Corvettes and all things about them

diablo4

Did you notice in the picture with the hatch the scoop is taped up.

diablo4

I wonder why it is taped up.

Mr_Shiftright

diablo's last two posts won't make sense because a post was deleted prior, that he makes reference to, which linked to another automotive forum. Town Hall rules against "solicitation" don't allow direct links to other automotive forums or actively recommending other automotive forums. Sorry.

Host

diablo4

How do you put pictures in your messages.

bhill2

Is there an acceptable way of telling readers about information on another forum? It would be nice to be able to provide the information.

Mr_Shiftright

bhill--- safest thing to do would be to e-mail them privately or ask them to e-mail you in a post you make here. You really have to avoid any reference to the URL or any endorsement of another forum.

Think of it as walking around a Target store and tapping everyone you meet on the shoulder and telling them to go to Walmart. Manaagement would not be amused, even if you were pure of heart and just being helpful.

PHOTOS:

Well, we don't encourage photos, but sure, AS LONG AS YOU KEEP THEM SMALL!!!

Here's the html string. I am SUBSTITUTING a bracket [ for the proper symbol, which should be a < or a >. So when you see a [ or ] you put in a < or >, got it?

[img src=PHOTO URL GOES IN HERE]

e.g.

[img src=http://www.artcars.com/ArtCarWeekend/weekend99/volume11/image- s/aerocar.jpeg]

If you copy this string and use the proper < and >, you'll see a funny picture when you post.

You MUST be sure there's a space between img and src, and be sure you type "src" not scr, a common error.

SHifty the Host

Remember: SMALL PHOTOS, even smaller than the one I just gave you.

diablo4

So i put the address of were the picture is located in my photo file or do i put the picture its self.thank you

ifelife

Any ideals: my power seat will not keep the settings (when I put the key in the ignition the seat goes to a complete different setting, (1) it will not move (2) the seat go up. Help please

starrow68

Two options I see off the top. Bad electronics sending the signal to the potentiometers that limit/set the position of the seat, or the potentiometers themselves are bad, not as likely. Anything to do with the electronics, most would let a dealer handle, but I understand that in many cases that would mean they just replace things till something works. Good luck.

avolvofan

Have the dealer check out the seat electronics with a TECH2 diagnostic scanner. (If they do not have the TECH2, go to another dealer ASAP!) If the seat electronics are accessable by the TECH2, it will be able to tell you what is bad. (And even give the technician the correct part number to order if there are multiple part numbers that could apply.)

starrow68

Another item for Corvette Fans.

Less than an hour outside Las Vegas is Bragg-Smith School of Advanced Driving. They used to have GM as a sponsor and had a mix of SS Camaro's, Vette Coupe's and Z06's. When they had schools there was always stress over who got to drive the Z06 cars. Since GM wouldn't provide just high performance Vettes they went to buying the cars and now have exclusively Z06's. Great driving experience, 1 day down and 2 to go. A couple of the other driver's in the class are there as birthday presents, now you know what to ask for!

starrow68

Finished the 3 days with out any mishaps and with a much better understanding of the need to be smooth if you want to carry momentum around corners. Getting to be smooth with heel/toe and correct braking to balance at turn in took a lot of practice but the results started to show very quickly. The sweepers which felt on the edge at mid to high 50mph early on felt much better in the high 60's after learning the proper entry, easy turn in and correct line to apex with minimum turn on the wheel. Then again getting turns 5a and 5b correct carried lots of speed into 6 and then getting the line set for turn 7 so you could maximize the back straight something over 100mph each lap.
   Not a relaxing vacation but sure thrilling. It was also an eye opener for the Nissan guy who took out his 350Z with a professional driver and the AutoLite guy who has done lots of AutoX'ing.
   If you love Vette's and get the chance, this is a blast and then some.

starrow68

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/generations/articles/100444/articl- e.html

Produced back in June but I just came across it
on AOL as one of 5 classics with the MB SL's, 911, BMW 3's and Mustang. Since I have both Corvettes' and a '71 280SL I found it very interesting.

mlevi

Hi, there

I did buy a new 2003 Convertible with a manual transmission ... right from the start I did notice a clunking noise while shifting gears, both while upshifting and downshifting.

I owned lots of other manual tranny cars, and I do "really know how to shift".

My dealer told me that the clutch plates need to break in, and the noise will fade away.

10 k miles later, the clutch clunks more than ever...

anybody had similar problems?

bhill2

I ahve the same year and model that you do, and do not have this problem (although I do have a kind of metallic 'whir' when I engage the clutch. The dealer said this is normal.) Would anyone like to speculate on the meaning of a few drops of clear fluid periodically appearing on the floor under the rear of the car?

tkorus

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone had this problem. When driving I hear a rattle that seems to be coming from the dash by the "head up display" I also seem to feel it the steering wheel when i hear the rattle. I afraid it will be one of those "bugs" that hard to find. Really don't feel like having someone take the dash apart.
Thanks, Ted

avolvofan

The drops are probably condensation from the air conditioning system. If it smells, feels like water, it probably is.

starrow68

The problem with noises is that they don't all get described the same way by everybody. There has been a multi year debate about what is called by some, the marbles in a can, noise out of the rear end when pulling out in 1st gear. This is well documented on the Corvette specific sites. Anything beyond that is probably not normal. My 2002 Coupe, 6sp is up to 19k and that is all I've ever heard out of the tranny.

dabobt

So I have this uncle with 35 cars. I'm going to buy a 2004 Land Cruiser, which aren't available yet. So I phone wonderful uncle - you have anything that needs to be driven for a month or so? "Sure."

He gives me the choice of several cars, but says "If I were you, I'd take the vette."

Black, convertible, 6 speed. So I do.

Having never given corvette's a moment's notice, I'm blown away how much I like driving it. I love the power, I like how it wraps around me, it's just a gas.

I didn't even know what year it is - it looks like all of the current ones. So I look at the manual and it is a 1999 !!

I know the current models have a powered top. In what year did they start coming with powered top? Or is it always an option?

Thanks, and thought you would enjoy hearing from someone that really appreciates the cars you already like.

Bob.

bhill2

None of them have powered tops. I have a 2003 and it is manual, so yours could be any year. I absolutely agree with you about the car. My wife and I bought ours because it was the 50th anniversary model, we loved the color, it was our 20th anniversary, and we had both always wanted a 'vette. I knew I would like it, but am absolutely astounded by how much. If I have a choice I don't even consider driving any of our other cars, and one of them is a Jag XK8.

dabobt

So much for the salesman's knowledge, eh? (I had to take it somewhere to get smogged, I took it to the dealer).

When you go to put the top up, it rolls the windows down. Would be nice if there was a button or something to roll them back up. Putting the key back in, doing the windows - it's an extra step.

It'll be a bummer when I have to give it back.

Bob.

bhill2

Yeah, those windows are a pain in the a**. For what it's worth, I leave the key in the accessory position, get out and put up the top, put the windows back up, and reach in to remove the key. It's still a pain, but I don't have to get back into the car and turn the ignition back on to roll up the windows. Actually, when I have it in the garage at home, I just toss a blanket over the cockpit to keep the dust out (I'm married, you see).

starrow68

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat- _code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=04417712

Kirstie_H

A major magazine is looking to interview those who purchased and/or restored a vintage car, increasing the family fleet to at least three cars. Please respond by October 31, 2003 to jfallon@edmunds.com with the list of vehicles you currently own along with your daytime contact info.
Thanks!
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

lark6

Earlier this week, my wife received an invitation from a local Chevy dealership to enter a drawing for a 42" plasma screen TV. According to the invitation, in order to be eligible for the drawing she had to test drive a new Corvette. No purchase was necessary.

My wife is eight months pregnant, so the salesman said it would be alright for me to go on the test drive given that my wife isn't really able to get herself in and out of the car. He made a photocopy of my drivers license and started fill out my contact info. He then gave me a card to fill out as well. Then the catch: "In order for you to be eligible fro the TV drawing, we have to treat you as though you are planning to buy a car. So we're gonna need to run a credit check on you..."

I replied, "No, you don't," tore up my card and left the dealership. There was nothing on the invitation that indicated that was a condition of entering the drawing - not even fine print. I have never encountered anything like that before in my life.

I'm a bit disgusted with the sleaziness of the approach. I may never get to drive a Corvette in my lifetime, but if I do I can assure you it won't be under those circumstances.

I know it's against Edmunds' policy to name dealers and salespeople, so suffice it to say that this dealership is in Bucks County, PA.

Ed

starrow68

Try used ones, they are easy to get since they don't have a lot of demand. The cars on most lots that have 6 miles on them new, don't often get off the lots unless they have a 'serious' buyer. In four local dealers back in '01 I never drove a new one. I did however drive about 5 used ones, some with as few as 6k miles, and what the heck, given breakin, what you going to do in a new car? I just needed to see how I fit given the low aspect of the car and how comfortable it was. Both turned out good enough to get a new one from the internet, not from any local dealer, and since then a 2nd older one for a daily driver.

   Sorry about the experience with the dealer but par for the course. Send an email to the local DA and see if any rookies what to make some local news by following up. Also there are the local TV and Radio consumer reporters that might provide a local report and get the dealer to see the error of their ways.

avolvofan

Ouch, what a bum (the dealer/sales rep)! When I started looking at Corvettes back in Nov/Dec 2002, I went to one dealership (incidentally, it was the one that I ended up doing business with). Admittedly I had all kinds of credibility from business that I have done with other dealers in the same family (Volvo and GMC). But still, if a dealer wants your business, they should expect to let you do test drives - even if you drive one of their used cars to decide whether you want to buy new.

In my instance, I needed to see if I could drive a Z06 and not have problems with tendonitis from working the clutch. The General Manager assigned one of the sales reps to work with me and we spent about two hours driving a nearly new Z06 (600 miles were on the clock when I started) all over city streets along with some brief time on the freeway - probably about 50 miles all told. The next day, I was hobbling around with tendonitis, so no Z06 for me. The test did help me rule out a Z06 and ended up pointing me to a coupe with automatic transmission and magnetic selective ride control; which for me, was the best choice (no tendonitis plus ride control is only available on the coupe and convertible).

starrow68

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/03318/239626.stm

How long till they introduce the C6? Have to admit, I've seen so many contradictions about what it's going to have that whatever it is will be a surprise.

b4z

It shouldn't be a complete surprise because here it is!!!

Whoooops. I just realized I can post this link because it is to another messageboard.
I will search the web and find them somewhere else.

Anyway, it is a comletely finished C6 in deep red being loaded off the back of a truck.

starrow68

Didn't know they had pics without out the shrouds. What I'm really interested in now is the specs and if it is going to improve it's track performance while maintaining the ability to be a supurb touring car. It is 'practical' for those who want a little more.

starrow68

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2003-11-23-corvette_x.htm

Article and photo of C6 taken in SF.

diablo4

Thanks for that article Starrow68.

b4z

The Corvette has gotten more buzz from the car carrier pics in SF than the upcoming unveiling in Detroit.

Mr_Shiftright

Was anyone hoping for a more radical departure from the C5?

blacktalon

No, I like the C5 styling a lot -- so I'm glad they didn't screw it up for the C6. When you have a car that looks as good as the C5, "evolutionary" changes are the way to go.

Lighter, smaller, more powerful, better interior, and still a great-looking exterior. Amazingly, GM seems to be doing exactly the right thing...

rpgolfer

Hey y'all. I have an 84 C-4 with 63000 miles on it. I thinking about taking a cross-country trip next year and am debating whether to sell my Vette and buy a new Prius or Camry. What if I got a new Vette, how would my gas mileage do versus the Prius/Camry? Anyone have experience travelling across the country with a Vette? How are the new (03/04) Vettes on mpg?
Thanks Rpgolfer

gbjerke

Yup, I thought the C6 would be a whole lot different. Many have referred to the C6 as the C5.5 and I can't disagree...not a whole lot of exterior changes...I like the exposed headlights, the sharper creases from the front fender air duct into the door. From what I have seen of the rear, not much change, but am not too keen on the chopped off tail end. The front looks a bit NSXish which I like. Waiting to see the real life one...and anxiously awaiting the C6 Z06.

To #667--rpgolfer--
I've had an '01 Z06 and now an '03 and I find the mileage incredible. Don't know what the Camry gets, nor the Prius but am extremely satisfied w/ the Z's mileage. I'm going from memory here but on an interstate trip (600 miles) with the '01, I got 27+ doing 75-85 on the way up, and on the way back I did a 70 mph cruise and got 29+. 6th gear is very tall...something like 1800 RPM at 70 but if you need to pass someone, the car pulls like crazy even in 6th gear. If I behave like a sane person, I get about 20 in city driving but one just must stab it on occasion so I suspect I average in the area of 18+ in city driving.
I am very impressed with those numbers.

rpgolfer

gbjerke,
   Thank you for the input. My brain keeps bouncing around from the conservative Prius/Camry and 30+ mpg due to what I suspect will be continually rising gasoline prices versus the absolute FUN I have driving a Vette. My LeSabre gets 27-30 mpg on long trips (3.8L), so if I can get the estimated 25 mpg the EPA suggests, I can't complain driving a new and exciting Vette. I have not driven a newer Vette but I'm sure I'd be duly impressed. Thanks again, anybody else have anything to share?
Rpgolfer

avolvofan

rpgolfer, you are not buying a Corvette for the gas mileage. Your fundamental question would appear to be focused on what are you buying a car for? A Corvette is not a gas mizer. (It is not exactly a gas guzzler; but it certainly is not a gas mizer....)

b4z

That's some pretty far reaching cross shopping you are doing there!

Strains credulity.

Assuming the Vette is paid for why not keep it AND buy the Prius?

Mr_Shiftright

The Prius, as interesting technically as it is, is not really ready for Prime Time cross-country driving.

Besides all that, the weird thing is that these hybrids are getting *substantiall* better gas mileage in the city than they do on the highway.

My only concern in a C4 is, and has always been, the rather harsh ride. So traveling for thousands of miles on anything less than a very smooth superhighway could get very annoying I'd guess.

ruking1

I bought an 01 Z06 with 4 miles on it, going on 56k. On trips (obviously there have been a few ) mileage is usually in the 25-27 range. I am sure cruising at 65/70, the machine is capable of 28-32 mpg. I have had the rear differential seals replaced under warranty and the rest has been absolutely trouble free.

If you are looking for a commuter car why not get both ! Prius/Camry and a Corvette!

I know this is dealer specific, but I have dealt with a local Toyota dealer for a long time. (since 1987) They will literally ask me to take cars home (24 hr period) to try. So I would try to get to know either the Prius or Camry. I was severely underwhelmed with the Prius. So when I was developing a short list of commuter/whatever vehicles, the Corolla, Civic, Camry, Accord and VW Jetta TDI were the candidates.

While the reliabilty of the Jetta is/was/still is suspect vs any and all of the above Japanese models, I bought the 2003 Jetta TDI (diesel). It is rated at 42/49 mpg. Fill ups are between a minimum of 600-650 miles. The amazing thing is that with a 90 hp/155# ft of torque, it is an autobahn capable cruiser, comfortable at triple digit speeds With a 31k mile yearly pace, so far the machine has been flawless! ??

rpgolfer

Thanks for the replies fellas! I know I didn't buy the Vette for the mileage. One push on the accelerator indicates that. I want to get a reliable highway cruiser to accomplish a cross-country trip and do well for routine short trips. My 84 Vette is paid for and the idea of having both a Prius/Camry and the Vette is novel, I frankly don't have room in the garage. My wife's 01 LeSabre occupies half and the Vette the other. I've got an F-150 parked outside and I don't want to put the Vette out in the rain. I tends to develop a musty smell if the windows are kept up too long. I noticed that with the lack of rain gutters on the Vette, water readily drips onto the leather seats. @#%&amp;!!. I respect the thinking that a Prius may not be the best choice of a freeway cruiser. The Camry definitely is. I'd be willing to accept 25-27 mpg on a new Vette for long trips knowing I can get 28-30 on the LeSabre. One more quick question: I know the Vette isn't set up for chains/cables, but how does the Vette function on questionable surfaces? I have learned a lot when driving my Vette on rainy days (whoa!).
Thanks again to all for the input, keep it coming.
Rpgolfer

ruking1

I have driven the 265/40/17 and 295/35/18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car tires in driving rains and snow at high elevation. I would not highly recommend doing that at all!

rpgolfer

Thanks ruking1 for your response. I have noticed that with the lighter vehicle weight and wide tires on my Vette, I tend to go "over" puddles rather than "through" them. Which can lead to some exciting lane changes and re-positioning within a lane, a real eye opener! I don't drive my Vette knowing it will be raining for that reason and also when you're in a car that only 46 inches tall, with rooster tails coming from other vehicles (esp 4x4s and suvs) they can't see you very well. Anyone else have any driving experiences to share? thanks

avolvofan

If you are looking at driving the Corvette in rain/snow, your are definitely looking at different tires. I personally am partial to Michelins. For rain, Michelin makes a Pilot Sport model that has better wet traction than either of the standard size Goodyears. For snow, Michelin makes an All Season Pilot Sport model. I ended up with the Pilot Sport (265/40-17 Front and 295/35-18 Rear) on Z06 rims. The wet traction performance is very close to the dry traction performance. (No slipping or sliding on acceleration from a standstill, cornering is very close to dry before Active Handling kicks in, etc.)

starrow68

Another take on the mileage from a '02 Coupe 6sp. I also have a '95 Coupe auto which only gets about 18mpg combined. The '02 get 20 to 22 mpg local and if I try to hold it down on the road it will get close to 30 on the hwy. Mine is at 1500 rpm at about 68mph in 6th and except for fairly steep hills it has no issues holding that. As noted it will get over 30mpg if I left it there, just not as much fun.
   As to rain on wide tires, the stock run flats will ride up on the water but with the stability control system it is not the same issue as in the older C4's. Happened once and system dropped the front down with true tracking up the lane at 65 mph, I'm more careful now in heavy rain. I'm going to have to watch the '95 with wider tires and no safety system, since it is the daily driver.

    As soon as the wife finishes grad school we plan some trips and having done 1350 miles just getting the car home from pickup I'm looking forward to the comfortable ride and the fun drive.

Good luck with what you decide.

b4z

I own a Z28 and tire spin is available in any gear at any speed.
Kind of scary and fun all at the same time.
Wet steel deck bridges are probably the most exciting.

jeff193

I am intrested in leasing a corvette, 36 months, 12k mi/yr.

How much do you think my payments would be with 2000 down.

Also if i got a vette 1999-02 with 30k mi on it, do you think it would be hard to maintain. should i look for something in a used corvette, how can i check if the owner really drove it hard, or took good care of it ?
Thank you

Mr_Shiftright

Go to the Edmund's "Tips and Advice" section, which is here:

Tips and Advice

and then check on all the articles on LEASING.

After that, go to the "Ownership" section, which is here:

Ownership

and then click on the section called "Maintenance Guide". This section will help you estimate maintenance costs for the used 'Vette of your choice.

MrShiftright
Host