Need help with this ZL1 block

ZL1mike · #1 09-15-2004, 05:38 PM

Have any members seen or know about this aluminum block with the extra rail along the drivers side bottom and it runs almost to the front of the block, dry sump maybe I don't know. Have a look at the pics, no numbers at all any place and it is a water block 427 ci overbore .030 and it's not like my 052 aluminum block.

Thanks

ZL1mike · #2 09-15-2004, 05:40 PM

another

ZL1mike · #3 09-15-2004, 05:48 PM

ZL1mike · #4 09-16-2004, 05:39 PM

Here is my 052 ZL1 block without the oil rail.

ZL1mike · #5 10-05-2004, 05:04 PM

We did a tear down of this engine and here is a better look at the rail, however I thought it was an oil rail but has turned out to be a coolant rail.
have a look.

mike

ZL1mike · #6 10-05-2004, 05:10 PM

another view

ZL1mike · #7 10-05-2004, 05:13 PM

view in the lifter valley.

Any ideas what this block might be ? marine or ?? can am ?

mike

thanks

JoeC · #8 10-05-2004, 06:17 PM

It could be an early block used by Jim Hall before they made the upgraded "CanAm" block. I have seen pictures of this block somewhere. Jim Hall was getting special parts from Chevy and was helping develope the early BB Chevy engine. Maybe you can try and contact Jim Hall or someone who worked with him in 1966 or 67. I hear Jim is difficult to get info from but worth a try.

ZL1mike · #9 10-05-2004, 09:09 PM

Thanks JoeC

mike

GMH454 · #10 10-06-2004, 02:00 AM

Joe, Jim halls blocks (or at least the one in photo hanging off chains in front of the coupe )had the same two vertical reinforcemenr ribs that all ZL1s seem to have.This does not appear to have them. That of course does'nt mean this isn't one.
Would guess its an aftermarket engine except its bore size kind of dates it as a early engine.
Don't know the storey Mike but keep digging. Have you tried the Can Am guys ??