The Great Wide Shark ::: ACI's fenders and quarters added 6 inches to the shark's width, making room for the ultra-wide (by 1981 standards) modular Weld wheels.>
Data File ::: '81 Duntov Turbo Convertible
Co-owned by Jeffery Griggs, Emerson, New Jersey
Duntov Turbo conversion: American Custom Industries (ACI), Sylvania, Ohio
Planned Duntov Turbo Corvette production: 200
Actual Duntov Turbo Corvette production: 86 (49 coupes, 37 convertibles)
Per documentation with/on car: Tenth Duntov Turbo built
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), 1981: Approximately $45,000
MSRP (base price) of production '81 Corvette: $16,258
VIN: 1Z87HAS439104
Current mileage: Approximately 41,000
Gauge This ::: The center...
Gauge This ::: The center console was left stock except for the added boost gauge, which can be seen on the left.
Nine Before, 76 After :::...
Nine Before, 76 After ::: Only 86 Duntov Turbo Corvettes were built in the early '80s, and Jeffrey Griggs' drop-top is the tenth car built in the series.
Pride ::: You'd smile too...
Pride ::: You'd smile too if you drove a rolling history lesson that is a Duntov Turbo.
| BODY |
| Production '81 Corvette body replaced by modified C3 convertible body fabricated by ACI |
| MODIFICATIONS | Roof/rear window removed and replaced by convertible top assembly (using OEM Corvette top and frame); special Duntov-edition body panels (rearquarters, front fenders, door outers); car is six inches wider than stock |
| PAINT | White PPG Deltron acrylic enamel, applied by ACI |
| CHASSIS |
| Modified production C3 Corvette |
| MODIFICATIONS | Bilstein shock absorbers; reworked power steering gear (17.6:1 gear ratio) |
| WHEELS | Weld "Epsilon" modular aluminum, 15x10 inches/front, 15x11 inches/rear |
| TIRES | (Original Equipment) Goodyear Wingfoot radial-ply, P255/60R15 (front), P265/50R15 (rear); (Currently on car) Goodyear GT Radials, in samefront/rear sizes |
| ENGINE |
| Overhead-valve V-8, Chevrolet Mark II series (small-block), RPO L48 |
| DISPLACEMENT | 350ci (5.7 liters) |
| COMPRESSION | ratio: 8.5:1 |
| CARBURETOR | One four-barrel |
| MODIFICATIONS | Martin turbocharger (max boost = 7 pounds); water-injection system (to limit detonation caused by low-octane 1980-1981 gasoline), braided stainless-steel hoses, and Aeroquip fittings |
| TRANSMISSION |
| GM TurboHydramatic (Turbo 350) |
| SHIFTER | Console-mounted |
| DIFFERENTIAL GM | Posi-traction, 3.55:1 gears |
| INTERIOR |
| MODIFIED PRODUCTION CORVETTE WITH THESE ADDITIONS: Boost/vacuum gauge; water-injection system LEDs; Duntov-signature steering wheel; crushed velvet upholstery on seats, door panel, and console |
| FEATURES AND OPTIONS: Delco AM/FM Stereo/CB radio with stereo cassette power windows/door locks; air conditioning; cruise control; tilt/telescoping steering columnplayer; |