427 aluminum block

[ds1]

No vin by the filter. Looks like I got my answer above. Does anyone know how many blocks were made? How long was the block casting run? Is the number on the back and on the main caps a consecutive order number. Trying to find out about it, but I can not find a lot of information on these engines. ZL1 #35, a Sutliff car, is supposed to be a MACN. Has #46 been found?

[William]

Yes #46 exists.

[ds1]

Do you know what the number on the back of the blocks stands for?

[William]

Back in the '80s I was involved with a ZL1 restoration project. At the time I corresponded with an Engineer at the Tonawanda engine plant, Fran Preve. In one of the letters I asked that question. He stated ZL1 cam and main bores had to be done on a boring bar-very slow process. Caps were fitted to a block; block and caps stamped with a number. The caps had to be removed for some of the machining process, re-united later. I believe this is no longer necessary with today's cutting tools.

Never met him but Fran was a great guy, passed away several years ago. Always pleasant, promptly responded to my letters. Much of the BB production data came from him.

[DW31S]

I know who does MacNeish's aluminum work and that fellow has fixed stuff for me. I'm friends with Jerry MacNeish and wouldn't feel right "backdooring" him by posting that contact info. here. He makes a living doing what I do for a hobby, and I'll be happy to ask him to post here so you can speak directly to him regarding your repair. I couldn't tell you if there is some type of "contract" between himself and the "aluminum wizard" (the guy really is that good). I'm pretty sure you can contact him here or at his business which does have a website.

[Billohio]

Some race shops do aluminum. When guys at moving ports in heads it amazing how much welding is done. Any pro stock race teams or big engine places in your area? I am in Ohio and my engine guy has a small place but does weld aluminium