C4 convertible rigidity -- thoughts?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20
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C4 convertible rigidity -- thoughts?
Hi guys,
I've been going back and forth on convertibles, C4 v. C5, so will try to steer clear of any religious debate there.
However the question I do have is how "rattly" the C4 is going to be, in terms of body, interior, and overall chassis rigidity.
Having owned a couple of mid/late-80s convertibles, and being disappointed by both of them, I'm kinda skeptical. I know this is subjective, and I'm hoping to drive a '93 soonishly, but can anyone around offer a general notion of how the convertibles feel? And if there's any known solutions for curing such issues?
Thanks much!
- Pat
I've been going back and forth on convertibles, C4 v. C5, so will try to steer clear of any religious debate there.
However the question I do have is how "rattly" the C4 is going to be, in terms of body, interior, and overall chassis rigidity.Having owned a couple of mid/late-80s convertibles, and being disappointed by both of them, I'm kinda skeptical. I know this is subjective, and I'm hoping to drive a '93 soonishly, but can anyone around offer a general notion of how the convertibles feel? And if there's any known solutions for curing such issues?
Thanks much!
- Pat
Last edited by rannoch; Apr 13, 2005 at 09:43 PM.
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Originally Posted by rws.1
I'm very pleased with the tightness, handling and ride of my "88 vert
With almost 130,00 miles on my 88 rdstr. I have no rattles and the squeaks I have are mostly from the leather seats!
True, I get a little cowl shake on a bumby road..but Cowl shake is what true roadsters are supposed to have!
All in all, I couldn't be more pleased with my 88
Jack
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I drove an 89 vert for 12 years. No squeaks or rattles and it handled nice and tight. I currently own a 98 vert and no issues with it either.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2005
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Some cowl shake is okay. My main worry would be the sense of imminent disaster when going over bumps, or funky steering geometry. Also, I like roadtrips, so having suspension that is firm enough to be fun but soft enough to not be pain-inducing on the highway would be nice.
I'm sure everyone has their own experiences, so hopefully I'll get the test drive on that one I'm looking at and be able to find out.
Anyone have anything in particular to look for on the converts in particular? I'll have to check back in posts to see if there's any good data on c4 in general for things to watch for.
I'm sure everyone has their own experiences, so hopefully I'll get the test drive on that one I'm looking at and be able to find out.
Anyone have anything in particular to look for on the converts in particular? I'll have to check back in posts to see if there's any good data on c4 in general for things to watch for.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 858
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From: Hobe Sound FL
C4 - Roadster
Just a little bit different then the coupe in my opinion. Put the hardtop on, which has a roll bar built into it coming up from the L & R center braces, and better yet. Rides and acts like a roadster, these aren't limo's.
If you buy one with some miles, put new Bilstein's front and back, and upgrade all rubber in the suspension. My 89R is tight, no rattles.
Boatman
If you buy one with some miles, put new Bilstein's front and back, and upgrade all rubber in the suspension. My 89R is tight, no rattles.
Boatman
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Ponte Vedra
92 vert no rattles the only noise is my key bangs on the metal corvette key chain .I have never driven a C5 vert so I don't know about their rattles.But I do like the fact that the C5 vert has a trunk.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,152
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From: Northern VA
I had a 92 coupe a few years back. with the targa top off, I crack the windshield twice because it got so loose. With my vert and it's x brace its tighter than my 92 was without the roof. Add my hard top, its tighter than my coupe was with the roof on!!!
Racer
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St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by rannoch
<snip>
Anyone have anything in particular to look for on the converts in particular? I'll have to check back in posts to see if there's any good data on c4 in general for things to watch for.
Anyone have anything in particular to look for on the converts in particular? I'll have to check back in posts to see if there's any good data on c4 in general for things to watch for.
Also, check the integrity of the pillar post cover. The plastic moulding at the top of the body at the door interface. This piece can be loose, especially if it has been removed. Its attached with adhesive, and a couple small sheet metal screws.
Oh by the way, my Vert is a 90 and its tight. I'm a suspension designer and I can tell you, the steering geometry is very good. The only thing I notice is a larger turn radius than I expect to feel for the size of the car. Returnability is excellent, with just a touch of understeer, which is desirable. As for ride and handling, I've put Edelbrock IAS shocks on it and all I can say is
Last edited by ~SlvrFox~; Apr 14, 2005 at 08:46 AM.
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From: Slidell Louisiana
Originally Posted by c4cruiser
My 92 Vert is rattle and squeak free and still very tight. No perceptible cowl shake on decent roads. Once I add my hardtop, it is stiffer than a coupe.
Le Mans Master
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From: Castro Valley Calif.
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the cross brace from R&D. It fits behind the seats and eliminates the body flex altogether 
I used to dread the 1-2 shifts when I was on the nitrous 'cause it felt like the car wanted to flip over sometimes (I've got a shift kit). But now even with the new 421 there's no more of that. It's now as rigid as my removeable hardtop would be if I had it on
Plus, there's nothing like a Vert
I used to dread the 1-2 shifts when I was on the nitrous 'cause it felt like the car wanted to flip over sometimes (I've got a shift kit). But now even with the new 421 there's no more of that. It's now as rigid as my removeable hardtop would be if I had it on Plus, there's nothing like a Vert