1978 Jet-Vette?
#1
Heel & Toe
Thread Starter
1978 Jet-Vette?
I just discovered there was a jet engine powered made a whole lot of years ago, and it's still going today. Looks and sounds amazing, but I can't seem to find anything about top speed. It allegedly did a 1/4 mile in 12 seconds, which is meh at best. Anyone here have any more info on it? The actual website is vague, and any videos I found were interesting, but lacking tech.
#2
Race Director
Jets don't accelerate like piston engines. But they keep accelerating to 600 mph or so. Faster with afterburners. A Vette suspension and brakes has a hard time controlling the car much above 250-300...
#3
I remember reading the magazine article back then. Kind of forgot about this until you brought it up. Brings back some good memories, Thx, neat stuff!!
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/chev...er-1979-issue/
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/chev...er-1979-issue/
#6
Le Mans Master
Member Since: May 2003
Location: Fernandina Beach FL
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2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Last seen at Barret-Jackson a few years ago- did not hit reserve-
https://azure.barrett-jackson.com/Ev...-CUSTOM-181234
Pretty neat-
https://azure.barrett-jackson.com/Ev...-CUSTOM-181234
Pretty neat-
#7
Team Owner
I love the sound. I wonder if they use the trust, which it doesn't seem to be or the jets accessory drive and an automotive transmission.
Found my answer:
A Pratt and Whitney reduction gearbox is attached to the back half of the engine, bringing the rpm at the output shaft. The power is transmitted through a modified Turbo 400 3-speed automatic transmission, a much-strengthened driveshaft, and a 3.08:1 rearend.
Jet car nearly won the Indy 500
Then there was the Crysler Jet Car:
Very cool stuff!
Last edited by theandies; 07-04-2018 at 09:38 PM.
#8
Race Director
They used these in a few high perf boats. They are turboshafts from helicopters, not true fighter plane jets like Bonneville salt flats cars.