convertible ?????
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
convertible ?????
Not sure how to search for this one.
While driving at highway speeds with the top down can you hear the radio and/or talk with your passanger without yelling?
Other conv. cars that I have driven and owned this was a problem which is why I don't own or didn't buy them.
Thanks for the input.
Wayne
While driving at highway speeds with the top down can you hear the radio and/or talk with your passanger without yelling?
Other conv. cars that I have driven and owned this was a problem which is why I don't own or didn't buy them.
Thanks for the input.
Wayne
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 460
Likes: 1
From: Oliphant Ontario
Don't know what other verts you looked at, but most are probably quieter cars all round than a Vette, you didn't expect the Vette to be the quietest one out there did you? 60mph wind, big fat tires and exhaust noise, go figure.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 897
Likes: 12
From: Land of Whiskey Rebels, PA
Can't answer that question. I drive solo and the radio (Blose) doesn't work. The exhaust does seem a little louder with the top down. But, I would never trade it for a coupe. Each one has its purpose. Coupes are for racing--convertibles are for cruising.Perhaps those who know better will weigh in.
Mike
'90 'vert
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 460
Likes: 1
From: Oliphant Ontario
Kinda like my boat, have to really yell because I have the stereo turned up so loud so I can hear it over the wind, water and jet drive and man am I ever tired of waiting for that season to come back!! If I want quiet I'll drive my 300C but nothing touches open air!!
Racer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 305
Likes: 2
From: Epfenbach BW
Well it is not very quiet but up to 60 MPH should be fine for a conversation and radio without problems.
Actually, it does not matter THAT much top up or down as the only increasing factor with the top down are wind noises. The tire and exhaust noises only slightly increase- In fact, the exhaust noise is , for me at least, more bearable with the top down.
If you keep the side windows up it is ok for me. Stock Bose radio also works for 70+MPH
As a side note, I was driving 120+ MPH (legal where I live!) yesterday, now THAT noise is just unbearable. Even with the top up.
The convertible is more of a cruiser....
Actually, it does not matter THAT much top up or down as the only increasing factor with the top down are wind noises. The tire and exhaust noises only slightly increase- In fact, the exhaust noise is , for me at least, more bearable with the top down.
If you keep the side windows up it is ok for me. Stock Bose radio also works for 70+MPH
As a side note, I was driving 120+ MPH (legal where I live!) yesterday, now THAT noise is just unbearable. Even with the top up.
The convertible is more of a cruiser....
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 626
Likes: 2
From: Coquitlam British Columbia
Can't answer that question. I drive solo and the radio (Blose) doesn't work. The exhaust does seem a little louder with the top down. But, I would never trade it for a coupe. Each one has its purpose. Coupes are for racing--convertibles are for cruising.Perhaps those who know better will weigh in.
Mike
'90 'vert
Bill 1990 Vert also !!!!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Here is some good convertible owner advice. Don't drive around with the top down and leave lightweight items unsecured in the car. The chances of your stuff ending up in the middle of the road is 100%
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,687
Likes: 1
From: Manteca CA
I have never enjoyed listening to music in my vert with the top down at speed...kind of like listening to a radio on a motorcycle what's the point? Anyway with Goodyear Gs D3s @ 315 wide on the rear and 275 on front the tire noise is to high to enjoy music. As for conversation...the wife and I are used to yelling at each other.
Last edited by Mrs. glass car; Feb 12, 2011 at 02:07 PM. Reason: sp
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 462
Likes: 21
From: Kansas City Missouri
I just shut off the radio...would rather hear the pipes anyways. Conversations not bad, but I do keep the side windows up on the highway.....most of the time. Everyone's right though. Its not all that much quieter with the top up. Im not sure it cuts down on the wind either. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,515
Likes: 1,302
From: Windermere FL
Corvette Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,795
Likes: 2,708
From: So. Cal.
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 2
From: Frederick Md
I own 3 Corvette Convertables...64,72, and 98 as well as 3 Corvette Coupes 76,79 and 88....
Below 60 MPG I can hear my wife talking to me in a normal conversational volume in all 3 Convertibles, and I can crank up the Radio high enough in the 98 to hear it... With the 64 and 72 I do not even have the Radio hooked up ...
The Coupes are ok either way BUT again its a rare day that I have the Radio turned on..
Bob G.
Below 60 MPG I can hear my wife talking to me in a normal conversational volume in all 3 Convertibles, and I can crank up the Radio high enough in the 98 to hear it... With the 64 and 72 I do not even have the Radio hooked up ...
The Coupes are ok either way BUT again its a rare day that I have the Radio turned on..
Bob G.