DZ302 scam block?

[VINCE Z28]

John, is there documentation showing the 512 as a production 302? And if so how can it be put out in the main stream so guys like Gary can use this to his advantage.

[69Z28]

Something that has been bothering me for some time now is why was this block even used for the particular car it was assigned to. Doesn't make any sense to me. I have had a least a dozen or so people wanting this block for the dates, but when they hear 512, they run the other way. It's a shame. The block is just sitting in the corner all bagged up and I can't bring myself to use it for anything else. Even if I bought all the internals particular to the DZ engine I bet I couldn't sell it even then. I'm not even asking big money for it either. I could use the cash for something I need for my Z and I was thinking I could even trade it, but nothing so far.


Anybody have a 1100837 alternator dated 9 E 23 that would be interested in a trade?

[KurtS]

There were definitely some 512 blocks used in production, most right about this timeframe.
Block is real.

[69Z28]

There were definitely some 512 blocks used in production, most right about this timeframe.
Block is real.

Kurt, your always backing me up on this block, now why don't anyone believe it?

[HOT3O2]

Hey Gary I understand your frustration. I for one believe in this block just because of all talk about it here and over at "TC". But a lot people out there are looking for a block like you have but don't have the knowledge we are lucky to have. There getting there information from books and publications and friend and so called experts that don't know any different. Hopefully this information will get out there and in the future you won't have this problem. If I needed a DZ block in that time frame I would have no problem buying it off you. I wish you the best of luck.

[69Z28]

Thanks Rick. That's really all it takes. As the saying goes, 'you can take a horse to water but you can't make him drink'...or something like that.

I do have someone looking to purchase it actually...as of a month ago anyway. He's in California I believe. His job has him tide up the last time we emailed each other. I actually have the block and the crank. He's been trying to figure out the best method to ship this across country and for me to get it there safely or not get it lost or stolen.

[69Z28-RS]

Thanks Rick. That's really all it takes. As the saying goes, 'you can take a horse to water but you can't make him drink'...or something like that.

I do have someone looking to purchase it actually...as of a month ago anyway. He's in California I believe. His job has him tide up the last time we emailed each other. I actually have the block and the crank. He's been trying to figure out the best method to ship this across country and for me to get it there safely or not get it lost or stolen.

Just make sure you insure it for the sales value, and if the block and crank are shipped separately, then insure them separately.  It's hard to believe but UPS can actually LOSE an item as large as a V8 head shipped in a head box.... 

[69Z28]

Yes they do. I haven't used UPS much these days but have used the Local P.O. because it's close. I sent a pair of 461's to Maine about ten years ago, one made it there the other didn't. A few weeks later I got a call from the guy in Maine and he told me he got the other head. The box was all torn up at the end, the heads were complete when I sent them but that one head had 2 springs, retainers and keepers in a separate bag and the head looked like it was mangled in some sort of machine, probably a sorting machine. He put it all back together and nothing was wrong, but it was a tense situation.

[JohnZ]

As far as I know, the 512 block never had a production application, which is why it never shows up in any of the books - it was used for many years exclusively as the "universal" Service and Warranty replacement 4"-bore block.



And that is why I still have it and can't sell it.

However, that block has some unique features that make it attractive to some buyers:

1. It was made in both small-journal and large-journal versions.

2. It was machined with the rear crankcase vent tube hole next to the distributor, and without it; without it, the pad was there, but the hole wasn't drilled.

[VINCE Z28]

The guestion still remains... If the CRG is comfortable with the documentation, will you get it out there to the main stream. What is the process for this to happen? Terry

[dwz28]

what is a 69 302 replacement shortblock (unstamped) with about 50 1/4 mile passes on it worth, the shortblock was bought in 69 from a dealer

[69Z28-RS]

An unstamped, '69 yr block, should be very valuable to someone with a Z28 who is missing his original block, DEPENDING on the casting date... 

[69Z28]

The guestion still remains... If the CRG is comfortable with the documentation, will you get it out there to the main stream. What is the process for this to happen? Terry

My question as well. Seems like there isn't much info to go on to say 'OK, this block was used tool'? If it's been noted why not include it in the proper publications? It's not going to bite.

[KurtS]

Because most sources don't have info on the 512 block. I'm referencing actual vehicle data, that indicates it was used:

http://www.camaros.org/drivetrain.shtml#BlockCast
The 3959512 casting was mainly used for warranty / service blocks, though it did have very limited production usage in 69 engines. It is a 4" bore block, thus could have 302, 327, or 350 applications.

[keech]

 I know the dz block on craigslist.   Its .030 over and measures 4.031-4.032 as it is now.    About a year ago I sent the deck pictures to Jerry and he said it appeared to be a restamp.   whoever did it did a pretty good job though.
   has a steel 350 crank and 11:1 pistons in it.     its a 355 now.     Hope this helps.    Steve