Chevrolet Power manual predecesor

[Jerry G.]

As a vintage racer i have used the Chevrolet Power manuals extensively. I'm now looking at beginning work again on my 61 Big Brake FI car and I have heard there was a predecessor to the first Power manual that gave help for C1 handling and performance. Does anyone know what this is and is one available through archives or for purchase. Jerry

[Terry M.]

Re: Chevrolet Power manual predecesor

Not as early as you want, but early C3 was a loose leaf "manual" with printed pages much like the AIMs, but only about 25 or 30 pages. I can't remember what it was called, but it was not called a Power Manual. Probably something with High Performance in the title.

[Steven B.]

Re: Chevrolet Power manual predecesor

Jerry, there was a book about 8" X 5" (guessing but not 8 1/2" X 11") titled "Guide to Corvette Speed" that had handling info in it including parts and suspension settings. Not written by GM. Mine are stored off site and don't have access to them now. I did set my '57 up to those specs, and some of the parts, in the 60's. I know there were at least two editions because I have two. IIRC it included Don Steve's car Dave MacDonald drove among others. Steve

[Michael H.]

Re: Chevrolet Power manual predecesor

Jerry

As Terry mentioned, in the beginning the info from GM was all on separate pages, not in book form. I have most of these from about 1966 and later but the first actual book showed up some time in the early 70's.

The pages from 66 and 67 are almost exclusively about 63-67. No info on C1 cars.

It's possible that there were info pages back in the early 60's for C1 cars but I've never seen it.

[Jim L.]

Re: Chevrolet Power manual predecesor

Although not from Chevrolet, this manual includes a little information about the C1 chassis and brakes:



Original GM part numbers are mentioned, but those aren't likely to be useful in setting up your '61.

Getting a C1 ready to race is, um, a "challenging" project. Good luck!

Jim

[Ray K.]

Re: Chevrolet Power manual predecesor

Jerry,

Early information for C1 Corvettes was usually distributed by means of a parts bulletin and referenced specialty parts. If you do not have it, the early Corvette 1956 -60 Service Operations ( Chassis ) has some good basic information in it.

Prior to the Chev Power Manuals, the earliest information that I have came me to late 1966 from Bernard Krass in Chevrolet Central Office. It was a photocopied article entitled " Proceed With Caution " and described the development and potential of the new L-88 engine as well as part numbers and some assembly information. Not long after, I received another issue of this that listed more numbers and a lot more information. This eventually grew into a Heavy Duty Parts " Special Information " brochure that contained information on L-88, ZL-1, Z-28, & LT-1 with all the part numbers and how various levels of horsepower could be achieved and a wealth of assembly information. I have 2 copies of this early brochure before it became a Power Manual some where around 1970.

Ray

[Loren L.]

Re: Chevrolet Power manual predecesor

Some mid-60s parts books had such info in a seperate section at the front of the parts books, but this was mainly confined to HD parts for mid-year and newer. Earlier stuff was mainly confined (in print) to Bill Thomas' articles in Corvette News relatig to Corvette setups/dos/don'ts for road racing. Even earlier than that, the writings of Racer Brown & Bob D'Olivo concerning setup and changes to Ol '56 #106 served '56 & '57 owners well - with the result that 300 SLs became invisible at SCCA.

[Bob J.]

Re: Chevrolet Power manual predecesor

Jerry,
I just looked in the 1963 Heavy Duty pages of a 63 P&A.
The only two items listed for the 57-62 Corvette were a front stabilizer bar #3832052 and a HD brake drum kit consisting of drums,fans and self adjusters.
Nothing was listed for a 63 Corvette.
The remainder was devoted to RPO-Z11 parts. Bob

[Jerry G.]

Re: Chevrolet Power manual predecesor

Steve This may be what I'm looking for. Not sure. The publication reportedly came out to help out racers who were privateering the C1 Corvettes. It was referred to in an article about the work Zora did when he was putting out parts and homologating parts to support John Finches efforts at Sebring with the SR Corvette. There are some pretty interesting modifications the C1 vintage racers do to get camber into the front end and get the car to handle and survive. This book sounds like it would have been put out, maybe through backdoor, by Zora and GM to help guys who weren't factory backed. If anyone has a copy or can guide me I'd really appreciate it.

[Jerry G.]

Re: Chevrolet Power manual predecesor

Although not from Chevrolet, this manual includes a little information about the C1 chassis and brakes:



Original GM part numbers are mentioned, but those aren't likely to be useful in setting up your '61.

Getting a C1 ready to race is, um, a "challenging" project. Good luck!

Jim

As you know Jim my C2 hasn't been a piece of cake. Hope things are well for you and Diane up on the mountain. Jerry

[Steven B.]

Re: Chevrolet Power manual predecesor

Although not from Chevrolet, this manual includes a little information about the C1 chassis and brakes:



Original GM part numbers are mentioned, but those aren't likely to be useful in setting up your '61.

Getting a C1 ready to race is, um, a "challenging" project. Good luck!

Jim

This is one of the two I have and that I was referring to in my OP. Steve

[Jerry G.]

Re: Chevrolet Power manual predecesor

Thank you . Just ordered it off Amazon. But I think the one I'm looking for was an earlier publication put our by GM engineers.

[Bill M.]

Re: Chevrolet Power manual predecesor



This book has a section on C1 race prep. It is authored by Bill Thomas. I found several copies on Amazon.
edit: This book features the Don Steves car that Steve mentions in post #3.

[Jim L.]

Re: Chevrolet Power manual predecesor

This is one of the two I have and that I was referring to in my OP. Steve

Didn't mean to duplicate your information, Steve. I posted before realizing you had already mentioned this book.

I've got two copies each with a different cover. I suspect you do also.

Jim

[Gary C.]

Re: Chevrolet Power manual predecesor

Corvette Sports Car Equipment Guide published in 1959, 23 pages. No credits or publication information on it. Believe it was published by Chevrolet as the back inside page refers to contacting your Chevrolet Dealer.

Modern Sports Car Series printed by Sports Car Press
- Corvette Guide by Dick Thompson & Dunn Munson printed in 1958
- Getting Ready to Race by Dick Anderson printed in 1962
- A Guide to Rallying by Larry Reid printed in 1957
- Guide to Corvette Speed by Karl E. Ludvigsen printed in 1969 (previously mentioned)

Gary
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