Author Topic: zl1 camaros with automatics  (Read 3915 times)

jonboy1216

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zl1 camaros with automatics
« on: November 29, 2009, 05:19:25 AM »
does anybody know what converter was used in a zl1 with that big 3959180 cam. just curious how the thing would idle in gear.and does anyone know exactly how much power the zl1 produced at the crank?

BlackoutSteve

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Re: zl1 camaros with automatics
« Reply #1 on: November 29, 2009, 08:49:34 AM »
Dick Harrell (I think) ran 122mph for SS&DI magazine in the Feb 69 issue in what would have been about 3600lbs.
I'm guessing 550-580ish.
Restoring my RHD 69 Jane in Melbourne, Australia.
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/Forum/showthread.php?t=2840

jonboy1216

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Re: zl1 camaros with automatics
« Reply #2 on: November 29, 2009, 06:10:26 PM »
iwas thinking of 600 but 580 is still good.also does anyone know how the thing would idle in gear?

william

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Re: zl1 camaros with automatics
« Reply #3 on: November 29, 2009, 07:04:54 PM »
I was involved with one of the Gibb automatic ZL-1s some years ago.

Back in the day a ZL-1 with headers and a good tune up did around 525 hp. With todays piston rings and oils they are around 550 hp. That's on race gas and under dyno conditions. Check out the COPO report on this site for more info.

The AMA specs don't directly specify a stall speed but state the "max ratio at stall" is 2.1. They will idle in drive just fine but there a few caveats. Most if not all automatic ZL-1 Camaros were built with the #4346 780 cfm vac secondary carb. The AMA specs call for the #4296 850 cfm carb. Original ducted hood air cleaners had a vent tube with a 90º bend. This tube will contact the rear pump lever on the 850 generating a constant fuel stream; this may be why they were built with 780s. Later air cleaners had a revised vent tube that will clear the lever. ZL-1s do not have manifold heat; there was no choke and they cannot have a heat-riser. So do not build your ZL-1 with a heat riser and the wrong air cleaner. I do not have 1st hand experience but I hear the 850 is too much for any kind of street use.

Somewhat related, later CX TH400 Camaros used a fast-idle solenoid. I do not know if any ZL-1s had it; the engine bay photos of #5 ZL-1 show no solenoid.

The ZL-1 I learned on has been in storage for nearly 15 years. Ask Santa to give me a call!
« Last Edit: November 29, 2009, 07:38:06 PM by william »
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