Over the decades, certain Chevrolet engines have attained legendary status. Among them is the L88 427, which was found in a small sampling of 1967-69 Corvettes and featured an iron block paired with lightweight aluminum cylinder heads. It elevated the car to new levels of performance, and today, the vehicles are worth untold sums.

In recent years, Chevrolet Performance has carried on the tradition of the L88 with its ZZ427/480 crate engine.^*

The 427 cu.-in. BIg-Block power plant is rated at 480 horsepower and 490 lb.-ft. of torque, and like its predecessor, features a cast-iron block with aluminum heads and a four-barrel carburetor. However, the ZZ427/480 features an upgraded hydraulic roller camshaft over the L88's flat-tappet cam, allowing for enhanced drivability and a broader performance range when compared to the original version. In addition, the crate engine utilizes a 10.1:1 compression ratio for great performance on pump gas.

The ZZ427 also features forged internals for increased strength and durability over the L88, and all of its modern features make it a great choice for restomod builds in which a Big-Block is a perfect fit.

Among them is Cory Larsen's 1969 Chevelle, a stunning example of the famed muscle car which was on display during the recent Goodguys Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Larsen has owned four '69 Chevelles and is a Big-Block enthusiast, but wanted the contemporary performance and reliability of a crate engine.^* Thus, the ZZ427/480 checked all the boxes.

We recently took an in-depth look at Larsen's Chevelle and came away with dozens of cool photos. Today, we've made an image of the engine – complete with the factory-embossed "427 Chevrolet" valve covers – into a Wallpaper Wednesday download.

High-resolution desktop and mobile versions are available below.

Desktop

Mobile

Be sure to keep watching The BLOCK for much more on a wide variety of Chevrolet Performance parts. 

^*Because of its effect on a vehicle's emissions performance, this engine is intended exclusively for use in competition vehicles. This engine is designed and intended for use in vehicles operated exclusively for competition: in racing or organized competition on courses separate from public streets or highways. Installation or use of this engine on a vehicle operated on public streets or highways is likely to violate U.S., Canadian, and state and provincial laws and regulations related to motor vehicle emissions.