1979 Turbo Corvette Prototype

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In 1979, GM started playing around with introducing forced induction to the Corvette in light of the car's decreasing performance due to CAFE regulations of the time. The result was a few different prototypes developed for testing. They featured a L82, 350 ci engine, AiResearch turbo charger and a modified Cadillac fuel injection system. Below are some details and photos that we've been able to collect:

Specifications

Engine:
Production Corvette RPO L-82 350 in³ (5.7 L) with LM-1 camshaft. Standard internal engine components.

Turbocharger:
AiResearch model T-3 with integral exhaust waste gate which regulates intake manifold pressure to 7 PSI. Turbocharger mounted directly to right hand modified cast iron manifold.

Induction System:
Modified G.M. throttle body injection (T.B.I.) with closed loop electronic air/fuel control. Fuel injected into dual-plane intake manifold. Air throttle valve located at turbocharger compressor inlet.

Exhaust System:
Standard 1979 dual exhaust with single resonator replacing converter.

Transmission:
Standard 3-speed automatic transmission.

Rear Axle:
Production 3.55:1 rear axle with limited slip differential.

Wheels/Tires:
P255/60 R 16 Goodyear Eagle GT tires mounted on 15" x 8 1/2" aluminum wheels.

Body:
Special "Firefrost Silver" paint with external graphics and internal decor by Chevrolet Design Staff. RPO D 75 front air deflector and D 80 rear deck lid spoiler.

Vehicle Weight:
Front 1720 pounds
Rear 1775 pounds

Performance Numbers from the September 1979 Issue of Car and Driver:

Performance Comparison	Turbocharged L48 (automatic, 3:55 rear axle)	Stock 1978 L48 (automatic, 3:08 rear axle)	Stock 1979 L82 (4-speed, 3:70 rear axle)
Acceleration, sec
Zero to 30 mph	2.2	2.9	2.5
40 mph	3.3	4.2	3.6
50 mph	4.7	5.8	4.9
60 mph	6.3	7.8	6.6
70 mph	8.5	10.2	8.6
80 mph	11.0	13.3	10.9
90 mph	14.0	17.5	13.7
100 mph	18.2	23.1	17.5
Standing 1/4-mile	15.0 sec @ 94 mph	16.1 sec @ 88 mph	15.3 sec @ 95 mph
Top Speed, mph	111	123	127