Can you make a ZZ4 engine look traditional?

I just ended up with a ZZ4 chevy engine for DIRT CHEAP. I am building a 30 model A rpu and I already installed a mild 350 with a th400. I have a pile of vintage parts to dress that engine up but I sure am impressed with the performance of the ZZ4.

My question is, can I make that engine look decent in a 60's style build without loosing any performance? If so, what parts do you reccomend?

 

I just stole this pic from the classifieds. What valve covers are these?

 

Possibly Moon but I cant tell on my phone. There are a number of things you can do. The easiest way is to adapt the centerbolt covers to perimeter covers. There are a few people makinga adapters. The intake is the same as earlier SBCs. Kill the HEI and you are there!

 

I was going to say use that style of finned valve covers. Everyone has thier spin on them. Holley, edelbrock. They sell adapters to use on the newer heads. You might even be able to find some triple carbs for it from edelbrock.

 

I have an old c4b single quad intake or a c26 dual quad. Will they work on this engine? Could I use those intakes with the small HEI that is on the engine? It has a GM performance tbi on it right now. Will the pulley brackets from an older engine work to replace the serpintine system that is on it now? Can I bolt up rams horns to these heads?

 

they are mooneyes "no name" valve covers. they are specifically designed for late model smallblocks. my dad has 'em on the ZZ4 in his 56 bel-air

 

Man, I am in the same boat. I have a badass ZZ4 but am not happy with the look of it placed in any old cars.

 

I have a ZZ4 with GM fast burn heads and they are drilled to use either style valve covers.

 

Google zz4 on you tube. Im sure there are a few videos there.

 

j will get a pic for ya of a guy who did a real nice job on 1 painted the heads and evreything i will tell more when i get pic

 

Yes to all the above with the exception of the HEI. you'll have to check but dual quads don't like to fit with HEIs.

Bolt pattern on the exhaust is the same but those heads have D shaped ports. You may have hard time getting them to seal.

The heads and block have the same accessory bolt holes, so going to the old style pulleys and brackets is no problem.

 

My '33 has ZZ4 with (Edelbrock) dual quads. HEI fits, so do ram's horns. Both used with original heads. I've now changed to TrickFlow heads and both still fit. (TrickFlows also use 'traditional' valve covers with no adapters)

 

ZZ4 and serpentine belt.....does that mean it may have a reverse flow waterpump? If that is the case be careful when switching over to standard brackets and pulleys....you may end up spinning the water pump backwards. Simple fix.....go with an olderstyle pump...an early model short if possible.

 

I was thinking some one made the "Olds" valve covers for the late GM centerbolts??

 

I have a ZZ4 in my '40 Chevy. It came with a factory long pump but no pullies so I'm not eure on its rotation. I put a normal rotation short pump and accessories on it. The plastic timing cover just touched the pump so I ground off the high spots on the cover. No problems.

 

That would be the easier way


Go here for the web page to buy some @ $149

http://www.shiny-hiney.com/rocket.html

 

Thanks guys, I will do this swap now for sure. I am going to shit bag the truck that the engine is in for a while before I pull it but this should be a blast in a rpu. This is going to be the third time that I am changing the trans mounts and I have never had this truck running.

 

The only way to make it look "traditional" is to run a hood until you find the motor that you really want.

Fake Rocket valve covers and little "do-dads" will just have people laughing behind your back.

 

I figured that I would get a comment like this but I like the performance and reliability that this engine will provide. It will be my daily driver and I drive around 100-120 miles a day. I am thinking about those finned valve covers, edelbrock c4b, holley double pumper, and rams horns manifolds. I am building this to drive so it is getting a rear four bar and newer rear end anyway, so it is not being a 100% era correct car any way.

 

My local speed shop has a set of camel hump heads with fresh valve job and bronze guide liners for $350 ; you could get twice that for your heads. Then short water pump and early corvette rams horn manifolds with appropriate alternator bracket. Also single groove pulleys and 1 long belt. 3X2 carbs off of a 348 or J 2 Olds and Mallory dual point .

 

Oh, I wasn't trying to be an ass. I honestly think your best bet is to run the hood while you assemble the motor that you really want.

You can build the car in the overall style you want without letting the motor distract from that theme. Hot Rods with hoods look great, so it's a win/win situation.

 

i have a ZZ4, I wasn't trying to hide it, but I did want to make it a little less "new". I went with the 1986 corvette valve covers, the edelbrock water pump (doesn't require the grinding) and the ram horn exhaust manifolds. The air cleaner is easy to deal with. The ZZ4 does require the vortec accessory mounts for alt & AC if you go that direction. Alan Grove has these.

 

If the engine you have with the "small HEI" is the one that is used with the TBI (and its a factory style TBI), it's computer controlled and won't work. If you want electronic, get an old Delco point distributor and a Pertronix, and convert it over. You can use any v-belt setup from an older engine, short or long pump, as long as you don't mix and match between the two types. Don't forget to replace the water pump either way, since it is reverse rotation. Any conventional SBC intake will work, as will the ram horns. If you want it to look more like an older small block, paint the heads and get a valve cover adapter to run old style covers. Those heads are the old C4 Vette aluminum heads, and while they are better than most stock iron heads they don't compare to any aftermarket head, and therefore don't bring any $$$ for resale. You will lose compression with practically any other head, though, since the combusion chambers are pretty small (around 58cc).

 

That's cool! My dad has a late model L31 sitting in his shop that he is confused about what to do with....maybe this will inspire!

 

we used a zz4. not really traditional, but I think it looks great....

what ya start out with:


After a bunch of grinding/sanding and prep work:

After Paint:


add a Milodon oil pan for a racier look(prepped/primed/painted)

add the Hilborn Injection/Joe Hunt Magneto/Ramhorns/Valve covers


finished in the chassis:

 

WoW!

 

I just keep the hood Down, The ZZ4 is an awesome engine though. My coupe on the other hand will have a half hood with 283, tri-power, cast iron rams horns, and a generator hanging out the side.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=409232

 

Holy Shit. That is BADD ASS! Thanks for the inspiration.

I bagged the hell out of the truck that it is in yesterday on the highway. These engines are great. My 11 month old even started cheering when my three year old son was reving it in the driveway.

 

How are the valve covers attached to that? is there an adapter.

 

It wouldn’t be “sixties” looking so much as early- to mid-fifties, but am I the only one who thinks these would look cool on a stovebolt-blue engine with “Blue Flame Eight” lettered on the wire looms and an oil-bath aircleaner?

-Dave