Vacuum leak? Marc has me confused now!

[Hib Halverson]

Originally Posted by scottfab

Didn't see your previous post to mine.
Do you know or suspect what the thinking was to put the stop in?

The engine had more power than GM thought was necessary to set the record.

To ensure durability, best fuel economy at the target speed and ensure no consistent throttle opening, the engine had a throttle stop.

The durability issue was the biggest reason. In 1990, no one had ever run any production car in an attempt to set the 24-hr speed record. The previous attempts (Ford, Mercedes, Audi) were done with modified or purpose-built vehicles. No one knew if the LT5 would last. In fact, GM was so worried the attempt would fail, the Record Run was done in secrecy with few media present and only limited documentation by internal GM and sponsors.