[chopper526]

I just looked at a 1969 Corvette for sale on CL (https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/6067622683.html). It's a pretty complete project that doesn't look like it would take much to put on the street. What's you opinion on the car and the ZZ3 engine? I was thinking of offering about $9,000 and go from there. Thanks guys!

[sammons]

Chopper, that would be a fair offer IF it is all there and mostly usable as is. I personally wouldn't want to offer much more. I would carfully inspect the frame because of the area. They like to rust just ahead of the frt crossmember, rear trailing arms, the trailing arm pockets and just in board of the pocket at the intersection of the crossmember (behind seat on the frame) I never really cared if they were matching engine #'s, but collectors insist on it. I was not familiar with the ZZ3 crate motor, so I looked it up. Looks compairable to the L46 350/350hp engine on horsepower and torque. The pain in the a$$ part of stripping is done   And you can easily inspect for body cracks and prior damage. It is missing all the chrome ignition shielding (if that matters to you) you can dye the interior panels and change color (buy carpet) on the cheap, but a complete new int package will run into buck$.  Bounus is both tops.
They are fun to drive, look good and easy to work on.

[madmike3435]

The ZZ3 is an over the counter later than 1986 Chevrolet crate engine.  Uses a special one piece oil pan gasket.  Its a 5.7 liters = 350 cubes, 4 bolt mains, pink rods, low rise aluminum intake, Hei distributor, also has the good corvette HO aluminum heads.  Hypertuperic ?  pistons.   Valves are 2.0 on intake and 1.55 exhaust.

Its a factory roller cam and lifter engine.   Put the GM HOT CAM kit in it with 1.6 roller rockers, titanium locks, special valve springs with hardened shims 218 intake and 228 exhaust , gives you 525 lift and that motor really comes alive too 420 HP and 400 foot pounds of torque.  Problem is cam produces low vacuum of  14-15 " and will need a vacuum pump to operate the brakes to get the 18--21" vacuum necessary .

Throw a pair of those new chevy fast burn heads on and pick up another 30-35 HP

mike