Big Green is getting a brand new engine! Our 1985 Chevy K10 project truck was born with a 305 cu-in V8 that makes this cool-looking truck slow and quiet. We have been looking for way to make it properly fast and loud. We have a solution. We had many discussions with the guys at the Chevrolet Performance Parts division, and we settled on a ZZ6 350 cu-in V8 crate engine.
What is the ZZ6? It is a high-performance carbureted V8 that is rated at a more than impressive 405 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 406 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm. This is a far cry from the 160 hp and 240 lb-ft that the original 305 V8 made when it was new. Huge thanks to the Chevy Performance Parts division for providing this super-cool powerplant.
Check out this Big Green dyno run video to see what the original 305 V8 is putting out now.
Why did we choose the ZZ6? We carefully considered the Chevy LS3 V8. We wanted a very straight-forward and affordable engine and installation. While the LS3 makes even more power than the ZZ6 and offers sophisticated fuel injection, it also requires specialized engine mounts, updated wiring, updated fuel system, new transmission, and more. The square-body Chevy K10 originally came with a 350 cu-in V8, so a 350 crate engine makes for an easier fitment and install. The carbureted ZZ6 goes along with the Big Green’s character and should make for a simpler installation.
We are super excited for this! Stay tuned for the engine unboxing video and many more updates on the Big Green project. You can be sure. Big Green will fast and loud!
Check out the old 305 cu-in V8 take on the extreme Ike Gauntlet towing test. The new ZZ6 V8 should simply crush this or any other challenge we throw at it. The bigger question is, will the chassis and the rest of the driveline handle the all the newly-found power?
