I have a block # 10243880. It comes up as a ZZ4 crate engine with a roller cam. What exactly is the ZZ4? Is it the type of motor built such as the 355 HP version ZZ4 that I see all over the web or is it the name given to the engine block itself? This motor came installed in a boat and I'm trying to figure out if I should keep this motor in the boat or use it in a Camaro. Thanks.

 

10:1 shortblock pm rods 113 head (has a different PN for ZZ4 same thing)
355 horse was tested with a carb so dont expect that on your TPI if thats what you have. Believe they have a forged crank also not positive.
Marine version not aware of one.

 

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/gm-z...-a-139274.html

 

So it sounds like the ZZ4 is a "type" of pre-built engine package? My ZZ4 engine block does not have the aluminum heads and nice intake that I'm sure came on the $5,000 version of the ZZ4. If I wanted to replace the cam, do I need to buy a ZZ4 cam, use any kind of roller cam that is designed for a 95-00 year SBC block, or can I use a non-roller cam. The non-roller cams seem to be much cheaper, but I dont know if I can replace my roller lifters and roller cam with a non-roller cam and standard lifters. If I could do that do I need to change push rods? I have the standard "stamped" rocker arms. The cam was a little worn, but my machine shop assured me that it was ok to re-use.

 

To my knowledge if it didnt have aluminum heads its not a ZZ4,
Roller cams are a little more expensive because they are better than the flat tappet cam.
You can run a roller cam in a non roller block if you retrofit the block,change to roller lifters etc.If its a zz4 it started life as a roller block.If its a roller block I`d keep it that way and use a roller cam.

 

The ZZ4 is a performance crate engine from GM. It has the stuff mentioned by cuisinartvette (although all production engines from the late 80's-early 90's used PM rods). It is a steel crank (not forged). You can also get a ZZ4 shortblock. http://sdparts.com/category/gm-perfo...5hp-zz4-engine

It is unique only in the fact that all of the stuff is offered in a "crate" package. You can buy everything that goes into it.

The 880 block is not unique to the ZZ4.
"10243880...350...95-00...2 or 4...Vortec truck, Gen.I crate motors and "ZZ4", roller cam, one piece rear seal"

 

Does anyone think it would make a good motor for a Camaro or a boat? Thanks.

 

Its a good engine for either.Like stated in another post it wont make that power with a tpi unit.It has been proven a good mid to low 13 second quarter mile with tpi in a third gen.Probably better with carb and headers like it was dynoed with.Although the 355 was measured at the flywheel with no accessories.Well,maybe water pump.
IMO its a pretty good platform to start with.Especially if you`re new to all this.Look around a research this site.There is a ton of info on here if you search for it.Probably any question you can think to ask has been covered at one time or another.Oh yeah,and welcome to TGO!

 

Thanks, this is definitely a great place to sit a read for a while.

 

I agree.I just wish I had found this site a few years earlier.I would have saved myself a lot of time effort,headache and money.Enjoy!

 

It would be fine for a 3rd gen. It's basically the same block as the common 636 block used in 3rd gens.

Unless you know for a fact that this block was a ZZ4 in its past life, it won't have things like the steel crank the ZZ4 had. That doesn't really make it less worthy, though.

 

880 4 bolt block from a '00 Vortec truck engine is what I used to build my 500Hp 383

 

BUMP, I wanna see more posts on this thread. I have an zz4 also, but with 120k (I think) miles it needs to be rebuilt so I'm waiting for my tax refund next year to continue restoring my camaro. I'm not entirely sure if I wanna get an ls1 or rebuilt mine, (ls1 is getting kinda old, but cheap).