Zl-1 Prototype Block

[John D.]

Hello. First time poster. I think I have what MAY be a intriguing part of GM Performance history, and I was wondering if anyone could help me, or direct me to some one who can, regarding it's history. It's a ZL-1 Prototype block (Casting: 0-294550...Stamped "70065 53W" on the stamp pad...no date...sleeved...mech fuel pump provision...4.25 bored to 4.29). I was told by Wayne Guinn (of Camaro Prototype fame) that it MAY have been in a '66 (yes, 1966) Vette test mule...an L-88 was taken out...the ZL-1 put in and tested, then the L-88 put back in the Vette...ALSO may have been in one of the two (?) ZL-1 Camaro Prototype show cars. I purchased it from a guy in England who purchased it from a guy who took it out of a Mclaren chassis.
From what I understand, 70065 was Vince Piggins' code in the "Performance Department". ANY help with the history and usage of this block would be GREATLY appreciated. (please feel free to pass this info on to anyone who may be of interest).

PS: I also purchased a 3933198 intake with a center divider...looks like it was factory machined...any history of the 198's getting out of the plant without the plenum opened? Thanks a lot. Gunny / USMC (Ret.) ZL1Johnny@yahoo.com

[Ronald R.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

What you have is a hall racing block, I can send you pix of casting 294550 pad 70065-53-h1. The block should be dry sump and could even a 440 can am block.
Ronnie

[Joseph T.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

Hello. First time poster. I think I have what MAY be a intriguing part of GM Performance history, and I was wondering if anyone could help me, or direct me to some one who can, regarding it's history. It's a ZL-1 Prototype block (Casting: 0-294550...Stamped "70065 53W" on the stamp pad...no date...sleeved...mech fuel pump provision...4.25 bored to 4.29). I was told by Wayne Guinn (of Camaro Prototype fame) that it MAY have been in a '66 (yes, 1966) Vette test mule...an L-88 was taken out...the ZL-1 put in and tested, then the L-88 put back in the Vette...ALSO may have been in one of the two (?) ZL-1 Camaro Prototype show cars. I purchased it from a guy in England who purchased it from a guy who took it out of a Mclaren chassis.
From what I understand, 70065 was Vince Piggins' code in the "Performance Department". ANY help with the history and usage of this block would be GREATLY appreciated. (please feel free to pass this info on to anyone who may be of interest).

PS: I also purchased a 3933198 intake with a center divider...looks like it was factory machined...any history of the 198's getting out of the plant without the plenum opened? Thanks a lot. Gunny / USMC (Ret.) ZL1Johnny@yahoo.com

What is the casting date on the back drivers side of the block?

Joe

[Ronald R.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

It is some time in 66, the 66 test block should not have been a dry sump. The one I photoed is from one of the Chapparall cars. They had magnesium water pumps and fuel injection.
Ronnie

[Joe L.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

What you have is a hall racing block, I can send you pix of casting 294550 pad 70065-53-h1. The block should be dry sump and could even a 440 can am block.
Ronnie

Ronnie----


I think the Can Am blocks had a much larger bore than 4.25".

[Ronald R.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

You are correct, the one I owned and the one in the pix have 4.40 bore and have an extra head bolt in the pattern. There is no question where these came from as you can see in the pix. send your email and I will send you some good pix.
RDR

[Dick W.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

You are correct, the one I owned and the one in the pix have 4.40 bore and have an extra head bolt in the pattern. There is no question where these came from as you can see in the pix. send your email and I will send you some good pix.
RDR

Pix?????

[John D.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

It's definitely a 4.25 bore...will post pics soon...has a dry sump 'hump, and mech fuel pump provision...no date.

[Ronald R.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

The sleves should fit bith blocks, I have a new OEM set!
RDR

[John D.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

Please send pics to ZL1Johnny@yahoo.com and I'll send mine to you. So...what do we know about my block, besides it's NOT a Can Am block...but what used for a Mclaren? Anyone aware of the GM history...what the 70065 code's for...when it was made...possibility of the above stated usages (Test Mule & Show Cars)?

[Ronald R.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

Johnny
The old mechanic that built all the Chap cars is still around here. If you are dieing to find out I will give him a call. With your number I would be very surprised if it came from anywhere else but Hall. And that is not a bad thing!
RDR

[John D.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

SURE...I'd love to know if it was in a Hall car...I'm also wondering what, if ANYthing, GM did with it first though. (Not sure how to post a pic on here from a "URL" (the option NCRS provides)...when I only have it on my desktop in a JPG type file, not saved to a web site) Hmmmm...

[Gary C.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

John, read the FAQ on photo posting. You can post photos when making a post by paging down to "manage attachments" and then uploading your photo. Photos are size limited. If you're using Microsoft XP then there's a Image Resizer Power Tool available at this link http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...powertoys.mspx Gary....
p.s. the Jim Hall mechanic who used have a shop in Cresson, TX has since moved on to live near/with his daughter somewhere in Houston?

[Dick W.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

Here are Ronald's pictures of the engine. From of the looks of the rest of his photos, he hit the mother lode

[Ronald R.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

The old mechanic was in Midland Texas 6 months back, to the best of my knowledg he is still here. franz has left the area.
RDR