Hey guys,

Is the newer version of the chevy ZL1 still available? here is a link for it http://www.high-performance-engines.com/ce20.html

My father just bought a 69 vert and is contemplating the ZL1 build up but, naturally, it will be hard if they are obsolete now.

I have heard and read that they were planning on only producing 200 for sale. Is this true?

Thanks guys.

 

They are labeling that engine a ZL1 but it has nothing in common with the 1969 ZL1. However, you can buy the real ZL1 block and build it to be correct (427 cubic inches, 12.5 to 1 compression, etc.). For the ZL1 block, go to gmpartsdirect.com, part #12370850. A motor that produces 600hp is hardly going to be obsolete.

 

Bring a wheelbarrow full of MONEY!!! I would guess upwards of $25,000 to build one by the time you are done.

-Mark.

 

That is ridiculous. The block is slightly more than $4000. The rest does not equal $21k. Maybe another $4000 or so would do the trick and then you would have a real ZL1 with 600 hp or more. If you used modern high flow heads and a solid roller cam, you could push close to 700hp.

 

How do you plan to fit that engine under the hood?? If I were your dad I would probably get the 502ci. It has 8hp less but 75lbs more of torque and of course $10,000 less, and will fit under the hood.

 

All that has been really missing is the aluminum block. 18 K is a joke, except I would use a flat tappet cam and keep it a internally balanced and blue printed 427 for higher 7 K+ RPM`s.

 

Both he and i are not fans of the 502 configuration. And there is just something about an all aluminium big block!

 

Yeah, all together it weighs less than a small block.

 

That is a good reason! But still new crate ZL1 hasnt been real succes. GM is going to end it.So get yours fast.

 

The crate ZL1 motor is a aluminum 454, solid roller cam, RamJet fuel injection. Rated at 510 HP.

Only 200 were made and the list price at most dealers was $18,995 or so. As far as I know, there are no still available for sale.

This was designed to be a limited edition motor, just like the ZZ430, where Chevy only made 430 of them.

 

All thats really necessary is the block. You can make your own to the original 427 specs and can have more honest HP than you can imagine if you have never driven one. One big, and probably the only problem is fuel. Both availability and milage. 7-8 mpg is not for the faint of heart. But I love um.

 

Build your own ZL1,get the GM block,074 heads are still around,you need 198 GM intake and a 850 cfm dbl pumper carb..Just use pistons with less dome,so you can bring your comp ratio down to 10.5 or 11 to 1.Then you will have a nice big block that weighs less than a small block!A real screamer too!

 

I have to agree on the all aluminum part, and I plan on making my big blocks all aluminum at some point as well.

ZL1powr is a member here who has taken a GM Zl1 block and put together his own hi HP package. You can look up his profile and his previous posts as he has documented lots of dyno information on this forum as well as his trips to the drags. His setup is a 650 HP motor dyno that is good for mid to high 120 MPH traps.

I am curious as to what you do not like about the 502 configuration. I find the 502 to be VERY driveable and makes gobs of power (we added some compression, upped the cam, bee hive valvesprings, on the GM 502 crate motor); I'm guessing 450 rwhp but I won't know for sure until I bring LARS in for a day on the dyno. That being said, the 468 in my 68 vette is an ANIMAL to drive. The large solid roller and high compression gives it a biting personality even with the Holley fuel injection we have on it. I mention this to say that the 502, although not as powerful as my 468, is a wonderful all around drive and doesn't wear you out running around on the weekends.

Either way, good luck on the buildup.

B.

 

there's a C2 guy on the other forum that has one in his garage. Wish I had that kinda $$ to throw around.

 

if you can't find one, call Jegs. They listed that they still had a few in their latest catalog.
For $13,000 you can put one of these in there instead ----

 

Eh?

Except maybe the block.

These seem to be dried up When I bought my 502 Ramjet Last year they quoted me $12,200 for the aluminum 454. The last price I saw was $17,500



Clearly a Mark IV block and clearly not a MK V or VI block.

 

510 HP for 20 grand ? You can get 510 HP out of a 350 with crappy camel hump heads

 

300ZX,

Some close friends of my fathers are engineers. self employeed and brothers they have done contracted work for HSV Holden cars here in Australia and Build/modify Japanese race bikes (Velintino Rossi types) for one such *** make. That said, they are very knowledgeable and fanatical individuals. I remember one day sitting at their workshop discussing Big Blocks and their preferences. They listed there likes and dislikes about the 427 L71, LS6, LS7 and then the 502. The only one they critisized was the 502. They didn't run it into the ground, but stated in point form why they would not use one for their own builds. To me, their word is gospel and i will take in and accept what they say. But still, all aluminium sounds lovely!

 

Thanks for starting this thead! I have been wondering quite a bit what it would cost to build an engine starting with the ZL1 block, for $4300.
Here is the description:

GM PART # 12370850
GM LIST: $6,142.86
OUR PRICE: $4,300.00
DESCRIPTION: ZL1 454 Aluminum Big Block
The Chevrolet ZL1 Aluminum Big Block is back and better than ever. This block was first introduced in the 1969 Corvette and Camaro. It was one of the rarest production engines ever built. Now the improved version is available. This block is based on the original tooling. The new casting is made from 356-T6M aluminum alloy and has a 4.118" cast iron liner that can be bored to 4.300". The bottom end has also been improved with new four-bolt splayed steel main caps, with dowel pins to locate and hold the caps in place. This block includes screw-in freeze plugs with o-ring seals, and a two-piece rear seal. The new block has a provision for both dry sump or regular oil pump systems and mechanical fuel pump. All GM performance cylinder heads will fit this block and it only weighs 110 lbs. The maximum stroke is 4.375".


I think the recent limited production ZL1 engine didn't sell too well because it was simply overpriced for what you got. As far as the 502 engine, I would prefer to have a mechanical fuel pump like the old style vettes, and not have to fab a bracket for the clutch.

 

I would go for the 13,500.00 LS7 motor... be lighter and kill the over priced big block... extra points for being COOL!!!

Well maybe kill the big block