1963 chevy small block

**PeteLeathersac** · #1 02-16-2006, 06:24 PM

Vern, keep your chin up w/ life's trials....been there, done that....actually still there doing that??? .
Great digging on the Zora 'W' stuff....sure sounds like he had a lot more to do w/ the W-motors than most of us know? . A lot of this happening during the 'racing ban' time period could explain how it's not been common knowledge over the years? . Love the Marine Division thing....man, GM could sure use a few Ed Coles and Harley Earls these days! . A few like Vince Piggins and Pete Estes could go a long way to turn things around for the General too? . With the mix including the guys like Smokey Yunick and racer/dealers types like Yenko and Gibbs, it's no wonder how GM was at the top o' the heap back in the day! . Off topic, GM could use a few Bill Mitchells and Larry Shinodas now too....wonder what their new Camaro would've been like? . Anyway, I also remember reading something about the W-motor being tried in a 'Vette mule and Enoch's note on Zora fighting the 9'ers in the 'Vettes is what I recall too....the handling being his major concern, not the motor itself. . Considering this and your info on his involvement in the W-motors would sure make the alum. block rumour more of a possiblity? .
~ Pete

Verne_Frantz · #2 02-16-2006, 07:28 PM

Just for added interest, the '63 Chevrolet engineering specs say to add 45lbs to the curb weight for a 409 over a 283. That of course would have to include the dual exhaust and larger radiator....and another quart of oil!

In an interview with Dick Keinath, the guy who got to use a blank sheet of paper to design the mystery motor, he stated he was also given the "aluminum project" development, but he only spoke of aluminum heads and intakes for both the SB Corvette and the Z-11. He never mentioned a block. Although we know an aluminum 377cid was built. It's still a mystery.

I agree with you. I think the General would be doing a lot better today if they had a few of the old gearheads in key positions. The cars we love were designed by stylists and built by engineers. Today's Chevys are designed by lawyers and built by accountants.

Verne