ZL-1 engine

[Rex T.]

Anyone / everyone.............I am finally preparing to assemble my new ZL-1 engine and am confused about the cam. I purchased one of the GM 502-502 hyd roller cams, part # 12366543 and matching roller lifters and retainers. My machinist thinks this cam may not work in the block since the cam is designed for a Mark 5 and 6 block. Has anyone used this combination? Also, if it WILL work in the alum block, which timing set will I need? I also purchased a new set of the 502-502 pushrods, which the int and ex are different lengths. I bought an aftermarket double roller chain and gears, but apparently it won't work because of the stepped nose on the cam.

Heads are also new GM units, alum oval port, part # 12363390.

As always, thanks for your help and have a great weekend.

Rex

[Joe L.]

Re: ZL-1 engine

Anyone / everyone.............I am finally preparing to assemble my new ZL-1 engine and am confused about the cam. I purchased one of the GM 502-502 hyd roller cams, part # 12366543 and matching roller lifters and retainers. My machinist thinks this cam may not work in the block since the cam is designed for a Mark 5 and 6 block. Has anyone used this combination? Also, if it WILL work in the alum block, which timing set will I need? I also purchased a new set of the 502-502 pushrods, which the int and ex are different lengths. I bought an aftermarket double roller chain and gears, but apparently it won't work because of the stepped nose on the cam.

Heads are also new GM units, alum oval port, part # 12363390.

As always, thanks for your help and have a great weekend.

Rex

Rex-----


The cam you have will work fine assuming you're using the current ZL-1 block and not an original. The cam requires a thrust plate which the current block is machined to accept. Cam bearings are NOT standard big block.

You need to use a Gen VI style SINGLE roller timing set. You can use the GM set (made by Cloyes, incidentally), but the aftermarket Cloyes is better #9-3149.

Pushrods are GM #10227762 and 10227763. As a set GM #12368081. These are probably what you have.

[Rex T.]

Re: ZL-1 engine

Thanks Joe. As always, I appreciate and value your words of wisdom.

Rex