Turbine C3
10-08-2008, 11:03 PM
#4
Yes, I know the car well and worked on it some years ago when the owner brought it back to have some turbine blades replaced. My company design end and manufactured the engine (called an ST6) in the mid 60s for the STP Indy 500 car shown in the background. The fellow that hired me in the late 70's was the chief engineer on the Indy project and is still around today (drives a Mustang though 
) He became my boss and for many years tried to convince me to convert my car also. I always assumed he was joking but............
The particular engine shown in the Corvette was not in the race car on race day, it was one of several spares that were not required. The Corvette builder bought the engine from Andy Granatelli some years later and installed in the Corvette to be used as an exotic but streetable ride. When I saw the car it still had the USAC tech inspection stamps on the engine!
The most recent owner was from Ohio I believe and had done well in the construction business. He bought the car with the damaged turbine blades and had never driven it prior to us fixing it. The engine was repaired just in time for an annual open house and the car was used for several demo rides to a lucky few. Initial acceleration was about the same as a piston powered version, but from about 30 MPH onwards it was spectacular.
At one point he was considering putting the car in the Corvette museum but I've lost touch with him and don't believe that this ever happened.
) He became my boss and for many years tried to convince me to convert my car also. I always assumed he was joking but............The particular engine shown in the Corvette was not in the race car on race day, it was one of several spares that were not required. The Corvette builder bought the engine from Andy Granatelli some years later and installed in the Corvette to be used as an exotic but streetable ride. When I saw the car it still had the USAC tech inspection stamps on the engine!
The most recent owner was from Ohio I believe and had done well in the construction business. He bought the car with the damaged turbine blades and had never driven it prior to us fixing it. The engine was repaired just in time for an annual open house and the car was used for several demo rides to a lucky few. Initial acceleration was about the same as a piston powered version, but from about 30 MPH onwards it was spectacular.
At one point he was considering putting the car in the Corvette museum but I've lost touch with him and don't believe that this ever happened.
10-08-2008, 11:12 PM
#5
Safety Car
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That's cool Mike, I was wondering what happened to the car.It's ONE BAD RIDE!!!!!!!
Last edited by Earthquake Driver; 10-08-2008 at 11:14 PM. Reason: add pic
10-09-2008, 03:13 PM
#6
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Hi Mike,
I had no idea what your background is. PRETTY INTERESTING. I remember the turbine at Indy pretty well. I remember that it's sound made the other cars sound so old fashioned.
Regards,
Alan
I had no idea what your background is. PRETTY INTERESTING. I remember the turbine at Indy pretty well. I remember that it's sound made the other cars sound so old fashioned.
Regards,
Alan
10-09-2008, 05:28 PM
#7
Le Mans Master
I remember that issue of Motor Trend. 12 years old and already wanted a Corvette.
