C2 Handling and Performance
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
C2 Handling and Performance
Hi All,
So here is the question....
How do you feel your non-resto mod C2 corvettes handle around town and the track? In particular compare them to newer sports cars. I'm very seriously considering a 1963 split window coupe. I just want to make sure that aside from being super classy to drive that it will give me all the power and handling that I want.
I think it would be fun to autoX it every now and again, and maybe take it to a drag strip. The only after market done is a 5 speed transmission.
If there are any videos of a stock one autoX-ing or road racing, please post videos! Post your times at particular courses along with track conditions!
Thanks for all the comments,
~David
P.S. Can't drive it cuz its in a million peices and 1000 miles away.
So here is the question....
How do you feel your non-resto mod C2 corvettes handle around town and the track? In particular compare them to newer sports cars. I'm very seriously considering a 1963 split window coupe. I just want to make sure that aside from being super classy to drive that it will give me all the power and handling that I want.
I think it would be fun to autoX it every now and again, and maybe take it to a drag strip. The only after market done is a 5 speed transmission.
If there are any videos of a stock one autoX-ing or road racing, please post videos! Post your times at particular courses along with track conditions!
Thanks for all the comments,
~David
P.S. Can't drive it cuz its in a million peices and 1000 miles away.
Last edited by DrCrook; Jun 20, 2011 at 10:21 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,347
Likes: 36
From: San Clemente CA
Here's a dragstrip example courtesy of Forum Member Donny Brass's stock 66.
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...urt%20feelings
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...urt%20feelings
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,596
Likes: 8
From: Grosse Ile MI
Compared to "modern" sports cars a 63 Vette will handle like an old truck unless you do some serious modification to the suspension.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
Here's almost 8 minutes of 2 of our forum members autocrossing a 67
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npgUx81hQ74
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npgUx81hQ74
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Thats AWESOME!!! Thats pretty much exactly what I was looking for, I had been scouring the internet for a video like that. Thats not too shabby, cant take those corners too well, but it seems like its pretty much really fun even if its not as fast as a new roadster.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Damn, that 63 is stock? what HP motor does he have in there? Im sold, Im buying the vette. I just gotta convince the seller to hold onto it till January for me. Maybe a deposit will convince him.
Lets see more VIDEOS!!!! These are fun to watch.
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,976
Likes: 54
From: On the bank of the Columbia River..... Washington State
I hope you are mechanically inclined as you will be doing lots of work on the car if you are going to the strip and auto-crossing on a regular basis. These are great old cars, but there are more modern ones out there that will be much more enjoyable for what your are after. Good luck on your quest.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,474
Likes: 16
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13
My Z-71 Tahoe will outhandle the C2
.The C2 is a different experience.
IMHO when it comes to refinement and handling,the C2 should not be compared to modern cars.There is no comparison.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 267
From: Richmond Texas
I autocrossed my 66 all the time when I was younger. The 86 I had was faster, but wasn't as much fun. I ran Michelin's that fit on my stock knock off's and I put 4.10's in the back, It was a blast.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,474
Likes: 16
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 281
Likes: 1
From: Springfield MO
David, I guess your question is "how does a C2 (no modifications)compare to a modern day sports car". I have a 63 and not sure if you would call a 03 modern day anymore, but there is no comparrison. The C2 in my opinoun are the best looking corvettes out there, but if you want to autocross I would choose something else. I would find someone that would be willing to let you drive a C2. Of couse you won't find many that would let you test it on a track. But you will get a good feel just in town.
Good luck.
Greg
Good luck.
Greg
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
If you want to auto cross, I would look for a built up small block with aluminum heads and intake. Too much weight up front does not help in the corners. There are lots of suspension upgrades that will make the car handle better. 
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,685
Likes: 61
I was thinking the same thing, Assuming your suspension (ball joints, bushings, etc.) are in decent shape, performance radials of an appropriate width to the wheels you're running, a good alignment plus GOOD shocks (Koni, Bilstein) should put you mid-pack with modern sedans. New sports and ponycars will run away from you, without major chassis surgery.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 1,939
From: Folsom CA
I have a 66 L79 so I am not throwing the car under the bus but my friend has a very nice restored 66 300 HP, he was driving in the foothills on a very windy road with his girl friend having a great time pushing the car and listening to the engine roar, when he checked his rear view mirror a lady in a mini van was pushing to pass him. I think he had more fun though. Suspension is better 40 years later, upgrate to fit your needs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 9,556
Likes: 288
From: Granbury Texas
I have owned and raced my 1963 Z06 Corvette for nearly 40 years. It is not "stock" but meets the requirements of the various race sanctioning organizations like SVRA. It is mid-field competitive, running 1:58s at Sears Point, and 1:45s at Laguna Seca. I also own, and occasionally track a 2004 Z06, which is stock except for Stoptech brakes. I run Nitto NT-05 tires on the 04, and Hoosier Street TD (race) tires on the 63. Let me stipulate that tires are the MOST important mod you can make to any car....period. Running these two cars on the same track, with the same driver on the same day will result in the 04 running somewhat quicker lap times than the 63.....even though the 63 has a modified 327CID engine and race tires. Forum members who track their cars can tell you that a stock C5 Z06 with Hoosier A6 tires will lap Laguna Seca more than 10 seconds quicker than my 63. The 63 requires MUCH more physical effort to drive than the 04. Both cars are within 100lbs weight of each other. I would NEVER sell my 63. My C5 Z06 will never get invited to the Monterey Historic Races
Last edited by 63Corvette; Jun 21, 2011 at 11:51 AM.
