Chevrolet Corvette

Third epochs-C3 (19681982) main(prenominal) articleChevrolet Corvette (C3) pic pic 1971 Corvette Stingray Convertible The third generation Corvette, patterned after themako shark Shark IIconcept car, was introduced for the 1968 personate family and was in fruit until 1982. C3 coupes featured the first use ofT-topremovable roof panels. It introduced monikers that were later revived, much(prenominal) as LT-1, ZR-1, and Collector Edition. In 1978, the Corvettes 25th anniversary was celebrated with a two-tone Silver Anniversary Edition and an Indy Pace Car replica fluctuation of the C3.This was in any case the first time that a Corvette was utilise as a Pace Car for theIndianapolis 500. 26 Engines and chassis components were mostly carried everyplace from the C2, nevertheless the body and interior were new. The 350cuin (5. 7L) railway locomotive replaced the honest-to-goodness 327cuin (5. 36L) as the give locomotive in 1969, simply force remained at 300bhp (224kW). 196 9 was the only class for a C3 to option anyy offer either a factory installed side release or normal rear exit with chrome tips.The all- atomic number 13 ZL1 locomotive engine was similarly new for 1969 the special big-block engine was listed at 430-hp (320kW), notwithstanding was reported to wee-wee 560hp (420kW) and propelled a ZL1 through the 1/4 mile in 10. 89 seconds. 27 There was an extended production run for the 1969 sticker year ascribable a lengthy labor strike, which meant sales were down on the 1970 perplexs, to 17,316. 281970 small-block power peaked with the optional lofty compression, high-revving LT-1 that produced 370bhp (276kW). The 427 big-block was enlarged to 454cuin (7. 44L) with a 390bhp (291kW) rating.The ZR-1 special package was an option accessible on the 1970 through 1972 model years, and include the LT-1 engine combined with special cannonball along equipment. Only 53 ZR-1s were built. 29 pic pic 1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe In 1971, to accomm odate regular low-lead supply with pull down anti-knock properties, the engine compression ratios were lowered which resulted in reduced power ratings. The power rating for the 350cuin (5. 7L) L48 topic engine reduced from 300 to 270 horsepower and the optional special high execution LT1 engine decreased from 370 to 330 horsepower.The big-blockLS6 454was reduced from 450 to 425bhp (317kW), though it was non used in Corvettes for 1970 it was used in theChevelle SS. For the 1972 model year, GM moved to theSAE Netmeasurement which resulted in further reduced, but more realistic, power ratings than the foregoing SAE Gross standard. 12Although the 1972 models 350cuin (5. 7L) horsepower was actually the same as that for the 1971 model year, the lower net horsepower numbers were used instead of porcine horsepower.The L48 base engine was immediately rated at 200bhp (150kW) and the optional LT1 engine was now rated at 270bhp (200kW). 121974 models had the last true dual exhaust orga nisation that was dropped on the 1975 models with the introduction ofcatalytic convertersrequiring the use of no-lead fuel. Engine power decreased with the base ZQ3 engine producing 165bhp (123kW), the optional L82s output 205bhp (153kW), while the 454 big-block engine was discontinued. tardy power increases after 1975 peaked with the 1980 models optional L82 producing 230bhp (172kW). 9Styling changed subtly throughout the generation until 1978 for the cars 25th anniversary. The Sting Ray appellationplate was not used on the 1968 model, but Chevrolet still referred to the Corvette as a Sting Ray however, the 1969 (through 1976) models used the Stingray name as one word, without the s step. 30In 1970, the body design was updated including fender flares, and interiors were refined, which included redesigned seating. Due to government regulation,citation neededthe 1973 Corvettes chrome bowel movementbumperwas changed to a 5-mile-per-hour (8km/h)system with aurethanebumper cover. 97 3 Corvettes are unique in that sense, as they are the only year where the front bumper was polyurethane and the rear retained the chrome two-piece bumper set. 1973 was also the last year chrome bumpers were used. The optional wire-spoked wheel covers (left) were offered for the last time in 1973. From 1974 onwards two the front and rear bumpers were polyurethane. pic pic 1974 Corvette Stingray Coupe In 1974, a 5-mile-per-hour (8km/h) rear bumper system with a two-piece, tapering urethane bumper cover replaced theKamm-tailand chrome bumper blades, and matched the new front design from the previous year. 975 was the last year for the convertible, (which did not return for 11 years) andDave McLellansucceededZora Arkus-Duntovas the Corvettes Chief Engineer. 31For the 1976 models the fiberglass floor was replaced with stigma panels to provide protection from thecatalytic converters highoperating temperature. Stingray 15 model years where the names Corvette, Sting Ray, and Stingray were synonymous. 1977 was last year the tunneled roof word with vertical back window was used, in addition leather seats were available at no additional represent for the first time.The sable exterior color returned after a six-year absence. 32 The 1978 25th Anniversary model introduced thefastbackglass rear window and featured a new interior and dashboard. Corvettes 25th anniversary was celebrated with the Indy 500 Pace Car limit edition and a Silver Anniversary model featuring silver over gray lower body samara. All 1979 models featured the previous years pace car seats and offered the front and rearsp inunctersas optional equipment. 13In 1980, the Corvette received an integratedaerodynamicredesign that resulted in a significant reduction indrag.After several(prenominal) years of weight increases, 1980 Corvettes were lighter as engineers trimmed both body and chassis weight. 8In mid-1981, production shifted fromSt. Louis, MissouritoBowling Green, Kentucky, and several two-tone pa int options were offered. The 1981 models were the last available with a manual transmission until wellspring into the 1984 production run. In 1982, a fuel-injected engine returned, and a final C3 auspices Collectors Edition featured an exclusive, opening rear window cut across. 8 19801982 pic pic 1980 Corvette CoupeIn 1980, both front and rear bumper covers were restyled with integratedaerodynamicspoilers that resulted in a significant reduction in drag and increased radiator air flow. The hood was also restyled. The crossed-flag emblems disappeared from the front fenders and were revise to a more elongated style on the nose and fuel door. L-82 emblems moved from the hood to the front fenders on cars ordered with the optional high performance engine. This was the finale for the L-82, now producing 230hp (172kW) but it could not be mated to a 4-speed, as the manual cantbox was offered only with the base engine.The speedometer in all cars read to a maximum of 85mph (137km/h), man dated by a new and controversial national law. Air conditioning became standard, as did the tilt-telescopic steering column, power windows, exterior shimmer mirrors, and the convenience group. New was an optional roof panel carrier that would championship to the rearfastbackdeck. 31Many weight-saving components were introduced including thinner body panels and an aluminum Dana 44 IRS (Independent posterior Suspension) differential and crossmember.The new lighter unit replaced the arguably stronger cast constrict GM 10 bolt IRS differential. 30In line with further weight savings, the aluminum intake manifold associated with L-82 engines since 1978 was now installed in all cars. For the first time, due to California emission considerations, a unique engine application was installed in cars delivered to that state and was mandatory. This motor was a 305cuin (5. 0L)V8 enginerated at 180hp (134kW), fitted with new tubular stainless nerve exhaust manifolds, and mated to an self-win ding transmission, also mandatory.The carburetor and ignition clock were chairled by Chevrolets new Computer Command Control system. The small displacement engine was not available in any slightly other state. California buyers were credited $50 as consolation but had to net for the California emissions certification which was $250. For comparison, the L-48 350cuin (5. 7L) engine, standard in the other 49 states, was rated at 190hp (142kW). The base equipment casualty increased four times during the model year raising the cost of the car by more than $1,200 to $14,345,24. 3In 1981, there was only one powerplant available, a 350cuin (5. 7L) engine that, like the L-48 base engine the previous year, produced 190hp (142kW), but was now designated the L81. The motor was attest in all states and available with manual or automatic transmissions. plate air cleaner lids and cast magnesium valve covers dressed up all engines. The stainless steel exhaust manifolds and computer control system introduced on the 305cuin (5. 0L) California engines the previous year were now standard, as was an auxiliary electric engine cooling fan.This, the last C3 available with a manual transmission, so equipped, had a published 0-60mph in 8. 1seconds. This model year was the first to use a malleable rear spring, now a Corvette trademark. The spring saved thirty-six pounds, but was limited to base suspensions with automatic transmission. When equipped with Delcos new optional ETR (Electronically Tuned Receiver) radiocommunication with digital clock, the quartz analog instrument panel clock was replaced with an oil temperature gauge. The cast aluminum wheels, optional since 76, were now ordered on 90 percent of the cars at a cost of $428. 3New options included a power adjustable drivers seat and power aloof outside mirrors. In mid-1981 production shifted fromSt. Louis, MissouritoBowling Green, Kentucky, and several two-tone paint options were offered. pic pic 1982 Corvette Coupe 1982 saw the debut of the Cross-Fire Injection fuel delivery system. This TBI (Throttle Body raise Injection) was not the type offuel injectioninstalled previously in some C1 and C2 Corvettes. It utilized two throttle bodies combined with Chevrolets computer control system. 3The engine produced 200hp (149kW) and was mated to a new four-speed automatic transmission with torque converters bypass in the top three gears. Compared to the previousTurbo-Hydramatic3-speed, the new 700-R4 transmission had a lower first and second gear for improved low-end acceleration, and a fourth gearoverdrivethat would reduce engine RPM by 30 percent at highway cruising speeds, resulting in better fuel economy. On the downside, the new transmission was not considered a strong unit and proved problematic. 32The final model C3 Corvettes published performance numbers were 0-60 in 7. seconds-the quarter-mile in 16. 1 85mph (137km/h). This was the last year for 8-track tape availability and new cross-fire in jection emblems appeared on front fenders. Nose and fuel door crossed-flags emblems changed to a more shape design. Chevrolet knew this would be the last year of an entire generation of Corvettes and so commemorated the juncture by offering a Collector Edition with separate attendant number sequencing, silver-beige paint, unique wheels patterned after the 1967 models bolt-on alloys, and an operable rear hatch window. 33 editSpecial models