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Looking for a source for bare aluminum engine blocks... not interested in the kits (i.e. "short blocks" or "long blocks")... just bare blocks with large over-bore (sleeve) potential. Who has these things in stock these days?
Try your local Chevrolet dealer. You can actually buy the ZL1 engine block again (original casting with minor mods).
I think it lists for about $7k and maybe can be had for $5k from GMPartsdirect and probably others. That is a lot for a block isnt it?? I think I checked this recently just out of curiousity because of all the hoopla about GM producing a limited run of complete ZL1 engines. ($20k complete!! :eek: ) I thought the block had been available for a while so I looked it up. MJ
12370850 - ZL1 Aluminum Big Block 12370850
Price $5,115.45
Detailed Description
The Chevrolet 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 4.250" cast iron liner that can be bored to 4.300". The bottom end has also been improved with new 4-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 main oil seal. the new block has a provision for both dry sump or regular oil pump systems and mechanical fuel pump. All GM Performance Parts cylinder heads will fit this block and it weighs only 110 lbs. The maximum stroke is 4.375".
Hey Tom- Doug Herbert offers Dart Aluminum blocks for $3800 and Brodix aluminum blocks from $4400. These are sbc and are offered with different deck heights and either 350 or 400 mains. :)
You can get one of his catalogs at 1-800-444-7373 They're located in Cherryville, NC so may not be too far from you ;) .
Try your local Chevrolet dealer. You can actually buy the ZL1 engine block again (original casting with minor mods).
I think it lists for about $7k and maybe can be had for $5k from GMPartsdirect and probably others. That is a lot for a block isnt it?? I think I checked this recently just out of curiousity because of all the hoopla about GM producing a limited run of complete ZL1 engines. ($20k complete!! :eek: ) I thought the block had been available for a while so I looked it up. MJ
Any more info on those ZL1 crate motors? Is $20K for the solid gold model? :jester I wonder if they would offer it with the ram jet a la the Ram Jet 502? Still, take the RJ 502 block out and replace it with the ZL1 block and you have a relatively mild stump puller for ~$13500. Might be a good alternative to my LT1 buildup....
Re: Source for aluminum bare block? (69 N.O.X. RATT)
Oooooo.... that sounds interesting. I'll check them out too.
Maybe a BB upgrade for my current LS5
I am actually looking for a SB base for a supercharged lightweight, but I want to hog it out to "427" status (approx). The GM blocks are overpriced (IMOP) and in general can't be over-bored much compared to aftermarket pieces.
Thanks for the suggestions. I just need an actual "vendor" (vs a manufacturer).