Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette
The Twin-Turbo Callaway Corvette
hit the roads back in 1987.
Extra performance was needed to boost the image of the latest
Corvette.
Chevrolet had been toying with the idea of turbocharging the
Corvette
since the late seventies, with it's "TurboVette".
As a loyal Corvette enthusiast and owner, I read all the newly released information
about the experimental Turbo Corvettes back in the late 70's.
If you are old enough to remember, cars used carburetors back then,
and the turbo systems were a blow-thru system blowing the boost through
the carburetors without the sophisticated computer controls that were to come in the 80's.
When the Callaway Corvette was released, the production volume
of a
turbocharged Corvette would be
limited due to the fact that there would be only
a small number
of
buyers who were aware of this package.
Chevrolet contracted with
Callaway Engineering to perform the required
modifications for twin turbo use. There was a regular production
option (RPO)
and every Chevrolet dealership would honor the warranty!
However, there were only a few
"authorized" Callaway dealerships
after everything was all said and done.
During the introductory 1987 model year, the Callaway Twin Turbo
B2K option
provided 345 HPand 465 Ft. Lb of Torque allowing a top speed of 178 MPH
For 1988, Callaway was able to tweek to performance levels a bit
and increased the stock performance of the Twin Turbo Corvette,
producing 382 HP/586 Ft.Lbs of Torque
By 1991, the stock Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette produced 403 HP
and 575 Ft.Lbs of Torque, that provided a top speed of 192 MPH.
The twin NACA scoops are the
first and most obvious external
signs
on the early models that this is no ordinary Corvette. These scoops feed air
directly to the turbochargers that are fitted on each side of the
engine.
In addition, each Callaway Corvette received it's own unique
front and rear emblem.
Dymag wheels were an option on
the Callaway Corvette.
They are very attractive and are embossed with the Dymag
and Callaway emblems.
The rear window sports an emblem
that makes it very clear
that you are dealing with no ordinary Corvette.
During the last few years of the
twin-turbo's production run,
an "aerobody" option was offered. This option was dual
functioned.
1. It provided a higher top
speed for Callaway Corvette.
2. The bodywork provided even
more individuality for it's owners.
Once the LT-1 reverse-flow
engine was introduced in 1992, the twin-turbo
option was no more. A new generation of Callaways emerged: The
Supernaturals.
During this same time period, the ZR1 Corvette was produced from 1990-1995.
Some of these ZR1's were turbo charged, but that's another story......
