulls hard and smootly through all four gears. Long tube headers and true duals with Magnaflows also. You won't be disappointed.
Terry
Old 02-26-2011, 08:43 AM
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rugerm44
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Dose it have a nice lope at idle.
Old 02-26-2011, 09:02 AM
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TopGunn
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I think it's a great engine and runs like a top. I was disappointed with the power, changed the cam and heads and it's much better to me now.
Old 02-26-2011, 09:12 AM
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rugerm44
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Well if you had to do it over would have just went for the gm383 crate?Cheaper than buying it and swapping heads and cam out?
Old 02-26-2011, 02:27 PM
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spedaleden
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I put a Fast Burn 385 HP and 385 Ft Pds Torque. It is a ZZ4 bottom end with better heads. Motor is fantastic, a lot of power for me, and runs cool with AC on.

5 speed Keisler TKO is one of the best features for the money.
Old 02-26-2011, 08:24 PM
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Originally Posted by rugerm44
Well if you had to do it over would have just went for the gm383 crate?Cheaper than buying it and swapping heads and cam out?
Yes, for sure. I spent allot of extra $$ and time improving the performance, not that I didn't enjoy doing it but it cost me.
Old 02-26-2011, 09:03 PM
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Originally Posted by rugerm44
Dose it have a nice lope at idle.
I'd have to say it has a noticeable idle, not stock, but definitely not a rough or lopey idle.
Terry

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Old 02-28-2011, 12:34 PM
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ptroxx
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Originally Posted by TopGunn
I think it's a great engine and runs like a top. I was disappointed with the power, changed the cam and heads and it's much better to me now.
I would have to agree... I jsut did the ZZ4 in mine, ANd I sure wish I should have done the LT-4 hot cam package with it..
I have even thought maybe the 383fast burn was the way to go..
It was just a little light on the HP for me.. I dyno'ed at 260 ..
I have shorty headers, 2.5 all the way with magnaflow, curved dist, and built carb.. And I just wish I had about another 50-75

Oh well ... i plan on the cam swap here soon.with a 200r swap as well..
Old 02-28-2011, 08:45 PM
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So most assuredly go with the 383 and save the heartache?
Old 03-01-2011, 01:09 AM
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I put a ZZ4 in my 80. I love it. Also it was one of the very few crate engines I could find that would fit under my stock hood. That 383 has a higher rise intake that won't fit. Even with the ZZ4, I need a drop-base air cleaner and now it just barely clears the hood. Of course you can get a big block hood for more clearance, but that's another $600-700.


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