i have a 85 305 tpi project car that i have yanked the engine and trans out of and stripped the interior due to the normal t top leak all was junk. Car has bad auto trans go figure.. car has 77000 miles on it so it is a good project body. It is going to be a daily driver during warm months, maybe hit a few shows dependeing on what it comes out like. Question is i am thinking of keeping the tpi since we have emission testing here would the zz4 be a good choice or should i just get a 350 crate engine. either would be from gm i expect. just can't make up my mind. there is the slim chance that i may take up my buddies offer of his testing station and junk the computer and tpi, how much work is it to change over? wouldn't know where to start..

Thanks

Ps the t top gasket replacement thread was a help in my new gasket job. been raining a week and car is bone dry inside..

 

i know this swap has been done so is it worth the zz4 or crate 350 ho good? computer or no computer. Alot of info on how to any end results?

Jeff

 

I basically have a "ZZ4". It is a strong engine. If I were you to save money just buy the parts seperately and put together your engine. That way you end up with good parts but also not a beaten to the ground wallet Here is my "ZZ4" in the car...

 

I have a ZZ4 in my car...been in there for close to 3 years now with not a single problem out of it. It is a strong running motor, but if you are looking for alot of power out of it, I would just buy the bottom end and get the heads elsewhere. This motor does pull hard, so ditch the stop tpi setup and go with a Miniram/Stealthram/Superram. I bought mine from Scoggin Dickey...excellent service. Check them out at www.sdpc2000.com

 

89Z28, do you have any pics to share of your setup? I'd like to see it. Thanks.

 

I sure do, this pic was taken somewhere along the lines of 8 months ago.

 

other side...

 

That looks great, I'd like to move into that setup. What kind of headers are those? Also, are you running the stock distributor?

I've got some Edelbrock TES headers, but I took them out because they are such a pain in the butt. I'm looking for some stuff that fits closer now that will actually let you change the plugs in less than half a day.

Thanks for the info.

 

The headers are Hooker Competition shortys...as far as changing the plugs go, it's a snap; as far as y-pipe goes, forget it. I have had 2 different y-pipes fabbed up for it, and they pretty much both suck. Future purchases include Hooker Super-Comp long tubes. Other than the y-pipe issue, I have no prob whatsoever with the headers.
Yes it is the stock distributor. I have a Holley ignition module installed, with an MSD cap/rotor...also a Holley ignition box.