254 mph 1988 twin-turbo Callaway Corvette "Sledghammer" to hit the auction block

[Forever_frost]

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/12/20/254-mph-188-twin-turbo-callaway-corvette-sledghammer-to-hit-auction-block/?intcmp=trending

If you wanted to go faster than everyone else in 1988, then Callaway had a Corvette for you. The company called it the Sledgehammer, and it would set your mullet on fire.

While the fourth-generation Corvette remains the least lusted-after iteration of Chevrolet's fiberglass-bodied big V8 formula, Callawayoffered solutions to the '80s Vette's woeful performance. The company's solution for horsepower dilution came mostly in the form of turbo kits, suspension upgrades, and aero kits. The engineering showcase for was the Callaway Sledgehammer.

With over 898 hp and 772 lb-ft of torque available courtesy of two Turbonetics TO4B turbochargers, the Callaway Sledgehammer was able to reach 254.76 mph with John Lingenfelter behind the wheel. This was in 1988, when Rick Astley was killing the pop music charts and Saint Bugatti wasn't yet a twinkle in Volkswagen's eye.

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The Callaway Sledgehammer remains a technological marvel to this day both for its record run and its packaging. The aerodynamics of the standard Corvette were modified by Paul Deutschman to maximize airflow, reduce lift, and increase cooling to the massive intercoolers tucked neatly ahead of the Sledgehammer's custom V8. Lifting the clamshell hood reveals a NASCAR-spec GM block, running Mahle pistons, forged connecting rods, and Brodix aluminum heads.

Suspension tuning was carried out by Carroll Smith, who went so far as to relocate the lower control arms for increased high-speed stability. Despite the drastic modifications, the Callaway retained the factory leather interior, air conditioning, and sound systems, making it a docile highway cruiser capable of handling the trip from Callaway headquarters in Connecticut to Transportation Research Center's 7.5 oval in Ohio. Not too shabby, even by today's standards.

The Chevrolet Corvette Callaway Sledgehammer crosses the auction block on Friday, January 17th at Mecum's Kissimmee, Florida event. See it here.

[Pokulski-Blatz]

Damn that thing is ugly.

[Chas_svo]

It also has a bad replacement paint job on the front end.

[LaserSVT]

Id drive it.

[Probie]

Lol @ set your mullet on fire

[Frank]

See I don't get how they could build something like that then, but some how struggle to do the same now and act like it is some great feat.

[LaserSVT]

See I don't get how they could build something like that then, but some how struggle to do the same now and act like it is some great feat.

I agree. But emissions and safety and all that takes a big part of the fun away. I am sure a Callaway couldn't meet the full production emissions numbers back then.
Also I would way rather be in a Veyron at 250 than the Vette. I had 3 C4s and one was a 96 GS. With mods I hit 170 a few times but the car didn't seem all that happy about it. Hell the ZR1s used to get their windows sucked out at like 190.

On the other hand look at regular cars. A new SEL Taurus can kick most C4s asses. LOL.



Now that being said, why does it take 1200+ HP in a Ford GT or Viper or Lambo to hit those speeds when that vette could do it with under 900?

[Chas_svo]

I agree. But emissions and safety and all that takes a big part of the fun away. I am sure a Callaway couldn't meet the full production emissions numbers back then.
Also I would way rather be in a Veyron at 250 than the Vette. I had 3 C4s and one was a 96 GS. With mods I hit 170 a few times but the car didn't seem all that happy about it. Hell the ZR1s used to get their windows sucked out at like 190.

On the other hand look at regular cars. A new SEL Taurus can kick most C4s asses. LOL.



Now that being said, why does it take 1200+ HP in a Ford GT or Viper or Lambo to hit those speeds when that vette could do it with under 900?

Most likely CD - coefficient of drag. It's hard to say since I don't get any mags like Car & Driver that print CDs for cars.

[matts5.0]

Yeah that c4 is slippery and light.

[kingjason]

I agree. But emissions and safety and all that takes a big part of the fun away. I am sure a Callaway couldn't meet the full production emissions numbers back then.
Also I would way rather be in a Veyron at 250 than the Vette. I had 3 C4s and one was a 96 GS. With mods I hit 170 a few times but the car didn't seem all that happy about it. Hell the ZR1s used to get their windows sucked out at like 190.

On the other hand look at regular cars. A new SEL Taurus can kick most C4s asses. LOL.



Now that being said, why does it take 1200+ HP in a Ford GT or Viper or Lambo to hit those speeds when that vette could do it with under 900?

A 96 GS drives great at speed, you must of had a shitty example. I still think that is one of the best looking Vettes they ever put out. They also still bring really good money.

[Gasser64]

Lol @ set your mullet on fire

I lol

[LaserSVT]

A 96 GS drives great at speed, you must of had a shitty example. I still think that is one of the best looking Vettes they ever put out. They also still bring really good money.

What can I say, car only had 17,000 miles and was in perfect mechanical condition. Tune, exhaust, intake and Michelin Pilot tires. Granted Maui roads suck and the only place to do those runs is always windy but still, you can feel the steering get light after 160 in all my C4s. My C5 on the other hand felt like it was glued to the road at 170 as did my Cobra as did my Mark VIII.

Guess I gotta try another GS on Texas roads to see how it feels. Anyone wanna loan me one for a couple hours?

[KBScobravert]

Damn that thing is ugly.

We will have to agree to disagree.

[Karson]

What can I say, car only had 17,000 miles and was in perfect mechanical condition. Tune, exhaust, intake and Michelin Pilot tires. Granted Maui roads suck and the only place to do those runs is always windy but still, you can feel the steering get light after 160 in all my C4s. My C5 on the other hand felt like it was glued to the road at 170 as did my Cobra as did my Mark VIII.

Guess I gotta try another GS on Texas roads to see how it feels. Anyone wanna loan me one for a couple hours?

I had GS#171. It got flighty above 150. Controllable sure, but it made me nervous. Every C4 I've had z51, fx3, base suspension, yadda yadda, all felt that way. I've got an 03 xkr coupe now. Much more secure at that speed. I agree with ya, c4s will do it, just will make a part of you pucker in the process.

[Sean88gt]

I like it, but running over 130 in a C4 is pretty insane.