NOS ZL-1, L88 rods for sale

**olredalert** · #1 03-19-2006, 02:37 AM

Warren,

-------As you know, Im not a parts numbers guy, but Im relatively sure that a dimple rod is a dimple rod. Red Alerts motor was built by Tonawanda with dimple rods. Those same rods are still in it today. Whenever I freshened the motor I would take in three sets and have my engine-builder choose the best of all of them and he always said that the originals needed nothing. Both HP427s and HP454s used dimple rods. I dont know the beginning and ending dates for their use on the engine assembly-line. Someone else on here more versed in that stuff and the numbers can probably elaborate on what I have said!!!.........Bill S

**Mr70** · #2 03-19-2006, 03:58 AM

I think this rod would work in all applications,as Bill & Greg have stated.
But technically the #3963552 rod was a brand new part released new in 1970.
The #3969804 was released later and was considered the fourth design by A.Colvin.
His Quote on the #3969804 rod:
"The last big block rod design with the same forging as the earlier L88 rods,but this rod has the 7/16 knurled shank.This rod was not quite as strong as the L88 rod,but it is much heavier then the Std. 3/8 rod."

**69SSZL1** · #3 03-19-2006, 04:22 AM

Colvin's quote is regarding #3963552, the LS-6 rod which is the forth design rod.It is not a floating pin rod, as LS-6 was a pressed pin. #3969804 is the third design L88 rod. It is also the ZL-1 rod as listed in the ZL-1 parts list on this site and in Ed Cunneen's book. It was released in 1969.

LS6 RAT · #4 03-19-2006, 04:24 AM

I have Colvins book "Corvette by the Numbers" and read what you stated above, from his book. I didn't see anywhere where this description pertains to the above rod? Can you clarify this for me, I'm very interested in these rods, if they are the best that GM offered and are indeed the original type rod used in the '70 LS-7 or '69 ZL-1, 2nd design L-88. I appreciate your reply, just don't want to make a mistake in purchasing. Thanks, again.

**69SSZL1** · #5 03-19-2006, 04:29 AM

Here is the ZL-1 parts list from Copo Connection. zl-1 parts list

**Mr70** · #6 03-19-2006, 04:37 AM

I stand corrected.
You're right Greg,that's the #552 rod he's describing.
Warren I wouldn't call these an aftermarket rod in any sense.
You just don't see these rods NOS anymore.
I'd buy them from Greg if I was in the market,as he and the price seem reputable & reasonable.

LS6 RAT · #7 03-19-2006, 05:22 PM

Thanks. I've made him an offer, as he requested.

provette67 · #8 03-19-2006, 07:59 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Warren,

-------As you know, Im not a parts numbers guy, but Im relatively sure that a dimple rod is a dimple rod. Red Alerts motor was built by Tonawanda with dimple rods. Those same rods are still in it today. Whenever I freshened the motor I would take in three sets and have my engine-builder choose the best of all of them and he always said that the originals needed nothing. Both HP427s and HP454s used dimple rods. I dont know the beginning and ending dates for their use on the engine assembly-line. Someone else on here more versed in that stuff and the numbers can probably elaborate on what I have said!!!.........Bill S

[/ QUOTE ]
Bill,I am with you.A dimple rod is still a dimple rod.The real question should be 3/8 or 7/16 rod

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