I thought I'd get some ideas on the "concept" for the new engine.
I really want to keep it looking vintage, but that actually requires quite a few trick parts to pull that off. The ZZ4, like all the other sbc crate engines, looks pretty plain. Here's a picture:
Normally, I like the black.
But, for this application, I'm thinking the original "Engine Orange" paint would be best suited. So, when the engine arrives on Thursday, we are going to wipe it down with enamel reducer and re-spray it with Plexi-Kote in the correct orange. I've asked around, and it seems like it won't hurt anything if we paint the (aluminum) heads... :dontknow: We'll keep the intake manifold unpainted, and we need to buy a new water pump anyway (Corvette requires a "short" neck water pump) so we'll keep that unpainted too.
Next thing that was bothering me was using the factory exhaust manifolds on the new motor. They are not a perfect match, but they do fit, and it would allow me to use the rest of the exhaust that's already there. I didn't think there was any other option besides headers... which I don't want to do. I was poking around and found these Ram's Horn smooth manifolds from Speedway Performance! :rock: They have the correct (d-shaped) design, and the same look as the originals. But, they are supposed to flow WAY better... and they look awesome too, all smoothed out.
Next was the valve covers... :banghead: The crap, stamped vc's that come on the ZZ4 look like ass.
They are center bolt, due to the Vortec Heads, so I couldn't modify my finned "Corvette" covers to work. I couldn't find any other designs that I liked.... BUT, when I found the article on the Ram's Horns, they also put on a set of
SWEET PML Valve Covers! My jaw dropped when I saw these!
They will even mill holes in the correct place for pcv valves or breathers, if you like. They also cast the windage baffles right in the piece. :congrats:
So...
I have a Barry Grant Demon carb coming as well. It's their "crate engine" model, and was designed specifically for the ZZ4 GMPP engine. So, that should go well, and it looks purdy too. An added bonus is the Holley style design (float bowls sit in line with the block) which is more "nostalgia" cool than the EdelCRAP Weber carb I had on there before.
Now, I just need to find a nice polished aluminum air filter housing... But, I'm sure that it's out there, somewhere. :marchmellow: Without further adue..... HERE is what it SHOULD look like once we're done. :rock:
..... We'll see how close we get. :marchmellow: :burnout:
