How does a C3 ride?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 39
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How does a C3 ride?
I have sold my 94 vert and may buy a C3 this time. I have never driven or even ridden in a C3. I have had 3 C4's. My question is: How is the ride of a C3 compared to a C4? I have been told by some that a C3 rides rough? Any advise will be welcomed. Thanks for the info. John
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
being a previous C-4 owner. the first thing you will notice is the lack of interior room. Then of course lack of refinements. C-3 covered a big span of years. So your 68 &69 are not the criuser that a 81-82 became.
I also don't drive my highly modded Vette to the grocery store. It is more for entertaiment value as a toy.
I also don't drive my highly modded Vette to the grocery store. It is more for entertaiment value as a toy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
There are also many many options to modify the suspension to
be as soft or firm as you desire. That said, they are definitely
not as refined as C4 or C5. The aftermarket Rowley frame with C4
suspension and coil-overs might come very close. If stock setup,
let your dentist know. He might need to replace some ratlled fillings.
be as soft or firm as you desire. That said, they are definitely
not as refined as C4 or C5. The aftermarket Rowley frame with C4
suspension and coil-overs might come very close. If stock setup,
let your dentist know. He might need to replace some ratlled fillings.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 829
Likes: 2
From: Scottdale Pa
I think the 80-82's are the most comfortable, mostly because of the seats and more options,pw,pdl,pwr seats. I think my 80 is easier to get in and out of than a C4
. On the highway they are great, old back roads are a different story. Try one you'll like it
. On the highway they are great, old back roads are a different story. Try one you'll like it
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Midland TX
My '72 rides rough, rattles when I hit a bump, and I love it. I only drive it for fun. If I had to drive it every day I'm sure I would get tired of it.
It is definitely not a C4, C5, or C6. But what can you expect from 43 year old technology. C3s have basically the same suspension as the '63 model.
I did replace my rear spring with a fiberglass one. It rides much smoother.
The early C3s are cramped, noisy and hot. The later C3s are more refined but less power = less fun in my book.
It is definitely not a C4, C5, or C6. But what can you expect from 43 year old technology. C3s have basically the same suspension as the '63 model.
I did replace my rear spring with a fiberglass one. It rides much smoother.
The early C3s are cramped, noisy and hot. The later C3s are more refined but less power = less fun in my book.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,404
Likes: 791
From: Redondo Beach, California
The big transverse leaf spring is not very "bouncy" so the ride is stiff. As a previous post said, replacing this spring with fiberglass can make the ride a little springier and hence make a smoother feel. On a C3 put your hands on the body over the rear wheel and push down with your hands. The car won't go down very much. It'll feel pretty hard.
I think the C3 suspension was purposefully designed to be sprung hard in the rear and the front was designed to be on the soft springier side (with coils in the front). I think the concern was that the C3's tended to understeer. Making the front soft means that during deacceleration (like coming into a corner), the front of the car dives a little and shifts weight to the front, allows the front wheels to grip stronger and hence provide more steering input to offset the otherwise understeering tendancy.
"Lack" of Interior room. I'm 6'2" and I fit, but it's really snug. I kinda like that, being snug makes you feel like you're wearing the car. I think it adds to the effect of driving a C3.
I think the C3 suspension was purposefully designed to be sprung hard in the rear and the front was designed to be on the soft springier side (with coils in the front). I think the concern was that the C3's tended to understeer. Making the front soft means that during deacceleration (like coming into a corner), the front of the car dives a little and shifts weight to the front, allows the front wheels to grip stronger and hence provide more steering input to offset the otherwise understeering tendancy.
"Lack" of Interior room. I'm 6'2" and I fit, but it's really snug. I kinda like that, being snug makes you feel like you're wearing the car. I think it adds to the effect of driving a C3.
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,725
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From: Minnesota
Originally Posted by NHvette
There are also many many options to modify the suspension to be as soft or firm as you desire.
All depends on what springs, shocks, and even bushings you have. I have the stock front and rear springs with KYB GR-2 shocks and rubber bushings so my car rides very nice at the expense of some handling of course.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 143
From: Manalapan New Jersey
I have both and the C4 is light years ahead in ride and handling than my 71 C3. As mentioned in some earlier posts you are dealing with technology dating back to the early 60's. With a C4 your handing feels razor sharp with quick reflexes. The C3 back in its day was top notch but when you drive it today it creaks, rattles and doesnt give you the confidence that a C4 does. The C3 gets more looks though and it really is fun driving!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
Originally Posted by Kalway
Mwahahaha it's worse than a truck! 
It'll make your ***** about 3x bigger, though. I drive my '81 to work every day right now and I had to buy new pants to accomodate.
/sarcasm
It'll make your ***** about 3x bigger, though. I drive my '81 to work every day right now and I had to buy new pants to accomodate. /sarcasm
VERY FUNNY!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,712
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From: Concord VA, U.S.A.
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
Coming from a former '89 IROC-Z owner to an '80 Corvette owner with the FE/7 Gymnkana suspension, the C5 and C6 guys are probably laughing their @$$es off. That being said...you get used to it. You either want a Cadillac or a sports car.
That being said...you get used to it. You either want a Cadillac or a sports car.
Last edited by JungleCat; Oct 16, 2006 at 08:41 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg PA
I would have to agree with all the other post.
I too have both a C3 ('68),that I have owned since '74,and a C4 ('95). The C3 is very bumpy,rides like a tank,sucks down fuel like there is no tomorrow,hurts your *** after a 2 hour ride,runs very hot in the cabin,has a radio that almost gets 5 different stations,and almost has enough leg space between the steering wheel and your legs to slip a piece of paper between them.
Saying all that,I wouldn't trade my '68 for a C6. I love the feel of the car, the true american muscle car performance is nothing that can be duplicated in todays world, and the tone of the exaust (427 BB) is all the music my ears need to listen to.
And the looks you get going down the road are priceless.
The C4 ('95) rides like a Cadillac compared to the C3. It is very comfortable and has all the creature comforts you need to cruise a long time on the highway.
Final answer: You need to have 1 of each
I too have both a C3 ('68),that I have owned since '74,and a C4 ('95). The C3 is very bumpy,rides like a tank,sucks down fuel like there is no tomorrow,hurts your *** after a 2 hour ride,runs very hot in the cabin,has a radio that almost gets 5 different stations,and almost has enough leg space between the steering wheel and your legs to slip a piece of paper between them.
Saying all that,I wouldn't trade my '68 for a C6. I love the feel of the car, the true american muscle car performance is nothing that can be duplicated in todays world, and the tone of the exaust (427 BB) is all the music my ears need to listen to.
And the looks you get going down the road are priceless.
The C4 ('95) rides like a Cadillac compared to the C3. It is very comfortable and has all the creature comforts you need to cruise a long time on the highway.
Final answer: You need to have 1 of each
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Everyone thought i was nuts for wanting a corvette because they told me they are a rough ride, but personally i find it not bad. At least not any worse than my first and still DD, a 86 Ford Ranger. I was actually surprised that the vette was no worse. I am very happy with my car's ride.