RPO 579E Airbox Option Contents?

[David B.]

Re: RPO 579E Airbox Option Contents?

GM records in 1957 do not show a 579E option. The 1957 confidential GM recorded quantities for RPO 579 are:
A - 182, B - 713, C - 102, D - 43
It appears the latest version of the Black book finally got it right, at least for this option.

[Todd H.]

Re: RPO 579E Airbox Option Contents?

According to page 175 of Ken Kayser's book, 579B and 579C were at some point "mistakenly switched", and the original designations from Chevrolet Engineering were:

579B - the 102 250hp FIs with automatic
579C - the 713 283hp FIs with manual.

Hopefully the altogether mistaken designation 579E will someday no longer be seen.

[David B.]

Re: RPO 579E Airbox Option Contents?

Interesting, could be the guy at the Tech Center in 1957 who compiled these numbers was given incorrect information or simply screwed up. Should not be too difficult to verify by looking at an original bill of sale (if one can be found). Unfortunately, do not have a copy of Kayser's book so presented figures as written in original GM documents. There are a lot of errors in current 56-57 production numbers currently published but trying to get corrected has proven difficult.

[Tom P.]

Re: RPO 579E Airbox Option Contents?



Ken's book was published in both hard (with a sleeve) and soft bound versions. There were only 100 numbered (signed) copies of the hard bound (my car is a 56, so I had Ken sign book #56). I do not know if the soft bound is even avbailable any more. But if you appreciate this kind of information/documentation, and you can locate (or borrow) a copy, it's worth reading cover to cover. My hard copy is a "table" copy and the soft copy is what I use for reference. I have highlighted MANY places and made notes throughout for my own personal information.
Because of Ken's career with GM, he accumulated a wealth of factory documentation, which has dispelled MANY factual, gospel information that has circulated for decades (RPO579E is just one example). Over the years, there have been various things which just did not "fit" in my brain, and the documentation and explanations in Ken's book, has clarified and corrected various inaccuracies which have abounded for many years. And some of the "accepted experts" are no longer as adamant about things as they were in the past. It's very hard to contradict black and white on original GM documents and engineering drawings!

[Mark E.]

Re: RPO 579E Airbox Option Contents?

Is this book, or at least its content, available? Maybe a scanned version?

I know this is a car book written by a car guy, but you'd think the editor would correct the use of its vs it's in the title.

[Todd H.]

Re: RPO 579E Airbox Option Contents?

Mark,

I doubt it's available in a scanned version.

I see a paperback version on Amazon for $489. Ouch. But it is an incomparable book if you have any interest at all in Corvette mechanical fuel injection.

And the books seem to be going up in price. I bought my limited Dolza edition 5 years ago for $400 from Bill Connell. I thought I was spending way too much, but the book is worth it.

[Tom P.]

Re: RPO 579E Airbox Option Contents?

-----------------------------------------------------I see a paperback version on Amazon for $489. Ouch. But it is an incomparable book if you have any interest at all in Corvette mechanical fuel injection.-------------------------------------------

I just looked this up (just in case your were mistaken), this just blows my mind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I bought both versions when Ken first offered them----------------------well, I won't say what the price was then!