Hey everybody, I havent posted In a long time. But finally have a lot cooking for my '85 Z28, (check it out in my profile) Next year I will be doing an engine swap and build. Im trying to figure out all the parts im going to try and acquire, and learn about and I want to hear from anyone elses experience. My general Idea is this: I have a 350 TPI in it now, instead of working with that motor, I will be putting in a GMPP ZZ3 crate that ive had for a time now. Google and check specs if you're unfamiliar with it. Then I plan on modding that a bit, looking to make this a pretty potent motor. looking to run maybe low 12's in the 1/4 (most of the cars other components will be upgraded to assist this) But im thinking around 370-400 Horses will do me pretty good and rather possible, while remaining a reliable cruiser. I plan on relying on a heavy Cam, and roller setup, along with big carb/intake (Yes i plan on ditching the F.I.) and good Ignition setup, to make the brunt of the power, nothing too fancy or expensive. Basically looking to be faster than most turbo cars, especially in the case of my best friend having an Evo 9 recently. The next time I see him when hes out of the USAF I want my Camaro to still be on top. I plan on keeping the stock 700R4, and for now un modded. Any input or resembling builds I would love to hear about, Thanks!

 

ZZ3 had slightly less Hp (345 vs 355 ) than the ZZ4 but still similar components

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/e...s/viewall.html

 

As that article shows, the heads, cam, and intake don't cut it. I assume you no longer have the ZZ3 intake, since you have TPI on it now.

"Big carb" - don't be ridiculous, now. They could have produced the same results with a 650 DP. Anything over the 750 DP they used will be a waste.

I wouldn't even mess with turbo cars. There's an unfair advantage there, and it's not yours.

 

No, the ZZ3 Is in an old suburban of mine not being used. the TPI is in my Camaro atm. I will be switching them out for each other, I already have the ZZ3 available so I will use that as a base. I was thinking a 750 of some sort for a carb. It already has a 750 on it, but its old and I just want to get a new one. As for the whole keeping up with turbo cars, I think it can be done just fine. If I dont reach these goals its not the end of the world, Im mostly just doing it for myself, but it would really be a great bonus if I were able to run with a turbo car. A decent setup that allows me to make some HP up top (so pretty much anything that doesn't involve TPI) will give me a good chance. But regardless im looking to make a build and im asking if anyone happens to know any decent setups offhand, or links that might give me a little reference. And any other suggestions are a help.

 

To maintain a reliable cruiser with a 350, the article put you in the ballpark.

You want more than that, I suggest you stroke it.

I still think it's a fool's errand to expect to keep up with turbo cars with a NA cruiser. Especially the top end - that's where they shine.

I could also say, "You're talking about what the LS engines do naturally." But, since your starting point is using the ZZ3...

 

Your definitely right about the LS comparison. Thougth about it, but I dont have the money for such a swap, and I figured Id use what I already have. Basically if I can get the car to do around 12-12.5 in the 1/4 that will be great. (really as long as its not what I have going now Ill be happy)

 

I had a ZZ3 clone in my '82 for awhile. ZZ3 shortblock (rebuilt .030" over), intake and cam; ported World Products 305 heads (supposed to be 58cc, were actually 64cc); CC q-jet system; Hooker 2055HKR headers, 3" aftermarket catback; TH700 with shift kit and 2500 stall; and 3.23 gears. At sea level, it ran 13.4's. It needed more stall and more gear, probably would have gotten into the high 12's with them. It weighed about 3500 lbs going down the track at that time.

If I'm understanding correctly, you're planning on better cam, better intake, and Holley carb. As the article shows, the ZZ3 heads aren't going to cut it. At the very least they should be ported by someone who knows what they're doing. Even better would be to get some aftermarket heads, like AFR 195s with 64cc chambers. Pair that with a healthy cam (many good ones available from Comp, Lunati, Bullet, etc.), for example this Comp http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cc...make/chevrolet . That's a little more cam than they used in the article. You're going to need a good intake with that, a Performer RPM should do. You'll need at LEAST 3000 stall (a stock torque converter will make the poor car into a dog), 3500 more like it. If you go with a single plane intake like a Victor Jr, you'll probably pick up a little on the top end, but now figure on 4000 stall minimum.

Do all that, and you're easily over 400 HP at the crank with good exhaust and tune. Now, put a 3.75" stroke crank in it (with appropriate pistons, of course), and you're probably over 450 HP.

 

Did you read the link I posted for you ????

As 57K stated several times , it outlines the limitations of the ZZ3 heads in stock form

 

@ vetteoz I did read the article, and thank you btw I just wanted other opinions and personal experiences from others. And 57kid Thanks a great deal for your input, definitely a few things to think about, good thing I have plenty of time for this build. I agree I should replace the converter. And yes that is correct, bigger intake and cam, and I probably will just get some better heads on there, a no brainer really. Im very excited to finally be going at all my projects. Got a brand new Harwood fiberglass hood a couple weeks ago, and all the supplies and what not, and will be starting body work to make the Z perfect. Then next year will be this proposed engine build.

 

your goal of 370-400 is actually very easy to get.
with just a LT4 Hot Cam Kit the ZZ3 will be in the 370 to 380 range
LT1 pistons will get you to 10 to 1 compression and likely about 10 more horsepower too. Depending on the carb you run a Edelbrock Performer or Edelbrock Performer EPS will also gain a few horsepower too

 

Agreed My dad just bought a zz4 short block and put some heads 58cc I believe and a cam with holly 750 and performer rpm and it runs great. I don't know exact numbers but it's right around 400 hp easy. I will get the specs on cam and heads later for you.