Chevrolet Corvette 1955

1955 Corvette

The 1955 Corvette seemed to be only a repetition of the 1953-54 Corvette, but it was much improved in many aspects. The biggest improvement is the magnificent Ed Cole small-block V-8, which, for an extra $ 135 was adjusted to all but six of the 55 "models sold this year, which was identified only by the outside exaggerated gold "V's" coating on the Existing "Chevrolet" name on the bottom front defenses. Chevy ads heralded as "The V-8, which is like a V-2," a comparison of the eight cylinders Corvette to a "guided missile".

One of the many interesting innovations that made the 265 such critical development is the lack of a common shaft rocker. Each rocker arm is completely independent of the other, so that the deformation of one had no effect on the rest. Each was mounted on a valve stem and pushrod hired by a fulcrum ball and lock nut. Whether mechanical or hydraulic lifts were used, valves were hit by rotating the locking nut. In addition, the reciprocal agreement with the reduction in weight, which allowed higher rpm and reduce raw materials.

Other features include an intake manifold that offers a water outlet common to the two chiefs, who were issued with dying integral valve guides and are completely interchangeable. A short stroke meant short rods were used, which is another way to achieve maximum rpm. Under pressure in the piston-pin eliminated the need to split bars and bolt lock. Five main bearings of equal diameter carried the maximum load in their lower halves.

Engine weight was saved by the oil flowing through hollow pushrods, splash provide lubrication to the rocker arms and valve stems, eliminating the need for separate and costly power lines oil. Pistons were modern slipper type "autothermic" aluminium, with three units of the Rings, an expander circumferential ring for the sole oil always axial and radial force to control the burning of oil. Instead of iron, steel crankshaft is forged, because of their increased weight and the elastic modulus.

The V-8 certainly did wonders for the performance of Corvette in 1955. Although it is essentially the same engine that was only in that year optional passenger Chevys, the Corvette version ran a tree cam raised 33 horsepower over the melody - a total of 195 hp at 5000 rpm. Replacing the finicky many carbohydrates Rochester was only one version of four barrel. Calculation end of the unit stood at 3.55:1, but the V-8 higher rev led to a revision of the limit of 6500 rpm tachometer redline. Because the engine is lighter, pre / post improvement in the distribution of weight, though the benefit is small (currently set at 52/48 percent).

There was no question of the V-8 of the performance improvement - is nothing short of impressive. The reference point of 0 to 60 mph sprint now occupies only 8.5 seconds, the quarter-mile walk only 16.5 seconds. Maximum speed was up to nearly 120 mph. Despite this, the gas mileage is actually better. Road & Track, for example, showed 18-22.5 mpg with Powerglide, about 2-3 mpg better than the standard six-cylinder engine.

Other changes made to accommodate the V-8 includes an automatic choke for the first time since the Motorama show Corvette and a modern 12-volt electrical system, but the biggest six-volt configuration was chosen, about six-cylinder Corvettes built that year. The vacuum of the previous drive motor wiper led to a power unit and a foot operated cleaner returned. Tyres changed tube type to the tubeless variety of both white and blackwall versions.

For a time, remains the only Powerglide transmission. But later in the model run, about 75 cars were built with the Corvette of the first manual gearbox. It was a new relationship close three speeds manual, which went through a stem stubby chromium from the side of the transmission tunnel, topped with a small white ball and surrounded by a boot that was anchored in the soil by a ring of bright metal shows the pattern of change. End transmission was shortened to 3.7:1, which combined with the gearbox and lighter than powerful V-8 to make this the fastest Corvette yet.

As in 1953-54, the Corvette received several changes in operation during 1955 production. Shortly after the launch, the option blue Pennant was replaced by Harvest Gold, in contrast with the green cutting and a dark green top, which became a popular combination. The copper metal is also provided, and Sportsman Red Cross was replaced by Roma. The latter comes with the interior vinyl white, red chair sewing, and so up and carpeting. What is more, had built los'55s soft bodies of the sections slightly thinner than the models 1953-54. Fit-finishing and tidier and more stringent. The first hoyos'55s stay within lanes for the assembly of the six-cylinder engine, but these will soon be connected once they realized they had probably never be used again. Moreover, the X-brace at the bottom of the bell was replaced by a lateral brace to erase the V-8's air cleaner.

Overall, 1955 was a great step forward for the engineering Corvette, but not even true high-performance, improvement of labour, and refine details about the same time the car could not fortunes, at least not immediately. Sales actually dropped to only 700 units for the model year. Chevy still struggling with the problems that keep productions to be either efficient or how significant, and the market remains uncertain and elusive. 1955 Despite the big improvement, the package is still not completely right. "

Here are the specifications for the Corvette 1955:

Vehicle Specifications
Convertible
Among axes, 102.0 inches
Length, in.
167.0
Width, in.
72.2
Track inches
Front: 57.0 rear: 59.0
Height, in.
51.3
Stopping weight, pounds
2,910

Mechanical Specifications (2-door convertible)

Suspension
Front: Independent; upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, antiroll bar, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers
Rear: Live axle semi-elliptical leaf springs, hydraulic shock absorbers tubular

Wheels / tires
6.70x15

Brakes
Front: 11 inch drum
Rear: drum 11 inches

Transmission
3-speed manual (std)
2-speed Powerglide (opt)

Standard axle ratio
3.55:1

Specifications Engine

Ohv Type V-6 ohv V-8
Scrolling, liters / cu inch 3.85/235.5
4.34/265.0
Bore x stroke, 3.56 cm x 3.00 x 3.95 3.75
3 Fuel Management Carter sidedraft
Carter 4-BBL.
Horses force @ rpm 150 4200 195 5000
Par @ rpm, 223 lb-ft @ 2400 260 @ 3000

Published performance numbers

Acceleration
195 HP, Powerglide
0-60 mph, SEC
8.7
0-100 km / h sec
24.7
1/4-mile SEC
16.5

(Source: Road & Track)

Production of vehicles and base prices

Type Car
Production
Price
Convertible 2-door, six-cylinder
700 *
$ 2,774.00
2-door convertible, V-8

2,909.00

* 700 combined production