biggest development leap between C-? generations???
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
biggest development leap between C-? generations???
I've got an opinion on this already, but I wanted to throw it out for discussion. What inter-generational gap was the widest between any two Corvette generations? When I say that, I mean in terms of the degree of changes in all major areas (body, chassis, powertrain, interior, etc) between the last year model of one generation and the first year model of the next generation.. For instance, the 1967 C2 and 1968 C3 share essentially the exact same chassis, suspension, and powertrain.
Please vote once, and show all work if you want to receive partial credit :D
Please vote once, and show all work if you want to receive partial credit :D
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (sb69coupe)
C'mon y'all, you gotta post your reason for voting the way that you did in order to generate discussion!!!! I'm holding off on my opinion until a few folks chime in with theirs.
:lurk:
:lurk:
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 2
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (Simon Alexander)
1962 - 1963...
First hardtop Corvette
First inedependent rear suspension
Split rear window
First disk brakes in '65
First big-block in '65
There are, however, alot of technological changes from '82-'84, I must admit.
Jeff
First hardtop Corvette
First inedependent rear suspension
Split rear window
First disk brakes in '65
First big-block in '65
There are, however, alot of technological changes from '82-'84, I must admit.
Jeff
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (sb69coupe)
I'll pipe in right about now with my vote. I'm real surprised that most folks didn't vote this way. I think the 1996 C4 to 1997 C5 was the biggest single leap. Here's why:
1962 C1 -> 1963 C2 : new body, interior, chassis, and suspension, but the engine and tranny options were a direct carryover
1967 C2 -> 1968 C3 : no doubt a small leap. Same chassis and drivetrain, new body and interior only
1982 C3 -> 1984 C4 : this is a close one. New chassis, suspension, manual tranny, interior, etc but the engine and A/T were a direct carryover from '82.
1996 C4 -> 1997 C5 : I can't think of anything that carried over between the two. New frame, new suspension, rear transaxle, new engine. new body and interior.
That's where I'm coming from. Anyone want to offer up a different viewpoint? Talk amongst yourselves and convince me to change my mind :D
1962 C1 -> 1963 C2 : new body, interior, chassis, and suspension, but the engine and tranny options were a direct carryover
1967 C2 -> 1968 C3 : no doubt a small leap. Same chassis and drivetrain, new body and interior only
1982 C3 -> 1984 C4 : this is a close one. New chassis, suspension, manual tranny, interior, etc but the engine and A/T were a direct carryover from '82.
1996 C4 -> 1997 C5 : I can't think of anything that carried over between the two. New frame, new suspension, rear transaxle, new engine. new body and interior.
That's where I'm coming from. Anyone want to offer up a different viewpoint? Talk amongst yourselves and convince me to change my mind :D
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,493
Likes: 6
From: Bloomington MN
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (sb69coupe)
I haven't had a chance to drive a solid axle. I have driven C3's C4's and C5's. I am sure there is not a lot of difference driving-wise between a late C2 and an early C3. There is quite a bit of difference in the handling and braking on a C4 compared to a C3. The biggest difference I noticed in the C5 was the chassis that was far stiffer than any other Corvette. I couldn't feel that car flex much at all.
AC
AC
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Sanford Florida
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (sb69coupe)
Not a category, but I think the LT-5 is the greatest piece of automotive engineering GM was ever involved in IN STREET CARS. In eighty whatever (88?) a quad cam, 32 valve, all aluminum fuel injected...... HAULER. I know the LS-6 in the new Z will take it, but that was not as much of a leap. Someday, when the $$ is there, I would love to put one in a douce coupe. I know I can do a lot more for a lot less, but I have incredible respect for that engine. :cool:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,201
Likes: 0
From: Clifton Park NY
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (sb69coupe)
Please vote once, and show all work if you want to receive partial credit :D
-Pedro
[Modified by Pedro'74, 10:42 PM 3/27/2003]
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (Pedro'74)
Pedro, there is no such thing as a wrong answer. Please show all work including reasons why you voted that way, and I'll give you partial credit so you won't fail the class and be banished to http://www.riceboypage.com forever :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,201
Likes: 0
From: Clifton Park NY
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (sb69coupe)
Alright then... My reason for choosing C1-->C2 was the IRS. Which reminds me... where the hell did I put those W2's??? :D
Do I pass? :jester
-Pedro
Do I pass? :jester
-Pedro
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 3
From: South Central Louisiana
St. Jude Contributor
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (sb69coupe)
I agree with sb69. The C-5 changed everything. Lots of tech advances went into every part of the C-5. The time spent on just the LS1 design is amazing.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 745
Likes: 0
From: coolsville nj
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (sb69coupe)
the C3 was the biggest leap in development as far as styling...it was one of...and still is....the craziest and meanest looking cars around. but the C4 was like a space ship when it came out. an incredible chassis, composite monosprings, digital display, almost 1 G of lateral acceleration (that was race car-like stats back then!), futuristic styling, and quick acceleration made it one of the most advanced cars in 1984, a massive change from the C3 design. :auto:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,220
Likes: 208
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (sb69coupe)
My vote goes to C1-->C2. I think the IRS, disk brakes and Big Block can be called some sort of development.
I also think that C2 body design is where the current C5's body has its roots.
Just my 0.02euros.
L8er Jay :leaving:
[Modified by groovyjay, 1:42 PM 3/28/2003]
I also think that C2 body design is where the current C5's body has its roots.
Just my 0.02euros.
L8er Jay :leaving:
[Modified by groovyjay, 1:42 PM 3/28/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (1LE)
I would have to think the C-5. New from the ground up. I don't think anything carried over from the C-4
#1 was definitely '62-'63 though. Independent rear suspension and the coupe body in addition to convertible were fundamental shifts in what defined the Corvette. This transition is where Corvette became a true sports car and became diffentiated from teh likes of the T-bird which had already become a 4 seater boulevard cruiser.
My two pennies....
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (no_radio)
1962 - 1963...
First hardtop Corvette
First inedependent rear suspension
Split rear window
First disk brakes in '65
First big-block in '65
First hardtop Corvette
First inedependent rear suspension
Split rear window
First disk brakes in '65
First big-block in '65
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (Simon Alexander)
The introduction of the C4 brought about the best handling American made car ever.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Re: biggest development leap between C-? generations??? (theandies)
I would have to say C3 to C4 for:
chassis design
brake design implementation
tire technology
fuel injection technology implemetation
ECM/Drivetrain management
aerodynamics
Styling and quality seems to not have been a major improvement until years later. :eek:
Brent...
chassis design
brake design implementation
tire technology
fuel injection technology implemetation
ECM/Drivetrain management
aerodynamics
Styling and quality seems to not have been a major improvement until years later. :eek:
Brent...