Special Order Z-11 "SS" 1963 Impala, well ..not really

Phalen409

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 6
We're all at least a little jealous (ok.... A LOT!!!) and very happy for you Dennis. Can't go wrong with a car that nice, a legendary Z11 engine that's as close to a brand new one as possible, and such a great group of people behind it all. (Buyer, seller, and wives!)

I like the build plan, but have a couple questions / suggestions:

Normally for such a rare beast I'd say just leave it 100% stock, but considering the value of it and that you're already straying towards a street roller cam you sure don't want to risk it ever coming apart.

1. Are the Z11 rods different than regular 409 rods? They look a little beefier. Maybe have the beams polished to eliminate stress risers and some ARP bolts installed??

2. What about having the pistons lightened? I don't think I would want "max lightened" for it, but I bet a good bit of weight could be whittled away and them still be plenty strong. Maybe target around 750 grams or so?? Seems like a shame to do any milling on such rare pieces. It would be a worse shame for something to let go because they are so heavy.

3. You're probably going to do this one already, but for sake of mentioning:
Get the best lifters (probably Isky Red Zone with bushings instead of needle bearings), valvesprings, and pushrods that you can to compliment that camshaft.

4. No suggestion here just a question/observation. I noticed the balancer is weighted like a 454 or 400 small block. I never knew the Z11 was externally balanced. Did they have an externally balanced flywheel as well or were they just weighted on the front end of the crank?

5. Is there a Commandment - Thou Shalt NOT Covet Thy Friend's Z11 ?



I met with the gentleman that will be building this project for me and we discussed the build. I told him what my intentions were and we started from there. He has built several Z-11 and Z-11 components for many years. I asked specifically about the pistons and we will leave them original in every way. We are going, in his opinion, with a top of the line proven valve train assembly. The original two piece valves (original and currently in the heads) will be replaced with modern single piece units. The rods will be refurbished and new ARP rod bolts will be used or one's he considers better. According to Phil, the balancer is unique (at the time) to Z-11's and will be used as well. All the original assembly bolts are there and new. They will most likely be relegated to the "display only" duty in my home with new bolts used through-out. We also discussed a 4 / 7 swap for the cam, but is does change the way the motor will sound and with my intentions not to run it at more the 7000 RPM, we decided to keep the firing order original. (It will never see 5000 RPM, just kidding) I'm a little overwhelmed at the moment to think much beyond getting started. Most folks will say this is crazy to be driving this on cruise nights and local shows and I'm somewhat inclined to agree with them. At least with my plan, the Z-11 will be seen by those not able to have access to private collections and might understand what they are looking at. With all the components Phil has acquired over the many years, we could build this this motor at about 95% NOS, or near new, late 1962 GM parts. If I did that, I wouldn't drive it. Will know more as we move along !!
 

Phalen409

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 6
Oh, if i only knew the price you paid for this i would sleep better at night!!!!!! :D Wow, you are probably one out of a hand full of owner's of these engine's!!! Congrat's!!!!!! PS,,,,,,,hang on to that wife!!!!!!!:poke

SLEEP??....No......No you wouldn't. I don't sleep at all! ...Just like Christmas Eve!

The wife??...she's was a keeper long before this!:)
 

oldskydog

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 10
4. No suggestion here just a question/observation. I noticed the balancer is weighted like a 454 or 400 small block. I never knew the Z11 was externally balanced. Did they have an externally balanced flywheel as well or were they just weighted on the front end of the crank?

Exactly my thought as well.:rub
 

Phalen409

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 6

I'm going to let someone who is more familiar with the Z-11 chime in and provide the correct answer. I have no idea.
 

DonSSDD

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 2
That Phil gets a lot of flak on this site, but he sure knows how to make people happy. Must have been some pretty big smiles when the 2 (or4) of you shook hands on this deal.:bow:bow Congratulations to all of you.

I like that you will drive it and show it to people.

Don
 

Phil Reed

Well Seasoned Member
Supporting Member 10
The Z-11 balancer looks just like the 425 409 balancer from the front. Just a bit wider in the width. But the Z-11 balancer did have the counter weight on the back side. Don't know why........maybe a heavier rotating assembly?

How'd I do Dennis??????????????
 

63 dream'n

Well Seasoned Member
Supporting Member 4
I too love the fact that you'll drive it.......and the rubbernecking that will follow.............the aroma of race fuel.......that unmistakable rough lumpy idle......I'd better stop now.......it's gettn warm in here. That's the stuff dreams are made of.
 

nomad59NZ

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 2
Absolutely outstanding Dennis. Talk about a kid in the candy store. What a real honor it must be and in two ways!:rub
1) Having the one of the most iconic engines of all times and with actually putting it to daily use. Also as you stated in your post "my plan, the Z-11 will be seen by those not able to have access to private collections and might understand what they are looking at":clap
2) Been able to met, deal with and had the pleasures to bring this all together for you by an iconic man in his own right by way of Mr Phil Reed.:bow

O Sh_it, i had better make that three ways!

3) The good wife that you will be keeping forever. The top ladies are few and far between with myself also being lucky enough to have one of these too - ALL HALE THE GREAT WIVES :D

I certainly look forward to the progress of this build.
Gav
 

Phil Reed

Well Seasoned Member
Supporting Member 10
I met with the gentleman that will be building this project for me and we discussed the build. I told him what my intentions were and we started from there. He has built several Z-11 and Z-11 components for many years. I asked specifically about the pistons and we will leave them original in every way. We are going, in his opinion, with a top of the line proven valve train assembly. The original two piece valves (original and currently in the heads) will be replaced with modern single piece units. The rods will be refurbished and new ARP rod bolts will be used or one's he considers better. According to Phil, the balancer is unique (at the time) to Z-11's and will be used as well. All the original assembly bolts are there and new. They will most likely be relegated to the "display only" duty in my home with new bolts used through-out. We also discussed a 4 / 7 swap for the cam, but is does change the way the motor will sound and with my intentions not to run it at more the 7000 RPM, we decided to keep the firing order original. (It will never see 5000 RPM, just kidding) I'm a little overwhelmed at the moment to think much beyond getting started. Most folks will say this is crazy to be driving this on cruise nights and local shows and I'm somewhat inclined to agree with them. At least with my plan, the Z-11 will be seen by those not able to have access to private collections and might understand what they are looking at. With all the components Phil has acquired over the many years, we could build this this motor at about 95% NOS, or near new, late 1962 GM parts. If I did that, I wouldn't drive it. Will know more as we move along !!
You Jack Wagon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If Tony knew that you called him a "gentleman".........he'd ring your neck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Speaking of jack wagon............I had what I call a very close friend email me about calling you a jack wagon in the Z-11 thread. Basically he said....why I would publicly call you a jack wagon if you were buying my engine? I said "because he said I could"!!!!!!!!!!! Obviously...he didn't realize that jack wagon was a term of endearment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:laugh:laugh:roll:roll:laugh2:laugh2
 

blkblk63ss

Well Seasoned Member
Supporting Member 5
You Jack Wagon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If Tony knew that you called him a "gentleman".........he'd ring your neck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Speaking of jack wagon............I had what I call a very close friend email me about calling you a jack wagon in the Z-11 thread. Basically he said....why I would publicly call you a jack wagon if you were buying my engine? I said "because he said I could"!!!!!!!!!!! Obviously...he didn't realize that jack wagon was a term of endearment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:laugh:laugh:roll:roll:laugh2:laugh2
Ok, we understand that,,,,,,, but what's a coon-ass????
 

Phalen409

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 6
I grew up in South Louisiana and finished school in North Louisiana........My family is Cajun French....... Most folks now use the politically correct term "Cajun" when referring to native people from La..... "Coon-Ass" is the now non-politically correct term for true Cajuns, and is how we refer to each other. It goes back well over 100 years or more. ....Phil Reed is an Honorary Coon-Ass and is a new member to our Cajun heritage
 
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