ZL1 block on e-bay $$$

ZL1mike · #1 08-05-2004, 01:06 PM

A block in this nice original condition, how high will it go up to ? I can buy a new ZL1 block for a lot less than the reserve of $8000. I spoke to the seller and he has owned the block and collected parts for 20 years and not used any of it.He also told me in the winters logo the W is not there but a L C or L O is in it's place ??? anybody ever heard of these letters ? I'm sure it will fetch a lot more than I can bid up to.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=34202&item =2486208127
Mike

**Jeff H** · #2 08-05-2004, 04:33 PM

Mike, you set up the link at a an email address. Here's the auction as a link. It has met the reserve already so that should answer your question.
ZL1 engine on Ebay

GMH454 · #3 08-06-2004, 04:03 AM

I don't think the factory ever intended to bore them out as far as this guy has. In the photos there is not much alloy between the liners. As its out so far not sure how good a performance engine it will be, although the extra cubes would help, it could be make very expensive sounds. Probably be a blast in a street rod.

Without the correct casting marks can't see it pulling big collector dollars, I'm guessing it will rate below a Yenko Block. Also think the 1968 date could be wishful thinking, as its not winters it might be 1978.

I will try to dig out info on the "L C ", though it does not sound familar.

ZL1mike · #4 08-06-2004, 05:32 AM

Sorry for the bad link and thanks to Jeff for the fix up.
I might be wrong but I think this block will go up further yet, At 3 days to go the seller told me 43 people had been watching this item. It sure is an early block as it has push in freeze plugs instead of the screw in plugs I've seen.
thanks GMH454

Mike

Ed Cunneen · #5 08-06-2004, 07:24 PM

I have owned several of these blocks over the years. If it has a stamp in the Winters snowflake, (LP)It is probably LaPorte Indiana Foundry. Winters Foundry did not want their trademark on a product they did not make. This would be one of the blocks that Yenko made for the boat racers, after leasing the castings from GM. Circa in the early 1970's. No date on the side of the block. and push-in freeze plugs. The GM blocks had screw in plugs. The blocks with Yenko logo came later. This block should have a Yenko serial number stamped inside the timing chain area.

Chevy454 · #6 08-06-2004, 07:48 PM

Ed:

Any rough "guesstimate" on a production total on the non-GM (Yenko) ZL-1 blocks? I'll have to check ours for a serial number...

ZL1mike · #7 08-06-2004, 08:59 PM

Thanks Ed, that's great information. Did these blocks come with oversize or thicker iron sleaves because of the boating applications ?
thanks Mike

ZL1mike · #8 08-08-2004, 05:32 AM

How is $11,600. sound for a ZL1 block ?

I knew it would fetch good coin and that much cash is out of my budget for a spare motor. Congrats to the seller and the new owner.
Mike

GMH454 · #9 08-09-2004, 02:16 AM

Well it was'nt 1968 so it might have been 1978, but that sounds a bit late for a non "Yenko" casting. Thats a high price for a :-
Non Winters block (ie not a 1969 ZL-1 ) but a counter engine.
No casting id number.
AND bored out real big,
Thats a very healthy price, although considering all the other variables, it ptobably is still a good buy.

**Charley Lillard** · #10 08-09-2004, 02:57 AM

I think you can buy a better block from Chevrolet right now for less money so I don't see the attraction. If I want to build up a high hp engine, why do it with a block design that had problems? If I was gonna go the antique route, I would do it with a new ZL1 block.