Ignition shielding.......

[Newbie]

Is the ignition shielding a real necessity? What is it's exact function? No other small blocks of the era have it, why only on the Corvettes?

[Juliet P.]

Re: Ignition shielding.......

I think the intent is a combination of heat shielding and RF interference shielding for vettes with FM equipped radios. Plus they look cool, even if it makes plug changes a PITA. :D ~Juliet

[Duke W.]

Re: Ignition shielding.......

Since the Corvette's FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) body panels are transpart to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation, the shielding in the engine compartment and numerous capacitors and ground straps throughout the car were bundled with all RPO radio packages. Corvette radio options were rather expensive compared to similar radios in steel bodied cars because of these additional parts. The service manuals for most years usually have diagrams of all the RFI shields, capacitors, and groundstraps installed on radio equipped cars.

[Bill Braun]

Re: Ignition shielding.......

Duke's right. Just take the shielding off and try to listen to the radio... Bill #33186

[Jack H.]

Re: Ignition shielding.......

FM is less sensitive to ignition RFI. The 'acid test' is when you run AM, especially in a fringe reception condition.


Two kinds of 'stuff' exists on Corvettes. Shields to deliver Gaussian relief as was pointed out by another to thwart airborne/radiated trash. Without metal body, the car's ignition system free field radiates into the antenna of your car AS WELL AS the guy next to you!


Capacitors and added ground straps, are placed here/there to give stray electricity that can produce conducted interference (comes in through the radio's power and ground connections). Yep, the benefit of fiberglass was a nightmare to radio designer/integrator folks....