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Here's the story:
Illustrated Corvette Series No. 73 - 1985-88 Corvette Showroom
Stock Racers
"Too Fast For Their Own Good!"
Racing
Corvettes had a tough time in the '70s. They were fast and loud, but
had trouble finishing races. Using a suspension design dating back to
the early '60s, Corvettes were simply outdated. But that all changed
when the new C4 arrived in 1983.
The C4 Corvette had several design features that lent itself to
becoming a successful racer. A balanced and blueprinted 350 engine with
open headers could easily and reliably make 350hp. The backbone frame,
steel birdcage, advanced rear suspension, and forged aluminum front
suspension formed the basis of a design that would totally dominate
Showroom Stock racing for four years straight!
The series began when Nelson Ledges racetrack manager John McGill
wondered that since the 24-hour motorcycle races did so well, would
there be any interest in a 24-hour series for cars? At first the series
attracted
Rabbits, Pintos, and small Chrysler cars. Since the track isn't far
from Detroit, it didn't take long before the motor city types were
bringing their Camaros, Firebirds, Mustangs, and Porsches to race. When
Dick Guldstrand got the SCCA to back the series, things really began to
take off.
The Z51 performance option helped to create the perfect showroom stock
racer. Here's what was included in the $600 option: A stiffer monoleaf
rear spring, heavy-duty shocks, harder suspension bushings, a 25mm
front antiroll bar, 13:1 quick-ratio steering, an engine oil cooler, an
extra radiator fan, and P255/50VR16 tires on 16x8.5 front wheels and
16x9.5 rear wheels.
The Z51 was far too harsh on the street, but on a racetrack it gave a
serious advantage to the Corvettes. The only changes allowed were the
removal of the catalytic converters and stock exhausts, racing brake
pads, a safety rollcage, heavy-duty shocks, and two-way radios.
From 1984 to '87 Corvettes from various Chevrolet supported teams won
every race 17 victories in 17 races! One team was so fierce that Chevy
asked them not to race so that newer teams could have a chance. Not
since the big-block days had Corvettes been so tough.
Other racers weren't so thrilled. By the end of the 1987 season,
Corvettes were banned from Showroom Stock racing to "preserve the
integrity of the series. Thus began the 1988-'89 "Corvette Challenge
Series." Chevy supplied the parts, and customers reaped the benefits.
Corvettes and racing... perfect together.
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