Repro ZL1

[jedhead]

I wouldn't mind installing one of these (if I had the money) in something.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/02/limited-edition-427-zl-1-big-block-v8-coming-from-gm/

Bob

[enkeivette]

I'll take the short block cheaper ZZ version and go with some aftermarket H&C.

[jedhead]

But the ZL1 has an aluminum block and weighs 100lbs less than the ZZ which has a cast iron block. In either case, its just a fantasy for me.

Bob

[enkeivette]

OIC, I was under the impression that the new ZZ was also an AL version without the rest of the original specs. Since they're only making 427, it would probably be more cost effective to go with an aftermarket block if you didn't care about having a ZL1.

[TimAT]

IIRC, they (GM) were only going to build 427 of the new all aluminum ZL-1's. Just the collector value alone would make it a plus. On the flip side, the GM aluminum BB's didn't appear to be all that tough- Right after they were released in '69, there were lots of valve train failure problems. Maybe they fixed the weak points in the new version.

( I'd still like to have one. Ol' Red would feel right at home!)

[jedhead]

Aluminum Big Block Chevy worked well in the CamAm series with McLaren and Lola using them in 1500lbs cars with over 700hp with the pipes of the Hillborn Injectors sticking out. Then Porsche came along with their 917/30 which had a 1500hp flat 12 in qualifying trim and won every race in 1973. I dreamed of getting a ride in one of those 917/30 that were capable of going over 250mph with 1hp per pound when I was a kid. I can only imagine what kind of cars we would have today in a racing series that the rules basically was that the car have two seats and body work covering the wheels and everything else unlimited.

Bob

[Vettezuki]

I'm 99% sure they did a run of these years back. Heck I think I saw one in a C3 at Guldstrand's when I was there once.

[enkeivette]

I'm 99% sure they did a run of these years back. Heck I think I saw one in a C3 at Guldstrand's when I was there once.

I think there were a couple production C3s that came with the ZL1, but mainly they were in the Camaros.

[BRUTAL64]

IIRC, they (GM) were only going to build 427 of the new all aluminum ZL-1's. Just the collector value alone would make it a plus. On the flip side, the GM aluminum BB's didn't appear to be all that tough- Right after they were released in '69, there were lots of valve train failure problems. Maybe they fixed the weak points in the new version.

( I'd still like to have one. Ol' Red would feel right at home!)

During that period of time 65 thru 72 we had a lot of problems with the BB Chevy valve trains. We broke rockers and bent push rods all the time. Finally figured it out by 73. It was valve springs and rocker geometry that had to be figured correctly. Remember back then we didn't know shit about that.:surrender:

[BRUTAL64]

I think there were a couple production C3s that came with the ZL1, but mainly they were in the Camaros.

Corvette --Just two. Only one left original.:rolleyes:

Camaros--- 50 in the first run, 19 in the second. (this from memory, I could be off a car or two).

I used to have EVERY Vin number for all 69 cars.

[Vettezuki]

Corvette --Just two. Only one left original.:rolleyes:

Camaros--- 50 in the first run, 19 in the second. (this from memory, I could be off a car or two).

I used to have EVERY Vin number for all 69 cars.

You are correct sir! As memory serves, the motor option doubled the price of the car.

[BRUTAL64]

You are correct sir! As memory serves, the motor option doubled the price of the car.

The ZL1 option was over $4000 alone.:bang:

[jedhead]

Here is a video of ZL1 powered corvette in action. My favorite series on the speed channel. I am so envious of Alain. He gets to drive the greatest cars in history and gets paid for it.

YouTube- SPEED Engine Block, Victory by Design Greenwood Corvette

Bob

[Vettezuki]

That engine just screams violence. I think I might cry.

[BRUTAL64]

There is NOTHING like a BB chevy at RPM coming at you. The sound all it own--- which we believed was due to unequal length intake runners. That's why you see unequal length stacks on the FI in the 70's. Hell, GM even had Holley make special Carbs with tabs placed in the venture just to even fuel distribution.:crutches:


BTY: I have a factory air horn from an early 427.