kaiserbud

You gotta hear this !

OK – I went to the Houston Autorama yesterday. GM Performance was there and I inquired on various motors.

1. New 579ci 740 hp Crate Motor?
The representative I spoke with said that next year+- GM is coming out with a 579 ci BB that will create 740 hp on high octane fuel. It would also run on pump gas and create over 625 hp. :D :cheers:

Possible – but you gotta hear the next part. :lol: :lol: :lol:

2. Rare Smallblocks L88 / L89
What really made me raise an eyebrow to this guy is that he spoke of an L88 and L89 from the early 70’s that was a smallblock !?!?!?!. He lost all credibility at that point. When I questioned this – he said “Oh yeah – there were very few made “ :crazy: I asked what models they came in and he said Camaro and ???” I reconfirmed – Smallblock??? He said yes. :crazy:

I couldn’t believe my ears – he reiterated that they were extremely rare – I asked how many and he matter-of-fact said 682 over the course of the years….Hell – in my history book, L88 was a BB 427. I think in 1968 there were 80 L88’s and 1969 there were 88. I think my numbers are right – now that is rare ! I know there were Camaros with L88 – but I am not knowledgeable on them.

Now I don’t know everything – but I had to pick my teeth off the floor on this one. And this was a GM Performance Rep! :confused:
:crazy:

PatsLs1vette

the new crate motor yes....
In August of 2002, word started to leak out about two new mega cubic inch BBC tall-deck crate motors that Chevy/GM/Performance Parts were cooking up. They haven't been released for sale yet, but you can get more information about them at sallee-chevrolet.com . The "ZZ572" crate motors come in two versions: one with 572/620hp has a 9.6-1 CR and runs on pump premium gas. The other is a 572/720hp motor with 12.0-1 CR and runs on race fuels. They come with carb, distributor, tall deck aluminum intake, water pump, plug wires and more.

kaiserbud

Sounds interesting... I must have my 579 incorrect - must have been 572. But he did say it was the same motor though - just dependent upon your use of fuel (and I assumed subsequent timing/etc adjustment)

67HEAVEN

L-88 (Corvettes only):
1967 - 20
1968 - 80
1969 - 116

L-89 (aluminum head option on L-71 3x2bbl 435hp Corvette):
1967 - 16
1968 - 624
1969 - 390

A L-89 option was also available in Camaros, Chevelles and Novas, but it was a L-89/L-78 (rather than the L-89/L-71 in the Corvette). This meant that you got a 375hp 396 (later 402) cubic inches, a single four barrel and aluminum heads.....not 435hp 427c.i., 3x2bbl and aluminum heads like in the Corvette.

ZL-1:
1969 - 2 Corvettes; 69 Camaros (both were factory RPOs)


:chevy :chevy :chevy

Chuck Harmon

Kaiser,

Compared to a 579 cubic inch motor, an L88 is a small block. A 302-350 should then be considered a very small block!

Chuck

Mac

It just goes to show that you don't have to know your bung from a hole in the ground to work for the General. Chances are he passed the multiple choice indoctrination exam with flying colours but hasn't ever held a wrench, let alone seen an L88 or an L89. Remember- his job is to sell the new stuff, not reminisce about rare hi-po hardware from years past.

PRNDL

Maybe he meant it was the same "basic" engine, but it is not one engine that you either get 620 hp with premium and 720 hp with race fuel. One engine has a 9.6:1 compression ratio, while the other is 12:1. Different cams also. Different versions of the same engine. 620 hp and 650 lb/ft torque in the street version should be a lot of fun! :) MJ

kaiserbud

Chuck - did you ever imagine that statement would come from your lips? :lol:

MJ - I understand what you are saying, but he actually said it was the same engine - scary huh!? Now that you guys have informed me - I understand the difference.

Well - back to the garage - I am soldering up my vacuum tank... and drinking a beer or two :cheers: