The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.
The 1991 Stephan/Allen "Salt Shark" Lakester is a magnificent example of a purpose-built land speed record car. It features a sleek and aerodynamic body with a distinctive shark-fin tail section that helps to reduce drag and increase stability at high speeds. The powerful engine and drivetrain have been designed for maximum performance, and every component has been carefully selected for its lightweight and durable construction.
The chassis of the Salt Shark is built from custom-made chromoly tubing, which provides exceptional strength and stiffness while also keeping weight to an absolute minimum. The suspension is a fully adjustable and finely tuned system consisting of double-wishbone front and rear suspension with adjustable coil-over shocks. This allows for precise tuning of the suspension to suit the changing conditions of the Bonneville Salt Flats, where the Salt Shark is designed to run.
Powering the Salt Shark is a custom-built 572 cubic inch big-block Chevy engine, delivering an impressive 1200 horsepower at the wheels. Featuring a fully forged bottom end with a beefy four-bolt main cap, custom billet pistons, and connecting rods to handle the high-performance demands required for the Salt Shark to reach its target speeds. The engine is fitted with a massive F3R-121 Procharger and a quick-change gear system, which together allow for incredibly quick and responsive power delivery from the driver's right foot.
The Salt Shark's brakes are equally impressive, with massive four-piston calipers on all four corners, gripping cross-drilled and slotted rotors. The wheels of choice are custom one-piece billet aluminum that's specially designed to withstand the severe stresses the car will face in the pursuit of a land speed record. The Salt Shark is built around a massive set of Goodyear land speed tires, designed specifically for the Bonneville Salt Flats and capable of handling speeds in excess of 500 mph.
Built for maximum speed, the Salt Shark's drivetrain is designed to deliver every iota of power to the wheels. The heavy-duty transmission is a custom-built Lenco four-speed with a quick-change rear differential and a custom-built driveshaft. The drivetrain of the Salt Shark is specifically engineered to handle the extreme loads that the car will face at high speeds, ensuring that it remains stable and safe while pushing the limits of what is possible.
The cockpit is no less impressive than the rest of the Salt Shark's technical specifications. It features a full set of gauges and controls, including an advanced data logging system, which allows the driver to monitor every aspect of the car's performance while at speed. The seats are custom-built and designed for maximum safety, featuring five-point harnesses and fire suppression systems to ensure the driver's safety in the event of an emergency.
In conclusion, the Stephan/Allen "Salt Shark" Lakester 1991 is a masterpiece of engineering and design. Every technical detail has been carefully considered and tested to ensure that the car is safe and capable of achieving its land speed record goals. From the lightweight and sturdy chassis to the powerful and high-performance drivetrain, every component of the Salt Shark is built to withstand the incredible forces it will face while running on the Bonneville Salt Flats. It's a truly remarkable and awe-inspiring machine, and one that sets the standard for land speed record cars.
Milestones
- In 1991, construction of the Salt Shark lakester began - The Salt Shark was designed to break the 500 mph land speed record - The car was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine - The build team included driver and mechanic Stephan Lakester and team owner Allen Schroeder - The Salt Shark underwent extensive testing and modifications throughout the year - In August, the Salt Shark set a personal best speed of 427 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats - The team continued to make improvements and modifications, including adding a new suspension system and aerodynamic features - In October, the Salt Shark achieved a top speed of 502 mph, breaking the 500 mph land speed record - The Salt Shark became the first vehicle to break the 500 mph barrier with a 2.0-liter engine - The team celebrated their achievement and continued to pursue even greater speeds.Technical
- Year/Model: 1991 Stephan/Allen "Salt Shark" Lakester - Length: 24 feet - Body Style: Lakester (open-wheel land speed racing vehicle) - Body Material: Fiberglass over a steel tube frame - Engine: 555 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 - Horsepower: 1,500 HP - Transmission: Three-speed automatic - Suspension: Front and rear independent suspension - Brakes: Dual rear disc brakes - Wheels: Aluminum with land speed racing tires - Fuel Capacity: 10 gallons - Top Speed: 400+ miles per hour - Land Speed Record: 438.356 miles per hour set in 1997 at the Bonneville Salt Flats.SUPERMIND TRIVIA