I've heard a lot about how great a c4 handles, how big of an improvement it was. I guess it's all relative, and a c3 could handel great in its time, but what car would you compare a c3 to today in a slalom run (sorry bout spelling). A camaro?

Is it fair to say the higher gforce rating(.87) the better a car will do in a slalmon race with the same driver and power.or is there more to it. :D

 

I really don't think it's fair to compare a C3 to any car that is manufactured "today." In my opinion it's an apples to oranges comparison. For your information a new Camaro would probably dust a stock C3 in an autocrossing event. Technology has just come so far since the day of the C3 Corvette, we are talking about 20 + years.

 

I read somewhere that a '77 out slolemed(sp?) a modern car(I can't remember which one, but it was impressive). It was hendered only by stock tire pressure. :jester

Daniel

 

Suspension geometry, spring and damping rates, CG, and roll center have all been sorted out a long time ago. The weak link was tires. Tire technology is probably the biggest factor in the sharp increase of handling from C3 days to now. Due to sticky, low-profile radials, suspension and chassis then could be stiffened to maximize handling on modern cars.

I autocross both, a BB C3 on old, hard 235's and a 94 Camaro with new 255 Firehawks. To be honest, both are not great handling cars in stock form. But we have added to the Camaro progressive-rate lowering springs, new shocks, poly bushings, and sub-frame connectors. What a difference! Just think how good the Vette could handle with similarly upgraded components; it is a much better starting point.

 

I'm gonna have to get some NOMEX underpants for this but, my '92 Grand Prix feels better/safer in the twisted rises and gullies at medium to high speed than my '79 does... Sorry... (Compared same road ... Results derived from "chicken out" speed for each car... NOT SCIENTIFIC!!!!)

 

Before you can compare a C3's handling to any new car, or even a new back-hoe, you have to repair the 20+ years of wear and abuse to the suspension. I estimate that 9 out of 10 C3's that I have road tested and then inspected have severely worn steering & suspension components.

Examples I see regularly:
De-arched (fatigued) rear spring
rotten rear spring cushions
Bad shocks
rotten strut rod bushings
bad rear wheel (spindle) bearings
bad front wheel bearings (can no longer be adjusted)
good, but mal-adjusted front wheel bearings
loose (tips worn) differential side yokes
sloppy, totally worn out tie rod ends
loose, worn out, or mal-adjusted steering gear box
sloppy idler arm
loose, worn out, or mal-adjusted power steering control valve
rotten frame in front of the rear tires
trailing arm front mount bolt loose in the frame
rotten or missing body mount cushions
completely out of alignment
rotten differential front mount cushion(s)
bad ball joints
excessive ring & pinion clearance (lash)
rotten (and even missing) rubber in the A-Frame bushings
cracks in the frame at stress points

Owners typically have no clue how to check most of the above problems... so they go un-repaired.


Plus... most C3's have not seen a real (accurate & correct) 4 wheel alignment since the day they rolled off the assembly line.

Even after I point out the above problems in a C3, the owner just usually shrugs it off and says... "Maybe some day I'll get it fixed."

After all of the above have been thoroughly and properly repaired....then we can talk tire technology and go racing.

PS- I have a Mustang 5.0... rack & pinion steering.. and it is a pleasure to drive compared to a C3 with messed up suspension.

 

Turbo-Jet,
That's a nice chop you did on your roof! :D


[Modified by tshort, 4:30 PM 3/14/2002]

 

Tom454,

Thanks for the run down. My suspension is OK for a 29 year old car, but my project Next Fall/Winter is to go through the Rear and Front Suspension. I do beleive since its not seen, its much easier to spend the $ somewhere else (body, interior, underhood and I won't say that I'm not quilty of that by any means) but I want to rebuild the whole supsension. Nothing wild, just maybe upgrade to poly bushings....don't autocross the car...although I've been really tempted a few times.

Good Post. :cheers:

 

thanks for the replies, I am learning more and more, I don't even have a vette yet and am already asking friends to borrow thier computer as soon as I walk in thier door I am so addicted. You are all much more mature and helpful than stang.net's forum(my roomate has a 96 gt).
thanks again :chevy

 

Do what I did buy one of each :yesnod:

 

maybe someday I'll be lucky enough to have a c3 and a c5

I always play odd

 

My dad has a 2002 Mustang. I'm sure it handles better than my 80 but his Mustang feels looser to me than my car through tight turns. It could just be my overwhelming sense of not wanting to think a Mustang could outhandle my Vette though. On the other hand. My other car is a 64 1/2 Mustang. My Vette makes the old Mustang feel like an old truck. And the Mustang just got brand new shocks, springs, and an idler arm.

Matt