Hello newbie to the group. I purchased my 1985 IROC 2 months ago. Since then had a radiator leak and numerous motor leaks. After having it looked at pretty much all gaskets are shot, lifters are ticking and blowing white smoke. I called around to a few shops and one happened to have a customer with a ZZ4 motor that was coming out of a gto that wanted the original Pontiac motor. In reading it sounds like these are pretty good motors but HP might be overstated. Also I would be losing my TPI for a carburetor which shouldn’t be a problem since it’s not a daily driver. The cost is $3,500 for the motor and $2,000 to put it in plus 800-1000 for new headers and exhaust. The other option is a blueprint motor. Looks like the costs are pretty comparable. This is a big investment and any input would be appreciated. I don’t need a race car just a fun cruiser that had 300-400 hp That will light up the tires and is reliable.
Thanks

 

Id take the ZZ4 without a doubt. Its basicly a Corvette L98 with an LT4 cam. With some studying up on it and tuning I don't see why you couldn't run TPI on a ZZ4 Seen lots of engines run on TPI more rowdy than this.

 

Thanks for your response. I just talked to the mechanic and you are correct it can be made to run TPI but sounds like a $1,500 add on. That might be an option on the future. Should be a big improvement from my 305.

 

Not a big improvement- A HUGE improvement Lol! I think you will be happy. A guy I know in town here swapped in an old 350HO engine, which I think was a ZZ motor in place of the LG4 his Z28 . He said with no other changes but headers and posi the thing ran 13.4s and I don't doubt it a bit because I only beat him by half a car in a drag race when my 82 ran 13.2s Those ZZ motors are strong, just a great street engine with good manners in traffic.

 

Thanks. Now I’m excited to hear this thing run. I’m going on Tuesday to see it and hear it.

 

There were several ZZ motors. One had a rowdy hyd roller like 230? dur, another witha flat tappet cam 212-22 duration IIRC ,and the other which I like better had the roller cam 208-221 duration. The 58cc 113 heads may have some changes over the years also butthe one with the LT4 cam 208-221 was the best IMO.

 

take the zz4 I have it with a stock tpi set up and I'm getting 300hp at the wheels.

 

.......or you could buy a Horror Fright engine hoist for $239.99, and do the job yourself over a couple of weekends, and then sell the hoist.


Just sayin'

 

The 390 HP Blueprint motor with aluminum heads will make more than the ZZ4. And they have a very take idle. Easy to tune on TPI. Just did one on an 87 Camaro.

Stay with the fuel injection. It might cost a little more to do it, but going backward to a carb on a factory FI car is stupid.

GD

 

$3,500 for a used ZZ4 long block? $2,000 labor for a motor swap? Neither of those sound like a good deal to me. Am I missing something here?

 

Thanks for everyone’s input. I wish I had the skills to do it myself. The two prices I got to install were $2k and $2500. In looking at crate motors they looked to be in the $3,000-$5,000 range. The used one has about 2k miles on it. I appreciate everyone’s input as this is something I have very little knowledge other than what I have been reading on here and other sites.

 

I'd buy a GM motor anyday over a BluePrint motor. Just too many horror stories. True? I dunno....but I won't take the chance. The ZZ4 is a good motor. As stated, it's basically the TPI L98 with alum heads and an LT4 cam....more less.

Don't go carb, as stated, going backwards makes no sense in most cases. The TPI will work, especially if you already have all the wiring and hardware in place. ...you'll need to have it tuned, but there's plenty of info on it here. Best bet is to read what you can and ask questions, like THIS thread. ...we'll getcha going

 

I am suspicious of a 2k mile pull out. I would want a leak down test performed with me watching.

 

what he said! Way too much for a used zz4! They don't come up often, but I've seen them, and sold one, for half that on Craigslist! And 2 grand to swap it? Send me your car and 5 grand and I'll find a motor and install it for you lol

 

I'm going on 21 years with my ZZ4, and I haven't been gentle with it.

Definitely high quality stuff.

 

A quick search turned up a new ZZ4 pt#24502609, MSRP $5427, discount price $4099 Based on those numbers, $3500 for a used ZZ4 sounds pretty high.