ZL-1 block versus Can-Am block?

DandyDon · #1 04-13-2010, 09:43 PM

A hot rod acquaintance has a 1969-1970 vintage Aluminum BBC motor. He claims it came from Bill Jenkin's shop many years ago and has just been rebuilt. I assumed it was an over-the-counter ZL-1 block but he referred to it as a "Can-Am" block. Are these the same blocks? If not,what are the differences?
He said the Can-Am block was used by Jim Hall in the Chapparal program.
Any thoughts?

Thanks- DandyDon

#2 04-13-2010, 09:51 PM

Off hand, the Can Am block should have a larger bore (sleeve) size -- 4.440-inches versus 4.25-inches for the ZL1. The original Can Am engine was built with a short stroke (3.47...I think, but I'm getting old) for a final displacement of 430 cubic inches, but that changed quickly.....a 4.0-inch 454 crank produced a 494. And as we all know, there's "no replacement for displacement" <g>. IIRC there are other differences, but that's the big one.

Wayne

**PeteLeathersac** · #3 04-13-2010, 10:12 PM

Jenkins did run CanAm blocks...is there truth to where it came from?.
What's the casting #?.
Is there a provision in the block for a mechanical fuel pump?.
Lance 'midyr' on this site may be able to share some insight as he ran a few of these blocks back in the day and ended up w/ what was left of Geo. Eaton's CanAm stuff..

~ Pete

**John Brown** · #4 04-13-2010, 10:23 PM

I don't think the Can-Am blocks had any provisions to mount a fuel pump on the block either.

Kim_Howie · #5 04-13-2010, 11:23 PM

I don't think they have side motor mount bosses. From what I can remember on them.

Kim_Howie · #6 04-13-2010, 11:33 PM

The motor that was in my 70 Camaro was a Can Am motor. Dave libby told me that it was. The pictures taken in 1970 prove that. The block had no winters flake on it and has a fuel pump where the fuel pump mounting boss is.

**69SSZL1** · #7 04-14-2010, 04:32 AM

I have a NOS GM Can Am camshaft that is also from Bill Jenkins shop. The most radical cam ever made by GM!

**William** · #8 06-26-2018, 09:36 PM

ZL1 blocks were cast by Winters under two part numbers; 3946052 & 3946053. Production ZL1 Camaros can have either. Yenko did not change it.

Martin · #9 06-26-2018, 11:39 PM

My friend has a complete disassembled '73 Can Am engine, aluminium bores, no mech. fuel pump provision. I can take pictures of any particular details if anybody wanted them.

**SuperNovaSS** · #10 06-27-2018, 01:40 AM

I have had 2 big bore blocks and both were 052 casting and externally identical to a 4.25 block.

Jason