NOS ZL-1, L88 rods for sale

**69SSZL1** · #1 03-11-2006, 07:55 PM

GM 3969804 NOS 8 with boxes. I have relisted on ebay. $1500. I am trying to sell to someone who will use them. $1300? ZL-1 rods on ebay

**69SSZL1** · #2 03-18-2006, 08:28 PM

Rods did not sell on ebay. Anyone want to make me an offer?

LS6 RAT · #3 03-19-2006, 01:57 AM

I would be interested in these. I am a bit confused reading your ebay ad. You describe these for both the 427 and 454 applications, is this correct? I have both GM factory parts books for 1971 & 1972. In the 1971 parts book, 69 Corvette w/HD. Al.Cyl.and Case(427) and 71 Corvette w/Sp.H/Per.(454) are listed as part # 3963552. However in the 1972 parts book 3969804 is the part# and 3963552 is listed as the part # for the latter.
Is this rod applicable for a 454?

**69SSZL1** · #4 03-19-2006, 02:19 AM

Yes, this rod is for 396,427,454 if it has floating piston pins like the LS-7. Rod #6963552 is the LS-6 and 427 pressed piston pin rod w/7/16" bolts but knurled shanks. The #3969804 have Boron steel, ground shank bolts, shot peened and magnafluxed. Are you using floating pins?

**olredalert** · #5 03-19-2006, 02:37 AM

Warren,

-------As you know, Im not a parts numbers guy, but Im relatively sure that a dimple rod is a dimple rod. Red Alerts motor was built by Tonawanda with dimple rods. Those same rods are still in it today. Whenever I freshened the motor I would take in three sets and have my engine-builder choose the best of all of them and he always said that the originals needed nothing. Both HP427s and HP454s used dimple rods. I dont know the beginning and ending dates for their use on the engine assembly-line. Someone else on here more versed in that stuff and the numbers can probably elaborate on what I have said!!!.........Bill S

**Mr70** · #6 03-19-2006, 03:58 AM

I think this rod would work in all applications,as Bill & Greg have stated.
But technically the #3963552 rod was a brand new part released new in 1970.
The #3969804 was released later and was considered the fourth design by A.Colvin.
His Quote on the #3969804 rod:
"The last big block rod design with the same forging as the earlier L88 rods,but this rod has the 7/16 knurled shank.This rod was not quite as strong as the L88 rod,but it is much heavier then the Std. 3/8 rod."

LS6 RAT · #7 03-19-2006, 04:19 AM

My intentions were to use these rods, if indeed they do have the boron rod bolts and to have a piston, like a LS-7 and machine down the domed top to achieve a 11:1 compression ratio. I am wanting to change one of my '71 LS-6 Corvettes to a higher compression, but want only the best original GM parts, no aftermarket pieces.

**69SSZL1** · #8 03-19-2006, 04:22 AM

Colvin's quote is regarding #3963552, the LS-6 rod which is the forth design rod.It is not a floating pin rod, as LS-6 was a pressed pin. #3969804 is the third design L88 rod. It is also the ZL-1 rod as listed in the ZL-1 parts list on this site and in Ed Cunneen's book. It was released in 1969.

LS6 RAT · #9 03-19-2006, 04:24 AM

I have Colvins book "Corvette by the Numbers" and read what you stated above, from his book. I didn't see anywhere where this description pertains to the above rod? Can you clarify this for me, I'm very interested in these rods, if they are the best that GM offered and are indeed the original type rod used in the '70 LS-7 or '69 ZL-1, 2nd design L-88. I appreciate your reply, just don't want to make a mistake in purchasing. Thanks, again.

**69SSZL1** · #10 03-19-2006, 04:29 AM

Here is the ZL-1 parts list from Copo Connection. zl-1 parts list

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