What was RPO ZL1 anyway? Quite simply, it was a 1969 L88 with, not just aluminum heads, water pump and intake, but the first all-aluminum block too. An aluminum block may not sound very leading edge now, but in 1969 it was a mind-blower. With all that aluminum, this car actually weighed a bit less than a small block of that year.
Here's what the other ZL1 looked like...
You must be registered for see images attach
Here's a ZL1 on a stand...
You must be registered for see images attach
If the ZL1 sounds familiar, yes, Chevrolet sold 69 Camaros with this very engine in 1969, as COPO 9560. COPO stands for Central Office Production Option, or in other words, a way around the Chevrolet dealer order book.
Oddly, they were NOT badged as Super Sports. They looked like regular Camaros...............until you turned the key. The only other visual clue was that RPO ZL2 cowl-induction raised hood.
You must be registered for see images attach
Here's a teaser for you. What would happen if you drag-raced a 1969 Camaro ZL1 (with the aluminum block) against a 1969 Corvette L88 (with the cast iron block)? Keep in mind, these cars are running the old polyglas NON-radial tires...absolute crap tires. Imagine the time with cheater slicks.
xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media
Is there more to come on the ZL1? Uh, what do you think?