Hail From the Chief

By Brian Novak

 

It’s spring!  And about time, I'd say!  Lets get them 'Vettes dusted off and hit the road.  This month we met at the 5 and Diner for a small (heavy sigh) meeting.  Only about a dozen people were there, but we still had a good time.  We discussed some possible events, had a talk about a series of events Egon has put together, and had a plug for a gather that West Yellowstone wants to host. 

 

First, we talked about possible short events we could do including a picnic, drive-in night, Hill AFB museum and Train Museum, Soda Springs drive, or an ice cream social.  We also discussed some bigger plans like maybe the South Dakota show (or just a trip to South Dakota), the Montana Show in Helena on Memorial Day weekend, the Seattle show this year, and a drive to the San Jaun Islands.  These are all great ideas for the EVENTS COORDINATOR that we still need.  It would be a great position to meet the members, and it is not something that should be a big burden.  Just pick an idea or two, maybe ask for some help, a bit of planning, and activate the phone tree (Connie has already set up).  We already have tons of ideas.

 

We are shooting for a meeting next month at the Hard Hat Cafe in Rexburg; more to follow.  Until then, Save the Wave!

 

 

 

Ramblin’

by Ben Sanchez

 

Over the years I’ve owned six Corvettes ranging from generations C1 through C5.  It seems like each generation is a quantum leap from the previous.  This is particularly noted when I “swap” driver seats from the ’62 to the ’97.  But, regardless of what vintage ‘Vette you drive, I believe the question asked most is, “What engine is in it?”  Or, something to that effect, anyway. 

 

To try to understand what the question really is, I think, you have to ramble back to the day when GM actually offered a variety of engines from which a lucky buyer could choose. This really began in ’55 when Chevy introduced the V-8.  My “Corvette Black Book” indicates there were two choices, either a V-8 or the Blue Flame Six.  I recall reading somewhere there were only a “handful” of sixes made.  Hmmm, imagine that! 

 

From ’56 until somewhere around the mid to late 70’s power plant choices were plentiful, ranging from “base” engines to fuel injected units and then on to the “big block” cars that a lot of us covet to this day.  Corvette has always been GM’s platform for performance.  This includes handling as well as power. I suspect there are those who would question their first attempts, and rightfully so. It seems as though GM may have missed the boat on nimbleness of handling as well as braking characteristics for quite some time.  But, they scored one “bulls-eye” and that was in the power department.

 

 Now, let’s fast-forward to today.  The C6 Corvette delivers a stylish, well-priced, performance vehicle that can easily be driven to the local grocery store as well as on the track.  The so-called base Corvette off the showroom floor comes with a 400 hp (that’s right folks) engine. This is within 5 hp of the stock C5 Z06.  But, hold on, the new Z06 delivers 500 hp right out of the box. Is that enough?  For some, probably not!  According to the April 2006 issue of Corvette Magazine, the aftermarket tuners are figuring out what comes next.  In other words, how can we make more horsepower?  The LS7 (7 liter engine), which is the stock Z06 power plant, is more than adequate.  Once again, according to Corvette Magazine, “tuning isn’t really about having more power; it’s about having more power than the next guy”.  Where does it all end?  Who knows?  For most of us our ‘Vette has more than adequate power to get us down the road.  The real issue is does it get you to your destination in the manner in which you are accustomed, or would like to become accustomed?  Of course, only you know the answer. 

 

Regardless, all Corvettes are awesome machines (especially when you’re a Corvette fan) that have over 50 years of heritage behind them.  I know of no other marquee that can boast that kind of longevity.  So, go out and enjoy that Corvette you’re driving knowing that GM put a lot of research and development into it to make what it is today.  And, while you’re at it,

Save the Wave!

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

April

 

Deena Larsen                                         4

Terry Rinlisbaker                                  10

MarJean Rinslisbaker                            11

Steve Pierson                                       13

Bonnie Jones                                        18

Connie Barton                                      20

Gary Hilliker                                         22

Pam Valentine                                      22

 

Did You Know

By Egon

 Well Egon is on the soapbox again. I’m going to re-visit a subject that I did some time ago. This is because it is still a problem.

I am seeing so much over-tightened wheel lug nuts it’s unreal.

Just yesterday doing a friends car, it took 200+ lbs. of torque to remove the lug nuts. Now I don’t know of a vehicle supplied lug wrench that will remove anything that tight. Picture you on the road (Vette or family car) and you have to change a tire. You will make that lug wrench look like a horseshoe in the attempt.

It seems like tire shops just won’t do it correctly. Most manufactures call for 85-100 ft. lbs. of tightening -- not 200 folks! I caught one local shop red handed, called it to the attention of the manager who said I didn’t know what I was talking about. “We always torque the nuts using a torque wrench”. But, I watched the tire installation and never, did a torque wrench come close to the car. I was told, “take your business some place else”. So I will next time, and tell my friends to also do the same.

Ok so much for this time. Have a great summer.

 

 

April Meeting

 

This month’s monthly meeting will be April 19 at 7:00 pm. at the Hard Hat Cafe in Rexburg, Idaho.