Daily Slideshow: Driving Tips for High-Horsepower Corvettes

Foundation Is Everything

We’re not talking about what block you chose or who put it together. What we’re talking about here is the fundamentals of high-performance driving. Knowing where the limit of traction is and how to catch a slide is paramount if you drive a high-horsepower car. Having said that…

Don’t Chop Wood

“Chopping wood” is an expression used for someone who is abnormally abrupt or clunky with their steering inputs. Keeping the balance is vital in a high-power car where everything happens much faster than in slower vehicles. Only turn the wheel as much as you need to make a corner. Adding power with unnecessary steering is a recipe for oversteer.

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Walk on Eggshells

Throttle input is everything when it comes to keeping the back end in check on a high-horsepower Corvette. On most mountain roads, a few millimeters of throttle will be enough to sustain speed. Great care should be taken to not open the throttle until the car is pointed straight. Always roll the throttle on instead of stabbing it.

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DO NOT CHEAP OUT ON TIRES

This slide is in capitals for a reason. Generally speaking, you want the widest tire you can possibly fit for the most amount of mechanical traction in a given corner. Do not cheap out on tires, ever. If you decide to build an engine to make big horsepower, you need to pony up the cash for great tires. No excuses.

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Remember Your Baseline

Driving a car stock for a long time is recommended before modifying so that you can establish a baseline. Tracking a stock Z06 over and over will build muscle memory for how fast the car can go through different types of cornering in various conditions. As you add power, this baseline will become a reminder of where the limit is and not to overstep it.

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Final Thoughts

In summary, you should never get on the throttle until you know you can truly open it up. Watch your hands and remember to ramp on the throttle as opposed to stabbing it. Opt for good equipment and adapt your driving to whatever the car’s baseline of performance is. This will give you reference points of where the limit is to help you enjoy big power safely. Practice this daily and you will have no problem manhandling 600+hp Corvettes all day. Enjoy!

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For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.