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General Motors Powertrain Group (GMPTG) has developed an all new small block V8 engine, designated LS1, for introduction into the 1997 Corvette. This engine was designed to meet both customer requirements and competitive challenges while also meeting the ever increasing legislated requirements of emissions and fuel economy. This 5.7L V8 provides increased power and torque while delivering higher fuel economy. In addition, improvements in both QRD and NVH characteristics were made while meeting packaging constraints and achieving significant mass reductions.

General Motors Powertrain Division has developed the next generation big block V8 engine for introduction in the 1996 model year. In addition to meeting tighter emission and on-board diagnostic legislation, this engine evolved to meet both customer requirements and competitive challenges. Starting with the proven dependability of the time tested big block V8, goals were set to substantially increase the power, torque, fuel economy and overall pleaseability of GM's large load capacity gasoline engine. The need for this new engine to meet packaging requirements in many vehicle platforms, both truck and OEM, as well as a requirement for minimal additional heat rejection over the engine being replaced, placed additional constraints on the design.

The analytical methods for single leaf steel springs should at least include two areas: (1) allowance for any curved or tapered shape, and (2) technologies to precisely predict the geometrical configuration due to large deflection. The last item is an outstanding consideration in automotive application because of the parts alignment requirement. In this paper, a practical analytical method is presented to achieve the goals mentioned above. Basically, the. flexibility method of finite element was employed in the solution technique. In the spring application, this approach can save computer time because of the elimination of matrix inversion in the internal computation. An integration form of the flexibility matrix for each element was given in this paper to allow for a tapered spring shape. This integration-formed flexibility matrix can be approximately evaluated by the Gaussian Quadrature Formula.

The Experimental Safety Vehicle powertrain and fuel system developed by General Motors in compliance with Contract DOT-OS-00095 with the U.S. Department of Transportation include several special features: a low engine accessory package to meet the front visibility down angle of 8 degrees, engine and transmission mounting for retention at high decelerations, a light aluminum engine, an over-the-rear-axle fuel tank, and a unique evaporative emission fuel pipe routing. A comprehensive test program was planned and final testing to validate contract specifications was conducted.