[TXSS]

I've been trying to get additional info on the 50th anniversary ZL-1 since it was announced I've spoken to two of the biggest GMPP dealers in the country, both of with I've purchased numerous 053 blocks from and nether had any info on the engine. One had no idea what I was talking about. I purchased 8 of the 053 blocks in Nov/06 and over a period of the next 10 months I received 6 of the 8. The balance is scheduled to be shipped in mid Feb. I'm curious how that delivery date reconciles with the statement from GMPP that after the 427 50th anniversary ZL-1 engines are produced the "tooling will be retired for ever". I've been told by both dealers that the delivery delays were and are due to not being able to get end cap studs. That sounded fishy at the time and still does. There seams to be a lot of conflicting info out there, even on the GMPP web site. Wile the video says 460hp the copy below states 480hp. I will be very curious to see what components GM thinks makes a ZL-1 427 a ZL-1 427. If it is nothing more than a 053 block with standard Bowtie over the counter bolt on's I'll be disappointed. If that is the case I think I'd rather build them my self using an 053 block and vintage bolt on's. None of mine have ever dynoed at less than 515hp, cost something less than the 20K price tag that has been floated out there and IMO are a lot more authentic to the true nature of an original ZL-1 427. Other wise it would appear that you would be paying 3-4,000.00 extra for an engine plate, a set of valve covers and have a lot less engine to boot. OK OK, I'll probably buy one anyway.

This is from the GMPP web site:

"To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Chevrolet big block, GM Performance Parts has brought back a modern version of the ZL-1 for your chance to relive muscle car history. The Anniversary Edition 427 starts with a retooled version of the ZL-1 aluminum block using the exact same tooling that helped create this legend in 1969. The advantage of the aluminum block is that it offers the completed engine the weight of a small block with a whole lot more power.

With a full list of features, this modern ZL-1 is one of the most exclusive big block crate engines ever offered by GM Performance Parts. Fittingly, only 427 will ever be produced, and then the ZL-1 tooling will be retired forever. The 427 lucky owners of this commemorative monster can expect an estimated 480 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque.

The 427 copies of the Anniversary 427 go on sale in the first quarter of 2008 through GM dealers and authorized GM Performance Parts retailers. Each copy also comes with a complementing Anniversary Owners Kit that includes a certificate of authenticity, an engine plate with specifications, and other items."