Topic: If $$$ was no object, which would you choose??
in Forum: C3 Engines
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In the new issue of Vette Magazine, there is an article about World Products Merlin 632 ci, 780 HP monster big block..... Finished off, it costs a mere $16,000.00 plus!!!
Also, in the article they mention that GM has re-introduced the extremely rare (only two ever ordered) all aluminum block 427 ZL1 for around $6,000.00. Good guess it would easily top 10-12 grand finished out. This was introduced in 1969, and presumeably dropped due to lack of interest. If only people had known how valuable they would become...
Which would you put in your vette? The over the top, tire shreading, 800 ft.lbs. plus of torque making Merlin 632 or the slightly more refined and historically supreme ZL1 aluminum 427 that only produced somewhere around 600 horses... ha ha ha!
I'm guessing you can't go wrong with either...
Also, in the article they mention that GM has re-introduced the extremely rare (only two ever ordered) all aluminum block 427 ZL1 for around $6,000.00. Good guess it would easily top 10-12 grand finished out. This was introduced in 1969, and presumeably dropped due to lack of interest. If only people had known how valuable they would become...
Which would you put in your vette? The over the top, tire shreading, 800 ft.lbs. plus of torque making Merlin 632 or the slightly more refined and historically supreme ZL1 aluminum 427 that only produced somewhere around 600 horses... ha ha ha!
I'm guessing you can't go wrong with either...
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Lifetime MemberBismarck, ND - USA
Joined: 10/1/2004
Posts: 380
Vette(s): 1970 stingray, t-top, mulsanne blue with black interior, 406 ci with 444 hp, racing suspension, hooker headers/sidepipes - SOLD :(
I take it GM doesn't offer that block as a fully assembled engine, eh?
Mike
My old Stingray...sure do miss it:
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Placentia, CA - USA
Joined: 2/16/2004
Posts: 78
Vette(s): 1978 vette with an 80-82 stlye rear end molded in. BW six speed & an L82... for now. Lowered with VBP springs and bilsteins. Polished torq thrust wheels. New paint, audio system, aluminum radiator... Flowmaster and extreme flow exhaust components.
I'm with vmikalinis, ZL-1 all the way, you're not gonna be able to throw the car around a corner with a 632 Merlin. But if money is no object... I'm with cthulhu Twin Turbo LS7, why not? 
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I read that article in Vette Magazine. Definatlely an impressive setup.
I'd still have to opt for the 427. Just the looks of that all aluminum engine does it for me. Plus I'm not sure just how streetable the Merlin would be. Seems to me that you'd have a hard time keeping her cool on a 90+ day sitting in traffic.
Ahhh...it's nice to dream though.
I'd still have to opt for the 427. Just the looks of that all aluminum engine does it for me. Plus I'm not sure just how streetable the Merlin would be. Seems to me that you'd have a hard time keeping her cool on a 90+ day sitting in traffic.
Ahhh...it's nice to dream though.
I'd go with the 427 ZL-1, the reason for it is you would have to do a lot more work to keep 800LBS of torque on the road ;)
Just my $.02
Just my $.02
69' 427/435 4-speed. #matching LR (Tri-power).
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Lifetime MemberCHARLOTTE, NC - USA
Joined: 6/18/2003
Posts: 394
Vette(s): 1974 Stingray coupe; 2nd-Year One crate engine 408/408
2000 DBGM C5 coupe: Stock
I'd go with the Merlin & build a viper eating dragster out of it. 
Lifetime MemberPhoenix, AZ - USA
Joined: 3/13/2004
Posts: 537
Vette(s): 1975 Stingray Nomad Wagon, with Daytona front, custom hood scoop, dual side vents; 420HP 350; Doug Nash 5 speed; 1980 rear end W/4:11 gears; Cherry Red metallic paint.
i would go for the ZL1 mostly for historical reasons. I didnt know they were re-introducing it, thanks for the heads up, i'll have to get a copy of the magazine! d. 
thanks for the heads up, i'll have to get a copy of the magazine! d. Lifetime Member #36 
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Newark, CA - USA
Joined: 4/29/2004
Posts: 350
Vette(s): 1969 Corvette 4-speed ZZ-4 crate
Monza Red
Yeah that's easy....the ZL-1. Are you sure about the $6,000?? Sounds a little low to me.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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