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I've had too many vettes but never a C2. I'm thinking I may need one more ..... so having been spoiled to a few C6 Z06's and long ago when they were current a '76, 79, 82 I'm wondering how a nice condition "Sorted" '63-67 small block convert. would drive. If anyone out there has a modern and a C2 - let me know. I would only buy one with at least PS and PB and would probably go '65 up to get the 4-discs. 327 4sp only. No long travel - just around town, out by the lake type of car. I did buy a Factory Five Cobra replica 2 years ago - it was a bit too basic for me but it was built as a short track car - super loud, darty, racing harness, no heat/ac, etc. Ultimately I know I need to go drive one or two but just after some input. And if you have or know of a fairly priced one shoot me a PM or link. $50K top limit and prefer less of course. Much appreciated.
Last edited by INFERNO Z07; 07-25-2016 at 04:53 PM.
I also wanted a 65 and up for the brakes but saw a 64 with power drums and was talked into taking it for a test drive. I thought the brakes were fine and bought the car. Never hurts to try it, you can always say no. Good luck on your search. Keep us posted buddy.
I have enjoyed driving all my C2s, the '66 and '67 side exhaust cars were a pain since they were so loud on longer drives, buy some ear plugs or use your MP3 player headphones/ear buds. I think a C2 handles great and I prefer the power drum brakes on my '64 to any of the non-power discs of those years. I have a '12 ZR1 and of course there is no comparison, but the C2 has a great ride and charm about it.
The only difference between the C2 and your C3 cars would be visibility. The Sharks have a really long nose and it's harder to see where the front is than the C2. Still a stretch, but not as far from the edge you can see. Handling wise should be the same, but you can option the suspension for your preferences. If you like supple ride, you can have softer springs and shocks. Want to feel the road and pull 0.9 G on the skidpad, you can do this too with the right suspension tweaks and modern tires.
I've taken mine on long road trips (LA to Sedona for example) as well as the race track, so you can have a car that feels secure and is comfortable enough for long cruise trips. The one thing I really miss on long drives is 5th gear. If you really want to cruise, you may want a 3.08 rear gear car, or one with an overdrive transmission.
From what you posted, look for a non numbers matching car and modify it as you need to make it the way you want.
I have a C7 convertible 7 speed as well as a loaded 66 SB convertible. I like them both but they are very different. The C7 drives with little effort and is scary fast while returning great gas mileage. The 66 needs more driver input and not comfortable for a quick 200 mile road trip. Very different cars even though they both say Corvette.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
A well sorted out 63-67 convertible is a great driving car. I find them comfortable, easy to get in and out of and of course they have timeless styling. They don't drive anything like the modern Corvettes but they are far from uncomfortable. I have always had newer Vettes and they are great for road trips, but the mid years just never get old.
Totally different cars. You just need to drive a mid year and see if it's for you.
I think a bit of difference between the C3 and C2 cars is the seating position. The C2 is pretty vintage (not so much as C1 however). You sit pretty upright (more so than the C3) and although the leg room is OK for cruising - it's a bit tight for longer legged drivers when it comes time for some clutch action. If you have a 34 inseam or longer you will find leg room snug or worse.
My 64 C2 Convertible Drives like my 68 Convertible had before I put Bilstein Sport Shocks, New Stock Springs & Polyurethane Bushing rebuild kits.
My 68 drives nice now with all that, most likely the Bilsteins as I chose stock style replications for everything outside of the bushings. So I imagine Bilsteining the C2 will yield the same results. I believe the C2 was built on the same frame as the C3
Last edited by Kruegmeister; 07-26-2016 at 10:49 AM.
Modern radial tires do wonders for a C2 and would make it a lot closer to the driver experience you had in you previous C3s.
MOST of the difference is in the tires. Put some skinny bias-plies on a C7 (if you can find a size and wheels that fit over the C7 discs) and it would lose more than half its handling advantage over a C2 IMO.
I've had cars without both power steering and brakes. Steering was pretty noticeable at parking speeds. I think power steering is worthwhile. Try parallel parking a Corvette with manual steering. Even worse if you upgrade the tires for wider rubber!
Manual brakes seem just fine, but that might be a personal preference.
If he is buying for cruising and driving, then 17x7 aftermarket wheels with high performance tires, quality shocks, the right springs, and you will get great handling.
If he is buying for cruising and driving, then 17x7 aftermarket wheels with high performance tires, quality shocks, the right springs, and you will get great handling.
Exactly. My 67 ragtop has 17x7 wheels, 235/45 tires and Bilstein Heavy Duty (NOT Bilstein Sport-- too stiff) shocks and factory F41 (heavy duty) springs and rides and handles very well. Also PB and PS, the latter pretty much mandatory for parking with wide tires. Have tone on trips up to 5,000 miles and the usual short trips around town, plus hundreds of auto crosses, and have no complaints about ride or handling. The OP might want to drive one a bit to get an overall impression of a Sting Ray.
I admit I don't parallel park often, but actually enjoy the rawness of no PS or PB in our BB car. I wanted an experience totally unlike modern wheels. I especially like opening the hood for friends and them saying, "oh wow... No power nothin!"
07-25-2016, 04:52 PM
C2 Driving Characteristics
