As we continue with this two part ZR-1 story,
we now
examine some of the exotic LT-5 powered
ZR-1's.
It all started with a factory test mule. The
experiment
was to see how a ZR-1 would perform if given
more power
and less weight. The end product resulted in a
ZR-1 that
was so fast it was named the "Snake Skinnner", for it's
ability to out-perform the Viper and legendary
Cobra.
It's stock appearance is most deceptive.
Deep in it's secluded desert hideout, this
Corvette
underwent a metamophosis of grand proportions.
The fiberglass hood was replaced with a high
tech
Kevlar hood with half the weight. The rear
window
was plexiglass. No air-conditioning, no radio,
and no
other power amenities were included in this
"Mongoose"
of a Corvette. The engine is this "SS" very
unique.
The LT-5 ZR-1 engine retained it's original
displacement.
However, it's what's inside that counts. The
cams were
advanced in timing a bit, the intake throttles
were modified
so that all ports would flow equally and
headers were
bolted up to the aluminum block to increase
the airflow
out of this beautiful engine. A black crackle
finish was
placed on the surface of the engine to reveal
it's
secret identity. At first only 440 HP was
stated, but
later, 475 NET
Horsepower was advertised.
Let's take a look at some figures:
0 - 60 MPH .................. 3.6 sec.
0 - 100 MPH ................. 7.8 sec.
1/4 Mile : 11.8 sec. @ 123 MPH
0 - 100 MPH - 0 : 12.8 sec.
( This beats the '65 427 Cobra Record Holder
of 14 sec. )
Cornering : 1.05 g's
All of this was done with a set of Goodyear
Eagle GS-CS
tires, the "S" stands for
"sticky", which were mounted
on a set of Dymag magnesium wheels.
This type of dynamic performance was a bit too
much
for the corporate executives, so the Snake
Skinner
never became a factory option.
Enter the "Tuners"
Both Doug Rippie and John Lingenfelter
received the
data required to build their own Snake
Skinners.
Not content with leaving well enough alone,
provided
LT-5 engine packages that not only delivered
475 HP
with the original displacement, but also
provided LT-5's
that were "stroked" to 368 cubic
inches and pumped out
565 Horsepower !!
Dick Guldstrand took all of this one step
further and
produced a complete package that included the
modified
LT-5 engine, a handling package, and a body
package
that could handle all of this extra power. The
result was:
The Grand Sport 90
Classic lines clearly tell all that this is no
ordinary
Corvette. A paint job just like the one on A.
J. Foyt's
Grand Sport that he raced at Sebring in 1964.
18 inch wheels, special suspension, special
brakes,
you name it, it's got it !!
What Curves !!