If you’re on team “LS swapping is overrated”, Chevrolet has an alternative for you. Introduced at the 2015 SEMA Show In Las Vegas, the ZZ6 small-block V8 crate engine provides nostalgic cues with modern technology for a unique powerplant for a project.
Chevrolet will give you the power for $7,125 for a base ZZ6 engine, while a turn-key example will run you $8,500. The base engine will arrive with a single-plane aluminum intake, distributor, water pump, damper and flexplate, but lacks a carburetor and other accessories. Owners can purchase their own to finish up the engine.
If that’s not your style, the turn-key ZZ6 V8 engine includes the carburetor and an air cleaner that matches the unique valve covers, the starter, distributor, alternator and additional accessories such as the air conditioning compressor and front-end accessory drive system.
For the “modern twist”, Chevrolet has utilized Fast Burn cylinder heads and beehive-style valve springs, inspired by the LS engine. This allows for greater RPM capability, and cranks output up to 405 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, more power than any factory 350 cubic-inch V8 ever made in the ZZ designation’s 27-year history.
We’re excited to see consumers get their hands on the ZZ6 to see what the engine is capable of in a variety of different builds. Besides, “ZZ swap” has a nice ring to it.
Comments
Seriously? LS swap has a MUCH better ring to it as well as the performance that follows. A 525 ls swap is readily available and can be had for less, get it? Never understand the more is less crowd of SBC, so get a grip. Better MPG, better HP, Better Torque more relevant new parts. SBC from the 50’s? OR SBC LS from the 90’s, YOU choose. Get informed, please.
Not sure why you’re so hostile to this. Just because people prefer one over the other does not mean they are uninformed. You have a C4 avitar, which makes me think you like that particular model or even own one. Some might argue that the C4 was the worst generation of Corvette ever, but that wouldn’t stop you from thinking it is the best or just what you prefer. Right? Some people who have an older car or truck want the traditional looks of the old school 350. Not everyone wants to figure out where to put or hide the ECM, or try to figure out how to hook up their old Muncie four speed to the new LS style motors. Sometimes the simplicity of the first gen SBC just works better. This motor is put together with great parts and will work a lot better for many different people’s particular application. If I was going to build a pro touring car then the LS would be a much better choice, but if I was going to build an old 67 C10 that was nothing more than a grocery or home depot run truck, then this would work just fine. Besides it’s not like putting the Prius motor and components in a 67 Firebird convertible. I say long live the GM Performance crate motors of all varieties. Nothing sounds better than a Chevy V8 past or present.
LT’s from the 10’s > LS.
Both have their + – what the most important thing is that a chevy gets put between the fenders!
I have classic Chevys with old school SBC and a couple with LS power. It all depends on what you are building and for what purpose. My 70 Nova has a four bolt main 010100 block and my 57 Bel Air has a LS3. It’s all Chevy as far as I am concerned.
For the guy criticizing the SBC, I am looking at this for a 69 Camaro, the reason Is the cost of the aftermarket add ons (headers, cross member, computer wiring) for an LS is to much non value for a daily driver, this is an updated to the original not a project/experiment.
By the way I got a C6 with an LS and love it, so I know the LS has a place!
I updated my SBC by adding the updated MSD dist. with a BluePrint 540 c.i. power adder engine with dual nos in a 78 C-3. No a/c, no p/s, no carpet or radio! My daily driver isn’t everybody’s taste. But I love seeing people build their own dream and taste. My C-3 I.D.s as a small block…lol! Have fun not hate and just sold a C-4 for 3500 dollars with new tires. Why ? Wanted to try old school that I had built for couple of decades for people. Fun is a life worth living. Fun isn’t dogging others likes that is just sharing your unhappy life.