The Evolution Of Corvette: Fuel Injection Transformation

The Corvette is a iconic car and its history of fuel injection is a long and interesting one. Fuel injection was first introduced to the Corvette in 1957 with the release of the Chevrolet Corvette Super Sport. This model was a game-changer, offering increased power and responsiveness, faster cold starts, smoother engine warm-ups, and better fuel economy. The Corvette has since gone through several stages of development, with each step fuelled by a continuing search for more power, fewer emissions, and better drivability. The mechanical fuel-injection systems of the past have now been replaced by computer-controlled systems, which can almost think for themselves.

Fuel injection was first introduced to the Corvette in 1957

The Corvette is a iconic car and its history is fascinating, especially when it comes to fuel injection. Fuel injection was first introduced to the Corvette in 1957, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of this celebrated vehicle. Here's a detailed account of that pivotal moment:

In 1957, the Corvette underwent a notable transformation with the introduction of fuel injection, specifically the Ramjet fuel injection system. This innovation was developed by a team of engineers, including John Dolza, E.A. Kehoe, Donald Stoltman, and Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov. It was manufactured by General Motors' (GM) Rochester carburetor division and offered a host of advantages over traditional carburetors.

The Ramjet fuel injection system provided increased power and accelerator response, improved cold starts, smoother engine warm-ups, eliminated carburetor icing, and enhanced fuel economy. It was designed to meter fuel according to intake vacuum readings, ensuring a more precise and efficient fuel delivery system. This marked a significant step forward in automotive engineering and set the Corvette apart from its competitors.

The decision to introduce fuel injection to the Corvette was made quite late in 1956, just ahead of the introduction deadline. The first Corvette with fuel injection, the 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Super Sport, was unveiled at the New York Auto Show. This particular model, with its 283-cubic-inch V-8 engine, is considered a game-changer and a highly coveted collector's item today.

The introduction of fuel injection to the Corvette was not without its challenges. Early fuel injection systems, like the one in the 1957 Corvette, were mechanical and required a deeper understanding and care from their owners. They were sensitive to changes in temperature and altitude, which could affect engine performance. However, the benefits of fuel injection were undeniable, and it paved the way for further advancements in automotive technology.

The 1957 Corvette fuel injection system, though premature, laid the foundation for future innovations. It showcased the potential of fuel injection, and subsequent models built upon this technology, refining and improving it over time. The Corvette has continued to evolve, and its legacy of performance, innovation, and style endures to this day.

The Corvette's fuel injection system has gone through several stages of development

The Ramjet fuel injection system was a mechanical fuel injection system that operated much like a carburetor. It was designed to meter fuel according to the intake vacuum readings and introduce a regulated amount of fuel directly above the intake valve under considerable pressure. While this system was a major improvement over carburetors, it had several drawbacks, such as the need for manual tuning and sensitivity to changes in temperature and altitude.

In the 1980 production year, GM installed computer-controlled carburetors on the 305ci Corvettes bound for California. This was followed by the introduction of the Computer Command Control (CCC) system in 1980 and 1981, which monitored and controlled various engine and vehicle operations, including the air/fuel ratio, spark timing, and torque-converter lockup.

In 1982, GM reintroduced electronically controlled fuel injectors, known as the Cross-Fire Injection (RPO L83). This system used two throttle bodies on top of the intake manifold and provided a mere 10 horsepower increase for the Corvette. However, it served as a stepping stone until the Tuned Port Injection was ready for production.

The Tuned Port Injection (TPI) was introduced in the mid-1980s, resulting in increased horsepower and torque. Instead of relying on vacuum intake, GM began using MAF sensors to get a better reading of the air entering the engine. This system also eliminated the Cold Start Circuit, which introduced additional fuel during cold-starting situations.

In 1994, GM implemented Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI), which fired the injector for each cylinder independently and only when that cylinder required fuel. This further improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, and provided a smoother idle.

The evolution of the Corvette's fuel injection system continued with the introduction of the LS1 engine in 1997, which featured a shorter intake runner and improved torque curve. The Throttle Actuator Control system (TAC) was also implemented, providing a complete drive-by-wire system without any throttle cables.

Throughout the years, advancements in fuel injection technology have been driven by the pursuit of improved fuel control, economy, and lower emissions, all contributing to the ultimate goal of higher performance.

The first fuel-injected Corvette was a 1957 Corvette Super Sport

The Super Sport was developed by a team of engineers at General Motors, including John Dolza, E.A. Kehoe, Donald Stoltman, and Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov. It was manufactured by GM's Rochester carburetor division and featured the Ramjet fuel injection system, which offered increased power and accelerator response, faster cold starts, smoother engine warm-ups, the elimination of carburetor icing, and better overall fuel economy.

The Ramjet fuel injection system was a major improvement over carburetors, as it controlled fuel better and was not subject to fuel sloshing during racing situations. The Rochester division tested two types of fuel injection methods: continuous flow and timed (as in modern cars). The continuous-flow injection system was initially chosen for its simplicity and was installed in the Super Sport.

The Super Sport was first unveiled at the 1957 New York Auto Show and later raced at the 12 Hours of Sebring before Chevrolet withdrew from racing activities due to a ban by the Automobile Manufacturers Association. The car was then sold to a private owner and, unfortunately, ended up in a collision with a telephone pole during the 1960s. Despite this setback, the Super Sport has since been extensively restored and has won awards at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance and from the Historic Vehicle Association.

The first fuel-injected Corvette, the 1957 Corvette Super Sport, holds a significant place in the history of Chevrolet and American sports cars, with its innovative fuel injection system and racing pedigree.

The Corvette's fuel injection system has improved fuel economy and reduced hydrocarbon pollution

The Corvette's fuel injection system has a long and storied history, with the first fuel-injected Corvette unveiled in 1957. This innovation offered increased power and accelerator response, faster cold starts, smoother engine warm-ups, the elimination of carburetor icing, and better overall fuel economy. Over the years, the fuel injection system in the Corvette has gone through several stages of development, always seeking more power, fewer emissions, and better drivability.

The 1957 Corvette's fuel injection system, known as "Ram Jet" or "Ramjet", was a significant improvement over carburetors. It controlled fuel better and was not subject to fuel sloshing during racing situations. This system was designed to meter fuel according to intake vacuum readings and introduce a regulated amount of fuel directly above the intake valve under pressure. While it improved fuel delivery, it had its challenges, such as tuning, as it did not self-adjust to changing conditions like temperature and altitude.

The benefits of improved fuel economy and reduced hydrocarbon pollution from the Corvette's fuel injection system are significant. In tests, the fuel injection version of the Corvette registered up to 15% better gas mileage, even with a lower gear ratio. This improvement is partly due to the higher compression ratio made possible by the fuel injection system.

The fuel injection system in the Corvette has evolved from mechanical systems to computer-controlled ones. The '80 and '81 models introduced the Computer Command Control (CCC) system, which monitored various engine and vehicle operations to control engine and emissions systems. By 1982, electronically controlled "squirters" addressed the tunability issues of earlier mechanical systems. The Cross-Fire Injection (RPO L83) used two throttle bodies on top of the intake manifold, working with the CCC system.

The advancements in fuel delivery continued with the introduction of Tuned Port Injection (TPI) in the mid-1980s, which provided a significant boost in horsepower and torque. The MAF sensors used in the TPI system gave a better reading of the air entering the engine, optimizing fuel mixing.

The implementation of Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) in 1994 was another significant step forward. This system fired each cylinder's injector independently, reducing emissions, increasing fuel economy, and providing a smoother idle.

The Corvette's fuel injection system has come a long way since its introduction in 1957, always striving for better fuel control, economy, and lower emissions, ultimately leading to higher performance. The evolution of this technology has been a critical part of the Corvette's legacy, and it continues to be refined and improved upon to this day.

The last carbureted Corvette was produced in 1981

The Corvette is an iconic sports car produced by Chevrolet, with a long history of innovation in automotive design. One of the most significant changes in the Corvette's history came in 1957 with the introduction of fuel injection. The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Super Sport was the first to feature high-performance Ramjet fuel injection, marking a turning point in the car's evolution.

The Ramjet fuel injection system, developed by a team of engineers at GM's Rochester carburetor division, offered increased power and accelerator response, faster cold starts, smoother engine warm-ups, improved fuel economy, and the elimination of carburetor icing. This new technology represented a significant advancement over the carbureted engines of the time, which had been the standard for the Corvette since its introduction.

While the 1957 Corvette with Ramjet fuel injection was a groundbreaking achievement, it also had its challenges. The fuel injection system was introduced very late in 1956, just ahead of the New York Auto Show debut, leaving little time for development and testing. This led to some initial issues that needed to be addressed before the regular production of the fuel-injected Corvette began.

Despite the challenges, Chevrolet continued to refine the fuel injection system in the Corvette, and it became a sought-after feature. The last carbureted Corvette was produced in 1981, marking the end of an era for the iconic sports car. From then on, Corvette engines would be fueled exclusively by injection systems, which offered improved performance, fuel economy, and emissions control.

The transition from carburetors to fuel injection in the Corvette is a fascinating chapter in automotive history, showcasing the continuous pursuit of innovation and improvement that has defined the Corvette's legacy. The 1981 model year served as a turning point, after which the Corvette would continue to push the boundaries of performance and technology, solidifying its place as one of the most celebrated sports cars in the world.

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