The nastiest stock block LT-5/ZR-1? - Lateral-g Forums

**fleetus macmullitz** · #1 06-16-2009, 01:06 PM

There are 427-441 cid LT-5 strokers now making 700 hp n/a, but this bad boy still has its stock block/stock CR. I came across the vid below because I've been looking to buy a lightly used LT-5 from the '90-'95 ZR-1. They sell for $5-$6K now. MPG... if that's a question. Well, its about the same as an LS motor from what I remember. The LT-5 is arguably the most durable production engine ever built. It was designed that way intentionally.

"In 1990, the ZR-1 set a 24 hour speed endurance record at the Firestone test track in Fort Stockton Texas using a near-stock LT5 engine with only minor modifications, including removal of the catalytic converters. The Tommy Morrison racing team averaged 175 mph (282 km/h), including time for re-fueling and several driver changes."

Plus IMO its got its own exotic way of sounding very nasty; see vid. Good speakers advised.

It's been modded since, but in 2008 it did these #'s.
'91 #1635 Polo Green 350 LT5
11.09 @ 129.27
474RWHP 400RWTQ (with cams swapped, head porting and intake mods, chip etc).

The '90-'95 ZR-1 guys are fanatical in the support of this motor and very willing to help.

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/forum/index.php

This is in a '48 Chevy P/U that was in the mags. I like the understated look... if you can call an LT-5 understated.

Vegas69 · #2 06-16-2009, 01:15 PM

We have a local that runs a 91 Red ZR1 at the autocross events. He is actually one of the chairmen. My goal is to beat him soon. He got me by 1.5 this time. He's on A6's and trailers to the track though. I don't know how reliable they are 19 years later but he sure loves his.

**fleetus macmullitz** · #3 06-16-2009, 01:55 PM

From the time I've spent on that forum researching the LT-5, the motor itself seems to have a very strong record of reliability. A fair amount of owners use them as their DD's. Even have a 100,000 mile club listed. Then there are the other guys that keep the miles real low, likely due to the fact that only 6939 ZR-1's were produced for sale starting in 1989 and ending in 1995.

Skip

69496 · #4 06-18-2009, 09:12 AM

I know a guy who has owned one since new. He calls it the green weenie. He drives the hell out of it. Drove it daily for a long time and also ran alot of open track events. He did fairly mild mods to it and it was very fast. After he drove a new ZO6 though he bought one of those too.

**fleetus macmullitz** · #5 06-18-2009, 09:34 AM

Yes, quite a few owners of '90-95 ZR-1 also own a C-5 or C-6 and appreciate the upgrades in creature comforts and handling.

But from what I read they'd sell those before selling the ZR-1.

#1 reason seems to be they say there is nothing like hearing the sound of those 4 cams at 7K+.

This mildly modded one seems to hit 8K in 1st gear.

**WSSix** · #6 06-19-2009, 06:48 PM

Amazing motor. Though it is physically large. You'll need to be careful about what you put this in. I love them though. I love seeing them used in builds too.

**fleetus macmullitz** · #7 06-19-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSSix

Amazing motor. Though it is physically large. You'll need to be careful about what you put this in. I love them though. I love seeing them used in builds too.

You are right they are big.

I look forward to seeing the completed LT-5 powered '67 Camaro that belongs to Lat-g member Perry Mitchell and his brother.

I've run across 6 other LT-5 swaps going on right now. C-4 ZR-1's and LT-5 prices coming down are really helping generate interest in that swap it would appear.

**Flash68** · #8 06-20-2009, 12:47 AM

I think this is a killer swap idea. You gonna make it happen Skip?

I didn't know there were any in the works already.

**fleetus macmullitz** · #9 06-20-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flash68

I think this is a killer swap idea. You gonna make it happen Skip?

I didn't know there were any in the works already.

Don't want to say yes until I know for sure. Certainly leaning that way.

Here's a couple of the LT-5 swap builds..

'67 Camaro

https://lateral-g.net/members/mitchell/

'63 Corvette SWC

https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=13669

Eckert has done 3 LT-5 swaps it looks like. I like this LT-5powered Ferrari Daytona Spyder clone they built.

http://www.eckertsrodandcustom.com/projects_ferrari.php

**fleetus macmullitz** · #10 06-20-2009, 03:34 PM

Lingenfelter modified the intakes this way...looks awesome in pic #2.

Original

This is a LPE 415 cid stroker...now some builders are doing 441 cid versions.