FastChick

My car needs a new engine, my trusted mechanic says the 305 TBI has a bad head gasket after 220k and I don't want to fix it as I would like to have more power, I was looking at the GM crate engines and noticed they have a ZZ6 EFI kit available now, I really like the idea of having a GM designed replacement installed in my car, I know there are cheaper ways but I have plenty of money, I just want a good reliable factory engine, anybody know much about this kit? I can't find much online about it.

https://www.chevrolet.com/performanc...zz6-efi-deluxe

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Hmm... A little over $7,000 for 420hp. A ZZ short block runs $2,200. Fast Burn heads, another $1,600. Call it $4,000 for the long block. Is a basic GM universal engine management system (the EFI computer) and a multi-port intake system worth $3,000? As a bargain hunter, I'm not really seeing it as being a great buy. My gut tells me that a junkyard 5.3L, or even a sub-$2,000 L31 crate motor, with some careful tweaks could beat the HP/Dollar. It's very GM that they put this all together and then priced it out of the reach of the target market. Aside from the cylinder heads, it's a very basic setup, and the heads are old technology at this point.

I think if I wanted what that package represents, I could probably piece together something that would do the same thing for a lot less money. It just wouldn't come in kit form with all the bugs worked out, and a price tag to match.

FastChick

Well convenience comes at a price, I don't want to piece it together and then have to "hope" it runs good just to save a few bucks, I'm also planning on driving the car cross country soon and want peace of mind it's going to run flawlessly.

Abubaca

iTrader: (3)

I don't think this is too much to pay, given two factors. First, you obviously have to be able to afford the price. Second, you should be educated, and understand that if you were willing to piece together the system, you could get more power for less money. If you have taken those two things into account, and still like the zz6 EFI for $7000 or whatever the given price, then I think it's a great option.

aliceempire

iTrader: (14)

It's a bit expensive but not TOO out of line for a factory backed and tuned engine. My concern would be exhaust, drivetrain and incidentals (fuel pump, coolant hoses, accessories, air intake, etc) that would bring initial cost up well beyond the ~400hp for ~$7000. Take that into account as well. Also if you're farming out the labor (ie your "Trusted Mechanic") then the costs continue to go up. $7000 is long in the rear view mirror at that point. Just something to think about.

FastChick

Thanks for the reply's, and yes I know there will be other cost's involved, I grew up in a garage and could probably do the work myself, I just don't have the time, and my trusted mechanic is also by brother in law who owes me a lot of favors so the work is free!!!

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

A 24 month warranty from GM for a BRAND NEW 420 HP engine with EFI..........You cant go wrong !!
I think it's a good deal and if I was looking to replace an engine that's what I'd get !!

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

Vortec crate engine + new fuel pump + afpr + intake+ chip burn and you save lots of $ and probably add 75 hp. Were talking probably $2800 on these parts...not bad.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

That's not a replacement, that's a full-on engine swap. New ECM, new harness, new fuel system, new intake.... Heck, I'm not even sure it will clear the hood. Same amount of work as swapping in an LS.

ULTM8Z

they're still running that rinky dink little ZZ4 cam and claiming 420 hp? suffice it to say I have my doubts...

I'm running essentially the same engine, except AFR heads (which are at least as good) and a little bigger cam, along with a Minram intake and I know I'm not making 420 hp... the car is still very fast, but 420 hp? dont think so...

unless they're still rating it as gross hp with no accessories hooked up.

though I will say... I'm loving those rocker covers. I may have to get me a set...

Drew

iTrader: (58)

I'd also wonder about the ECM system they're using. Is it still the MEFI fuel injection system? How friendly is the wiring harness going to just drop into a thirdgen and cooperate with the transmission and all the other systems in the car? No doubt it's like most 'Universal' solutions, one size fits all equally well or poorly. In practice, I'd expect that integrating the EFI controller into the rest of the car would be just as complicated as any other EFI swap.

I wouldn't overestimate what you're getting for the money. If anything there are unacknowledged difficulties involved.

davidsra

It won't clear the hood. I swapped my 305 TBI for a ZZ6 and a Holley Sniper EFI and needed to get a 2 1/2" cowl hood. Not a bad thing as it looks good. I enjoy the extra HP from the ZZ6 as it is a massive step up from my '91 RS 305.