Help On L48
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 3
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Help On L48
Hi, I recently bought a 1980 corvette, and after doing some research, have some questions that I hope someone on here might be able to help me with. Here is the information.
VIN# 1Z878AS411931
Engine Casting#. 14010207
Stamp On Pad. V1207ZAM
Head Casting#. 462624
If I understand all this, the ZAM designates that this is a 350, 190 HP engine, with a manual transmission. Where my problem is V1207 means the motor was made in Jan. 2007, if that is the case would it have the same specs as a 350 made in 1980. I have read that the 624 heads are the worst chevy made, so I had planned on putting some 040 heads that came off my 68 on it and put in a Crane 967601 cam. I would appreciate any help or information on this.
VIN# 1Z878AS411931
Engine Casting#. 14010207
Stamp On Pad. V1207ZAM
Head Casting#. 462624
If I understand all this, the ZAM designates that this is a 350, 190 HP engine, with a manual transmission. Where my problem is V1207 means the motor was made in Jan. 2007, if that is the case would it have the same specs as a 350 made in 1980. I have read that the 624 heads are the worst chevy made, so I had planned on putting some 040 heads that came off my 68 on it and put in a Crane 967601 cam. I would appreciate any help or information on this.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 276
Likes: 31
From: Brant County Ontario
I cannot for the life of me figure out where you got January 2007 from. Care to share?
Think about it - ZAM is a 1980 corvette motor code, in your 1980 corvette. 14010207 is the casting used on (many) motors from 1980 to 1985.
What are the odds that these codes were reused for a block cast in 2007 (long after the Gen I small block ended production)?
I make it out to:
V=Flint, Michigan
12=December
07=7th day.
Think about it - ZAM is a 1980 corvette motor code, in your 1980 corvette. 14010207 is the casting used on (many) motors from 1980 to 1985.
What are the odds that these codes were reused for a block cast in 2007 (long after the Gen I small block ended production)?
I make it out to:
V=Flint, Michigan
12=December
07=7th day.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
...V1207 means the motor was made in Jan. 2007...
You do not mention whether the VIN derivative is stamp on the pad along with the V1207ZAM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Looks like a stock L48 block with the stock 624 heads that were offered. The 624's are the LIGHTEST and most prone to cracking around exhaust valves of the smog heads. They probably have 1.94/1.50 valves.
What is the condition and mileage on your engine? With the 040 heads and the 327/350hp cam, you will definitely need to re-curve the distributor and refresh/adjust the carb as it is tuned for small 300hp L48 cam. Any other mods planned? Will benefit from opening up exhaust.
I once ran the Crane Energizer 272H10. It is a single-pattern cam with comparable lift (.454/.454) to the 350hp cam (.447/.447). But, its shorter 216 @ .050 duration (vs. 222 @ .050) and 110 LSA means it builds more torque and would be more responsive than the 350hp cam at lower rpm's. My engine came alive with this cam when accompanied with recurve, carb setup, headers and true duals. I had a '69 L46 with M21 and 4.10's and I had to get it moving before the engine really came alive. My Energizer's rpm range was 1800-5200 so it was better matched to my stock stall torque converter and 3.07 gearing at the time. It really responded when I stepped up to 3.54 gears and a 700R4.
What is the condition and mileage on your engine? With the 040 heads and the 327/350hp cam, you will definitely need to re-curve the distributor and refresh/adjust the carb as it is tuned for small 300hp L48 cam. Any other mods planned? Will benefit from opening up exhaust.
I once ran the Crane Energizer 272H10. It is a single-pattern cam with comparable lift (.454/.454) to the 350hp cam (.447/.447). But, its shorter 216 @ .050 duration (vs. 222 @ .050) and 110 LSA means it builds more torque and would be more responsive than the 350hp cam at lower rpm's. My engine came alive with this cam when accompanied with recurve, carb setup, headers and true duals. I had a '69 L46 with M21 and 4.10's and I had to get it moving before the engine really came alive. My Energizer's rpm range was 1800-5200 so it was better matched to my stock stall torque converter and 3.07 gearing at the time. It really responded when I stepped up to 3.54 gears and a 700R4.
Last edited by TedH; Jul 13, 2014 at 10:47 AM.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 3
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Guy's, thanks for getting me straight on the codes. The other number stamped on the front pad is 1AS411931 which match the VIN. I am not sure why I assumed the 07 was the year.
TedH, I have the hood off, replacing the radiator support, and had all these parts I bought for my 68 327/350. And ended up having it built by Fast Engines By Bruce in Ohio. So you do you think I would see any benefit using these parts with the stock pistons and crank? I have the 040 heads with 2.02 valves, I will have to deal with no accessory holes, the Crane cam, Crane lifters, and Crane springs. I had planned on going with new headers and dual exhaust, but using the same intake, carb and distributor. Should I change this? and any idea what HP I will I gain.
TedH, I have the hood off, replacing the radiator support, and had all these parts I bought for my 68 327/350. And ended up having it built by Fast Engines By Bruce in Ohio. So you do you think I would see any benefit using these parts with the stock pistons and crank? I have the 040 heads with 2.02 valves, I will have to deal with no accessory holes, the Crane cam, Crane lifters, and Crane springs. I had planned on going with new headers and dual exhaust, but using the same intake, carb and distributor. Should I change this? and any idea what HP I will I gain.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
I can't find anything about the 040 heads. Without the front cylinder head accessory holes, you may have to swap in '68-style alternator brackets. Not sure about the A/C compressor mounting. I think there is a plate that mounts to the front of the passenger cylinder head. You may have to fabricate to make that fit to the front of water pump.
I'd definitely have the carb re-jetted and ignition re-curved to suite the cam/heads/headers/duals.
With the low 8:1 static compression of the L48, you may see a bump to 9.5:1 with the 64cc chambers (compared to your 76cc chambers).
I would not be surprised to see 240rwhp/300rwtq or slightly better with your improvements.
Are these your heads:
3947040 - 68-70 302/327/350
1.94/1.50 & 2.02/1.60 valve sizes
64cc chamber
I'd definitely have the carb re-jetted and ignition re-curved to suite the cam/heads/headers/duals.
With the low 8:1 static compression of the L48, you may see a bump to 9.5:1 with the 64cc chambers (compared to your 76cc chambers).
I would not be surprised to see 240rwhp/300rwtq or slightly better with your improvements.
Are these your heads:
3947040 - 68-70 302/327/350
1.94/1.50 & 2.02/1.60 valve sizes
64cc chamber
Last edited by TedH; Jul 13, 2014 at 04:57 PM.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Yes, that is the number on the heads. They came on the 68 327/350 corvette I purchased about 15 years ago. I really appreciate all your advice, I am still trying to decide on a game plan, I just thought this would be a good opportunity to use these parts I have had collecting dust for a while, and pick up a little more HP. I think, maybe I will add a new intake and talk to my local speed shop about re-curving the ignition and re-jetting the carb. Thank You, I will try and let you know you it turns out.
