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Corvettes and all things about them

starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
Just to get started, from a usually reliable source:

"You won't likely find any discounts or rebates for the Corvette. But at $47,530 for the convertible with the standard engine and $49,705 for the Z06, it's still a good value. One of the few cars that can come close to matching its acceleration, the Porsche 911 Turbo, costs $118,780. And the stylish Jaguar XKR lists for $86,330. 'Nuf said."

Might beg to differ from what I have seen over the internet for the past several months about getting deals. Seems there is several thousand off Coupes and Convertibles and even some deals on Z06's. Just talked to a guy who met a new Z06 owner at the Sacto Drag Strip who had driven back from Georgia to CA just to get a better deal on price, the deals are out there.
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Comments

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    HI Starrow--seems like this topic is going to be just as narrow unless I change the title to something like "All Corvettes--All Years and Types", if that suits you.

    Shifty the Host
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    I must admit I get more info on Corvette specific boards but I like Edmunds for automotive overview and feel that the Vette should have it's own following here as well. Not having much luck so appreciate any help.

    Interesting that in a 6 speed the shift points for 1st and 2nd are just about 50 and 75, seems they are trying to keep it real simple. Now all I have to do is get a helmet so I can go to a track and find out a few more details. :) Miles of smiles and don't forget to wave.
  • bjbobbjbob Member Posts: 2
    NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY A COUPE, I PAID 40000 FOR A 47000 COUPE PLUS I GOT MORE ADDITIONAL MONIES OFF ALSO BY DEDUCTING THE CREDITS ON MY GMCARD, THEY STILL HAVE THE $2002 REBATE(THIS WAS FIGURED IN)YOU MUST SHOP A LOT OF DEALERS,STAY AWAY FROM TEXAS, THE COASTS,CHICAGO, HIT THE MIDWEST,OHIO AND MICHIGAN I FOUND THE BEST,YOU MUST CONTACT A LOT OF DEALERS, CALL 1-800-222-1020 #2 AND ASK FOR DEALER PHONE NUMBERS, THEN CALL THE DEALERS, REMEMBER TO ASK THEM IF (THE DEALERS FOR THEIR 800 NUMBERS, SAVE YOURSELF THE COST OF A LONG PHONE CALL) GOOD LUCK REMEMBER THE BEST PRICES ARE ON THE COUPE AND CONVERTIBLE, THE ZO6 PROBABLY IS AROUND MSRP ITS TOO HOT!
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    bjbob, thanks for the update on prices, didn't think they went that low but nice to see. Will have to keep that in mind when my 2002 is feeling a little tired and the C6 has been out for several years.
  • 3871338713 Member Posts: 26
    This is silly, but I'm curious about something. On the red flag of the Corvette emblem there are two symbols. The one on the left side of the flag is the Chevy bowtie. Does anyone know what the symbol on the right side of the flag is?
  • gearhead7gearhead7 Member Posts: 15
    it is a fleur de lis. I believe that it is a French family crest (or symbol) which is associated with the Chevrolet family name.
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    http://www.fleurdelis.com/fleur.htm


    Link provided there is just French history background. Thanks for asking, I learned something. Thanks gearhead7 for the input.

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Louis Chevrolet was a great race driver, born in Switzerland. Like with David Buick's creation, , Chevrolet's car was gobbled up by Billy Durant who formed General Motors. So both Chevrolet and Buick had the odd experience of seeing millions of cars with their name on them, even though they were not profiting at all from them.

    Here's a photo of Louis:

    image
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    History of the Corvette Emblem
    Over the years, the Corvette has gone through many design changes; some subtle, some not so subtle. The Corvette's symbolic crossed flags emblem has also seen its fair number of changes. If you've taken a close look at the emblem over the five generations of Corvette, you'll notice that even though the design has changed dramatically from time to time, a few design cues remain. These include some form of a checkered flag and a bow-tie emblem. From time to time, a strange, maple leaf type of insignia, called a "fleur-de-lis" also shows up from time to time in the emblem. So what does all this mean and how did it get started?

    The original Corvette logo (Figure 1) was designed by Robert Bartholomew, an interior designer at Chevrolet in 1953. This emblem was destined to appear on the 1953 Corvette prototype which was introduced to the public for the first time at New York's Waldorf-Astoria hotel in January of 1953. It had crossing staffs with the checkered flag on the right hand side, and the American flag on the left hand side. However, four days before the Corvette was to go on display at the show, Chevrolet management decided that it should be redesigned. The problem with the proposed emblem was that it included the American flag which is illegal to use on a commerical product. Right before the show, redesigned emblems were attached to the front hood and steering wheel of the Corvette. The new emblem contained the checkered flag on the right side as well as the white racing flag, red Chevrolet bow-tie symbol and a fleur-de-lis (Figure 2).

    Where did the fleur-de-lis come from? At the time, Chevrolet was conducting research on various emblem designs for the 1953 and 1954 passenger cars. They looked at the Louis Chevrolet family history in an attempt to discover a crest or some type of heraldry that they could utilize. Unfortunately, they came up empty, but they did realize that Chevrolet is a French name and the fleur-de-lis (flower of the lily) is a French symbol meaning peace and purity. They decided to use the fleur-de-lis along with the famous blue Chevrolet bow tie on a new flag which replaced the American flag on the Corvette. When the 1953 Corvette first appeared to the public at the Waldorf Historia Hotel, the redesigned emblems were in place.

    However, this emblem was temporary and used only for press photography at the show. A new emblem was designed prior to the 1953 Corvette going into production.

    If you're wondering what ever happened to the original 1953 Corvette emblem by Robert Bartholemew, it's currently on display at the National Corvette Museum!
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    The legend says that the original Chevrolet "bow-tie" emblem came from wallpaper that Billy Durant saw in a Paris hotel. No way to know for sure, of course, but it's a great little logo nonetheless.
  • rumc3rumc3 Member Posts: 31
    Anybody hear anything about the '03's? More power, new colors, etc? Something I always wondered about Vette roadsters: Why no roll bar? Every other 2-seat sports car I can think of has them, right?
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    #12

    "Why no roll bar?"

    I am not sure but the Z06 aka FRC, has intergrated ones in the roof.
  • andys120andys120 Member Posts: 23,369
    Can't think of any other 2-seater that doesn't have a rollbar? I find it harder to think of any that do. Among those which do not: Porsche 911 Cab and Boxster, Ferrari 360 Modena, Jaguar XK8,
    Maserati Spyder, Toyota MR2 Spyder....I could go on. Perhaps I didn't understand your question, are you talking about anti-sway bars in the suspension?

    2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93

  • stormbringerstormbringer Member Posts: 1
    I found your post about the evolution of the 'vet emblem very interesting, but I couldn't view the Figures you refer to. How can I see these? Is it possible to email them? Thanks.

    Hivoltag2@aol.com
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Starrow68,

    I hope you are enjoying your Vette! I sure like mine!

    But, in the process of putting on a few miles, a heads up on checking your alignment and tire balance! Seems that the GM alignment specs have a lot of play and that can inadvertently cause premature front inside tread tire wear! My tire balance at the 24k mark was almost dead on (two front tires were dead on, rear tires slightly out), but the Z06 needed to be aligned, taking into account the front tires inside tread wear issue. Otherwise mechanically, there has been absolutely NOTHING wrong. Happy motoring and miles of smiles!
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    ruking1 thanks for the input. Something I will check along the way, only have 6000 + miles so far and also I'm still only watching when I go to the track.

    As to the figures from that cut and paste, I got it from a cut and paste without reference to it's origin, so, No can do, as far as the logo's. I will, when time permits do some searching as I'd like to have a copy for down the road myself.
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    Went up to SP today and watched 2 of 6 run groups for 3 track levels. About 75 to 80 total entries in the 3, Red, White, and Yellow levels. Since it was a Corvette Challenge Series there were about 25 C4's and C5's in total across all three levels. Talked to a guy in a newer 2002 Z06 and it was his first time on the track, in his first set of laps since he had paid extra for a transponder he got 4 laps out of 7 total that were around high 2:30's and low 2:40's, which was pretty good in the Yellow, rookie group.
    The people in the Red group were running from 1:57's to 2:1x's and that group had several race prepared BMW's, full roll cage, single seat, etc. Fun driving to watch, and most seemed to be having a blast, except for the guy in the older Fiero who just brushed a wall, ouch!
  • sqftgardenersqftgardener Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone heard whether an anniversary corvette is going to be produced? I'm trying to decide on whether to get a 2002 coupe or wait for a 2003. Has anyone heard about any changes in the '03 models? Thanks in advance!
  • joelisjoelis Member Posts: 315
    Its much more fun to be one of the drivers on the track vs just watching them. I just started last year (at B.I.R.) and its a blast. NOTE: get yourself some racing slicks before going out. you will run those soft GoodYears bald in about 20 laps.

    I can't wait to get mine back on the road after a long winter here in WI (5 months in storage) and its snowing again today!!!

    I see you also have a V70. How do you like it? My wife's Expedition is coming off lease next month and she's got her eye on a new Cross Country. They are giving huge lease incentives right now due to the new XC90 suv coming out later this year.
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    joeli... ; "you will run those soft GoodYears bald in about 20 laps."

    I did notice that seems to be the case, except for the race prepared BMW's which did one of the rights with the left front about an inch off the pavement most of the time. Not pronounced on any others. I plan to join in one of these days, but looks like some preparation is in order. I'm building a list of what I need and who I need to get input from and then going to take some classes in Other people's wheels to do some learning. The guy in the Fiero into the wall was a telling argument against being a novice at risk.

    As for the Volvo, we got the last of the V90's since the extra interior room works for dog crates. It replaced a 745 that we had for 15 years and 200k miles, got our girl through the last two years of college. Love them both, except it is a little tight for me on leg room, but I don't drive it much. Wife loves the current one more than the prior. I usually take the ExcuseMe if we are going since I only go when we take a full load.
  • jiminthehillsjiminthehills Member Posts: 60
    Starrow - Thanks for the quick reply. This forum can be pretty scarce with visitors at times, with no activity for days or weeks.....

    i agree with your advice. There is a Corvette specialist Master Mechanic at this dealership and the service writer did give me his name, but I've yet to talk with him personally. They did the Service Maintenance #2 package on Friday and they found a leaking water pump and rear differential seal to fix under warranty. I'll bring the car back to them Mon night after work and they should have it done by Wed evening. Hope everything goes well.

    ruking - I believe I read somewhere a while back that you had a seal problem with your differential on your Z06....did the experience and fix turn-out as you expected?
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    Go to event results and then to Sat. 3/30 as there were more cars that day. The Corvettes did well since most were street legal and drove to the track. Many were first time drivers. The M3's were trailered in with full roll cages, race tires and only driver's seat inside.


    http://www.speedventures.net/

  • knoxadknoxad Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2002 Vette convertible. The dealer could not get me one with a factory installed CD changer so they installed one. The first one was terrible about skipping while driving over small imperfections in the road. (Even skipped if I crossed over reflectors in the road marking the lanes). They have replaced the original one with another unit and it got better but it still skips over some bumps that I think it should not. (My cadillac STS does not). Has anyone had problems with factory installed CD changers skipping?
  • aotearoaaotearoa Member Posts: 5
    I have a 1999 Corvette with 48,000 K's (29,000 miles) on - and just "threw a rod" causing replacement of the engine - on a babied car. Engine was turning 2500 rpm at time. Anyone out there know of any similar situatons?
  • sphinx99sphinx99 Member Posts: 776
    That sucks. That said, my sister had a Mercury Sable that also was babied, never driven hard, and did the same thing around 35,000 miles. Maybe it was just a fluke - lemon engine?
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Hopefully the engine's R/R will be covered under the basic GM warranty of 3yr/36k. I hope the new engine runs as good or better than the old one!
  • verozahlverozahl Member Posts: 574
    Excellent GM quality comes standard on every Chevrolet.
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    I only have 7k miles on a '02 with 12 disc changer and I only remember it skipping once since I bought the car. Since I live in CA which according to recent reports have some of the worst roads in the nation, try hwy 24 tunnel to WC and I see why they rate them that way. So, any skipping seems to be due to not using original unit or installation. Good luck.
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    That is the second thrown rod I have heard about in almost a year on 30k to 34k they sell every year. Not saying it should happen, but as long as it is replaced under warranty, be thankful. I had a '90 Sub with 454cid and at 2.5 years, if I remember correctly, we had the engine replaced at 47k miles, new one went past 155k before my brother-in-law got it and that was over a year ago and he seems real happy, especially with new rearend so he could get better mileage.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    They don't publish this too much and indeed I read it in a print interview with some Chevrolet quality control guy, but the LS1 and LS6 motor are specified to run 175k as the statistical middle (mean) point.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    That's pretty good, although I've never seen a Corvette of any year with that high miles, mostly because people don't drive them that far, not because they couldn't do it. Until the C5 at least, you really didn't want to drive them as a commuter car.

    Every automaker in the world has occasional engine disasters. It's the statistical inevitability of mass production.
  • knoxadknoxad Member Posts: 2
    To starrow68 I ask, do you have the real time damping option in your vette? Could this make a difference in the CD changer skipping?

    To anyone, does anyone know of any reported issues with the CD changer in the C-5 vettes? (dealer or factory installed)
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    #33

    I would just bring it in under warranty! I would imagine it is very annoying ! My single CD player skips occasionally, but we do have very poor roads here in NO CA. Sometimes going over our roads it will about rattle the dental work in your head!
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    No real time damping, actually got it with the Z51 performance suspension to go with the 6 speed. I don't use the in dash CD much but when I have, I also haven't had any skip problems either. Good luck, I would say find out about factory installation vs. what the dealer did and check the make of the unit.
  • andys120andys120 Member Posts: 23,369
    Even with the sport suspension I can't make the
    CD player in my Audi skip. Sorry, not braggin',
    just an FYI 'cuz I don't think they should skip except
    in severe conditions

    2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93

  • gearhead7gearhead7 Member Posts: 15
    My '00 Z51 6 speed has the CD changer factory installed. To my knowledge, it has NEVER skipped in over two years.

    To those trolls like verozahl - please advise of a make that has not had any engine problems ever, so that we can all appreciate your opinion more fully.

    Maybe we can race for pink slips? ;)
  • mdm4mdm4 Member Posts: 33
    Does anyone have an interchange manual? I need to replace both bumpers on my 1975 coupe (both cracked). I am going to a swap meet at the end of the month and need to know what year(s) bumpers will bolt on. I was told 1975 through 1979 are the same but I want to confirm this before I purchase. Any information will be greatly appreciated. You may e-mail me at:
    MDM1@WESTCHESTERGOV.COM
  • aotearoaaotearoa Member Posts: 5
    Firstly - thanks for the replys. The engine has been replaced (under extended warranty) and now they are having to replace the fly-wheel (under pressure) and clutch plate. The dealer is telling me that the clutch is my problen as this is a wear-and-tear item and won't be covered under insurance! Here again ; does anyone have any experience with clutch relacement - distance driven? less than 30,000 miles seems a very short life span for the clutch plate - even if it had been driven real hard! Your thoughts would be much appreciated.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I'm afraid I'll side with the dealer in this case, in that clutch replacement is heavily dependent on both the driver's skills and on the HP generated by the car. On a supercar like a Corvette, 30K miles on a clutch is certainly within reason, maybe a bit on the low end, but that's what you get unless maybe you baby the car. ( and what's the point of THAT?).

    Many powerful AWD cars, as well as cars like Ferrari & Viper, will experience rather short clutch life compared to the average passenger car. The old Jaguar E-Types would be lucky to get 30K, and on those the entire engine and trans comes out.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    #39

    While I do not have a clue how you drive, I might add that 30k is way short in terms of flywheel and clutch life. The good news and the bad news is that the components are not built with much excess in capacity. A case in point is the Z06 which can be slightly underrated in the flywheel horsepower @ 385 hp. The clutch is really rated for not much more than 345 RW hp. This fact was driven home on the 2002 model when the flywheel hp was raised to 405 hp BUT they had to use a different clutch and clutch plate for it could not statistically handle the plus 15 hp difference reliably. How the Corvette staff explain this in market eaze is: they do not design the car to get ahead of itself"
  • speculativespeculative Member Posts: 36
    Thats cool that they replaced the engine at least! Now its like having a new car again....well almost....just replace the breaks.
  • jrosasmcjrosasmc Member Posts: 1,711
    Do even the new '02 Corvettes still have the 1-to-4 "skip-shift" feature on 6-speeds?
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    It is alive and well in the 2002. Although, after hearing many complaints I have messed with 1st to 3rd and doing the 1st to 4th on occasion. Surprise, it makes a huge difference in the mpg, which is why it's there in the first place. Normal local driving I can get down to 16.5 mpg with all gears. On freeway average can get up to mid 20's easy. After a short local trip started at 18.0 mpg trip computer I did all city streets and did the skip shift, came back and comp mpg was at 18.4. Normally it would drop that much on a similar trip using all gears. Just a test, not a plan, mpg is not the reason to own this beast, and still planning to try a drag strip, as I improve my shifting up on ramps, as has been pointed out before, 0-60 is legal.
  • aotearoaaotearoa Member Posts: 5
    Thx again for the responses. I'm still learning from this engine experience.

    What could happen if the wrong grade of oil was put in the car?
    A service was carried out about 2 wks prior to the blow-up. At that time when I picked up the car, twice very quickly after, I got a "low oil pressure" when turning a sharp corner. Checking the oil dip stick level showed all appeared OK. After those incidents all appeared normal. After the engine replacement I checked the new oil - it appeared to be a yellowish "pee" color - but the previous batch had been the usual brownish. Could the wrong grade of oil have caused engine failure?

    Next - The clutch and fly-wheel replacement.

    I understand that the fly-wheel comes with the new engine and is 'balanced' in the factory. The only way that F-W could get warped and the clutch burned out is if the "mating" job of engine and transmission was not done properly? The car was driven perhaps up to 50 miles in that incorrect state. On a short test myself - it was very evident that there was a serious clutch release, still apparently engaged (something!) problem. When driving it was almost impossible to change into some gears! Is this why the F-W is warped and the clutch plate burned out? And how do they ensure the new Fly-Wheel will be properly balanced on the car?

    Wish I knew more about these things - but I'm getting there - with a lot of help. Thx.
  • aotearoaaotearoa Member Posts: 5
  • aotearoaaotearoa Member Posts: 5
    Seems now the problem is with the thrust bearing - it failed. So, ....Why...at the same time?.

    But the other issue - the wrong oil (instead of the synthetic)?

    Looking forward to your responses.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    #43

    There are a few ways to bypass the skip shift.
    1. Shift early (before the stated RPM range where the skip shift works) {this is what I do}
    2. Shift after (after the stated RPM range where the skip shift works)
    3. Start off in second gear. (I don't do this)
    4. Install the CAGS defeat circuitry. (Cost from .50 cents to $20. for parts.)

    #45

    Given the situation you describe, probably not, with a very very low probability. Also, you can bet a dollar to a donut , that before they decided to honor your warranty, they probably looked for ways to deny it. To make a long story short, VERY few engine problems are due to engine oil.

    I would press them to redo or warranty the FW problem that you are having.
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    All I know is what they tell you in the book. The LS1 requires the synthetic oil, and when I went into the local Chevy dealer, not where I bought it, I confirmed that a. they had a C5 specialist and b. they had their system set to only put Mobil 1 into the C5. They then made sure I knew how important only refilling with the same brand was. I have also heard that keeping it full, as opposed to what I think most people do, let it get 1/2 qt. low and then refill, is important. I've found that getting a good reading with the newer, lighter oils is not that easy either. Good luck with the new engine.

    On the clutch issue, no background to be able to comment. You might want to try some of the more Corvette specific boards. :)
  • starrow68starrow68 Member Posts: 1,142
    http://corvetteactioncenter.com/history/press/2002/04102002a.html

    Info on the 50th anniversary for somebody who brought that up some time ago. I understand that it will be available toward the end of June.
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