Handling expectations
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 253
Likes: 24
From: Oklahoma
Handling expectations
As a first time owner of a Corvette I was wondering how they handle compared to 3rd gen Z28 and GTA Firebirds which I have owned several of each. Just curious. Thanks
Racer
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 312
Likes: 64
From: Henry county ohio
I had an 82 Z28 years ago, and comparing the handling between that and my 74 Vette, the Z would hold it's own against the Vette. The Z didn't like abrupt steering inputs or the *** would try to lead the way. Now the Vette is a whole lot more forgiving, but it had a lot of body roll, and will let you know when the back wants to come around.
I say had a lot of body roll, because I upgrade to the 550 front springs and 7 leaf rear spring. I also went with poly bushings except for the control arms. It improved the handling, but I want to install the 7/16" rear sway bar and a cross brace across the upper control arms. From what I've read, the smaller rear sway bar will probably get the Vette to handle as well as the Z, but without swapping ends when the s curves get interesting.
I can't say what an FE7 equipped Vette would do. It may completely whup a$$, then again, maybe not.
Later,
Jeff
I say had a lot of body roll, because I upgrade to the 550 front springs and 7 leaf rear spring. I also went with poly bushings except for the control arms. It improved the handling, but I want to install the 7/16" rear sway bar and a cross brace across the upper control arms. From what I've read, the smaller rear sway bar will probably get the Vette to handle as well as the Z, but without swapping ends when the s curves get interesting.
I can't say what an FE7 equipped Vette would do. It may completely whup a$$, then again, maybe not.
Later,
Jeff
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
I once owned an '81 Z28 and agree with the above that a quick steering movement screwed with the rear end. A curve with a negative bank--not uncommon in rural southeast Missouri--was spooky/deadly.
My '79 Corvette with F3F (Gymkana) suspension will fairly fly through the same curves.
My '79 Corvette with F3F (Gymkana) suspension will fairly fly through the same curves.
