350ci Performance

[BlueAgave66]

Based on feedback regarding my initial thoughts of putting in a 454 in my '66 coupe, I am now making a final decision regarding putting in a ZZ4 with Edelbrock 750 and TH350. Also replacing the radiator (has A/C) and exhaust system. What kind of 0-60 performance can I expect and cruising around town? Any thoughts on the carb or tran assuming I want to stay with auto? Thanks

 

[magicv8]

I just mailed your post to a friend in TX who is trying to get his new crate engine with auto, A-C and a new radiator to run at acceptable temps.

My guess is that if you want to stay with auto and A-C you will need an electric fan and thermostat control.

DZVETTE has a 10 inch push fan helping his engine fan (with a new clutch) and still has some city traffic problems on hot days with A-C.

I am installing a 16 inch Derale pull fan in place of my engine fan soon, along with a Derale adjustable tstat with radiator core probe. My car has A-C and a new aluminum radiator. Even without the Powerglide, it overheats in city traffic on 90F and higher days with the A-C running. I am determined to defeat the problem. I will try to install the fan in the shroud, instead of on the radiator (hot rod style).

Stay tuned. If it works for me, my guess is it will work for you too.

 

[Tom Bryant]

A ZZ4 is a great engine but why not a Fastburn 385 with the H.O.T. cam? I have a friend with one in a '68 that idles smooth and has great response even in heavy traffic. He also stayed with the iron exhaust manifolds because he didn't want the header hassles. Just has to elongate one hole a little.

Also why not a 700R4 trans if you are going to change that too? For the same price (approx) as a crate 350thm you can get a 700R4 built to your cars specs, dynoed, warranteed and sold with the instalation goodies from places like Phoenix Transmissions. You will have a lower 1st gear for more stomp off of the line and the .70 overdrive for highway cruising.

Tom

 

[BlueAgave66]

350ci performance

Thanks for the reply, I was just going to post the question about the 700R4. This site is so useful for ideas on how to spend my money. Will the 700R4 fit in a '66 without major adjustments? I did discuss the Fastburn but decided it was a wee bit past my needs. With the 350ci crate/Edelbrock 750 and 700R4 I assume I will have a little more pep than my 327ci/small carb and PG.

 

[Tom Bryant]

I know that the 700R4 has been discussed many times here. Try a search of the C1 and 2 and the C3 Technical discussion forums.

Tom

 

[youwish2bme]

I spoke well of the ZZ4 in your last post and you know it's a great engine. My dad has it in his and I was leaning that way until today. I'm at the Expo and there are two pretty much identical 66 verts sitting side by side for sale one is a numbers/correct 327 and the other is a ZZ4. Now the correct went home for 32k and the ZZ4 left for below his asking of 32.5k. I'm not a numbers guy but I am a $$$$$$ guy. I love my vette but if I had to sell it for somereason with the ZZ4 or any other 350ci engine is going to completely devalue the car to as if it had no engine at all. I'm now personally going to find me as I started looking in the first place a 3858174 block to rebuild. However just for added performance I'm going to order me a Keisler. Now you say but Dave you just said it would be worth more with the correct parts on the car. Well I'm going keep the 4spd and reinstall it if I were to sell the car. That goes for my 17" TTII's the rallies with Hubcaps would go back on. Now that I'm drinking a little I'll stop rambling and let you guys go at it... Dave..