Big Green Ep.7: Chevy ZZ6 Engine Swap: When Everything Does Not Go Wrong (Part 1 of 3) [Video]

big green chevy pickup truck engine swap performance
Big Green and Tommy Mica

We are diving into the Big Green project head first and doing the engine swap. The original 305 cu-in V8 is on its way out and the brand-new 350 cu-in Chevrolet Performance ZZ6 turn-key engine package is in. What can go wrong? We join ace mechanic – Ted Ax (of Ax and Allies classic car specialty shop in Denver, Colorado) to perform the swap. None of us have swapped a Chevy V8 before, so this will be a fun experience.

The ZZ6 is a carbureted 350 cubic inch “Chevy 350” engine that is rated at 405 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to Chevrolet for providing the ZZ6 engine package for our Big Green project.

2017 chevy performance zz6 crate engine carburetor
Chevy Performance 350 V8 ZZ6

Yes, we are doubling the power output of our 1985 Chevy K10. The original engine was rated at 160 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. What can go wrong? We don’t know yet, but we will be going over every driveline component and brakes to make sure that Big Green fast, loud, fun, and safe.

We gave ourselves one day to yank the old engine out and place the new engine in? We are trying to keep the project cost as low as possible. We purchased the truck for $5,000 and carefully controlled the money we spend. Also, thanks to our friend at CEC Rental for letting us use the fork lift for the day.

Join the fun in this part 1 of 3 engine swap video where Ted, Roman, Tommy, and Andre work together to lift the old 305 cu-in V8 out and put the new high-performance 350 cu-in ZZ6 in its place.