News at Speed Engineering

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Coming soon

 VW dyno day 
Let's see what these cars can do with some boost and dynotuning !
Check out the records page to see an example of one of these
impressive little German Engineered economy cars.
Will the fwd dyno record be broken ?

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Corvettes only on this special day of Dyno testing

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The 2009 ZR1 is OUT !

simply the meanest Corvette ever produced
 

This is it. The speculation, rumors and half-truths can now be set aside -- this is the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, officially revealed for all the world to see. Powered by a supercharged LS9 6.2L small-block engine, the ZR1 hasn't even received an official horsepower number from the engineers toiling away at the General. All Harlan Charles, project manager for the Corvette team was able to tell us last week was the new high-powered 'Vette engine is "capable of producing at least 100 horsepower per liter. That's at least 620 horsepower, and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque." Chevrolet wasn't even able to give us a time on the 0-60. Charles was only willing to say "it's in the low three seconds." The small-block engine under the hood is only able to hit those massive numbers due to the addition of the positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design plus an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for increased performance. That's the "go" end, but the "whoa" end is just as impressive. The ZR1 gets some simply huge carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors. They're so big and are required to be so powerful they're using the same 15-inch-diameter discs found on the front of a Ferrari 599. Except on the ZR1, they go on the 20" tires in the rear. In the front, they'll be getting even larger 15.5-inch-diameter rotors, simply breathtaking to see up-close.
 

New, Supercharged LS9 V-8 is the Heart of the ZR1

DETROIT - Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 - an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.
"Chevrolet's goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much - and does so with exceptional drivability," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

The ZR1's basic stats:
* All-new LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 targeted at producing at least 100 horsepower per liter, or 620 horsepower (462 kW), and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque (823 Nm)
* Six-speed, close-ratio, race-hardened manual transmission
* New, high-capacity dual-disc clutch
* Higher-capacity and specific-diameter axle half-shafts; enhanced torque tube
* Specific suspension tuning provides more than 1g cornering grip
* Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels
* Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires - P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear - developed specifically for the ZR1
* Standard carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors - 15.5-inch-diameter (394-mm) in the front and 15-inch-diameter (380-mm) in the rear
* Larger brake calipers with substantially increased pad area
* Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control with track-level suspension
* Wider, carbon-fiber front fenders with ZR1-specific dual vents
* Carbon-fiber hood with a raised, polycarbonate window - offering a view of the intercooler below it
* Carbon-fiber roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings with clear-coated, exposed carbon-fiber weave
* ZR1-specific full-width rear spoiler with raised outboard sections
* Specific gauge cluster with boost gauge (also displayed on the head-up display) and 220-mph (370 km/h) speedometer readout
* Only two options: chrome wheels and a "luxury" package
* Curb weight of approximately 3,350 pounds (1,519 kg)

The specialized components of the new ZR1 work harmoniously to deliver the most powerful and fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors. Performance estimates will be announced closer to vehicle's summer 2008 launch.
"Preliminary testing shows the ZR1 builds on the highly respected Corvette Z06 in every performance category, from acceleration and braking, to cornering grip and top speed," said Peper. "It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1's is exceptional - better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph."
 

Supercharged LS9 engine
The new LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power plant the supports the ZR1's performance capability. The enabler of the LS9's performance and refinement is a large, positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design. It is augmented with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for maximum performance.

A sixth-generation supercharger developed by Eaton helps the LS9 make big power and torque at lower rpm and carries it in a wide arc to 6,600 rpm, as it pushes enough air to help the engine maintain power through the upper levels of the rpm band - the area where supercharged performance tends to diminish. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components enable the engine's confident high-rpm performance.
The LS9 is hand-assembled at GM's Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Mich., and incorporates specialty processes typically seen in racing engines to produce a highly refined and precise product. For example, cast iron cylinder liners are inserted in the aluminum block and are finish-bored and honed with a deck plate installed. The deck plate simulates the pressure and minute dimensional variances applied to the block when the cylinder heads are installed, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy that promotes maximum cylinder head sealing, piston ring fit and overall engine performance.

Transmission and axle
The LS9 engine is backed by a new, stronger six-speed manual transmission and a twin-disc clutch that provide exceptional clamping power, while maintaining an easy clutch effort. ZR1-specific gearing in the transmission provides a steep first-gear ratio that helps launch the car, and top speed is achieved in sixth gear - a change from the fifth-gear top-speed run-outs in the manual-transmission Corvette and Corvette Z06.
As the term implies, the twin-disc clutch system employs a pair of discs, which spreads out the engine's torque load over a wider area. This enables tremendous clamping power when the clutch is engaged, while also helping to dissipate heat better and extend the life of the clutch.
The twin-disc clutch system also contributes to the ZR1's exceptional driving quality, with smooth and easy shifting. The twin-disc system's design enables a 25-percent reduction in inertia, thanks to smaller, 260-mm plates, corresponding to a pedal effort that is similar to the Corvette Z06's 290-mm single-disc system.
The rear axle also is stronger in the ZR1 and features asymmetrical axle-shaft diameters that were developed after careful testing to provide optimal torque management. The axles are also mounted on a more horizontal plane that correlates with the wider width of the rear wheels and tires.

Ride and handling
The ZR1 is built on the same aluminum-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and features similar independent SLA front and rear suspensions, with aluminum upper and lower control arms. Where the ZR1 differs is the suspension tuning, which was optimized for the car's steamroller-wide front and rear tires.
Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard and tuned specifically for the ZR1. The system's ability to deliver a compliant ride with nearly instantaneous damping adjustments enabled engineers to develop a surprisingly supple ride quality in a supercar that still delivers cornering grip of more than 1g.
From a high-performance perspective, Magnetic Selective Ride Control helps the rear axle remain planted during launch for smooth, hop-free acceleration. It also helps suppress axle movement when cornering on broken or uneven pavement.

Brakes, wheels and tires
Commensurate with the ZR1's engine output is the braking system, which is headlined by carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Found on only a few exotics and more expensive supercars, carbon-ceramic brake rotors are made of a carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic silicon carbide material . Their advantage comes in low mass and resistance to wear and heat. In fact, the rotors should never show any corrosion or require replacement for the life of the vehicle, when used in normal driving.
The vented and cross-drilled rotors on the ZR1 measure 15.5 inches (394 mm) in diameter in the front and 15 inches (380 mm) in diameter in the rear - making them among the largest carbon-ceramic rotors available on any production vehicle.
Clamping down on the high-tech rotors are six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, each painted a ZR1-exclusive blue. The front pads are equivalent in size to the largest on any production car with a single-pad design - double that of the Corvette Z06's 70-sq.-cm. front pads.
The brakes are visible through the ZR1's exclusive wheels: 20-spoke alloy rims that measure 19 inches in diameter in the front and 20 inches in the rear. They come standard with a bright, Sterling Silver paint finish and chrome versions are optional. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires developed specifically for the ZR1, measuring P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear.

Exclusive exterior
The ZR1 is instantly recognizable, with perhaps the most identifiable feature a raised, all-carbon-fiber hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window. The window provides a view of the top of the engine's intercooler, with the legend "LS9 SUPERCHARGED" embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.
The underside of the hood has an exposed carbon-fiber-weave. Exposed carbon-fiber is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker molding and front splitter. These exterior components are protected by a specially developed glossy, UV-resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear.
Widened, carbon-fiber front fenders with specific, dual lower vents, and a full-width, body-color rear spoiler incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp, are also unique to the ZR1. All of the exterior features of the car were developed to enhance high-speed stability and driver control.
 

Interior details
The ZR1's interior builds on the brand's dual-cockpit heritage, with high-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality that support the premium-quality experience promised by the car's performance. The ZR1's cabin differs from the Corvette and Corvette Z06 with the following:
* ZR1-logo sill plates
* ZR1-logo headrest embroidery
* Specific gauge cluster with "ZR1" logo on the tachometer and a 220-mph (370 km/h) readout on the speedometer
* Boost gauge added to the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display
The "base" ZR1 (RPO 1LZ) comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The uplevel interior package includes unique, power-adjustable and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); custom, leather-wrapped interior available in four colors; navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and more.

By the numbers
In addition to the exterior cues and powertrain, ZR1 models will be distinguished from other Corvette models by their VIN. Each will carry a unique, identifying VIN digit, as well as a sequential build number. This makes it easy to determine the build number of a specific car - information treasured by enthusiasts and collectors. For example, a ZR1 with a VIN ending in "0150" would indicate it is the 150 th ZR1 built for the model year
 

Boasting a 620-plus horsepower V8 and a price expected around $100,000, the 2009 Corvette ZR1 is the result of General Motors Corp. chairman Rick Wagoner’s challenge to build the ultimate Corvette.

The ZR1 aims to match the performance of supercars like the 612-horsepower $273,845 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1 coupe, which accelerates to 62 m.p.h. in 3.7 seconds.

“Our goal with the ZR1 is to show that an American supercar can deliver performance that beats exotics that cost two, three or four times as much,” Chevrolet general manager Ed Peper said.

Chevrolet hasn’t announced the exact price for the 2009 ZR1, but the supercar was born when Wagoner asked the Corvette team to show him what it could accomplish with a $100,000 Corvette.

Within GM, the secret project was referred to as the Blue Devil, ,” a reference to the mascot for athletic teams at Wagoner’s alma mater, Duke University. The super-Vette features a supercharged 6.2-liter version of GM’s legendary small-block V8 engine, extensive use of lightweight carbon-fiber body panels and a host of other performance upgrades.

Chevrolet hasn’t revealed performance figures yet, but the ZR1 will have a top speed in excess of 200 m.p.h. and will be able to race from zero to 60 m.p.h. in first gear.

“The Corvette is really a brand unto itself,” said Michelle Krebs, editor of AutoObserver.com. “The ZR1 is a logical extension of that.”

The hand-built engines will come from GM’s performance-build center in Wixom. The Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Ky., will build the car.

The ZR1 will be recognizable on the street thanks to a clear panel in the hood that provides a view of the engine, a unique, clear-coated carbon-fiber roof and other changes that include massive disc brakes with a unique shade of blue used only on the ZR1.

It took years to develop the clearcoat for the carbon-fiber because sunlight degrades the material over time. The coating, which only the ZR1 has, uses a special additive to prevent that. The additive alone costs $60,000 a gallon, while the mixture of clearcoat and additive applied to the roof costs $2,200 a gallon.

The fastest, most powerful and most expensive Chevrolet Corvette ever will roar to life soon at a dealer near you...

For the time being everyone else will have to enjoy the gallery above.

Speed Engineering is a dealer for Dynotech Engineering!

Dynotech Engineering is the leading manufacture of hardened drive line parts for the C5 and C6 Corvette Independent Rear Suspension. We are pleased to announce that we are now a dealer for all DTE products including the 4340 "300M" hardened steel output shafts and severe-duty built rear differentials.  Don't be fooled by other cheaply built differentials that don't include the same level of attention to build quality, professional engineering and component detail that DTE always offers as standard equipment. For more information or to order those much needed upgrades for your Corvette, please contact us for all your driveline parts needs.

Speed Engineering is "Most Trusted Shop in Tennessee" by Corvette Fever Magazine 2004, 2005, 2006, and also in 2007.
Corvette Fever Magazine's May '06 issue has its yearly "100 Corvette Shops You Can Trust" list and we made it again.  This is our third year of being the only listed shop in the state of Tennessee.  We would like to thank all of our customers for making this possible by choosing us as their preferred shop.  We strive to provide the best service, prices, and performance to all of our customers. To read more about this you can visit the Corvette Fever web site. Again we want to thank all of our loyal customers for another great year!

Speed Engineering is a dealer for Patriot Performance and RC Injectors!
We carry Patriot Performance products and RC Injectors. We think this will be a great move forward, giving us more options to offer to you, the customer. Patriot performance is one of the best dollar values for LS1 heads in the current market. We are very excited about RC injectors, not only due to more fueling options but also due to the fact that they offer up to a 750 cc/min high impedance injector, which your factory computer will run!

Vipers on the Dyno
We would like to congratulate Joseph Dell for setting a horsepower record for our dyno.  His "Novi 2000" Paxton supercharged 99 RT/10 Viper put down 965 rear wheel horsepower with a mostly stock bottom end.

The previous horsepower record, 750.7 RWHP, was held by Tony Armour and his '96 Viper GTS with an internally stock engine.  Tony broke his own record with the "Dr. Roof's" supercharged GTS, but moments later this record was broken by Joseph Dell. 

 

John Hennessy Visits Speed Engineering and breaks our Torque record!
This 2004 Dodge Viper made 1000 BHP  1002 RWTQ to commemorate the opening of the 1000th check into cash store.  It also toured the country to be displayed at each check into cash store.  The Viper sold on Barrett-Jackson's auction  for $106K by owner Allan Jones, famous for the largest bidding war on Barrett Jackson for the Oldsmobile concept car.
John Hennessy owner of  Hennessy Motorsports home of some of the fastest Street Driven Vipers in the country visited Speed Engineering on Monday November 1st.  He was there to dyno a Twin Turbo viper he built for Allan Jones (owner of the Check into Cash franchise) in Cleveland, TN.  The White '04 Viper set our Dyno's Torque record with an amazing 1002.7 lbs. of rear wheel Torque.  Proof that even the big names in motor sports choose a DynoJet Dyno.

The torque record was previously held by James Breeden with a '99 F-250 diesel truck at 965 RWTQ.

 Races and Events
-----------Spring 2008-----------
 

Corvettes cruise the Smokies
March 28-29 | Smoky Mtns | Sevierville, TN


Corvette Expo
March 28-29 | Sevierville Events Center | Sevierville, TN


HotRod Magazine / ECTA Top Speed Challenge
April 5-6 | Maxton Airport | Laurinburg, NC
 

LTx Shootout
 April 19 | Kansas City Dragway | Kansas City, MO


Year One Experience
Road Course
May 16-18 | Road Atlanta | Braselton, GA
Drag Race
 May 18-20 | Atlanta Dragway | Commerce, GA


Spring Grand Rod Run
April 17-19 | Grand Resort and Hotel | Pigeon Forge, TN


Hotrod Pump Gas Drags
May 10 | Memphis Motorsports Park | Memphis, TN


Pinks All Out
May 9-11 | Atlanta Dragway | Commerce, GA


ECTA Speed Trial
May 17-18 | Maxton Airport | Laurinburg, NC


----------Summer 2008----------


ECTA Speed Trial
June 28-29 | Maxton Airport | Laurinburg, NC


------------Fall 2008------------

Hotrod Drag Week
September ?-?
Sunday, September ?  | Cordova, IL | Cordova Drag Park
Monday, September ? | Cordova, IL | Cordova Drag Park
Tuesday, September ? | Clermont, IN | Indianapolis Raceway Park
Wednesday, September ? | Columbus, OH | National Trail Raceway
Thursday, September ?| Martin, MI | U.S. 131 Motorsports Park 
Friday, September ? | Cordova, IL | Cordova Drag Park 


Fall Grand Rod Run
September 11-14 | Grand Resort and Hotel | Pigeon Forge, TN


Mountain City Corvette Show and Drag
September 21 | Brainerd Dragstrip | East Ridge, TN


ECTA Speed Trial
September 27-28 | Maxton Airport | Laurinburg, NC


NMCA World Street Finals
LSX shootout
October ? ? | Memphis Motorsports Park | Memphis, TN


Corvette Expo
October 17-18 | Chilhowee Park | Knoxville, TN


ECTA Speed Trial
October 25-26 | Maxton Airport | Laurinburg, NC


Orlando Street World Nationals
October 30- Nov 2 | Speed World Dragway | Orlando, FL


--------Winter 2008/2009--------

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