Description
Author: Dave Emanuel, Softbound, 122 Pages, ISBN: 9781557883766, HP-1376, 1st Edition, July 2002,
- Answers to the most common technical questions on Corvette engines, suspension, brakes, driveline and Accessories
Whether it's a Cl, C5 or any generation in between, Corvettes are unique vehicles that inspire a full range of emotions in their owners. But in spite of all the admiration and devotion that's lavished on them, Corvettes are mechanical devices and as such require periodic, as well as unanticipated, maintenance and repairs. And since Corvette owners tend to be as unique as the cars they drive, personalized modifications are also an integral part of ownership. With a few exceptions, the following chapters present a variety of questions and answers that address many of those issues. One of these is the chapter covering electronic fuel injection. Even though Corvettes have incorporated electronic fuel injection since 1982, the subject is still widely misunderstood. This chapter covers many of the fundamentals necessary to develop an understanding of the manner in which Crossfire, Tuned Port, LT1 and LS1 systems function.
Another exception to the "Q&A" format is the introductory chapter entitled, "Corvette: An American Icon". Although that title sounds like something from the Chevrolet publicity department, the Corvette can't legitimately be called anything less than an icon. Over the years, there have been good Corvettes and bad ones. But through it all, the Corvette has always been imbued with a unique automotive personality. There may be other sports cars that are faster, handle better or stop quicker, but there
is only one Corvette. And as this chapter documents, it's usually at the forefront of technological development.
A seemingly disproportionate amount of the information contained the following chapters pertains to C3, C4 and C5 models. That's by design because earlier generations of Corvettes are typically restoration projects, have already been restored and are professionally maintained. Countless books covering collector-type restoration already exist, so there's no need for another one. In contrast, the content of Corvette Tech Q&A is aimed at owners who still enjoy their cars by driving them regularly and racing them in autocrosses or at the drag strip.
The previous paragraph could be viewed as a criticism of Corvette owners whose cars spend most of their lives in garages or trailers. None is intended. It certainly doesn't make sense to use a classic, low mileage all-original Corvette as a daily driver. And since these cars are driven infrequently, there isn't as much demand for modification and repair information as there is with later, and less rare models.
However, there is a demand for technical specifications of classic Corvettes, so the last two chapters contain tables of engine specifications and engine identification codes beginning with the very first Corvette.
—Dave Emanuel
