The Automobile
Despite not having a V8 engine in the early 1950s, Chevrolet
almost consistently outsold its nearest rival, Ford, whose V8 was
legendary. What Chevy did have was a tough and dependable
six-cylinder engine that provided millions of cars decorated with
the “bow-tie” logo with plenty of power for trips to
the grocery store, to the office, and where ever else the family
needed to go. The engine design, affectionately known as
the“Stovebolt” six, was first introduced in 1929 and it
won Chevrolet millions of sales. Though it had seen a number of
improvements in the 24 year period up to 1953, it was still the
same basic motor and hailed as one of the best engines ever.
The "Stovebolt Six"
By the 1953 model year, Chevrolet’s six had grown to 235.5
cubic inches. For those Chevys equipped with the standard
three-speed or overdrive transmissions, the compression ratio was
posted at 7:1 giving the car 108 horsepower at 3600 RPM. For Bel
Airs and 210 series that were equipped with the optional
Power-Glide automatic transmission, the mighty “six”
was given an increase in compression to 7.5:1, which bumped the
horsepower up to 115. (The new 150 Series was not available with
Power-Glide).
The Corvette
In this same year the new fiberglass bodied Corvette was also
introduced. While it used the same basic engine, Corvette’s
“Blue-Flame Six” was equipped with triple carbs, a
modified set of valve and timing ports and high performance heads
which boosted the compression ratio up to 8:1 and horsepower to 150
at 4200 RPM.
The Cache
The cache is a camoed jar covered with natural cover in a manner
not unknown to the Geocacher. Or, as 50SumTin is fond of saying, "A laying of
sticks." Seek this cache from within Manzanita Park. You will NOT
have to cross the fence to find the cache.
The FTF goes to Hidey Hunter! Congratulations!
