ZZ4 swap?

[wluessen]

I am in need to replace my tired L-79 327 engine.
What I would like to do is purchase a GM ZZ4 SHORT BLOCK and install my 202 camel back heads, and stock alum. intake.
Does anyone know if this would work? I have read good things about the ZZ4 but would still like to keep the top end looking like a L-79.:cool

 

[allcoupedup]

The first thing I think of is plumping a crankcase ventilaltion sytem. If cloning your old 327 is important (i.e. script valve covers) - you're going to have to modify them as the ZZ4 does not have the draft tube opening at the back of the block.

Brian

 

[wluessen]

so just mounting the stock intake with the draft tube going to the air cleaner won't vent the crank case?

 

[allcoupedup]

THe tube that is connected to the back of the air claner actually attached to the block - not the intake. I've seen pictures here and there of crate motor installs made to look like midyear 327's. Most of them are evident only by the crankcase vent set-up. Some were very well disguised.
I'm sure someone with ZZ$ knowledge will weigh in but I don't thin the blocks have an opening at the same location as the 327's
brian

 

[youwish2bme]

Well since I've been researching this a lot and mulling it over I'll give you my .02... My engine is tired also, it's NOM though. My dad has the ZZ1 same engine just older than the ZZ4. He's been pushing me towards the ZZ4. I'm hesitant to do so. I like the sound, look and the rev's of the 327.

The ZZ4 can be made to look like the 327 somewhat... The valve covers can be used with the adapters, just don't plan on doing the cam/lifter upgrade b/c I don't think the 1.6 rockers will fit under the stock covers in this situation. Not sure about that one.
Using the stock valve covers you can do one of two things...

Drill a hole for a pcv in the valve covers

Drill a hole in the rear of the intake manifold and run a tube to the air cleaner..

Both have been done.. Seen em both here and on CF

The ZZ4 is a great crate motor 355hp 405lbs of torque. For $3600.00 plus tax or shipping pick your poison.

What you'll most likely need.

Flywheel-the one that comes with it will not work
Water pump-it comes with a long one
Dist-It doesn't have tach drive
Bellhousing-I'm not sure but I don't think the 403 bellhousing will work..
engine + tax/shipping + above
So for 3600+ 300+ 700= 4600.00

Now you can call Classic Engine company and get a complete turn key 327 for your car for 4500.00 delivered to the loading dock.

It's up to you man. I guess is what I'm trying to say. Sorry so long.... Dave..

 

[youwish2bme]

Here's what it looks like in the engine bay..

http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=616a4557-42a5-2a11-13bd-430e2d833ab0&size=


http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=629f3e61-2c84-27db-4751-13fb53d44bc3&size=

 

[BLACK MOON]

Why don't you rebuild? It can't be thet tired. I pulled mine three Saturdays ago and had it done and back on the following Friday. Heads complete, rings, bearings, polish crank, light hone to cylinders, (I was lucky and it didn't need a bore) 327/350 cam, lifters, new push rods. surface flywheel, new centerforce clutch.

It did take me a week to get it back in because I wanted it to be all pretty and polished but the total machine shop and parts was $776 (including assembly of short block) $410 for cam and clutch.

You can't beat those prices. Motor sounds great. I've almost got 500 miles on it so I can start turning it up once in awhile.

Good luck which ever way you go.

 

[vettefinderjim]

check the flywheel

When you install the ZZ-4, the flywheel that comes with the motor must be used or a CORRECT service replacement. This engine is balanced from within, where the older 327 was balanced differently. Check closely with your dealer.

If you screw on the old flywheel to the new engine you will get a vibration that will be so bad, that it may break the crank shaft.