|
Is a 50 MPG Corvette Possible?
Hey everyone. I'm big into performance and power but I'm also very interested in efficiency. I drove a Chevy Volt for 4 years and now drive a 40 MPG diesel Mercedes. I'd like to hear peoples opinions on building a C5 (1997-2004) Corvette with efficiency in mind.
For those not familiar these cars equipped with the manual transmission were rated at 28 MPG highway with many people reporting over 30 MPG Highway. It's a 3200 lbs car that's very aerodynamic. They come with a 5.7 liter V8 at around 10:1 compression.
Here is what I'm thinking at the moment.
Very high compression by milling the heads or possibly different pistons. So about 13:1.
Designing a camshaft that would make this engine essentially run like an Atkinson engine does.
Lowering the car and using very light wheels/tires.
Free flowing intake and exhaust
Aero mods and some weight reduction.
Gear change to put the car around 1300 RPM at 65 MPH
The goal would be 50 MPG on the highway only, going no more than 65 MPH.
This purpose is just a fun experiment. What do you think?
Thanks
Alex
|