Gents, Hope all is well. I am looking at buying an 81 vette all stock at about $9K. I wanted to install a ZZ4 crate motor in it to have a good looking vette with a new engine and good performance. Here is the link to the crate motor.
ZZ4 Crate Motor
I only wanted to buy the crate motor and stuff it in. Are there upgrades you recommend I get with it? cam? intake? carb? i have about $5K to spend on the motor. My intent is to drive it on weekends and open it up once in a while. Also, will this bolt right up to the stock3spd auto tranny? will the accessories and pullies bolt directly on? I intend to call the engine builder and ask these questions but wanted a second opinion.

 

You have a good plan and should end up with a great car. The ZZ4 is a great motor. There is someone on this forum sometimes (NY MAN, I think) who has one in a restored Chevelle and loves it: performs a bit better than the big block (396) did in the original.

With crate motors, my experience is: 1) subtract 20 HP from the rating to get an equivalent to ratings of engines in cars (e.g, the 350 HP of the 2003 Corvette) - the 355 Hp ZZ4 is equivalent to about 335 HP., 2) When buying GM or name brand crate engines buy the carbs, etc., the builder recommends, if you can buy the entire package (with carbs, etc.) you get a compatible package, 3) realize though that if you put headers on the engine (I would) you may have to rejet the carb a bit to compensate, 4) the engine will produce signifcantly more power than the original so do not abuse the trans and rear end or you will be replacing them soon.

 

lee's oppinion was a good one.how mild to wild do you want to go . i had a zz4 in a 73 camaro.it was a very good motor. has steel crank,pm rods . forged pistons.roller cam,and decent heads.i ran a little bigger cam then the one that came with the short block,i ran a edelbrock air gap intake manifold had the heads ported stage 2.a 650 holly vacume secondary carb,roller rockers 1.6..long tube headers [hooker super comp].msd distributor and buz box and blaster 2 coil,the cam was a custom cut cam made for the motor and tranny and gears and stall converter,made power from 2500 to 6500 rpm all day the camaro ran 12.37 on drag radials-.with 373 gears and a 2800 stall converter.that was like 3years ago and the car is still runing at the track the last time i saw it with the same mods and no rebuild., so i would say great choice.

good luck.

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Thanks for the input gentlemen. The 81 Vette for $9K is not looking so good. All the picutres the seller sent had rust indicators all over the interior. I think it would probably get worse under the rocker panels, windshield posts, etc. I am intent on getting a C3, preferably an 81, and putting a ZZ4 Crate Motor in it. I'm just looking for a good platform to start with. I will keep looking and if you find a good buy on an 81 Vette, please let me know. I'm looking to spend about $9K for a project car. Looking forward to working with you guys.
Semper Fi

 

well good luck in your findings.hope you score big,were do you live.

 

I live in New Baltimore. Mi. just outside of Detroit.