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View Full Version : Dave McLellan at Great Falls Cars & Coffee


rkreigh
04-29-2013, 07:42 PM
Sat, May 4th, 8:30-9:30 Dave Mclellan Corvette Chief Engineer 75-92 at Katie's "Cars and Coffee"

lots of the Wazoo gang hang out there and this is a great opportunity for the NOVA locals to meet and greet Dave. do a google search on Cars and Coffee Great Falls and you'll see what this event is all about.

lots of vettes, exotics, muscle cars, electrics, more variety than I would ever imagine, it's a free car show every weekend and a really nice bunch of serious car guys to hand out with.

for anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of meeting Dave he's one of the nicest and most "approachable" Corvette engineer and a key factor in getting the ZR-1 through the bean counters.

His unwavering commitment to excellence, made the ZR-1 a "no compromise" vehicle that performed with the worlds finest at the time regardless of price and put the corvette on the map as more than competitive with any of the exotics costing many times the price

in many ways, his efforts "raised the bar" for all corvette's that followed and truly began the widespread quality control, CNC machining, and use of advanced aluminum engines with super tight tolerances and durability testing

I'm very glad to say Dave is my friend and I really look forward to seeing him

He's attended a very high percentage of the gatherings and continues to work on some very advanced engineering projects today being involved with Mosler and other advanced efforts.

if you haven't read his book, I highly recommend you pick up a copy for him to autograph, my bet is that he'll have a stash of them there at a discounted price

Dave is the proud "father of the ZR-1" and has some really great stories to tell both in his book and in person.

come on out.

secondchance
05-06-2013, 08:50 PM
As those of you who checked Mid-Atlantic region post may already know Mr. Dave Mclellan paid us a visit at Great Falls Cars & Coffe last Saturday. There were 8 or 9 Zs waiting for him - WAZOO welcome!!!
I have owned Corvettes since 1979, C4s since 1984 and ZR-1s since 1991. Needless to say, being able to meet Dave was a tremendous honor. I asked for his signature and his suggestion was on the plenum. Since I am planning on top end porting and wanted to be able to refinish the plenum I explained my logic and asked for his signature on the underside of the hood. I plan to clear coat the signature so that it becomes a permanent part of this Z.

http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu303/byongyun/2013-05-05190845_zpsec703263.jpg (http://s658.photobucket.com/user/byongyun/media/2013-05-05190845_zpsec703263.jpg.html)

http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu303/byongyun/2013-05-05190908_zps338ec26d.jpg (http://s658.photobucket.com/user/byongyun/media/2013-05-05190908_zps338ec26d.jpg.html)

BTW one myth, namely why secondary key was added, was cleared up - "it was suggested by Jim Ingle and since it was doable secondary key was added to keep valet from abusing the car" was his response. When asked if meeting noise regulation was a consideration, his response was "no".

I apologize for being redundant (this being posted in the Mid-Atlantic region) but just in case some members may not visit regional section I am posting this here.

Meanmyz
05-07-2013, 08:50 PM
I think that it is cool that Dave came out to this event and hung around with you guys.

My question is: who decided what color ZR-1 was on the banner? ...It didn't have anything to do with the fact that Dave's Z was Polo Green, did it:icon_scra:mrgreen:

I think Polo Green...especially with Light Beige, makes a very beautiful (and fitting) color for the ZR-1.

JimZRyd
05-07-2013, 10:11 PM
Cool story and what an honor it must have been! Any way of ordering a banner like that? I have a small collection of automotive banners like that, namely the old BF Goodrich ones with the Callaways and the 69 427(my fav). Would look cool in my Vette Cave!:fahne:

Jim:saluting:

ZZZZZR1
05-07-2013, 10:41 PM
I think that it is cool that Dave came out to this event and hung around with you guys.

My question is: who decided what color ZR-1 was on the banner? ...It didn't have anything to do with the fact that Dave's Z was Polo Green, did it:icon_scra:mrgreen:

I think Polo Green...especially with Light Beige, makes a very beautiful (and fitting) color for the ZR-1.


Banner is owned by a member in Canada (who owns a green ZR-1)
and he wanted Dave's signature. Perfect timing!

I sent Shawn photos of the signing and he was amazed!

Great day

Cheers

David

dredgeguy
05-08-2013, 10:42 AM
Photos of Dave signing the banner (on the rear of my car) and signing my plenum.

secondchance
05-08-2013, 02:13 PM
Charlie,

If you want I will hit the plenum with a light coat of high-temp clear for preservation.

dredgeguy
05-08-2013, 02:15 PM
Thanks