Yenko ZL-1 block opinion (not selling, ...why?)

[black69]

I am curious what folks opinions are relative to a Yenko block I am trying to sell. I am getting a few bites on it, but a lot of folks out there may want the Winters snow flake on the front (this block was made with nothing there).

Its got the 052 casting number on the back just like a ZL-1, and Yenko stamps under the timing cover (registered in Mark Gillipsie's invoice data, the guy that writes books on Yenkos).

So would it be foolish to maybe have someone add a winters snowflake to the front of the block and remarket the block? Could I even find someone to do it right? At $9K now for the fresh bored block (Not sold), I am thinking that may be a wise move. It may be worth a lot more with that logo added.

Opinions? Crane corvette has one on ebay with no casting number BUT has Y E N K O fonts on the front of his bare block. And he is asking $23K. His block has the same S Y stamp codes in the timing cover area too.

Bob

[luzl78]

Jerry mcneisch can add the snowflake. He's done a few for friends and it's right on

[black69]

Thank you! I feel I have the cheapest 052 block on the planet or in the universe, and its not selling for what it 'really' is, so this sounds like it makes sense to do to it. If someone wanted to remove it down the road, so it looks like it does today, they could.

Again, thank you guys on Yenko.net!

For the Yenko nostalgic guys, here is what the stamps look like in the timing cover area. In this particular case, Don Yenko blocks were stamped by the same place that machined them. This stamp meant it was destined to go back to Don Yenko's shop or the block was done for Don Yenko. Mark Gillipsie has some decoder of what the letters mean, which has to line up with the external casting details, etc. Not easy to fake (he says only 2 folks know how to decipher to the original invoices and other paperwork on the blocks).

[ds1]

The factory ZL1 blocks have a casting date on the. ZL1 blocks are also numbered. So it makes it harder to fake. I had one 2 years ago that had a few rods exit it. The Yenko blocks are from Chevrolet molds. They made roughly 550 blocks in 69. Do to it being hard to machine them some were scrapped. I think your price is not bad, your just in a limited market. Cranes asking price IMO is unrealistic. I sold my block in favor of Chevys new castings, they have better quality control

[Day2_69Z]

They're perceived as "newer" castings...
Not a "real" GM. ZL1 block.

Limited period correct use.

No Dates.

At the same time a few years ago I had 2 Engines for sale.
A March '69. ZL1 Complete Ready to Run 488 Schwartz Machine.
&
A Yenko Engine ready to Run

I Sold the ZL1 for 2 1/2 times more with 1 listing vs the Yenko relisted 5 times.

[markus37]

Not all Yenko blocks were made from GM molds Those molds were modified over the years

[heatfan]

Would you guys know how I could search for the L72 engine for the 69 yenko Camaro? My vin is 124379n616431.

[Lynn]

Try here: http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?board=13.0

I searched (9n616431) and nothing came up. It wouldn't hurt to join up, and post your partial vin.

Never know.

[heatfan]

Thanks Lynn!

[DW31S]

I say "NO" on the snowflake. I know MacNeish well and if opinions mattered, I'd bet he would say leave it off....although it would "line his pockets" by adding it. There was (might still be available) an early '69 L72 engine for sale on Baltimore, MD Craigslist recently. Turns out I know the seller's father. Sounds like it was bought at the Chevy parts counter years ago. I thought about buying it for my 977 mile ex- Super Stocker, but I'm staying with the SS/H rendition= 396/350. I have the contact phone number if anyone wants it.