Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

[Duke W.]

As you all probably know, next year's National Convention will be in San Diego, hosted by my own Southern California Chapter.

I've been asked if I would like to host a technical seminar. I'm honored by the invitation, but if I accept, I want to make sure that I discuss subject(s) that have broad appeal with the membership.

It's been suggested that the subject be engine oil. I figure we've beat that one to death, but I'm game if the membership is interested. I could also expand it to include other automotive fluids such as gear oils, antifreeze, brake fluid, and grease. I can probably do justice to the following subjects with my vehicle engineering knowledge and understanding of vintage Corvettes, particularly C2s.

1. Engine oil and other automotive fluids.

2. OE engine tuning for maximum performance and fuel economy

3. Chassis tuning (including tires) for maximum ride and handling performance.

What do you guys think? Any other suggestions?

I need to commit, yeah or neah, by next month.

BTW, if it's not one of the optional activities make sure you take in the Midway Museum while you're in San Diego. It's terrific!

Duke

[Ronald L.]

Re: Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

Duke,

ZZZZZZZZZZ on the oil.

Engine or chassis tuning.

[Harry S.]

Re: Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

Duke, I agree that you have covered the engine oil question.

Might I suggest that you cover a topic that is germane to C2, C3, and C4 owners. There must be a technical issue that includes all three.

Cheers

[David H.]

Re: Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

Thanks - Engine tuning / chassis tuning both would be good topics.

BTW, looking forward to the 2012 National, the teaser shown at Novi was great!

[James N.]

Re: Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

#3. Thanks Duke.

[Bob I.]

Re: Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

Chassis tuning.

Bob

[Chris H.]

Re: Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

Engine tuning.....

[Joe R.]

Re: Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

Duke,

I vote for engine tuning, for sure!

Joe

[Stuart F.]

Re: Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

I'm a number #2 man myself, but suggest in the content you delve into the challenges of tuning a OEM engine with the fuels we have today. Seems that is mostly what is talked about on the board. A big concern to many of us. I know I've spent many hours trying to make my L-76 63 run better and not smell up the garage.

Stu Fox

[George J.]

Re: Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

Duke,
Myself, I'd like a detailed discussion of how the ignition system works, since that is 95% of the tuning problems and you could spend 3 days (or years) on it. But there is a good chance I won't be able to be there, so don't listen to me.

George
31887

[Michael H.]

Re: Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

I'm a number #2 man myself, but suggest in the content you delve into the challenges of tuning a OEM engine with the fuels we have today. Seems that is mostly what is talked about on the board. A big concern to many of us. I know I've spent many hours trying to make my L-76 63 run better and not smell up the garage.

Stu Fox

I agree, engine tuning would be a good topic. There's a LOT of misinformation out there. A somewhat "back to basics" class would be very helpful for a lot of people. (please, no LT1 cam rants though)

I can think of a LOT of engine tuning topics that need to be sorted out. Things that actually work compared to some of the urban legonds that have been floating around for decades.

Keep it simple so everyone can follow it. Big fancy words usually loose some of the folks that are trying to learn.

[Ron H.]

Re: Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

Engine tuning vote here

[James B.]

Re: Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

I agree that engine tuning would be an excellent subject.

[John F.]

Re: Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

Also hit on engine tuning a C-1. If I can't be there could you offer it on a CD?

[Duke W.]

Re: Technical seminar- 2012 Nat. Convention, San Diego

Thanks for the feedback, guys. It looks like engine tuning is the most popular choice, and the basics apply to everything from dual point systems to 4-pin HEIs.

A few years ago I co-presented a tech seminar to our local chapter on the Delco single point ignition system, and it was well received, so I can dust off that presentation and use it as a basis.

I not sure how much time I will have, but I might also be able to squeeze in a discussion on chassis/suspension/tire design basics and minor bolt on changes that can improve ride and handling. Don't go out and buy one of those "suspension kits" that has dump truck spring rates and antiroll bars made from building girders. Considering that the C2/3 suspension was laid out over 50 years ago, it's still quite good and very responsive to high grip tires and minor tuning changes.

With the best available 15" tires that will fit the wheel wells and some minor suspension tweaks a C2/3 can approach modern sports cars in terms of response, stability, and overall grip.

I haven't been to a national convention since Monterey in 2001, so I don't know if the tech seminars are being recorded and made available on DVD, nowadays, but for those who might be interested in this, contact the event organizers.

Duke