another ZZ4 question

[drduckster]

I am looking at installing a ZZ4 350/355 HO, within the next 6 to 8 months. my question is will I need to install a turbo 400 or what can I do to the current turbo 350 to have a dependable yet decent hot rod. Or do I need to look at a 700r4? Also I like the 3:70 gears, do I need to replace these also? I do not drag my car or any type of autocross, but I want a solid cruiser that I could take some trips in if the opportunity comes up. Sorry for the number of questions, but before I spend the money, I would like as much info as possible and any suggestions that the group may have. 1976 coupe. Opps ....... what kind of luck are ya'll having with the uni-lug wheels, American Racing in particular. thanks Donald

 

[Scooter76]

As long as your TH350 is is good condition it should be ok behind a ZZ4. If you plan on running a converter that has a higher stall than stock you may want to install a cooler for the trans. Also a good shift kit will firm up the shifts & also cut down on slippage during shifts. If you are looking into an overdrive trans you have the 700r4 & the 200r4. Each when built properly has some advantages. The 700 has a deep 1st gear for excelent standing start acceleration. The 200 is geared simmular to your th350 & from what I understand is almost a bolt in swap for a Th350. You can check them out at Bowtieoverdrives.com

Good luck

 

[M&W's72vette]

Donald, a friend put the same engine in his 73 and he had a 400 trans with 3.08 rear gears. His engine dyno'd out to 375 horse (it was a crate motor from Sallee Motors) and he got 15 mpg on road trips with it. Last year he bought a 700 trans from bowtie overdrives, it was a kit and comes with everything to make the swap and his mileage jumped to a high 20 to 21 mpg. He averages about 12000 miles a summer with it and is very happy with the performance gain of the 700's low gear and the overdrive for gas mileage. Hope this info helps.

MIke

 

[drduckster]

This is exactly the kind of info that I need, I have a lot of options and I am trying to make all the decisions ahead of time. I am sure that I will have many more later, thanks for the responses. Is this the same Chris McDonald with the 69, in the Feb 2003, edition of Vette magazine??