Can Am aluminum engines

[Dr L-88]

Back in the late 60's through the mid 70's, the Can Am (Canadian American) series became what some believe was the pinnacle of American motorsports. The series had some of the wildest and fastest cars ever assembled by mankind.

 I'm searching for information regarding the casting numbers of GM's aluminum big block engines that were created specifically for the Can Am series, and were the predecessor for the ZL-1 engines. I have a couple of these blocks and the casting numbers are 0-321270 (a Reynolds prototype block cast in 1968) and 3992040, a Winters foundry block cast in 1971 and taken from a Mclaren race car.

 Now I'm faced with an opportunity to purchase an NOS Reynolds aluminum big block, casting #627273...................which I've never seen or even heard of. I know there are about 4 or maybe 5 variations of the Reynolds and GM aluminum big blocks, but this number (627273) is totally new for me. Has anyone heard of this number block, and if so, what are the details of it?

 Thanks,
 Rex

[Jon Mello]

Rex, I have sent out a few emails and asked the question. I'll let you know if I find out anything.

[Dr L-88]

Thanks Jon, I always know I can count on you.  What are your thoughts on our 920-15 Firestone Indy tires?  I think mine are a bit too small.

[Jon Mello]

Rex, I got this small bit of information from Alan Colvin...

"I cannot find the number in my other lists but the six digit casting numbers beginning with 62---- began in the early seventies so my guess the plant made a slight change and assigned a new casting number."

I have not been able to come up with information from any other resources so far. As for the 9.20-15 Firestone tires, I do agree that they were narrower than I was hoping for. It would be nice to see a size between that 9.20-15 and the 12.00-15 Indy tires being offered.

[-vellu]

I was able to buy 3946052 engine in 2008. But I didn't.





http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=144656

While it hurts, so what would be the right price now?

[Jon Mello]

There are a lot of variables on what an engine is worth (condition, how complete they are, etc) and I'm not somebody who has followed the values of big block engines. The ones that are from the timeframe from when the ZL-1 Camaros were being built in '69 are worth the most, especially if they have a VIN stamped on them. Maybe Rex would venture an opinion on the value of these aluminum big blocks.

[Dr L-88]

It's difficult to pinpoint a price on these old dinosaurs.  I've seen some of the original ZL-1 Camaro engines go for BIG $$$$$, simply because they had the serial number from one of the original 69 ZL-1 Camaros built in 1969.  Essentially the buyer was paying for the numbers.  As for other "prototype"  O dash Can Am aluminum blocks, the range is pretty broad.............ranging from $500 to as much as $20K for a used and an NOS block......................and everything imaginable in between these prices and conditions. I have 3 in my collection and have paid TOO much for some and gotten a real bargain on others.  I don't mean to sound so vague, but like any of these old collectible parts, it's worth whatever a buyer is willing to pay.

I bought 4 of the 920-15 Firestones for my stock bodied 68 Corvette race replica and they are just too small.  They actually fit nicely on my stock bodied 64 Corvette that was raced in California, so I may just keep them on it.  I did call Coker and was told they have no plans to make an intermediate size of this nice looking and authentic race tire.
 
Thanks Jon for your help.  As usual, you always come through.

Rex

[yenkomark]

   This is a Yenko block, cast at Lockport , N. Y.    There is a letter code stamped under the timimg cover . I can then tell you when it was produced and machined.

[motorman]

I have the assy manual for these can am engine I got from GM

[69Z28-RS]

Were the AL big blocks all assembled at Tonawanda as were the cast iron BB engines?
Clem:  The GM assembly manual you have..  is that an internal Tonawanda document? or ??

[motorman]

we got it back in the day when we ran the engines in short track cars. I have the manual on my computer so if you want a copy I can send it