Ramjet ZL1 or Ramjet 502
08-13-2014, 11:24 AM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Ramjet ZL1 or Ramjet 502
Guys, I'm agonizing over this decision. I have the opportunity to buy a new in the crate Ramjet ZL1 for 15k. Only 200 of these engines were produced, all aluminum, etc.
A new Ramjet 502 would cost me $10,300.
ZL1 has mechanical lifters which concerns me a bit
Ramjet 502 has hydraulic
The 502 makes considerable more torque also
Decisions decisions... help me decide!
A new Ramjet 502 would cost me $10,300.
ZL1 has mechanical lifters which concerns me a bit
Ramjet 502 has hydraulic
The 502 makes considerable more torque also
Decisions decisions... help me decide!
08-13-2014, 11:27 AM
#2
Le Mans Master
I'd get the ZL1 engine, even with the price difference you mention. I believe the ZL1 is listed for $25k from chevy? It's probably more powerful than the 502 as is. an all aluminum big block is just too sweet to pass up..
BTW, mechanical lifters aren't that big a maintenance item.
BTW, mechanical lifters aren't that big a maintenance item.
08-13-2014, 11:34 AM
#3
Le Mans Master
I'd get the ZL1 engine, even with the price difference you mention. I believe the ZL1 is listed for $25k from chevy? It's probably more powerful than the 502 as is. an all aluminum big block is just too sweet to pass up..
BTW, mechanical lifters aren't that big a maintenance item.
BTW, mechanical lifters aren't that big a maintenance item.
08-13-2014, 12:45 PM
#4
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '05
How much power do you really need or think you can get to the ground?
Mechanical lifters are the cats azz the engine revs to seamless.
With a good rocker you shouldnt have to touch them for a long time
Guys used to complain about having to adjust them a lot. Using those stock nuts they lose their "hold" witha good polylock or fresh factory nut they stay in place got no worries. Who wouldnt want an all aluminum 427
Mechanical lifters are the cats azz the engine revs to seamless.
With a good rocker you shouldnt have to touch them for a long time
Guys used to complain about having to adjust them a lot. Using those stock nuts they lose their "hold" witha good polylock or fresh factory nut they stay in place got no worries. Who wouldnt want an all aluminum 427
08-13-2014, 01:15 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
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I had Ram Jet ZL-1 #155 and loved it. You can't go wrong with a limited production engine, plus the fact that GM no longer produces the aluminum blocks.
08-13-2014, 01:48 PM
#7
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What's your usage? Looks like the 502 would be better for straightline and street stuff, while the ZL1 would be better if your car ever sees a road course.
Also looks like the 502 has more potential for future power increases too.
Also looks like the 502 has more potential for future power increases too.
08-13-2014, 02:25 PM
#9
Drifting
Thread Starter
Guys, thanks very much for the input. Looks like I'm going the ZL1 route.
I don't track my car, just use it for occasional street use and an occasional car show. I think the ZL is the perfect complement to my car and you can't beat the "wow factor" when the hood is popped
I don't track my car, just use it for occasional street use and an occasional car show. I think the ZL is the perfect complement to my car and you can't beat the "wow factor" when the hood is popped
08-13-2014, 02:28 PM
#10
Drifting
Thread Starter
And if anyone is curious, here are some pics of my car. It's currently got a Ramjet 350 in it now, but I'm about to yank that motor and install it into a '65 Chevy pickup that I just bought.
08-13-2014, 03:45 PM
#11
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A ramjet really is no beauty, I would never open the hood in public.
It´s another thing if you make the 502 looking like an original old BB like I did
Anyway, a 502 is nothing special, but maybe the better driver.
But a ZL1 is something you can be proud on. If you let it look like the old L88 you are the champ
It´s another thing if you make the 502 looking like an original old BB like I did
Anyway, a 502 is nothing special, but maybe the better driver.
But a ZL1 is something you can be proud on. If you let it look like the old L88 you are the champ
08-13-2014, 04:02 PM
#12
Instructor
ZL1 all the way !! L88 is way kool and the 502 is nice but , a ZL1 is like the Holy Grail of Unobtainium. Been that way since i was just a Kid .
08-13-2014, 05:17 PM
#13
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Guys, thanks very much for the input. Looks like I'm going the ZL1 route.
I don't track my car, just use it for occasional street use and an occasional car show. I think the ZL is the perfect complement to my car and you can't beat the "wow factor" when the hood is popped
I don't track my car, just use it for occasional street use and an occasional car show. I think the ZL is the perfect complement to my car and you can't beat the "wow factor" when the hood is popped
JMO
08-13-2014, 05:26 PM
#14
A ramjet really is no beauty, I would never open the hood in public.
It´s another thing if you make the 502 looking like an original old BB like I did
Anyway, a 502 is nothing special, but maybe the better driver.
But a ZL1 is something you can be proud on. If you let it look like the old L88 you are the champ
It´s another thing if you make the 502 looking like an original old BB like I did
Anyway, a 502 is nothing special, but maybe the better driver.
But a ZL1 is something you can be proud on. If you let it look like the old L88 you are the champ
08-13-2014, 05:51 PM
#15
Le Mans Master
i vote 502. if it were a real ZL-1 that would be one thing, but as nice as the zl1 continuation crate engine is , it isn't as potent.
08-13-2014, 09:16 PM
#16
Limited number of ZL1 and then no longer available. You can put a 502 in any day.
Value of the car will be far better with the ZL1.
08-13-2014, 09:47 PM
#17
Drifting
Guys, I'm agonizing over this decision. I have the opportunity to buy a new in the crate Ramjet ZL1 for 15k. Only 200 of these engines were produced, all aluminum, etc.
A new Ramjet 502 would cost me $10,300.
ZL1 has mechanical lifters which concerns me a bit
Ramjet 502 has hydraulic
The 502 makes considerable more torque also
Decisions decisions... help me decide!
A new Ramjet 502 would cost me $10,300.
ZL1 has mechanical lifters which concerns me a bit
Ramjet 502 has hydraulic
The 502 makes considerable more torque also
Decisions decisions... help me decide!
I've found 540's with 650 hp for less money than the ZL1.
Nice looking vette!
08-13-2014, 09:51 PM
#18
Le Mans Master
08-13-2014, 10:06 PM
#19
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Respectfully, I gotta disagree with you. I've never spent extra money on any Corvette parts just to get a reaction from the show car crowd. (Actually, I've never entered a car show in my life.) I do spend money on performance parts that actually get used on the track though.
08-13-2014, 10:06 PM
#20
Burning Brakes
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you can buy or build a 540+ci bbc for under $15k. I like the idea of a lite engine for better handling .have you looked at a 427+ci sbc ?they can be built using a aluminum block .