Do the vette's have IRS?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Kennesaw GA
Do the vette's have IRS?
If so, when you really get on it (rev upto about 3k and dump the clutch) do you get wheel hop? If the vette's have IRS with out wheel hop, what has gm done to help eleviate this? My 01 cobra with IRS has wheel hop. I have done a few things to help tone it down, but it is still there. Just wondering what gm has done?
JC
JC
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: Do the vette's have IRS? (JC'S01COBRA)
Yes they have IRS, and have since 1963. Wheel hop is never an issue for me. If I rev it up and dump it the car instantly breaks the tires loose and starts to dance to one side or the other.
I don't know specifically what GM has done to solve wheel hop, maybe better weight distribution? The car is very close to 50/50 balance. Sorry I can only answer half of your question.
I don't know specifically what GM has done to solve wheel hop, maybe better weight distribution? The car is very close to 50/50 balance. Sorry I can only answer half of your question.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 46
From: Elizabeth City, NC
Re: Do the vette's have IRS? (JC'S01COBRA)
Yes we have IRS, but it is a completely different design than the Cobra IRS system. You would have to look under one to see what I am talking about. I have had numerous vettes ranging from stock to very modified and never had a problem with wheel hop.....Just a different design I suppose.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,694
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From: Less Talk, More WOT | Houston TX
Re: Do the vette's have IRS? (Nathan Plemons)
on a side note i read that bmw actually bought a few c4 rear suspension clips to study in the development of their z3 roadster. :cool:
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: Do the vette's have IRS? (Wheelman)
This is interesting
http://www.ipschassis.com/~editorial...SvLA_frame.htm
http://www.ipschassis.com/~editorial...SvLA_frame.htm
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
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From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
Re: Do the vette's have IRS? (Nathan Plemons)
From the factory, the Vette IRS is outstanding. I rarely get wheel hop, the only time I have gotten it was running M&H Racemasters at high pressure. My Nittos hook sweet. Without any modifications, they are great for drag racing AND road racing.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
Re: Do the vette's have IRS? (Nathan Plemons)
This is interesting
http://www.ipschassis.com/~editorial...SvLA_frame.htm
http://www.ipschassis.com/~editorial...SvLA_frame.htm
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Do the vette's have IRS? (JC'S01COBRA)
We don't get wheel hop because the accelerating and decelerating forces are not applied to the suspension spring. From the C4 on up, the 5 link rear independant suspension has many other benefits also. The rear suspension attempts to maintain the tire 90 deg to the surface and if you have ever hung the rear end out, it does its darndest to straighten itself back up. Try that with an earlier vette and you will be making twirly doos.
My 87 has saved my butt a number of times on slippery roads.
My 87 has saved my butt a number of times on slippery roads.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Do the vette's have IRS? (JC'S01COBRA)
A few Z06 guys were experiencing wheelhop, I never have in either of my C4's.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
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From: San Pedro CA
Re: Do the vette's have IRS? (Nathan Plemons)
This is interesting
http://www.ipschassis.com/~editorial...SvLA_frame.htm
http://www.ipschassis.com/~editorial...SvLA_frame.htm
I have been reading Dave McClellan's book "Corvette from the Inside". Most interesting. There are several paragraphs describing the differences in the IRS designs between the C2/3 IRS and the C4 IRS.
The bottom line is this: Suspension geometry is the major prevailing factor in controlling wheel hop.
I have read about the Cobra's IRS... It is based on a Ford live axel (whatever is in the Stang) and cut down to serve as the pumpkin.
the unit is built off the car, and designed to bolt up to the fox chassis.
Now, if I owned a Cobra, I would look into the FR500 front suspension kit.
I donno if it is available, or if it ever was made available. but it used Lincoln LS components on the front. Getting rid of the strut front end. it also lengthens the front about 8". it includes the front fenders, too.
The kit is kinda expensive... $4k or so.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,198
Likes: 2
From: Northern CA
Re: Do the vette's have IRS? (JC'S01COBRA)
You might want to compare the C4 and C5 rear suspensions. Several of the C5 guys in my area have experienced wheel hop during accel. On the other hand I have never heard of a C4 owner complaining of wheel hop. :crazy:
[Modified by JasonL, 11:28 PM 8/18/2002]
[Modified by JasonL, 11:28 PM 8/18/2002]
