Zl-1 Prototype Block

[Clem Z.]

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

if the oil pump is under the cam cover like the new LS engines i have a engineering report around here some place

[Joe L.]

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

Dick and Ronnie-----


It's not a ZL-1 block, although it it shares some features of a ZL-1 block. It may have been some sort of "prototype" of an aluminum big block. The casting numbers look like that sort of thing. Keep in mind, also, that at that point in time and, even, to the present day, just about any aluminum big block is often referred to in the vernacular as a "ZL-1". I don't think that the Jim Hall Can Am big block engines were, at all, a "ZL-1", but they are often referred to as such.

One other thing I note on this engine. Many of the bolts as those seen on the timing cover, etc. are Premier Nut and Fastener Company's "Supertanium" product line. Once-upon-a-time, before ARP and others came into being, these were popular in some racing circles. I think they were even used on Indianapolis cars of days gone by. However, as far as I know, they were never used by GM.

[John D.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

Gary, Can you pls provide your e-mail address, so I send you photos of MY block so you can post them? I found you have to be a mathmematician in order to use the 'resize tool'. Unless you'd rather just provide me with bullletized directions on how to use the resize tool. Thanks for the link though.

[Gary C.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

John, once you install the Microsoft Power Tool Image Resize tool all you have to do is open Explore by right clicking the start button. Then go to the director where your photos are that you want to resize. Highlight the photo(s) you want to resize, then right click your mouse button and select "resize pictures" and chose the "small" setting. The Image Resize tool will save a copy of your photo(s) with (small) file name. Give it a go, it's easy to do. Gary....

[John D.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

Pictures Of My 0-294550 Block Attached!

[John D.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

MORE PHOTOS...Can Am...ZL-1...any ideas?

[Art A.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

John, I think you have a Chevrolet Engineering prototype block..............that's what the O- number means and I'm very sure that the other number, 70065-53-W, is an Engineering Work Order number.

[Art A.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

MORE PHOTOS...Can Am...ZL-1...any ideas?

John, I did not see your photo's when I posted my first response, but after looking at the numbers in the photo's, I'm SURE that what I posted is correct.

The Engineering WO would tell us exactly what you have.....................IF WE COULD ONLY GET THE WO's OUT OF GM.

[John D.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

Thanks...Is there ANY way to find out what the Work Order was for...what the block was originally used for...put in? Thanks.

[Art A.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

John,


...Is there ANY way to find out what the Work Order was for...

Yes, but you will have to wait until I return to Michigan which won't be until next April. We can only pray that GM will still be in business then......for more reasons than this!

......what the block was originally used for

Yes, the WO will tell us what program the engine was slated for.


...put in?

The WO will Probably NOT specify an exact vehicle's Vin, but it may give us information as to what type of vehicle it was going into, Corvette, Chevelle, Camaro, truck, or being sent to a specific source.



Didn't you contact me directly about this engine awhile back?

AA

There is ABSOLUTELY NO better time than this.......... to go out and buy a GM product!!!!!!

[Clem Z.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

no one answered my question,"is the oil pump on the front of the crankshaft under the timing gear cover" ?

[Dick W.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

Joe, I don't have my old Chevrolet Power Book handy right now, but I am thinking that the 4.40 bore block was available in the 1969 and/or the 1970's

[Ken A.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

Joe, I don't have my old Chevrolet Power Book handy right now, but I am thinking that the 4.40 bore block was available in the 1969 and/or the 1970's

According to the Chevy Power Book:
4.25 complete engine available from 69-74 built a 427-454
4.44 bare block w/ liners only available from 69-74 built a 465-495
4.44 390 alloy no liners bare block available from 72 -78 built a 430 up to 510

[John D.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

Art,
Thanks for all your input. I don't THINK I talked to you about my block...but I've spoken to a LOT of people trying to determine it's origin. Someone told me that 70065 was a Vince Piggins Work Order number...in the Special Performance Division (or something similar). I'll have to pay Wayne Guinn the money owed for his research before I can see documentation as to why he thinks it may have been in a '66 L-88 test mule for a while....or his stating that it MAY have been in one of the 2 ZL-1 Camaro show cars. I'll anxiously await April to possibly find out the Work Order information. I'm putting it in a 65 Vette Coupe. By the way, aside from the block (.040 over), here are some parts I have for the build:

3946074 heads
Holley 4296 Carb
7115 Crank
NOS ZL-1 Rods
NOS ZL-1 Push Rods
393198 Intake Manifold
NOS R43XL Plugs
NOS ZL-1 Dampner
NOS ZL-1 Waterpump
3858403 Bellhousing
M-22 Rock Crusher Tranny

I have a list of parts I need, if anyone is interested in selling something.
ZL1Johnny@yahoo.com

[John D.]

Re: Zl-1 Prototype Block

Typo on the intake number: Should be 3933198 (WITH a plenum (divider) from the factory....one that got past the inspectors?) Which is nice, as it'll make it more "Streetable".