Zz 350

[Con's 67]

Can anyone tell me how the idle sounds on a ZZ350 crate engine. Does it have any nasty to it at all?

[tones2SS]

I'm gonna guess here that it might have a small rumble, but it all depends on the cam. (Exhaust will help a little as well.) A good, big cam will give you the lope sound that you are after.

[WSSix]

Doubt it really. The ZZ4 which is the next step up is mild at best I think. I've done a number of swaps using that engine. It's a great engine but it's not very muscular sounding. This is all very subjective though. If it doesn't have the sound you're after, changing the cam really isn't a big deal. The ZZ350 is a good base motor to start with when on a limited budget. Its base is after all a brand new 350 engine. As time allows you can easily swap heads and cam and all that fun stuff. I would suggest you verify it has a roller cam in it to begin with. I can not remember. The ZZ4 is a roller cam engine for sure. Flat tappet is old technology that works fine but roller is always better. Roller also allows you to simply grab your choice of oil and put it in the engine. Flat tappet now requires special oil or additives. Too much headache for me considering the abundance of roller blocks out there for the picking. I honestly do not know why people bother buying non-roller two piece rear main seal blocks these days if all they want to do is go fast.

[Con's 67]

Thank you guys. I did a little reading. I believe the ZZ4 is the way to go. Cost, performance and the ability to upgrade as needed. As you said in your reply it has the roller cam, one piece main and aluminum heads.

Thank you for the feedback and spending a few more of my all ready over budget dollars

Con's 67
(Now with ZZ4)

[WSSix]

be sure to shop around as not everyone sells the GM Crate motors for the same price but the motors are all the same. You may be able to get yourself a deal.