Sometimes, only a V8 will do, amirite? Chevy Corvette fans will no doubt agree, even when it comes to keeping the yard looking spiffy, as evidenced by this Corvette engine-powered lawn trimmer.
Recently posted online by the official GM Design Instagram feed (@generalmotorsdesign), this photo was captured in 1986, and shows Corvette chief designer Tom Peters holding a sizable chunk of grass-destroying internal combustion muscle.
The Chevy Corvette engine in question is the 350 cubic-inch (5.7L) V8 L98 from the engine bay of a C4-gen model, with tuned-port injection (TPI), a compression ratio of 9.5:1, and an over-square, short stroke (bore of 4.00, stroke of 3.48). Output at the time was rated at 230 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 330 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm.
Granted, the model Peters is holding in the photo isn’t a real Corvette engine, but it looks pretty close. The Corvette concept behind the designer is also worth noting – that sleek slice of speed is in fact the Corvette Indy concept, a design study that would go on to debut at the 1986 Detroit Auto Show, giving fans a taste of the mid-engine layout that would eventually lead to the CERV III concept in 1990.
All told, this shot of Tom Peters hoisting up a Corvette engine-powered lawn trimmer is pretty hilarious, but we can’t help but imagine what other fantastic, unconventional uses we could find for a V8 powerplant. For example, what about a Corvette engine-powered pressure washer, you know, to keep the sides of the house clean? Or maybe a Corvette-engine powered drill? In fact, we think there’s a vast number of home improvement tools that could benefit from sourcing motivation from the Vette. Maybe Tom Peters and the Corvette team were onto something here… what do you think?
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Comments
I prefer electric garden tools. Less noise, lighter, cleaner, more torque (does not stop when hitting tough vegetation), and no restating with a rope. Gas engines are old technology. Electric power will kill the V8 by 2050.
Dude, if your going to be a smarta$$, at least be on topic.
Battery powered lawn equipment is complete junk! I have one of the best and most expensive Husqvarna blowers for use blowing off dust on my vehicles, junk! Battery already has issues after only a few months. Lasts 10 mins at most, my gas Redmax backblower is more powerful, works better and can last hours on a tank of gas.
You did not read did you?
Awh look a mini tpi
Anything battery operated besides a nose trimmer is worthless
Today on top gear
electric trimmers are for the girlie man special…alkie-weeders
Lessening your grass lawn– or changing it completely– can be a major undertaking. Doing away with all the turf and also planting a brand-new ground covering, even in a small location, is not a little project. Yet we can guarantee you that it will absolutely settle.