LT1/LT4 Kit - Anyone done it?

[Mike Brichta]

I managed to pick up a brand new GM ZZ4 long block engine for a good price and am considering doing a LT1 to LT4 upgrade on it before I put it in the car. I have read some pretty good reviews on this kit. Has anyone done this before?

 

Here is the kit I am looking at:

 

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Performance/809/12480002/10002/-1

 

I would be interested in any opinions, comments, good, bad, etc.

 

Thanks!!

Mike

[Jason72]

I had it. It works pretty well. I had a 2500 stall converter behind it. nice rumble at idle and very good torque. pulled to 6k rpm and very streetable. not a race car but a good driver.

[Mike Brichta]

Hey Jason,

 

Thanks for the response. That sounds like a nice fit for my engine. I'm not looking to race the car but I do want it to move when needed. Since you have already done this before do you have any insights/suggestions/advice before I order parts?

 

Where in Allentown are you located? Do you ever go to the Macungie Cruises? Sounds like we should get together sometime.

 

Thanks!!

Mike

[Jason72]

Mike, The only thing is that the cam is designed for the engine that has the distributor behind the water pump so you need to press in the timing gear locate pin so it clears your front cover.

 

I am just off of Emmaus Ave at the bottom of South Mt. I was at a the last 2 cruises, only had the car at the last one. I think I may know you tho. Didn't you work at Scott Chevy back in the 90s and wasn't that maroon 72 owned by Kurt in the body shop???

 

Jason

[Mike Brichta]

Hey Jason,

 

I did remember reading something about the cam pin and was going to wait until I got it apart to compare the new and old cam to see what I need to do. I will have to make a note of it.

 

Did you re-use the timing cover (original plastic on) or just purchase a replacement one? It says something like "Replace after being serviced" on it. I would rather just purchase a metal one and replace it since I don't have a cam sensor anyway. I'm thinking that maybe the aftermarket cover will clear the cam pin.

 

I didn't actually work at Scott Chevy but spent a lot of time there. My buddy (Curt Miller) worked there for many years and we worked on many projects together before he moved out to the Fleetwood area. I still own his 72 Monte Custom.

 

Mike

[Mike Brichta]

Hey Jason,

 

I just remembered another question.

 

Can I re-use the original valve covers or do I need to get taller ones because of the roller rockers?

 

Thanks!!

Mike

[Jason72]

Mike, For the timing cover, if the block is not drilled and tapped for all of the bolts for the old style timing cover, don't use it, it will leak oil. I have in the past reused the plastic front covers with no problems. If you do replace it use a napa # 6005343. They are $30.00 and come with a plug for the crank sensor. (I always put a layer of silicone over it on the inside). The valve covers will fit fine with the roller rockers. I do not know if the pin will clear the cover as I always pressed it in.

Make sure you read the instructions for the cooling system on that engine. If they used a vortec block you have to run a water pump by pass hose or it will over heat. Timing cover bolt -

 

I worked at Scott for a while when I was in High school. I saw your name on here a while ago and knew I heard it before. Then when I saw the pic of the car I was sure of it. A few cruises ago I saw your car at Macungie but couldn't find you...

[Mike Brichta]

Hey Jason,

 

Thanks!! That is all great info that I need.

 

I think I will just re-use the plastic timing cover and press the cam pin in as you suggest. That will save me some $$ also.

 

If I think of any other questions I will let you know.

 

Sooner or later we should meet up. I live on Vera Cruz Rd (a mile from Lanark Rd) which makes us just 5 minutes apart. Small world.

 

Thanks!!

Mike

[Jason72]

Maybe I will do a burn out down Vera Cruz This weekend LOL...

No problem. Always glad to help.

 

Jason

[Mike Brichta]

Hey Jason,

 

I don't see any warnings or mention of the engine being a vortec block and having to use a water pump with a by-pass so I'm assuming that it won't be an issue.

 

What did you do at Scott Chevy? Were you a mechanic?

 

Thanks!!

Mike

[Mike Brichta]

Burn outs are always welcomed on Vera Cruz Road ...

[Jason72]

Yes, I worked with Vince. Learned a lot from him. I left there and went to Diebert GMC and then Bergey's. I now have my own shop. Busy as hell.

[Mike Brichta]

It's always good to know a good Chevy mechanic in the area. Is your shop over around 4th street and Emmaus Ave.? What is the name of your shop?

[Jason72]

No, Up in Walnutport. Light and Medium Service. I work on anything with wheels but have a soft spot for Chevys. Right now I have a Ford box truck, Hummer, Dodge Cummins and a GMC 3500 in the shop. And of course, my '72...

 

Just get a hold of me for any help... I will do my best.

[Mike Brichta]

You've been a great help already!!

 

Thanks for the offer. I will let you know how I make out.

 

Thanks!!

Mike

[Jason72]

I look forward to hearing your progress. What car is it going in?

[Mike Brichta]

I'm putting it in a Blue 70 since the motor in it now is an older rebuild that is starting to burn oil. Do you rebuild engines? I can't stop the engine from burning oil. I already tried replacing the valve seals and am now thinking it is the rings.

[Jason72]

How much oil is it using and when do you see the smoke?

[Mike Brichta]

I'm not sure how much it actually uses since I don't drive it regularly. It seems to smoke all of the time but a lot more when it is hot and the rpm's are higher. I can smell oil burning pretty much any time the motor is running. Does that help any? Maybe I could drive it over for you to look at some time and see what you think. I'm in no hurry since the other engine will not be ready for a few more weeks at least.

[Jason72]

That's no problem. I will gladly take a look

[Mike Brichta]

Hey Jason,

 

Just as an update, I have the new zz4 engine with Hot Cam just about ready to go. It is now time to make a decision about the current engine that is using oil. I was wondering if you were going to be around sometime this weekend so I could stop by with the car and get your opinion on the engine.

 

With my limited engine oil burning experience I am guessing it would be caused by one or more of these areas:

 

- Valve seals (I've replaced them twice already)

- Valve issues (maybe some new heads)

- Rings (engine rebuild)

 

I would at least like to have maybe an idea of what might fix the problem before I remove it from the car in case I decide fix it and use it in something else later on. Once I remove it then no one can hear and see it running.

 

Also, is it possible to check a few of the valves to see if they have any play in them that would cause the oil burning issue? I could remove the rocker and springs if that would make sense.

 

Any suggestions/input are welcome.

 

Thanks!!

Mike

[Patrick Sheean]

If it were the rings it would most likely show up in a compression test. Sometimes our chevy's leak behind the intake manifold, it is hard to detect. Do you know for sure it is burning the oil? Is the car smoking? Just some thoughts.

[Mike Brichta]

Hey Patrick,

 

Thanks for your thoughts. Yes I believe it is burning oil because it smokes and smells differently then oil on the exhaust. I did not think of taking a compression test. That might be a good idea anyway before I remove it from the car.

 

Thanks!!

Mike

[Jason72]

Mike, How did this turn out? I tried to pm you but it says you can not receive any new messages?  Jason

[Mike Brichta]

Hey Jason,

 

I'm not sure why I wouldn't be able to receive any new messages.  Must have something to do with the new website.  Do I need to do something to get this to work?  Maybe someone will know what's wrong and can help us out.

 

The hot cam swap worked great.  I've been driving the car on and off since the swap and probably have about 400 miles on it so far.  The engine definitely sounds different and in the mid and high rpm range it is really takes off.  I haven't pushed it too hard yet but when I needed some extra power it seemed to have plenty.  With a 3.45 posi rear, the car really is quick and drives like a much small lighter vehicle.  I'm considering putting in a tach to see what rpm's I am hitting when driving more aggressively later on.

 

I liked it so much that I just ordered a second kit for my other zz4 Monte.  The parts should be here tomorrow and I might get started this weekend with the swap.  I'm curious to see how the other Monte drives after the swap because that one has a 2.73 posi rear.

 

I really liked the difference and would recommend it to anyone else.

 

Thanks!!
Mike