Z bar........v8????

It should measure 7.5" from end of tube to end of tube. If it's 8.5 inches, it's for a six cylinder - which all you would need to do is cut off an inch and it would work just fine. You'll know a big block z-bar because of how the arms are shaped - nothing like a v8. Check out Brewer's site for comparison:

This is what you'll look for:

http://www.brewersperformance.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TS238

This is what NOT to get - this is for a big block:

http://www.brewersperformance.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TS252