Why a PG in 53?
I have heard a number of reasons over the years for a Power Glide introduced in Corvettes, everything from that is what the target market wants to only the PG would handle 150 HP. Does anyone have the real story?
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Re: Why a PG in 53?
i don't know if i would buy that because i had a 261 truck engine with dual carbs,mcgurk cam,split exhaust and dual point ignition in my 1953 full size chevy and i never had trans problems with my 3 on the tree and i know i had more HP than 53/54 corvettes. -
Re: Why a PG in 53?
I agree. I had a friend who had modified his truck engine, cam, dual carbs, headers, etc. and ran it with a 3 speed in his Chevy. No problems with it holding up.Comment
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Re: Why a PG in 53?
They are PG nearly bullet proof, many racers used them
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Re: Why a PG in 53?
Steve,
Just happened to be looking at one of the "Grandad" Corvette books: Corvette, America's Star Spangled Sports Car by Karl Ludvigsen, and his text suggests that since the Corvette was to target the college crowd, modern and sporty features included like the new plastic body, imbedded antenna, wraparound windshield and automatic transmition were part of the package offered.
It also stated that the six cylinder engine worked very well with the PG even with additional horsepower features, it could handle it. (Think about this, even 1967 390hp 427s could be offered with the PG).
If you don't have this book, you owe it to yourself to get a copy. This book really got me motivated to get moving and buy my first one.
BobComment
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Re: Why a PG in 53?
the big advantage to a aluminum PG since it is just 2 speeds is the light weight of the internal parts allowing faster acceleration. that is the same reason a drag car with a turbo 350 will be quicker than the same car with a turbo 400,less internal rotating weight in the trannyComment
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Re: Why a PG in 53?
Probably because GM wanted to introduce a thoroughly 'modern' car and automatic transmissions were relatively new to the market back then. Plus, it differentiated the Corvette from other/existing sports cars in the market, primarily with European origin(s)...Comment
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Re: Why a PG in 53?
I recall back in the day that if you put a lot of mods on a six cylinder engine the weak link was the rear end, not the tranny, i.e. a friend and I both had 50 Chevy coupes - his had a hot Jimmy six and I had a 58 fuelie Vette engine in mine. We both used 3 speed truck boxes that would bolt up to our engines and the torque tube drive train (I did go through 3 trannies though, always dropping counter shafts). He was regularly breaking axles, and I never had a problem with mine. He had a lot more money in his with a lot of aftermarket goodies, but I could easily blow his doors off. He turned low 14's at the strip. I never ran mine for time. I did set the longest tire spin (1 wheel) mark. Kids!
Stu foxComment
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Re: Why a PG in 53?
Bob, I have one! It is a great book and one I am going to go thorugh again today thanks to your reminder! The pictures are endless and great text! I especially enjoy looking at the competition cars and the GS with original white, non-flared, smooth hood body. That would have made a great volume option!
SteveComment
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Re: Why a PG in 53?
Steve,
My copy is the Second Printing. On the jacket, they show the Yellow '73 Coupe,and I am sure that there was a color spread of this car. But in this book, the color spread is of a '74 Convertible that has quite a unique Color combo: Maroon with Silver Deluxe Interior and a 454 to boot!
There are also some nice color photos of both the Mako Sharks and the Manta Ray.
As I said before, this book made me buy my first one in the same year (1974), a well worn Hondouras Maroon '62. Which then led to joining a local Corvette club, which then led me to finding out about NCRS.
Funny how things work out like that.
BobComment
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