The Big-Block engine may be history for production Chevrolets, but that doesn’t mean Chevrolet Performance has forgotten its origins. So, to honor the  anniversary of the iconic motor, the Bowtie’s performance arm has announced a limited run of the 427 cubic-inch Big-Block V8 crate engine for public consumption.
Not to be confused with GM’s LS7 Small Block V8 found in the fifth-generation Camaro Z/28 or the C6 Z06, the 427 Big-Block reached its pinnacle in the iconic Yenko Camaro, a dealer-backed program intended to propel the Chevy Camaro past the competition from Ford and Mopar vehicles. The Big-Block 427 then found its way into a factory-built vehicle that couldn’t be found in any brochure or order guide, thereby creating the 1969 Camaro ZL1.
In offering the Anniversary 427 Big-Block V8, Chevrolet Performance is honoring the legendary ZL1. But since it’s 2015, rather than the late 1960s, the crate motor has a few modern features that make it street legal. Notably, a hydraulic roller camshaft sits in place of the ZL1’s original flat-tappet cam, providing smoother street operation and significantly-reduced maintenance and care. Rated at 430 horsepower at 5,800 RPM, the Anniversary 427 Chevy Big Block V8 makes a perfect heart for resto-mods and tribute projects.
Only 427 examples will be produced, each wearing a $28,625 price tag. That is, no doubt, a healthy lump of cash, but those willing (and able) to part with it will be hard-pressed to find a better way to honor the Camaro ZL1 of yesteryear.
Comments
This engine has been around for three or four years look at your-old copies of the Chevrolet performance parts catalog and you’ll see it. they also offer An iron block version with the same camshaft and cylinder heads that’s rated at 480 hp. The new stuff this year is the LTG the ZZ5 350 which is basically the same as the ZZ4 with fast burn cylinder heads and the LT1.
Sean, more homework required. The L72 427 was not the engine in the ’69 ZL1 Camaro. The L72 427 was an iron block, iron cylinder head, solid lifter big block with 11:1 compression. It was rated at 425hp and was available in 1966 full-size Chevy’s and Corvettes. It was not available in the Chevelle or ’67 Camaro’s when they came out. Don Yenko was able to get some L72 equipped Chevelle’s and Camaro’s built through the COPO system in subsequent years.
The ZL1 engine was an all aluminum 427 with 12:1 compression that was most similar to the L88 427, though L88 had an iron block, different cam, etc…The anniversary 427 crate engine is an all aluminum engine again paying homage to the one year only 1969 ZL1 engine.
Actually, the inclusion of the L72 was my fault. Clearly, the L72 is not the same engine as the ZL’1 aluminum 427. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. Fixed.
We had three of them at my dealership. We struggled to sell them at cost. FIVE YEARS AGO. So is this the same one, or are they doing it all over again?
The 427 iron block was also in the C/K 30 to 60 trucks from 1974 to about 1982. ( if i am wrong on the years please let me know ) I think the 427 was also in the early 70’s trans am but i dont know which block was put in