Larry Larson’s C1 Corvette: Record-Breaking Dyno Performance.
Discussing sports cars, especially classics, there usually are two factions of aficionados. Firstly, there are the “purists” who hold that every screw and bolt should remain as true to its initial form as viable. Then there are those who show no hesitation about removing and changing any piece in order to advance and better their automobile.
The undeniably desirable classic C1 Chevrolet Corvette is rarely modified by fans, with the exception of some restomod vehicles. Nonetheless, one enthusiast in particular, Glen Sheeley, opted to heavily personalise his ’62 model year version regardless. FuelTech USA’s YouTube video unveils the details of the build and all the dyno tests completed on this wild, legal-to-drive C1 Corvette.
From 1953 to 1962, the initiatory C1 Chevrolet Corvette swiftly established itself as an US emblem, regularly praised as ‘America’s treasured sportscar’. Nowadays, typical costs of the C1 Corvette are approximately around $108,000 as per classic.com, however, due to just unfortunately being exposed to fewer than 69,000 models over a course of 9 years, this comes as no shock.
This 1962 C1 Corvette holds a special place in the classic car world, as beneath its hood is a motor from Late Model Engineering (LME), a renowned Texas-based engine builder. Originally, all 1962 C1s had an iconic small-block V8 from Chevrolet, however, this particular specimen has been upgraded with a fully-built version of that motor.
Neither Larry nor proprietor Glen delves into extensive information concerning the motor side of constructing. Yet, Glen does admit that prior to the conversion to fuel injection, the car was equipped with a carburetor. The C1 presently is furnished with FuelTech’s FT600 EFI system ECU which accomplished driving the normally aspirated small block V8 to an astounding 855WHP on the dynamometer – essentially equivalent to 1,005 HP at the crank.
Regarding any high-power assembly, there were some initial troubles including a vacuum difficulty that caused an oil leak toward the back of the automobile. Larry declares that this is all element of the exploration and development phase, though, and is glad it occurred on the dynamometer rather than at the drag trail – which may have led to a significant smash-up.
According to Larry, just about everything other than the motor has been revised or augmented on this C1. It has been totally modified and fitted with a full roll cage, a custom-made suspension, and specialized front and rear brakes so that drag radial tires can be used. Last but not least, the essential deployment brake at the back is included to guarantee safe deceleration of the car.
Glen articulates that his objective is to drive the vehicle in Hot Rod Drag Week this September in South Carolina, aiming to shatter as many records in the group of N/A smaller blocks as can be done.
