[ANSWERED] Impact of leaving the ZR1 track cooling items installed on the street
#1
Tech Contributor
Thread Starter
Member Since: Mar 1999
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 10,067
Received 3,809 Likes
on
1,146 Posts
"Ask Tadge" Producer
[ANSWERED] Impact of leaving the ZR1 track cooling items installed on the street
The original question is here.
Poor-sha asked:
The C7 Z06 and the C7 ZR1 both come with secondary brake cooling ducts that the owner's manual states should be installed for track use and should be removed for street use. Additionally, the C7 ZR1 comes with exhaust cooling hardware that attaches to the tunnel plate and the owner's manual also recommends removing after the track event.
What are the risks associated with leaving this equipment in place during street operation?
The C7 Z06 and the C7 ZR1 both come with secondary brake cooling ducts that the owner's manual states should be installed for track use and should be removed for street use. Additionally, the C7 ZR1 comes with exhaust cooling hardware that attaches to the tunnel plate and the owner's manual also recommends removing after the track event.
What are the risks associated with leaving this equipment in place during street operation?
Tadge answered:
The short answer to your question is that cooling air is super-important on the track, and the vehicle's performance depends on it. Off the track, the same parts add no performance, tend to worsen aerodynamic drag and are possibly detrimental to the vehicle's long term durability. Although most Corvette customers avoid gravel, dirt and muddy roads, we still validate the car's durability on those surfaces. The same functionality that directs cool air to vital components on the track directs dirt and debris to those components in less than ideal conditions. Although we don't see a rash of failures if those "track pieces" are left on, we take the conservative position in recommending they be removed to maximize the long term durability of the cars. Chances are you could leave them on for the life of the car and have no issues, but depending on where and how you drive, you might be better off removing them.
The short answer to your question is that cooling air is super-important on the track, and the vehicle's performance depends on it. Off the track, the same parts add no performance, tend to worsen aerodynamic drag and are possibly detrimental to the vehicle's long term durability. Although most Corvette customers avoid gravel, dirt and muddy roads, we still validate the car's durability on those surfaces. The same functionality that directs cool air to vital components on the track directs dirt and debris to those components in less than ideal conditions. Although we don't see a rash of failures if those "track pieces" are left on, we take the conservative position in recommending they be removed to maximize the long term durability of the cars. Chances are you could leave them on for the life of the car and have no issues, but depending on where and how you drive, you might be better off removing them.
The following 11 users liked this post by jvp:
CorvetteBrent (07-26-2018),
CPhelps (07-19-2018),
FortMorganAl (07-27-2018),
FYREANT (07-19-2018),
ilkSurfer (07-19-2018),
and 6 others liked this post.
#2
Melting Slicks
I was told by a ZR1 development engineer that the reason was loss of clearance underneath the car which was reduced by bolting on these parts. By the photos it appears it could be close to a inch worth of clearance loss. Tadge's explanation could certainly include that within his answer.
The following users liked this post:
CorvetteBrent (07-26-2018)
#3
Thank you for the response.
#5
Pro
Thanks so very much
in the real world, today, few leaders take the time to support the people who are dependent on their knowledge and experience … I respect your commitment to your customers. THANKS AGAIN for the clarification!
The following 3 users liked this post by oldfoggy:
#6
Thank you, much appreciated!
#7
Racer
That was a very well written answer, thank you.
The following 2 users liked this post by Z06Shark:
CorvetteBrent (07-26-2018),
oldfoggy (07-22-2018)
#8
Race Director
Now that's useful info. Thanks.
#9
Melting Slicks
Tadge answered:
The short answer to your question is that cooling air is super-important on the track, and the vehicle's performance depends on it.
If this is so important on the track, why were they not included with my car(GS Z07) at delivery?
Dealers are friggin clueless
The short answer to your question is that cooling air is super-important on the track, and the vehicle's performance depends on it.
If this is so important on the track, why were they not included with my car(GS Z07) at delivery?
Dealers are friggin clueless
#10
Race Director
Member Since: Jul 2008
Location: The Sunshine State
Posts: 16,999
Received 2,682 Likes
on
1,482 Posts
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Tadge answered:
The short answer to your question is that cooling air is super-important on the track, and the vehicle's performance depends on it.
If this is so important on the track, why were they not included with my car(GS Z07) at delivery?
Dealers are friggin clueless
The short answer to your question is that cooling air is super-important on the track, and the vehicle's performance depends on it.
If this is so important on the track, why were they not included with my car(GS Z07) at delivery?
Dealers are friggin clueless
So, I guess I have the reverse problem. As a result, I'm planning to mount a street wheel/tire package and keep the OEM wheels/Cup tires for the occasional track run, so when I mount the new wheels, I plan to remove the auxiliary brake ducts.