ZZ572 Crate Motor to be installed in a C3

[Gordon A.]

The question is whether or not anyone has experience putting this GM crate motor in a C3. This block is taller than the 454 motor and creates some clearance issues for the heads, valve covers and exhaust headers. I'd like to know if anyone has determined that either this can or cannot be done.

[John H.]

Re: ZZ572 Crate Motor to be installed in a C3

Gordon -

Don't know about a C3, but the tall-deck 572 crate motor fits in a '67 with a stock GM 3x2 intake and carbs; only had to take about 1/4" out of the height of the air cleaner support screen and foam to fit under the stock BB hood. This is the "King Ray" project car built for "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine by Jerry Clark.

[Joe L.]

Re: ZZ572 Crate Motor to be installed in a C3

Gordon-----

Unless one is prepared to make SERIOUS modifications to the rest of the drivetrain, I do not recommend the installation of a crate 572 engine in any Corvette.

[Lyndon S.]

Re: ZZ572 Crate Motor to be installed in a C3

why? is it to much engine?

[Dick W.]

Re: ZZ572 Crate Motor to be installed in a C3

Unless you like replacing half shafts, stub axles, rear spindles, and u-joints, it is too much engine.

[Joe L.]

Re: ZZ572 Crate Motor to be installed in a C3

Dick and Kelly----

...and the differential unit, too. Probably the clutch and transmission, as well. No part of the 63-82 Corvette drivetrain was designed to handle this kind of horsepower and torque. If you "baby it", the stock drivetrain might hold up for awhile. However, if you have to "baby it", then why install this sort of an engine in the first place?

[Gordon A.]

Re: ZZ572 Crate Motor to be installed in a C3

All your comments about the power of this motor miss the essential point that it would be fun to do. All of the power train is going to be replaced, though I suspect the full power of the motor will never be really put to the test and further that the tires will spin long before it strains the drive train.

In any event, I appreciate your comments.

[John Daly]

Re: ZZ572 Crate Motor to be installed in a C3

Another reason besides the ones joe mentioned is cost. The 572 engine p/n 12498827 lists at over $18k. Even if the dealer gives a good discount it's serious cash. There was a good post on the CF website last month detailing how to mix and match some GM parts to get there for less money.

[John H.]

Re: ZZ572 Crate Motor to be installed in a C3

None of the driveline in the "King Ray" project car is original - it has a Tremec TKO-600 transmission, super-duty carbon-fiber driveshaft and half-shafts, and a Van Steel/Tom's Differentials custom-built diff and spindles. Only problem is keeping it pointed straight ahead.

[Mark #28455]

Stock intake fit?

The only way to get a passenger deck height intake to fit on a heavy truck height block is to use aftermarket spacers between the intake and the heads. As far as I know, this is available for the rectangular port engines, but I haven't seen one for the oval ports.
Mark