Payback's new ZL-1

[Vegas69]

I woke up at 5:45 AM and was on the road around 7 AM headed for Pettis Performance to break in and dialin my new ZL-1 489. It just happens to be my birthday and I can't imagine a better way to spend a birthday. I showed up at Pettis around 10 AM. They were just finishing up all the plumbing to make her sing. It was exciting to walk in and see it all come together. He fired up the engine for the break and shut it down shortly after startup due to high EGT's. He tweaked the idle circuit and got them reasonalbe for the break in. We made a couple short pulls and Jason pulled the drain plug and checked the filter for debris. We then lashed the valves. After the first couple pulls I knew it was time to start tweaking on the tune. Jason Pettis is the definition of a Pro. We studied the efficiency of the engine and started playing with timing. We increased the timing and it lost power. We pulled 5 jet sizes out of the primary and secondaries and it woke up. As engines become more efficient they require smaller jets. We ended up with 666 hp at 6200 and 641 ftlbs at 4700. I feel it's absolutely the perfect engine for our circle jerk. Killer torque curve and it pulls to 6800 like it's pissed off. We did it on the next run. My goal was to make just as much torque as the old engine at its peak but make more HP. Not only did Jason manage that but he made the old motors peak torque 300 rpm sooner but kicked it's butt by 20 lbft at 3800 and a full 53lbt peak. He smoked the peak HP by 73hp with a very level power band above 6k. So basically I have more low end torque for autocross but way more RPM and Power to play with. The oil pressure climbed the higher we pulled her and peaked at 76 with 183 degrees of oil temp. We tried cooling the motor off and making more power. It made the same power 30 degrees cooler all at 34 degrees timing How can you argue with that. I can't wait to give it hell. :D :D I still love big blocks man!
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/ZL1DynoGraph_0001.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/ZL1DynoGraph_0002.jpg

Crank it up!
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[Vegas69]

Couple photos....
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/ZL1photos011.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/ZL1photos001.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/ZL1photos005.jpg

[WILWAXU]

Good stuff! :thumbsup: :hail:

That dyno is solid. No movement at all as the engine went through it's revs.

[Spiffav8]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Super stoked for you brother. Can't wait to hear that suck scream and see the big azz grin on your face.

:cheers:

[67ragtp]

Todd,

Great birthday gift! The torque curve looks awesome. I cant really see the intake from the pics but it looks like a dual plane, did you and your engine builder discuss what the curves would look like if you ran a super vic or a world intake? I just dont think it would lose torque but perhaps move it to high in the rpm range for your purpose. Congrats and happy bday good luck with the engine :thumbsup:

Rich

[jski67]

Awesome, that sounded strong.

Nothing like a big block...:thumbsup:

[MarkM66]

That's a killer engine!

Can you post the specs?

[bulldog19]

Awesome #'s Todd you've got to be stoked! Sounds very nice.

[Bow Tie 67]

Awsome!! pure evil 666HP * insert maniacal laugh *

Congrats and happy birthday

[jr421]

Those are awsome HP and Torque numbers and the all aluminum BBC is just killer cool in a 69! I bet you can really melt the rear tires now!

[Mkelcy]

Great numbers! That's the way to do it right - relatively light weight and awesome power.

[cdushane]

That thing sounds and looks absolutely killer :thumbsup:

[g356gear]

GREAT looking motor....what heads are you running? Still running the same heads as before?

[Payton King]

dropped it in yet. lol

great numbers, you have to be excited can't wait for the driving impressions

[JustinB]

Bad ass! Jealous. What are cam specs? Congrats on the new motor and :cheers: for sticking to your guns and running a carbed big block. There are only of a few of us left. Now get out there and kick the crap out of some LSX motors!!:thumbsup:

[Vegas69]

Appreciate it...:cheers: It's still in the back of the truck. :rofl: After 6 hours of driving Kelli took me out and treated me to some Buffalo Wild Wings. I'll have it out on the stand this morning. That's the first thing Jason said 666. I have a feeling I'm going to get tired of that tongue twister.

It does have a Edelbrock RPM air gap. From my research with a single plane it probably would of made 685-700hp easy but lost just as much or more low end torque. Moving the peak torque up in the 5000's. While great for bragging rights it wouldn't be ideal for Autocross or the street. Once again, trying to walk the fence between race a street. We ran it exactly as it will be in the car, operating temps, 1/2 phelonic spacer, and 34 degrees of timing. I have to admit I said" Let's throw a 1 inch spacer and a dominator on it" just for fun. :D He didn't have a dominator handy and I was ready to get on the road so we decided against the test with the 1 inch spacer . We ended up 7 jet sizes down from the old engine. The first 5 picked up about 20-30 hp and 10-15lbft. The other 2 picked up about 5 and we called it good. It is the same heads with some pocket porting. They are Dart 320's that have been shaved and the block is zero deck. It's right at 10.23:1. The cam is really about the same size as the old hydraulic with 252/260 @ 50 .666/.667 lift on a 110 installed on IC 105.5. When you factor in lash it's got just a little more lift. Once again, wanting something reasonable for valvetrain reliability and streetable. The stud girdle is for the high rpm abuse since it has over 600 open pressure. Jason told me I could set the rev limiter at 7200 but I'm going to set it lower. Probably 6800-7000.

[monza]

:cheers: Thats super tight!!

-my wife just asked, "how come your so happy looking at some guys engine make noise." I tried to explain, it's not just some guys engine.... some things can't be explained.

Burn outs next!

[DFRESH]

All alluminum big block chevy---how can you go wrong---that is so bad A man. Congrads. I am getting seriously pumped about April's RTTH and the Coastal cruise in June--especially after hearing that motor on the dyno---way to go brother. Can't wait to hear it in person.

Doug

[1badchevelle]

It must really suck to be you. LOL

Great numbers, I take it a couple of new rear tires came with the motor?

[Rybar]

Motor sounds awesome Todd, congrats on the new combo and numbers :thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

Thats sweet music to my ears!! With that much extra power the first ride will be like a new car. I can't wait to see your first trak video. Enjoy!

[tones2SS]

That thing sounds and looks absolutely killer :thumbsup:

I totally agree. That is NASTY!!!! Big Block power.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Now, that's a Happy Birthday present!!:cheers: :cheers:

[MWCC]

SWEET!!!!:thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

That is one killer birthday!

WOW -- Better than you were hoping for (650ish)! Doesn't get much better than that!

I'm happy for you! Really really kool!

:thumbsup:

[55Sedan]

That's really awesome Todd! Another birthday? Really? Congratulations!

Oh, yeah, nice engine. What color are you gonna paint it? :rofl:

(Sorry everyone...couldn't resist!) HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODD!
Larry

[Pantera EFI]

My guess is a camshaft with a 116*-118* L/C "Lobe Center line" will have a flatter torque curve and 50+ more horsepower.

245*/252* 116 C/L with with the same lift.

Lance

[Vegas69]

That's really awesome Todd! Another birthday? Really? Congratulations!

Oh, yeah, nice engine. What color are you gonna paint it? :rofl:

(Sorry everyone...couldn't resist!) HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODD!
Larry

If Alumin8r wasn't taken.....:D Pretty expensive birthday present.:lol:

Pantera, you'll have to go into a little more detail. I assume your talking about the intake centerline? I haven't seen anyone making that much horsepower without a single plane and this short duration.

[tones2SS]

Are you still running the same headers Todd?
I believe they are Lemon's, correct? They still fit well?

[Vegas69]

Yep, they fit great. I did have them recoated.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Very cool man. Making a great car better! Cannot wait to go for a ride.

[70rs]

Congrats on the killer engine Todd. And a happy belated birthday too. It's good to see it all coming together for you. Thanks for sharing.:thumbsup:

[scherp69]

Looks amazing Todd!!! Gotta love the look of all the aluminum. Can't wait to see more pics.

[nvr2fst]

I tell ya Todd, you have had your hands full with this ride, mostly good but when you stumbled across finding the Z block that just put icing on the cake for your style of a ride. Congrats and happy belated B-day.

[BBC69Camaro]

Wow great engine, should put a smile on your face the first time you take her for a spin :thumbsup:

[Vegas69]

:cheers: I'm really excited. All this down time has allowed me to focus on a bunch of the little stuff and take the car to the next level. I'm really working on polishing off the car and making it as reliable and well tuned to my liking. I can feel a huge difference pushing it around on the stand. I remember laboring to move the last engine. This thing really feels light.

[tones2SS]

Light and powerful = GREAT RESULTS!!:cheers:

[GregWeld]

I can't remember (too old) but there is a HP to Weight ratio - where the weight removed is the equivalent to ADDING HP...

So you added HP/TQ and took out weight - and that's going to be a good combination you can feel and measure.

[Vegas69]

Yep, gained 74hp along with alot more torque everywhere and lost around 125lbs adding back in the Vintage air box, hose, and condensor.

[Stuart Adams]

Good stuff, you will definately feel the difference.

[waynieZ]

When do you figure you will try to drop it in?

[Vegas69]

It's in...:unibrow:

[skatinjay27]

:thumbsup: :captain:

[Vegas69]

Could of used you that's for sure. It's a little tighter now with the road race pan. Went pretty smooth. Tranny is already in as well. :thumbsup:

[Vegas69]

Jason sent over some of the machining photos today. I'm up late so I thought I'd post them up.

This photo shows the removed factory cam retainer bosses and custom valley screens.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/P2020004.jpg
Jason is checking the comp custom grind for accuracy.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/analyzecamshaft.jpg
Here he is checking chamber volume since he ported and cut the head for a valve job. It needed a significant shave to get the compression to 10.23:1.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/chambervolumemeasure.jpg
This photo shows the lathe work he performed to clear the Manley H beams. It also shows the preparation of the lifter bores.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/cylinderwithrodclearance.jpg

[Vegas69]

This sequence of photos shows him cutting the 5 angle valve job, finished chamber, and assembly.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/finishedhead2.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/headassembly2.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/machinevalveseats1.jpg

[Vegas69]

The first photo shows the valves in action and the .660 lift.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/partiallongblock.jpg
Jason checking piston to valve clearance.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/pistontovalve.jpg
Cool photo of the splayed main caps, callies crank , and manleys.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/shortblock4.jpg
Little trick, tiny ports in the oil gallies to cool the timing chain. With downard drivetrain slope and acceleration, think it's a great idea.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/timingchainoiler.jpg
Jason modifying my Isky Red Zones! My guess is more oil to cool the valve springs.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa251/Payback1969/valvetrainoilmod.jpg

[98ssnova]

Aweome bud cant wait to see the car on the "road":unibrow:

[cdushane]

It's in...:unibrow:

You need to post a video of that bad boy once you fire it up :unibrow:

[MarkM66]

It's in...:unibrow:

That's what she said...... Sorry, but I had to do it. ;)

Looks like you're in good hands with that build.

[Vegas69]

I thought it was, are you in yet. :lol: There will be plenty of video. I plan on attending at least 2 events in the next 4 weeks. I need to get my butt back out in the garage after 4 hours of sleep.

[waynieZ]

Thats sweet Todd. Its nice to see someone who builds an engine with such attention to detail. He does awesome work.
Nice hussle getting the car back together. You must have been busier than a one armed paper hanger. Nice work!

[Vegas69]

Oh there is a ways to go, new engine means lot's of new obstacles plus I'm cleaning up a few things I wasn't thrilled with. :thumbsup:

[monza]

It's in...:unibrow:

Nice that's the answer I was guessing you should be posting!!

Get at it.:thumbsup:

Pics look great!

[tones2SS]

That's killer Todd!!! Good to hear.:thumbsup:
You did the install yourself?!!? Way to go bud!:cheers: That car is killer looking inside and out. AWESOME!!:cheers: :cheers:

[GregWeld]

Great photos Todd -- really shows what a good builder should be doing. You can tell he's a real "big HP" guy... Motor looks awesome... you should be feeling pretty confident!

I dropped mine off today -- My guy uses road tar to seal the pan leaks -- and "roads" lifters (probably used) with a junkyard crank out of an unknown make and model... and that piston slap cleans right up once she's warmed up a bit!

LOL

[Vegas69]

Ya, most of his builds are light years beyond mine. He does some trick and cutting edge stuff. The new Chevy High Performance has an article on an engine he built. Really good read.

[70rs]

2 events in the next 4 weeks? Awesome! That will give you all kinds of info to dial the car back in with. Very nice Todd, very nice.:thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

Ya, most of his builds are light years beyond mine. He does some trick and cutting edge stuff. The new Chevy High Performance has an article on an engine he built. Really good read.

Big, Wild, and Nasty....

I thought I was reading Playboy. :mad:

[DFRESH]

Big, Wild, and Nasty....

I thought I was reading Playboy. :mad:

LOL---too funny GW---

Doug

[g356gear]

Hey Vegas,
So what do you think it would cost you to build this motor from scratch?

[Vegas69]

From flywheel to accessories just North of 20k.

[Steve1968LS2]

Very cool.. and very nice photography.. :thumbsup:

I leave for Vegas in the morning.. going to cover and autocross at the Super Chevy show.. :)

[Vegas69]

I was hoping to make the Super Chevy event but I'm turning the key at the earliest tomorrow night. I want to put some shake down miles on it before I hail Mary the car. I was really hoping to show those car show guys what's up. :D :D

[ProdigyCustoms]

Its a roller motor, it has already been dynoed and broke in, your ready, go to the track! I have warmed up my motors and taken to the track for 30 years! No worries. if it survived the dyno, your good to go.

[Vegas69]

I'm not worried about that, it's more to due with the new clutch, oil lines, cooling system and any carb tweaks. I also need to re dial in the ride height since it's on the ground and sitting a full inch higher up front without the hood and seats. :thumbsup: Sunday is not out of the question.

[g356gear]

I think you mentioned the motor was approx 150 lbs lighter than the old motor. Did you have to change front spring rates?

[Vegas69]

I have yet to drive the car but it already had LSX/Small block springs. I took two turns out of the coil overs and it's close.

[BA.]

WOW! That sounded freakin great!

I can't believe I'm missing out on this good stuff by being at the other place too much!

Can't wait to see/hear some road video.

[lil427z]

motor porn sounds good.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
rick k

[g356gear]

From flywheel to accessories just North of 20k.

And for just the GM ZL1 block?