How many ZL1’s are known to have their numbers matching engines?

**TuxedoblackZ** · #1 01-20-2020, 01:30 AM

Hi guys!
Curious, how many 69 Camaro ZL1’s are known to have their original numbers matching engines?

**William** · #2 01-20-2020, 09:11 PM

Gets more difficult to answer that question as time goes by.

For purposes of this discussion "original matching numbers engine" is defined as, at minimum, the VIN-stamped cylinder block of the original engine assembly. Components contained within or fastened to said cylinder block may or not be original to it.

Current best educated estimate: 19. There are 6 other engines/chassis that both exist but are not in the possession of the same owner. At least one of those engines is damaged beyond repair.

There are 7 surviving engines original to cars that have not been found or no longer exist. A few restored ZL1s have production engines that originated in other chassis.

Complicating the issue: some ZL1 Camaro cylinder blocks were VIN-stamped on the pad with the engine code. A common racing engine build procedure involves re-machining this area, usually obliterating the stampings.

**SS427** · #3 01-20-2020, 09:46 PM

Man I would love to see your books. You have a ton of research information you have gathered over the years on many different types of cars. Likely similar to my LS6 research I have accumulated but still neat to hear about your research. Sadly I have never put any of my stuff onto spread sheets as of yet so it is not as easy to answer some of those questions.

**JBALL** · #4 01-20-2020, 10:11 PM

You read my mind Rick!

Berger L-72 · #5 01-20-2020, 11:07 PM

William, if memory serves me correct, #3 and #26 have the other car's engine.Have they ever been reunited?

**Charley Lillard** · #6 01-20-2020, 11:21 PM

They have not.

Luvchevs · #7 01-21-2020, 01:13 AM

Seems like a win/win for both owners to swap the motors, no?

Dave

**Charley Lillard** · #8 01-21-2020, 02:03 AM

When I owned # 3 I also owned his engine and tried to work a deal till I was blue in the face but the guy just jerked me around so I installed his engine in # 3. Some day future owners will come to their senses.

Berger L-72 · #9 01-21-2020, 03:05 AM

Makes no sense... would the value double for both cars or nearly so? #26 is a Hugger Orange 4 speed. Senseless.
How nice is the #26 car?

**Charley Lillard** · #10 01-21-2020, 03:38 AM

I don't remember but Porterfield went to his Mom's basement and took great 35mm pics of #3's engine.

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