zz6 crate engine swap
I'm not sure if this is the correct place to ask some questions but i hope someone can point me in the right direction. i have a 67 corvette that has a non-number matching 327 that I want to replace with a zz6 crate engine. Is there anyone out there that has done this swap that could share some things to be aware of. While some places say it just drops right in, I'm sure there is more to it than that. Thanks for the help.
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Re: zz6 crate engine swap
Reinhardt------
It depends whether your intention is to make the ZZ6 appear as close as possible to an originally installed small block. If that's your intention, then I don't recommend going with a ZZ6.
However, if you're content with the ZZ6 configuration pretty much as-is, it is pretty much a drop-in kind of thing with a few caveats:
1) I'm not sure if the intake manifold supplied with this engine will provide enough clearance between whatever air cleaner you use and the hood. However, you can remove it and install a stock 1967 327 manifold, either base engine or L-79. There are other aftermarket aluminum manifolds that should fit, too;
2) You will need to change the waterpump to a short leg style. The long-leg pump supplied with the engine assembly will not work well in a Corvette chassis. This is not a big deal to change;
3) The HEI distributor supplied with this engine has no provisions for a tachometer drive. So, if you wish the stock tachometer to work, you will need to change the distributor to a conventional 1962-74 Corvette tach drive distributor or use an aftermarket HEI distributor equipped with a tach drive. In either case, you will need to change the distributor drive gear. You can remove the one supplied with the distributor and install it on the replacement you use;
4) The ZZ6 engine assembly is supplied with an automatic transmission flexplate. If your car is a manual transmission, you will have to remove the flexplate and replace with a flywheel.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: zz6 crate engine swap
According to Chevrolet, "The ZZ6 engine is manufactured on current production tooling; consequently you may encounter dissimilarities between the ZZ6 engine assembly and previous versions of the small block V-8."
I would check the mounting points for all your accessories, brackets, sensors. Correct location, size, thread? Correct plane (e.g., will pulleys and belts properly align and stack)? Will the oil pressure line and coolant temp sensor be in the same location and fit?
Does anything attach to your existing valve cover bolts? ZZ6 has center mounted valve cover bolts.
Are any brackets or wires routed over the valve covers? ZZ6 covers may be a different height.
ZZ4 uses an externally balanced flywheels/flexplate with a different mounting flange, so you'll need to determine if the one it comes with will work for you. Chevrolet offers several flywheel/flexplate sizes. Will the new flywheel be on the same plane as the original so the clutch linkage works? Flywheel choice also affects which starter and mounting brackets will fit.
I would also check to make sure which pilot bearing works with your transmission.
Chevrolet talks about recommended headers, but doesn't say anything about fitment of a stock manifold... I assume yours will fit?
This is for a Corvette, so hood clearance is a premium. As Joe suggests, confirm your original mainfold/carb/air cleaner will fit, or carefully choose another combination which will fit. Chevrolet doesn't say if vintage manifolds fit, but it sounds like Joe says they do.
Will original style motor mounts fit?
Be prepared for the little things never thought about... heater hose nipples, transmission cooling line brackets, timing tab, PCV plumbing,...Mark Edmondson
Dallas, Texas
Texas Chapter
1970 Coupe, Donnybrooke Green, Light Saddle LS5 M20 A31 C60 G81 N37 N40 UA6 U79
1993 Coupe, 40th Anniversary, 6-speed, PEG 1, FX3, CD, Bronze TopComment
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Re: zz6 crate engine swap
Thanks Joe,
I'm going with the turn key zz6 as it comes with intake and carb. I have a big block hood on the car so clearance will be ok. Others have brought up the water pump so I'll go with a short leg. Even with that some have said you have to grind one of the timing chain cover bolts as it interferes with the water pump but apparently not too hard to correct. Wil have to change the distributor and am going with a MSD that is tach drive. I have the original muncie 4 spd so will have to change out the flywheel. Still need to find a solution to exhaust manifold that will bolt up to the stock side pipes. have checked with Hedman and Hooker and they don't make a solution and still trying to find out if its possible to use the 327 exhaust but since the zz6 is a D port most everyone says it won't work. Once I find a solution to the exhaust manifold I hope there are no other issues. I'm sure someone has done this swap into a C2 but I just haven't found anyone yet. Thanks for your input.Comment
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Re: zz6 crate engine swap
Hi Mark,
since I'm going with the Turn Key version of the zz6 it comes with new alternator, belts, etc so no real problems there. Will need the correct flywheel as you point out. Original motor mounts will fit but I'm upgrading to Energy Suspension poly locking mounts which should help deal with the added torque. I'm sure there will be other little things like the water temp sensor having to be moved, etc but hopefully nothing too severe. Still looking for someone who has done it. Thanks for your inputComment
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Re: zz6 crate engine swap
I would look at one of the crate motors available from Summit, Jegs, etc that is based on a non-Vortec motor. Exhaust and intakes will fit, and it will be an easier swap.Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
71 "deer modified" coupe
72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
2008 coupe
Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.Comment
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Re: zz6 crate engine swap
I bought and installed Chevrolet's crate engine in the early 90's.. It is ZZ1 and installed it in my 1970 Corvette. I removed the ZZ1's water pump and installed the water pump from my removed 1970's 350/300 engine. Could not use the supplied flex plate that came on the ZZ1's engine to hook up my torque converter for my 1970's turbo 400. Still today I have the 1970's original exhaust manifolds on my ZZ1's engine that does have the aluminum heads. I did have an exhaust leak from the exhaust manifolds on start up, but fixed that with a pair of gaskets. No leaks since I installed them right away after I started the ZZ1 engine, easy fix. Used Corvette exhaust gaskets. My aluminum heads are D port. I used the drop down Corvette style air cleaner. My ZZ1 actually came with a higher intake than later model ZZ crate engines. Used my 70's original temperature indicator in the drivers head. I ran a new 12 volt wire from my fuse block in the car hooked to the IGN terminal to the connection for the HEI. No problems with it starting immediately with the ignition switch key. Drove my 1970 ZZ1 to work today.Comment
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Re: zz6 crate engine swap
Thanks for your comments Jim-- at least I now know that it can be done and while there have been improvements in the GM ZZ motors the ZZ6 installation should not be that different. It will be an interesting project and I hope I can pull it together. Thanks again for you input.
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Re: zz6 crate engine swap
Reinhardt------
The flywheel you'll need is a GM #14088650. This is a 12-3/4", 153 tooth flywheel for engines with 1 piece crank seal.
I'm not a big fan of poly motor mounts. Stock-type mounts will easily handle the torque of this engine. After all, they worked for L-88 and LS-6.
I think that stock exhaust manifolds will work with these heads if you use Fel-Pro #1470 gaskets.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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