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Old 01-07-2014, 10:12 PM   #798
gto406
 
Drives: 1972 GTO, 1969 Firebird
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Detroit MI,
Posts: 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2cnd chance View Post
I'm reading this post differently from your first post. This post above relates to the ZL1 for drag racing, correct. The Double-COPO would have been a track performer. The 69' ZL1 engine weighed close to the same as a DZ. The ZL1 was made for track cars hence it being a "Can Am" engine. You would have had the choice of rear-end ratios per track configuration. This 2014 Z/28 relates perfectly to the Double-COPO.
My original statement " I don't think GM ever viewed the ZL1 to be a corner bender, it was to be an all-out street/strip car during the 'muscle-car wars'." should likely have read:

"I don't think GM ever viewed the original 1969 ZL1 to be a corner bender, it was to be an all-out street/strip car during the 'muscle-car wars' of the late 1960's and the early 1970's."

I would check around some of the muscle-car sites on the original ZL1. While the 1969 ZL1 had the F41 heavy-duty suspension, their intended purpose was for NHRA drag racing. Indeed, I would say that the 69 ZL1's that were built likely ended up in the hands of drag-racers (e.g. guys like Bill 'Grumpy' Jenkins).

It is possible some of them ended up in road-race applications, but likely would have required a rear-axle ratio change.

I would also note the 1969 Z-28 had the JL8 option which enabled someone to order a 1969 Z-28 with 4-wheel disc brakes. I am not certain how many ZL1's had this option (or whether you could even order it on the ZL1).

Cheers,
Brian.
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