new cam for ZZ4

[daveL82]

The ZZ4 motor has been a great engine for my 80 vette however now I need to upgrade the motor a bit to match the suspension. So now I'm looking for a hydraulic roller for the motor. Suggestions?

Car basics:

-Used on street and road race track days
-5 link rear suspension with coil overs, front suspension modes, flares, 17 x 10rims on front and 18 x 12 rims on rear with modern hp tires (car sticks!).
-stock rear gear but using Doug Nash 5 speed which equals much lower gearing
-aluminum flywheel and modern clutch
-roll bar and harness
- wilwood brakes on all 4 corners
- aluminum rad and electric fans
- cast iron headers from Sanderson with high flow exhaust

Will upgrade heads on ZZ4 down the road but not now. Can sacrifice some driveability to gain torque and hp. Willing to change cam, springs, and rocker arms.

 

[pcf_mark]

Hot Rod just did an upgrade test on this engine.

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/engine/hrdp_0902_small_block_chevy_bolt_ons/index.html

I have one too and read with interest! Cam and head swap is worth almost 100 HP.

 

[Twin_Turbo]

The ZZ4 cam is nothing fancy at all. Gotta be careful with those ZZ4 heads, the spring pockets don't allow for very large valves and if you have very stiff roller springs you can get into problems with the seat being pushed in. Also there are lift constraints with the seal and spring retainer. With these issues you will have to select a cam that works with those heads (their valve size capability), since you want to eventually upgrade the heads I would say di it later and all at once so you don't have to buy 2 cams.

 

[mrvette]

I have a ZZ9 cam from TPIS, been in the '89 factory roller block since '97....

the engine runs fine, had my fuel troubles, but nothing due to the cam...idle is 850 rpm, and you can find the specs on TPIS web site, if not, I can look for them....

I drive this nearly every day, and would like better fuel economy, think I maybe swap cams with you....

:bonkers::loveletter:

 

[daveL82]

yeah I'm a bit limited by the L89 aluminum heads but buying new heads may be some time off. Thought was go down the road something similar to the hot cam but maybe allow for more duration as this doesn't have to be a high vaccum smooth idle motor. I don't use vaccum for headlights or power brake booster anymore.

 

[mrvette]

yeah I'm a bit limited by the L89 aluminum heads but buying new heads may be some time off. Thought was go down the road something similar to the hot cam but maybe allow for more duration as this doesn't have to be a high vaccum smooth idle motor. I don't use vaccum for headlights or power brake booster anymore.

.o50 is 2/1/226 duration lift at valve with 1.5 rockers is .484/.520 c/line is 108 separation is 112

the way I have read it in the past is it's a step up from the ZZ4 hot cam....

so for ME to step down, I figger the plain jane ZZ4 cam is what I want....otherwise it's not enough change.....

this has been in long enough to need a timing chain anyway, and I want to actually paint/powercoat the intake so for me to change cams at that juncture is a no sweat thing....8 bolts on the valve covers and the sob is mine....

lemme know...

:beer:

 

[TopGunn]

I installed the GM 383 cam along with Brodix IK180 heads and Weiand intake on my ZZ4. It Really woke the engine up without sacrificing the nice manners of the ZZ4.

 

[mrvette]

I installed the GM 383 cam along with Brodix IK180 heads and Weiand intake on my ZZ4. It Really woke the engine up without sacrificing the nice manners of the ZZ4.

If you have no use of your stock ZZ4 factory roller cam, lemme know....I think I have a home for it.....
:beer:

 

[daveL82]

Mr Vette - Give me a few days to pull the box down and see what's in it.

 

[TopGunn]

I installed the GM 383 cam along with Brodix IK180 heads and Weiand intake on my ZZ4. It Really woke the engine up without sacrificing the nice manners of the ZZ4.

If you have no use of your stock ZZ4 factory roller cam, lemme know....I think I have a home for it.....
:beer:

I had to wait till I got home to look, couldn't remember if I still had it or not. Guess not, I sold it a year or so ago. It was pretty new, only mabe 1500 miles or so. Sorry.

 

[Twin_Turbo]

I would like to buy me a zz9 cam for my iroc with supercharger