Anniversary 427 limited-edition and ZZ427
GM Performance Parts (GMPP) announced production plans for a new
Anniversary 427 limited-edition crate engine and a regular-production
ZZ427 crate engine. The Anniversary 427 is a modern re-creation of the
mythical, all-aluminum ZL-1 427 engine. It is underrated at 430
horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque – like the production engine was
in 1969.
Only 427 of the special engines will be built.
The new ZZ427 crate engine features most the Anniversary 427's
high-performance design features and components, but is built with a
more economical cast iron cylinder block – but still producing
approximately 430 horses and 450 lb-ft. of twisting power. The ZZ427
enters the GM Performance Parts crate engine lineup as a
regular-production power plant.
"Simply mentioning the term 'ZL-1' stirs the emotions of Chevy
performance enthusiasts," said Lisa Reffett, marketing manager, GM
Performance Parts. "By using the tooling that built the original
engines, we're able to revive the spirit of that legend and
re-introduce it to not only enthusiasts who missed their opportunity to
own one 40 years ago, but to a new generation of Chevy high-performance
fans."
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 engine also comes with a complementing Anniversary
Edition package that includes a certificate of authenticity, an engine
plate with specifications and a matching number owner's kit to add to
its exclusivity.
"The Anniversary 427 is a special engine, and the lucky customers
who buy one will know they got something unique," said Reffett. "Cars
are collectable and we're sure the Anniversary 427 will be, too."
ZL-1 tooling
Production of the Anniversary 427 was inspired by the discovery of
the signature aluminum block's tooling several years ago. It was
discarded after production of the original ZL-1 engine halted in the
early 1970s.
GM Performance Parts oversaw the refurbishment of the tooling and
updated some design features of the cylinder block, such as the
addition of screw-in galley plugs. The block casting also was
strengthened in key areas. The result is a modern interpretation of the
legendary engine that is infused with all of the high-performance
attributes of the original.
The all-new Anniversary 427 has a classic, single four-barrel
carburetor induction system that is similar to the four-barrel setup of
the original ZL-1 engine. (GMPP offered a port-fuel-injected "Ram Jet
ZL-1" crate engine a few years ago, with a block based on the
refurbished aluminum ZL-1.)
Anniversary 427 and ZZ427 engine details
The limited-production Anniversary 427 – GM part number 19166392 –
and regular-production ZZ427 – 19166393 – share similar design traits
that combine with carefully selected components from the GM Performance
Parts catalog to produce approximately 430 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft.
of torque; it's just that the Anniversary 427 uses the special,
re-tooled aluminum cylinder block casting.
These new 427 engines accept all of GMPP's front-end accessory
drive systems and lightweight starters. Customers will need to supply
fuel system and exhaust system components as needed for their
application.
ZL-1 history
The 427-cubic-inch ZL-1 engine was born in the late 1960s as a
lightweight weapon for use in road racing and the first few were handed
out to racing teams supported by Chevrolet. The aluminum block offered
an approximately 100-pound weight savings over the conventional iron
big-block casting.
Dealers got wind of the engine, which was said to make more than
500 horsepower when properly tuned, and a few production cars were
ordered under Chevy's "COPO" system – a special-order system that was
used mostly for fleet vehicles, such as utility trucks or taxi cabs.
COPO stood for Central Office Production Order, and the dealers
exploited the rules of the system to custom-build the ultimate muscle
cars.
In all, 69 1969 Camaros and a
pair of 1969 Corvettes were built with the ZL-1 engine as standard
equipment. Most of the vehicles were ordered with few options, as they
were intended to be sold to drag racers. Nearly 40 years later, they
are the most prized and valuable Chevy models of the muscle car heyday.
While production cars with the ZL-1 engine were available for only
a year, Chevrolet continued to manufacture and sell ZL-1 engines and
parts over the parts counter to racers through the early 1970s. So,
while the ZL-1 engine program ended, its legacy lingered for decades.
GM Performance Parts crate engines undergo a 50-hour, full-throttle
engine dynamometer validation, requiring the engines perform from peak
horsepower to peak torque. GMPP also installs crate engines in its own
engineering vehicles for ongoing testing and continuous improvement.
This commitment to quality and durability allows General Motors to back
GM Performance Parts crate engines with a 24-month / 50,000-mile
warranty (whichever occurs first). All GM Performance Parts components
carry a 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.
Enthusiasts who crave the latest technology, maximum horsepower and
the expertise and confidence backed by GM can purchase GMPP crate
engines, blocks, heads and components from GMPP Authorized Center
dealers or any other GM dealership nationwide. For more information or
to locate the closest GM dealership visit www.gmperformanceparts.com or call 800-577-6888.
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