I have provided earlier posts regarding this engine. The suffix code includes the ZI identification. Cross-referencing ...it came out of a 1966 Chevy II. The textbook horsepower rating was 350Hp with hydraulic lifters and 375Hp with solid lifters. (???) so they say. 2.02 and 1.60 intake and exhaust "fuelie" heads. Some sources say that this is a rare block and a bit of a "find" for a collector restoring a 66' Chevy II.
I still have this engine. It'll be awhile before I get a hold of a 409 and I'm not completely convinced on re-doing the 348 in the recently acquired 62' just yet. I am thinking about extracting the 327 from the old car and tearing it down to see if its still OK.
Thought #1: If it is...part of me would like to keep it as "factory" as possible and go find a 1966 Chevy II project car.
This engine was standard bore when it was installed many years ago. Some "use and limited abuse" since then, plus the car was sitting in a garage for 20 years and a few years after that, outside, under a tarp. Its a good guess that it will need some work.
Thought #2: This engine was great in the first 62' I had. It might be a rush to put the rebuilt version in the most recent 62' until a good 409 engine is found. In the mean time this might be a solution for my need for speed. (This little beast would still pull while reaching near 7,000 rpm). :eek: (Had non-stock Isky anti-pump-up lifters and an earlier "factory" corvette cam installed).
Q#1. If the engine is restorable...how precise...does this engine need to be as far as internals is concerned to be in keeping as a collector type engine?
Q#2. Who really cares? I think if various parts were replaced that actually enhance the engine beyond its stock version...I'd still want it! E.G. lightened pistons, screw-in rocker studs, ARP bolts here and there, but the majority of the engine parts being true plus the external view looking "bang-on stock". Personally, I would prefer it and pay more for the upgraded/enhanced version...but that's just me.
Your opinons would be very much appreciated.
RCE1962
I still have this engine. It'll be awhile before I get a hold of a 409 and I'm not completely convinced on re-doing the 348 in the recently acquired 62' just yet. I am thinking about extracting the 327 from the old car and tearing it down to see if its still OK.
Thought #1: If it is...part of me would like to keep it as "factory" as possible and go find a 1966 Chevy II project car.
This engine was standard bore when it was installed many years ago. Some "use and limited abuse" since then, plus the car was sitting in a garage for 20 years and a few years after that, outside, under a tarp. Its a good guess that it will need some work.
Thought #2: This engine was great in the first 62' I had. It might be a rush to put the rebuilt version in the most recent 62' until a good 409 engine is found. In the mean time this might be a solution for my need for speed. (This little beast would still pull while reaching near 7,000 rpm). :eek: (Had non-stock Isky anti-pump-up lifters and an earlier "factory" corvette cam installed).
Q#1. If the engine is restorable...how precise...does this engine need to be as far as internals is concerned to be in keeping as a collector type engine?
Q#2. Who really cares? I think if various parts were replaced that actually enhance the engine beyond its stock version...I'd still want it! E.G. lightened pistons, screw-in rocker studs, ARP bolts here and there, but the majority of the engine parts being true plus the external view looking "bang-on stock". Personally, I would prefer it and pay more for the upgraded/enhanced version...but that's just me.
Your opinons would be very much appreciated.
RCE1962
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