Hi im currently in on a tour in Afghanistan and when i get home im gonna have all this extra money to blow on a new engine, im thinking of swapping my 5.7L TPI to a zz4 350 HO on my IROC when i get home, the engine comes with a turn key kit, do i have to replace anything else, ie. Computer, TV cable, Tranny or anything or will it be good to go from the start, i just dont want to purchase the new engine and find out at last minute i have to buy a whole bunch of new crap for my car.

any ideas?

thx

 

Come home safe. We appreciate your service.

The ZZ4 isn't called the "HO" crate. But, it does have more power than the one they do call "HO".

The ZZ4 is close to turn key as it comes from GM, as it has the intake, distributor, damper, and flexplate included. Add a carb, plugs & wires, after transferring things like starter & accessories from your L98, and you're ready to go. Barry Grant used to carry a carb calibrated for the ZZ4, not sure if they still do. Summit carries one they call turn key and include a 750 Holley among other things, but don't give details as to which carb exactly it is. Personally, I don't think it's worth the extra $1500.

If you go with this engine with a carb on it, you're basically making the computer brain dead. You'll need to provide some means of locking up the transmission torque converter clutch. You may also need to rewire the in-tank electric fuel pump, or remove it and run an engine mounted mechanical.

You'll need a lot of new little things, like throttle cables (both for the accelerator pedal and transmission throttle valve), radiator hoses, heater hoses, air cleaner, etc. The good news is your accessories will mount up to the engine (have heard reports of needing to drill & tap one hole in the head). You'll probably also want to put in a torque converter that stalls at a higher RPM while you're at it. 2500 is about right for that engine.