[runningbear55]

I have found info suggesting the very first Z prototypes had 283 short blocks, before the decision was made to combine the 4" bore 327 block with the 3" steel crank. I bought this immediately upon viewing it on ebay, because i remembered seeing it somewhere before in a magazine picture back in the late 70's to early 80's. It was in a press type GM picture, where all the 302 Z28 engine components were laid out nicely on a table, or other flat surface. It was a black & white photo. I figure they used the L79 design, but "smoothed" the runner turns, and raised it up some more. I have yet to remove the bottom pan to see the date, but I expect it to be within the Z28 early development period. I need some solid proof. But, info about the Z28 program points to this being designed for that option package by winters.