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From: hkr4627@acf4.UUCP (Hedley K. J. Rainnie)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: big block vs 4-bangers
Message-ID: <330019@acf4.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 7-Mar-85 00:49:00 EST
Article-I.D.: acf4.330019
Posted: Thu Mar  7 00:49:00 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 10-Mar-85 06:50:30 EST
References: <281@oblio.UUCP>
Organization: New York University
Lines: 29

To TOM:
    (I ain't to blame, this ain't no flame)

    1) The alloy Porsche and Mercedes-Benz now uses in their aluminum engines
        is known as 390 alloy and was developed, you guessed it, for Chev-
        rolet's ZL-1 racing engine.  Flame on about American engines if you
        wish, but the Chevy 427 is the exception.  This motor was developed
        ground-up for international 24 hour racing.

    2)  I challenge your assertion about the new Vette and the Porsche.  If
        I recall the article, C&D rates the Z-28 better almost purely 
        subjectively--the Vette beat it out on almost every test.C&D
        writers are entertaining enough, but most should be put away for
        their own safety.  In addition, they tested the '84 Vette which
        has an inferior suspension to the 85 and a far less powerful engine.
        Road and Track ran a similar test under RACING conditions at Willow
        Springs raceway.  This test was also with the '84 Vette and it wound
        up on top in lap times.  The Z-28 was 4th, the Porsche 944 5th.  In
        lateral accelerati, the Corvette again took top honors, the Z-28
        5th, the 944 6th.

        I'm not saying that one test is better than another, but that you
        can't trust tests blindly.

(signed) Speed Racer

p.s. Jeff & I both drive 427 Vettes.  Out of curiosity, what do you drive,
        Tom?