Return of the ZL1

[Kitdy]

GM is putting back into limited production the legendary race-inspired ZL1 engine with only minor changes. Featuring an aluminum block and cylinder heads, the 427 / 7L was rated at a respectable 430 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque, but when Motor Trend dynoed it independently, they got 525 hp form it.

The 427 examples of this engine will be made with the same machinery (recently rediscovered) the originals were made of. They will surely go for a pretty penny, especially considering that a 1969 Corvette equipped with a ZL1 and slicks did the quarter mile in 10.89 seconds.

Of the original, there were only 2 Corvettes, and 69 COPO Camaros with the ZL1.

From Autoblog

This is really sick. This engine is a ballin' engine and I would proudly put it in whatever the hell car I owned.

[2ndclasscitizen]

Certainly taking the retro trend to new heights aren't they?

[clutch-monkey]

i can fit one in the mini.. i know i can.

i wonder what prices these will hit, great news for people trying to restore COPO camaro's and 427 vettes

[baddabang]

Originally Posted by Kitdy

This is really sick. This engine is a ballin' engine and I would proudly put it in whatever the hell car I owned.

But its OHV!!!!one!!11!!

[henk4]

Originally Posted by baddabang

But its OHV!!!!one!!11!!

people love antiques.

[dydzi]

how will that pass emission laws?

[henk4]

Originally Posted by dydzi

how will that pass emission laws?

it is probably not going to be sold as an engine in a new car. The car must pass the laws, not the engine, so if a 69 Camaro is going to use it, it is just a classic. I bet you will agree that a 250 GTO engine also does not meet emission standards...

[dydzi]

Originally Posted by henk4

it is probably not going to be sold as an engine in a new car. The car must pass the laws, not the engine, so if a 69 Camaro is going to use it, it is just a classic. I bet you will agree that a 250 GTO engine also does not meet emission standards...

thanks for clearing that up so, all in all it looks like they found some old machinery and decided to make a little $$$ from it...

[Kitdy]

Originally Posted by baddabang

But its OHV!!!!one!!11!!

I despise you.

EDIT: I want to buy one and sell it on eBay.

[henk4]

Originally Posted by dydzi

thanks for clearing that up so, all in all it looks like they found some old machinery and decided to make a little $$$ from it...

in Ferrari terms, it is called a "barn-find"

[harddrivin1le]

Originally Posted by baddabang

But its OHV!!!!

So what?

The Gen 3 and 4 GM smallblocks are OHV (!!!!)

Does that mean they suck?

An engine that weighs 460 pounds dressed, produces 505 Certified SAE Net HP and still yields 24 MPG doesn't sound too bad to me...

[Wouter Melissen]

Does every thread about American V8s have to end up in a camshaft discussion?

[harddrivin1le]

Originally Posted by Kitdy

GM is putting back into limited production the legendary race-inspired ZL1 engine with only minor changes. Featuring an aluminum block and cylinder heads, the 427 / 7L was rated at a respectable 430 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque, but when Motor Trend dynoed it independently, they got 525 hp form it.

I have every vintage issue of Motor Trend and they never dynoed an original ZL1. Al they did was reiterate an unsubstantiated claim made by a GM engineer, the results of which were undoubtedly representative of what I described below.

This guy did dyno his ZL1 and it produced 375.6 peak HP in its "as installed (SAE NET) state, which is 60 HP LESS than what a brand new, base engine LS3 Corvette engine makes.

CRG Research Report - COPO 427

It finally made 523.6 peak Gross HP, but that was after the engine was stripped of all engine accessories, super-tuned and fitted with open long tube racing headers.

A second dyno test on a second ZL1 revealed virtually identical results in "Musclecar Enthusiast" magazine a few years ago.

"Muscle car legends" are rarely supported by objective facts.

Furthermore, I question your use of the term "minor changes." The only common part among the old and new engine is the block. Everything else (including heads and cam) is different.

[jediali]

cynical view of the above

[dydzi]

Originally Posted by henk4

in Ferrari terms, it is called a "barn-find"

riiiiiight... but in most cases, money land in the pocket of marcel massini, not Ferrari