Question on ZL1 ebay item 2458413244

[69LM1]

The following quote is in the ad:

ZL1 Block on Ebay
"This is because there are now 4.5" bore sleeves installed in the block. The new owner can choose to run 4.5" sleeves which I believe makes the engine a 477, or change them back to 4.25" to make the engine a 427."

I have been told by no less than three people that you can not put 4.25 sleeves back into this block, at least reliably, and will have heat issues if it is rigged (my paraphrase). Anyway, what is the consensus here? Thanks for the info as I am bidding on this item and want to make sure my ducks are in a row.

[SuperNovaSS]

Rich,

I am he seller and have been told that it would work by some and not work by others. If it were me I would run the bigger sleeves anyway. I l also went ahead and changed the auctin description to address this issue. Feel free to give me a call. (831) 454-9086.


Jason

[69LM1]

Hi Jason,
Thanks for being honest and updating the auction description. I am sure the right buyer will purchase the engine!

Rich

[SuperNovaSS]

No problem. It was the right thing to do. No doubt the high bidder will be happy with this piece. I wish I could keep it but houses in Santa Cruz aren't cheap!


Jason

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

I talked to a very reputable machinist today and explained the deal to him.He say's that if the block is sleeved it would be easy to change the sleeves back to the original size.He say's all it boils down to is getting the new sleeves made ,remove the old sleeves and install the new sleeves then check each cylinder to make sure it is within tolerance.I do not know that much about aluminum Blocks but the machinist that I spoke to has been building engines for 38 years.He also builds a lot of racing motors and specializes in big block chevy engines.He has built numerous engines for me and I have always been completely satisfied.If someone has something else to add to this please inform us.I have nothing to do with this engine,do not know the seller,and am not interested in purchasing it but was curious and asked my machinist about this.I do not see where he is incorrect,I do not see a problem with resleeving an engine!Why would you not be able to do this back to the original size.Why would anyone think it would run hot,by going back with the smaller bore sleeves ,seems to me it would run a tad cooler due to the thicker sleeve.If I am wrong please correct me.

Bobby

[GMH454]

As the thicker sleeves are steel which does, does not convey heat as well, and we are increasing the % of steel to aluminium, I can see it running hotter.
How much I could not say. Whether it would have a material effect I could not say.
But the idea of a really big alloy block that locks period correct sounds pretty good.