Modern Engineering Seriesis a series

Year Published: 1950s

Creator: Jam Handy Organization

Format: 16mm

Description: Chevrolet’s "Modern Engineering Series" is a series of films produced by Jam Handy in the mid-1950s that promote the innovative features of Chevrolet vehicles. "Modern Engineering Series Vol. 3: Torque Talk" looks at the torque of the new Chevrolets, and tests a Chevrolet against comparable Ford and Plymouth models. At the General Motors Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan (00:53), Chevrolets are tested for torque. What appears to be a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is tested by pulling 16 different makes on the market, showing off the Chevrolet’s torque or "road power." Torque is measured with a torque meter (03:06), but it is also measured by testing the 1955 Chevrolet against a 1955 Ford and 1955 Plymouth. The three cars are driven by NASCAR professionals, and are tested for acceleration (03:49) and hill climbing (06:26), with the Chevrolet outperforming both the Ford and Plymouth. The film concludes by stressing the impressive torque of Chevrolets, and features what appears to be a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (09:15). The Chevrolet Bel Air was a full-size car produced by Chevrolet for the 1950–1981 model years. Initially only the two door hardtops in the Chevrolet model range were designated with the Bel Air name from 1950 to 1952, as distinct from the Styleline and Fleetline models for the remainder of the range. With the 1953 model year the Bel Air name was changed from a designation for a unique body shape to a premium level of trim applied across a number of body styles. The Bel Air continued with various other trim level designations until US production ceased in 1975. Production continued in Canada, for its home market only, through the 1981 model year. For 1955, Chevrolet's full-size model received all new styling and power. The 1955 Bel Air was 3,456 lb (1,568 kg) and 15 ft (4.6 m) long. It was called the "Hot One" in GM's advertising campaign. Chevrolet's styling was crisp, clean and incorporated a Ferrari-inspired grille. Bel Airs came with features found on cars in the lower models ranges plus interior carpet, chrome headliner bands on hardtops, chrome spears on front fenders, stainless steel window moldings, and full wheel covers. Models were further distinguished by the Bel Air name script in gold lettering later in the year. For 1955 Chevrolets gained a V8 engine option and the option of the 2 speed Powerglide automatic, or a standard three speed Synchro-Mesh manual transmission with optional overdrive. The new 265 cu in (4,340 cc) V8 featured a modern, overhead valve high compression, short stroke design that was so good that it remained in production in various displacements for many decades. The base V8 had a two-barrel carburetor and was rated at 162 hp (121 kW), and the "Power Pack" option featured a four-barrel carburetor and other upgrades yielding 180 bhp (130 kW). Later in the year, a "Super Power Pack" option added high-compression and a further 15 bhp (11 kW). "Idiot" lights replaced gauges for the generator and oil pressure.

Complete Record:

Transcription

[Music] [Music] Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] [Applause] [Music] At the General Motors proving ground near Detroit, Chevrolet engineers use all sorts and types of equipment to find out how much better is the new Chevrolet than Ford or Plymouth. Perhaps with a little daring and some willing friends, you could get roughly the same answer. But rough answers are not for engineers. Even slight inaccuracies and misconceptions bother them. For example, you hear a lot of talk about horsepower, but what really counts is road torque. Twisting power at the rear wheels. And in a well-gineered car, it's the end result of a lot of things besides just horsepower. High engine torque or twisting power. Smooth, efficient torque multiplication at the transmission. Precisely matched rear axles to take advantage of that power. Better weight distribution to get more weight distributed over the rear wheels for better traction. and a better powertoweight ratio. That is more actual power per pound of car weight. You get all these things in the new Chevrolet. And it all comes out in well, for example, the power to pull every other full-size car on the market. 16 different makes from a dead start. Not just horsepower, road power. The most effective power at the rear wheel. That's what counts. And that's what the new Chevrolet has. And the proof, torque torques. Dynamometers measure the torque output of every engine. Make a special torque wheel replaces one of the regular rear wheels to measure the actual amount of torque delivered at the road. At all speeds and under all driving conditions, the result shows up on the torque meter. In fuel consumption tests, a device called a bureete measures the exact amount of gas used at different speeds. And with split-second accuracy, the electronic timed distance oscill measures accelerating ability. Automatically printing time, distance, and speed on paper tape. Interpreting the facts and figures gathered from such impersonal test equipment. The engineers take for them a very positive stand. Translated, this all means the new Chevrolet can outperform Ford and Plymouth six ways to Sunday. And the proof again, a kind of match race, but under ideal conditions and using standard performance tests recognized throughout the industry. Three cars from comparable series price-wise and all equipped with standard V8 engines and automatic transmissions. All three drivers are professionals, members of NASCAR, National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, and have no connection with any automotive company. They drew their cars by lot for the first test and will alternate thereafter. And for every test, the same instructions. Leave the transmission in normal drive. ram the accelerator to the floor. These conditions rule out driver skill as a factor. They leave everything to the cars and the engineering inside them. Are you all ready? Ready for the first test. Accelerating ability. Watch the starting flag. Getting ready for a second run in the other direction. Here's how it looks to be the leader. how it looks to follow the leader and how it looks to bring up the rear. Now, hill climbing ability. The 7% grade is about double the average grade on any public highway. And to hit 70ome miles an hour in a few seconds takes plenty of road power. The new Chevrolet does it easily. Ready at the start line. [Music] And on the much steeper 16% grade, the difference in effective road Power is even more marked. Now take San Francisco's steepest hill. This grade was built to match it. It offers the toughest test of smooth, effective road power when you have to climb it from a standing start on the grade itself. And you heard that tire squeal. Here's where it came from. The transmission here is overgeeared to compensate for an engine weak on starting torque. The result is poor traction under extreme conditions, even on dry pavement. The other car doesn't have this problem, but it doesn't get any real bite either. Now, watch the new Chevrolet dig in. And even with all its extra power, the new Chevrolet uses less gas than either Ford or Plymouth at every cruising speed. Surprising, isn't it? Better gas economy at 30 mph, right on up to 70 mph. But it's not really surprising. Every proving ground torque measuring device shows that the new Chevrolet at every speed from zero on up develops more effective road power than poor equipment. And for your prospects, this means more enjoyable power. Thrilling response at the start, sher response for the pass. More dependable power. The power to go wherever you want to go and more efficient and economical power. Exactly the power you need when you need it. In every driving test on the flat straightaway or up the steepest grade, the new Chevrolet completely outperforms Ford and Plymouth in both power and economy in both V8 and six-cylinder performance. Talk about horsepower. Why? It's torque that really talks.


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