Need more details but so far I was told that my ZZ4 is blown. Here's the timeline:

-ZZ4 installed with standard TPI but some upgraded components (SLP runners, SuperRam manifold, 24# injectors. MSD Distributor with MSD 6A and 8mm wires

-Vortech SC added with boost retard

-Ed Wright chip added based on engine / SC specs

Car ran fine from there for 5+ years. Recently car wouldn't start. Took it to a shop, they said it was the ignition box, not the MSD 6A but the ignition box that is part of the Vortech SC kit. Sent it to MSD, reinstalled, not the problem. Then they say it is the MSD distributor, replace it with a stock 1989 Camaro distributor, said anything more is a waste of money. Did not pick up the phone and ask me, made this decision for me. Replaced battery too.

Car now runs terribly. Won't idle at all (all over the place between 750rpm and 3000rpm), burning smell when running, some clicking noise when more than 30% throttle. Angry at shop who did above work at this point. Took car somewhere else who did some tests, said motor is blown. Again, need more details but they said in the email that the 24# injectors were not feeding it enough gas.

So did it run fine (seemingly) with no SES lights for years and then just suddenly die? Or did the stock distributor fry it even though it was used minimally after this stock distributor was installed? Combo of both?

Outside of that, need to decide what to do. New shop (never going back to other one again) recommends 383 that is made for SC and a new supercharger... apparently the one I have is obsolete and not serviceable anymore if something were to happen to it.

I know I want to be in around the 500hp mark. In my mind, I have a couple decisions: N/A motor that is 500hp or another SC'd motor? Still use TPI even though next to nobody works on it and tunes it anymore and parts are getting harder to find? Just go to standard carburetor? Don't think I'll be passing emissions either way but the TPI at least stays somewhat true to a 1989 IROC-Z.

Not sure what to think about what happened, not sure what to do about it (if anything). Also not sure what to do as far as a new engine setup.

Any thoughts / opinions / comments welcome.

 

well im running #24 injectors on my N/A zz4, so boosting one and staying with those injectors may have caused it to run lean and may have burned something up. but if it ran for 5 years that doesn't really make sense....

 

Wanted to mention that I never raced it with the SC, only once without before it was installed. Boost retard box was always at FULL RETARD, ALWAYS.

Again, no SES lights either. Can't lean trigger that?

 

I feel for ya... Good luck with that.