Topic: Where did ya'll buy your crate engine?
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
If you go serpentine, you'll need a reverse rotation water pump and fan. That's why most serpentine kits come with a water pump so you get the correct one. You would still need to order a reverse fan and fan clutch...either that or go with an electric fan setup.
The GM Performance serpentine fan kit is an excellent one. It doesn't have the 'wow" factor a March, Zoops or Billet Specialties kit does, but it has several advantages...it costs less tha half as much as the others, it has stock GM parts and you can get parts and service from any GM dealer. You can't do that if say, your March alternator goes bad on you.
The GM Performance serpentine fan kit is an excellent one. It doesn't have the 'wow" factor a March, Zoops or Billet Specialties kit does, but it has several advantages...it costs less tha half as much as the others, it has stock GM parts and you can get parts and service from any GM dealer. You can't do that if say, your March alternator goes bad on you.
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Congrats on your ZZZZ ZZZZ 4444 JimG:
I ordered my crate from Jegs and was happy with two exceptions. They sent the unit to a freight carrier 3 hours roundtrip from my home that I had to go get and haul back after I asked them to please send to one of the many carriers 20 minutes from the house.
Secondly, see if your crate comes with the dipstick. I didn't get the ZZ4 due to potentially changing out the hood. That being said, I got the 330 hp motor. Problem was that their literature did not mention a driver and passenger side dipstick. I ordered a dipstick and it did not work and when I called them back I eventually ordered a stainless stick which looks great, but when I got it in, it would not work on the passenger side. The dude told me it was for the driver side and I begged to differ with him. Then he informed me of the driver side hole, which I and my two buddies missed getting the unit ready to install. I had to order a $6 plug from the GM dealer close by. That solved that!
I put the Dewitts aluminum radiator, dual spals and the March serpentine set up. It was more than twice the GM set up and March says their system bolts right up. Yes, it bolts right up after you tap the head on the passenger side into the water jacket and grind down the high dollar clear coated bracket so it will clear the intake manifold. Their power steering pump is top notch though. That saginaw pump I had was a PIA. Plus getting around and adjusting the belt is a piece of cake; however, they can be out of stock on components for weeks. I came close to cancelling my order with them after the third week of waiting.
Good Luck and enjoy, I know I am!!! Rick
I'm still intimidated by the actual pulling and replacing thing but I'm gonna try it.
Lifetime Member #73
The Money Pit.... and my niece
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Like I told you on the phone the other day Jim... I worked with you briefly on the road at Pigeon Forge, and I see that you are definitely mechanically inclined. Just go for it!. I know you can do an engine swap. If you run into a snag you have my number, feel free to call for advise.
Darryl81 2007-02-28 19:21:23
I got my engine from a local GM dealer that was a GMPP participant. They call me up when they ran a special on the engine I was interested in. I got my engine on sale for $2064 w/tax a few years ago. It was the 350 HO 330hp unit.
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SHELBYVILLE, TN - USA
Joined: 7/5/2002
Posts: 3942
Vette(s): 1976 L48 auto
1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
Hey Jim,
Kinda agree with Darryl(Sarge)... you are capable of doing it. Just takes a wrench(or three) and a little time. Oh, and an engine hoist doesnt hurt either... just take your time with it and you'll do fine. I also gotten my zz4 from jegs(355 horse, aluminum heads complete engine minus carb and starter...even came with the spark plugs) i did have to replace the water pump(came with a long) with a short one. Again no biggie... (anyone in need of a long style pump? kidding... that was 5 years ago, not sure i could find it). Good luck Jim
in Forum: C3 Engines
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