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It will fit.
Darryl81 2007-02-21 17:24:33
A friend of mine had a '80 vette with a ZZ4 in it. A ZZ4 is dimentionally the same size as your present engine. Just use a drop base air filter housing and a regular dual plane intake manifold. I believe that trying to stuff an air gap series intake under the hood could pose a serious challange. Your '79 has a slight bit more room under it than the '80-'82.
Congrats and good luck with the new motor.
GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.
3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
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Send PMFrederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Go the whole nine yards and install fuel injection and a 700R4 (if you have an automatic) or a 5- or 6-speed manual otherwise.
I know that's a lot of cash outlay, but think of really getting the utmost out of that ZZ4!
Can't wait until I'm back in your area so I can see the finished product!Gunslinger 2007-02-21 11:54:49
I know that's a lot of cash outlay, but think of really getting the utmost out of that ZZ4!
Can't wait until I'm back in your area so I can see the finished product!
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I put one in mine and had to change the hood.. I went with the Holley 750. Jim what did you order yours with? What cam? Rockers and so on..Terry
spielman5 2007-02-21 17:02:37
PS.. I backed it up with a 5 speed..I had trouble with the temp sending unit, and the oil presssure sending unit? And as you can see I used the block hugger headers, it all fit right in..
"I Love all Corvettes! LifeTime Member #60..Terry" 
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Send PMBelvidere, IL - USA
Joined: 10/24/2004
Posts: 440
Vette(s): 1977 Black T-Top ZZ4 5Sp 16in Wheels
Hi Jim, you shouldn't have any problems with clearance. I have a edelbrock carb and using stock breather. Your only problem will be in the water pump, if you have short shaft. Check the fit on timing cover, I had to use cap headed bolts to clear pump. I would also use energy suspention motor mounts, stock did not hold up,400lbs torque.
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You guys hear any "stories" about the pistons ? I didn't get to order it yesterday but I'll probably do it this weekend.
I hate night shift and I'm sick of being away from home. I could've stayed in the military.
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The Money Pit.... and my niece 
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What a terrific thing to look forward to, JimG--first the thrill of ordering one; and then the kick of dropping it in...and the best part of all, naturally: firing it up for the first time.
Can't wait to see pics at each stage!
Can't wait to see pics at each stage!
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Send PMSHELBYVILLE, TN - USA
Joined: 7/5/2002
Posts: 3944
Vette(s): 1976 L48 auto
1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
Hey Jim, the blue '78 has a zz4 engine aluminum heads(58cc) 355horse, however, it does have a L88 style hood(tall cowling).... i order mine from Jegs, complete engine minus the starter and carb... i did have to change the water pump to the short style, but didnt have any problems there... i did however had to get a newer style flywheel(4 speed manual car...now its a 5 speed Tremmec).. running a 750 double pump Holley with the overdrive(roughly 1800 rpm at 60mph, 4.10 rear gear) it gets about 18-20mpg... Terry from Alaska also has a zz4 in his '76, and i'm almost certain he has a stock hood....i think....uhoh, just looked at his pic, looks to be a little taller cowling(turbo type hood).... still, it should fit, given the proper air cleaner... You'll enjoy it ;) hmmmm, wonder how your car would look with a shaker? ;) heheee
StingrayJim 
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Stingray's '76���������������������������� StingrayJr's '78���������������������������Lil Red '94 
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Recently I installed a Ram Jet 350 into my 78 Pace Car and did not have any hood clearance issues. I'm sure the ZZ4 would fit without any problems. 
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Send PMHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
An Edelbrock Performer RPM is the tallest you can go on the intake with a drop base 2" air cleaner. Have fun!!
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in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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