[X-TECH MAN]

The NASCAR 427 was an early "BIG BLOCK" called the "mistery motor" like we see today running in Camaros and such. The Z-11 was a 409 type engine with a stroker crank making it a 427 inch engine. The heads were of the "W" type like a 409 but the intake ports resembled current square ports on the 427/396 Hi performance engines though not quite as large. The 348/and early 61-62 engines had smaller intake ports and valves. The 63 LoPo 409/340 HP had 348 type heads with small intake ports and valves. The intake on the Z-11 was a 2 piece deal with a valley cover with standard 409/425 HP AFB carbs and the engine had 13.5 compression. Most all else in the engine was like a 409/425 HP with a slightly bigger cam and stronger valve springs. The cars were built in 2 different runs of 25. They were ALL bench seat 2 door Impalas only. The first 25 did NOT have and engine insignia on the front fenders as Chevrolete did not cast any with a 427 script. Dave Strickler and "Da Grump had the # 1 car delivered right before Christmas of 1962 at Ammon R. Smith in York Pa.. The "last" 25 Impalas had a set of 327 numbers with crossed flags on the front fenders like a 327 250 HP or 300 HP car. When the racing ban came down from GM officals they had enough parts to finish building 7 more cars. Total 57 cars although some will argue other wise. All 57 were 4-speed sticks with BW T-10s and bigger brakes with air intakes and a stronger third member. The front bumper and rear bumper was made of alum. The hood, fenders, core support were also very thin alum of about 26 gauge. The inner fender pannels were OEM steel although Grump installed alum. inner fender pannels from their 1962 Belaire hardtop. The Z-11's also had a nascar type air cleaner attached at the firewall similar like the 67/68 Camaro Z-28's. Non were ever Byscaynes or Belaires. I have some funny stories I got from Dyno Don Nicholson before he passed away about trying to keep one running every weekend with 10 inch tires. Hope this helps.