Between 1967 and 1969, the alphanumeric designation that struck fear
from Main Street to the drag strip was L88. It was the ultimate expression
of Chevy’s Big-Block power, combining a rigid iron cylinder block with
lightweight aluminum cylinder heads and a single four-barrel carburetor.
GM Performance Parts has recreated that classic Big-Block combination
in the ZZ427/480, rated at 480 horsepower. Like the original, it features an
iron block, forged steel crankshaft and high-flow aluminum cylinder heads.
We’ve upgraded the camshaft from the original’s mechanical flat-tappet
design to a more contemporary hydraulic roller, giving this 21st-century
L88 modern drivability characteristics and a greater rev range. A lower
10.1:1 compression ratio makes it pump gas-friendly, too. The original L88,
born in the time of leaded gasoline, had 12.5:1 compression.
The ZZ427/480 comes complete with high-flow oval-port heads, a highlift
camshaft (0.510-inch intake/0.540-inch exhaust), an aluminum intake
manifold, 870-cfm Holley carburetor, an HEI distributor, aluminum water
pump, balancer, spark plug wires and a 14-inch flexplate.
Whether you’re building a ’69 COPO Camaro resto-mod tribute, a
modified mid-year Corvette or a street-tire class winner, the ZZ427/480 is
the heritage-inspired crate engine that delivers the performance that built
the Big-Block’s legendary reputation.
Note: This engine WILL NOT work in Corvettes without hood modification.
