how many zl1 motors were made - Page 5

superstocker · #41 09-16-2006, 05:41 PM

Luke 10:27 · #42 07-25-2022, 12:53 AM

This is a very old thread but I am digging it up because I have seen with my own eyes some old paperwork related to the ZL1 block mostly. It is an old paper file and I know the original source. It is legitimate GM prints and various internal notes. Most of it is from the early 1970s. I have not had the opportunity to look at all of it yet but may get a chance to look at it again soon. I believe the person who currently is in possession of it may be interested in parting with it if it was s worth their while. It looked to me like most of it was related to block 3946053 but it also looked like there were other part numbers in the file as well. Does anyone on here have any insight into the historical or monetary value might be?

**bergy** · #43 07-25-2022, 09:59 AM

Good scripture there Luke 10:27.

Who is the original source? I was a superintendent in production at Tonawanda MCP in the 70s. Maybe I know him?

**William** · #44 07-25-2022, 12:02 PM

It has historical value.

As for monetary value, ask the people that have been sitting on internal Chevrolet Engineering documentation for decades. Still waiting on the big payday. The people ready to write the book have given up in frustration. The number of people that care is shrinking fast.

As long as the Dog In the Manger act continues, the entire ZL-1 story will not be told.

**Steve Shauger** · #45 07-25-2022, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by William

It has historical value.

As for monetary value, ask the people that have been sitting on internal Chevrolet Engineering documentation for decades. Still waiting on the big payday. The people ready to write the book have given up in frustration. The number of people that care is shrinking fast.

As long as the Dog In the Manger act continues, the entire ZL-1 story will not be told.

Very well said William... The poster may be associated with those holding the documents....

Luke 10:27 · #46 07-25-2022, 03:26 PM

I agree with all of you. The individual associated with these documents originally is long gone. The caretakers of them believe they have high value (I assume was told this by the original source). They are fearful of going public with them as they think there could be legal repercussions as the company is still in business. I believe they would destroy them if they thought they could risk being in trouble. I was brought into this because they trust me and I have knowledge on this stuff. I would like to make sure the historical part is preserved but I am guessing it won't be given away. I am considering making an offer to buy these documents but if I would do that, I would have a way to recoup my investment. If I were a rich man I would buy them and donate them to the historical cause but I'm not a rich man...lol.

**William** · #47 07-25-2022, 04:01 PM

Chevrolet doesn't seem to care much about 53-year-old engineering info. Plenty of Chevrolet engineering documentation was published in the Chevrolet by the numbers books.

Today you can visit the GM Heritage Center and request a part drawing. If they can locate it, they will provide a copy.

I have the 2022 Chevrolet Performance catalog. The ZL-1 block casting is noted: DISCONTINUED-Check dealer stock for availability.

I am curious as to what the difference was between the 3946052 and 3946053 cylinder blocks. Put me down for $20 US.

**Kurt S** · #48 08-01-2022, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by William

Chevrolet doesn't seem to care much about 53-year-old engineering info.
Today you can visit the GM Heritage Center and request a part drawing. If they can locate it, they will provide a copy.

Agreed. GM does not care about old docs like this - there is no liability or risk here.

GM will not provide copies of prints. If they can find it, you may look at it and take notes.....

**olredalert** · #49 08-01-2022, 02:30 PM

----I have been to the Heritage Center with a good friend and spent a whole day going thru reems of paperwork looking for particular stuff. Found many interesting things so it was a fruitful day. My friend went back and spent the whole next day as well. If there is a good enough reason you can make an appointment!....Bill S

**William** · #50 08-01-2022, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt S

GM will not provide copies of prints. If they can find it, you may look at it and take notes.....

Chevrolet by the numbers books are full of copies.

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