Project Comfortable-gaining spouse approval
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 165
From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
Project Comfortable-gaining spouse approval
Hey guys, I’ve decided I’m going to try to fix some of the issues that make it so my wife doesn’t like riding in my vette. Namely, she doesn’t find it comfortable.
obviously it’s a c4, it’s not going to be a Lexus. That said, I want to eliminate some squeaks and rattles and quiet it down (I think the exhaust is after market and it drones horribly). Also the passenger seat belt locks up frequently. Lastly, smoothing out the ride a bit would be helpful.
I think replacing the passenger seat belt should fix the retraction issue-if there’s more to that then let me know.
for the exhaust, are there any suggestions (especially cheap ones!) to help me fix the drone? In an ideal world you’d hear it if I step on the throttle but would be comfortable while cruising.
On the rattles and squeaks, are there suggestions on that as well? I’ve put sound deadener down under all the mats and it did help some but not nearly enough lol.
I appreciate any suggestions from this forum.
obviously it’s a c4, it’s not going to be a Lexus. That said, I want to eliminate some squeaks and rattles and quiet it down (I think the exhaust is after market and it drones horribly). Also the passenger seat belt locks up frequently. Lastly, smoothing out the ride a bit would be helpful.
I think replacing the passenger seat belt should fix the retraction issue-if there’s more to that then let me know.
for the exhaust, are there any suggestions (especially cheap ones!) to help me fix the drone? In an ideal world you’d hear it if I step on the throttle but would be comfortable while cruising.
On the rattles and squeaks, are there suggestions on that as well? I’ve put sound deadener down under all the mats and it did help some but not nearly enough lol.
I appreciate any suggestions from this forum.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 441
From: Albuquerque NM
IMO the later interior cars are significantly more solid and squeak free than the earlier, so a 90-96 is a good place to start. A full interior rebuild from the body up allows you to lay down sound deadener material like Dyna mat or Siless, install new carpet backing, and in the process, tighten every plastic trim screw...
Swap in some base springs from a 94-96 car, get some real soft shocks from the local auto parts store, find some tires with low road noise, new weather strip, and most importantly, a factory exhaust system...
I put a factory 92-96 LTx exhaust system including center resonator and rear mufflers on my previously straight piped 89, and that helped a ton with noise.
Oh also IMO the solid targa top results in a quieter ride than does the clear top.
Oh and frame stiffeners, either the X frame from a convertible or I believe Vette 2 Vette makes a similar aftermarket solution.
Good luck!
Swap in some base springs from a 94-96 car, get some real soft shocks from the local auto parts store, find some tires with low road noise, new weather strip, and most importantly, a factory exhaust system...
I put a factory 92-96 LTx exhaust system including center resonator and rear mufflers on my previously straight piped 89, and that helped a ton with noise.
Oh also IMO the solid targa top results in a quieter ride than does the clear top.
Oh and frame stiffeners, either the X frame from a convertible or I believe Vette 2 Vette makes a similar aftermarket solution.
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 165
From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
Lots of good suggestions in there. I’ve already done the sound deadener. I really don’t want to get rid of this car, so a later interior isn’t an option but you’re right I’m sure.
further bracing the body is a good plan and stock exhaust is another good plan. Is stock the best option for comfortable exhaust?
i have the solid top in addition to the clear top. However, my solid top has no head liner, which I’m sure I can fix.
further bracing the body is a good plan and stock exhaust is another good plan. Is stock the best option for comfortable exhaust?
i have the solid top in addition to the clear top. However, my solid top has no head liner, which I’m sure I can fix.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6,485
Likes: 566
From: Clearwater Florida
Hey guys, I’ve decided I’m going to try to fix some of the issues that make it so my wife doesn’t like riding in my vette. Namely, she doesn’t find it comfortable.
obviously it’s a c4, it’s not going to be a Lexus. That said, I want to eliminate some squeaks and rattles and quiet it down (I think the exhaust is after market and it drones horribly). Also the passenger seat belt locks up frequently. Lastly, smoothing out the ride a bit would be helpful.
I think replacing the passenger seat belt should fix the retraction issue-if there’s more to that then let me know.
for the exhaust, are there any suggestions (especially cheap ones!) to help me fix the drone? In an ideal world you’d hear it if I step on the throttle but would be comfortable while cruising.
On the rattles and squeaks, are there suggestions on that as well? I’ve put sound deadener down under all the mats and it did help some but not nearly enough lol.
I appreciate any suggestions from this forum.
obviously it’s a c4, it’s not going to be a Lexus. That said, I want to eliminate some squeaks and rattles and quiet it down (I think the exhaust is after market and it drones horribly). Also the passenger seat belt locks up frequently. Lastly, smoothing out the ride a bit would be helpful.
I think replacing the passenger seat belt should fix the retraction issue-if there’s more to that then let me know.
for the exhaust, are there any suggestions (especially cheap ones!) to help me fix the drone? In an ideal world you’d hear it if I step on the throttle but would be comfortable while cruising.
On the rattles and squeaks, are there suggestions on that as well? I’ve put sound deadener down under all the mats and it did help some but not nearly enough lol.
I appreciate any suggestions from this forum.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 165
From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,895
Likes: 592
From: New Port Richey FL
that's funny I bought a manual Hyundai just to keep the Corvette safe, once I taught my wife how to drive a manual on the Hyundai I had drive the Corvette to keep it safe because it became a moms taxi grocery runner couldn't keep her out.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 165
From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
what year is your car I have a puff converter back exhaust for LT-1 if you're interested
that's funny I bought a manual Hyundai just to keep the Corvette safe, once I taught my wife how to drive a manual on the Hyundai I had drive the Corvette to keep it safe because it became a moms taxi grocery runner couldn't keep her out.
that's funny I bought a manual Hyundai just to keep the Corvette safe, once I taught my wife how to drive a manual on the Hyundai I had drive the Corvette to keep it safe because it became a moms taxi grocery runner couldn't keep her out.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 165
From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
I remember you wife's and her friend's remarks comparing the 85 to the Boxster in the video. Neither of them thought much of the Corvette.
I don't recall if your 85 is a Z51. Mine is. I seldom drive my Original Owner 40,xxx mile 85, but I also have a 1992 FE1 Suspension I've driven 10,000 miles in 10 months, and recently sold my 1990 FE7/FX3 ZR-1 after 4 years and 20,000 miles of ownership. I drove the 85 a month ago 70 miles round trip and was surprised at how rough and crude the 85 is compared to the later cars. The hood shakes, the steering wheel is small, the 13.5 steering is almost annoyingly quick (after becoming accustomed to the higher ratio steering in the later cars), the tires and suspension are stiff and bouncy. It's still a blast to drive, but again "crude" in comparison. Full disclosure: I store the car with 50psi in the tires. I usually remember to air-down to drive it, but I can't recall if I did or not for this only drive in 2 years. If I was driving with 50psi, that explains a lot, but I don't think I did. It was pretty much what I remember.
I'm not sure what can be done to "civilize" an 85. They're just different than the later cars. If it is a Z51, changing to FE1 springs or even just the rear to a Convertible RCA spring might really soften things up for the Mrs.
Sorry, I'm not much help. I'm familiar with the cars, and can therefore empathize with her objections, but remedies are limited. If you like your 85, and want to keep it around, don't let her ride in or drive a 92-up FE1 (base suspension) car. My 92 is not a bad highway car at all. Quite cushy. For canyons though, I prefer the FE7 suspension.
I still remember the video. I enjoyed that.
I don't recall if your 85 is a Z51. Mine is. I seldom drive my Original Owner 40,xxx mile 85, but I also have a 1992 FE1 Suspension I've driven 10,000 miles in 10 months, and recently sold my 1990 FE7/FX3 ZR-1 after 4 years and 20,000 miles of ownership. I drove the 85 a month ago 70 miles round trip and was surprised at how rough and crude the 85 is compared to the later cars. The hood shakes, the steering wheel is small, the 13.5 steering is almost annoyingly quick (after becoming accustomed to the higher ratio steering in the later cars), the tires and suspension are stiff and bouncy. It's still a blast to drive, but again "crude" in comparison. Full disclosure: I store the car with 50psi in the tires. I usually remember to air-down to drive it, but I can't recall if I did or not for this only drive in 2 years. If I was driving with 50psi, that explains a lot, but I don't think I did. It was pretty much what I remember.
I'm not sure what can be done to "civilize" an 85. They're just different than the later cars. If it is a Z51, changing to FE1 springs or even just the rear to a Convertible RCA spring might really soften things up for the Mrs.
Sorry, I'm not much help. I'm familiar with the cars, and can therefore empathize with her objections, but remedies are limited. If you like your 85, and want to keep it around, don't let her ride in or drive a 92-up FE1 (base suspension) car. My 92 is not a bad highway car at all. Quite cushy. For canyons though, I prefer the FE7 suspension.
I still remember the video. I enjoyed that.
Oh. For the drone: If both outlets in each muffler are open, obtain two plumbing test plugs of the appropriate size and plug the inner pipe on each side. If this works, there are permanent ways to block the one pipe. (The stock mufflers on an 85 have the inner pipe completely blanked off.)
We actually just did another road trip with the same people, this time in a pair of Nissan 370Zs. That car performs great but it is NOT comfortable. My wife actually said she preferred the corvette except for the noise, which is why I’m thinking quitting it down may go a long way.
Didn’t film this road trip, just been too much going on and needed a break (I got my pilots license though!) I’m hoping to do more videos of these trips in the future, as it seemed lots of people enjoyed them.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 165
From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
Oh. For the drone: If both outlets in each muffler are open, obtain two plumbing test plugs of the appropriate size and plug the inner pipe on each side. If this works, there are permanent ways to block the one pipe. (The stock mufflers on an 85 have the inner pipe completely blanked off.)
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 165
From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
Your "locking up" seat belt sounds like the issue that the recall was issued for. Seat belts were only replaced if the condition existed. Pull out the belt until you can read the label. The big number is week and year. If the year is still 84 or 85, it is the original belt. Jot down your VIN number in the "notes" section in your phone. Also jot down 91C25 and 91C26. These are the numbers for the seat-belt recalls for the 84-90 Corvettes. In your travels, stop by a Chev (or any GM dealer) and have them run your VIN for the campaign. The next hurdle will be if there are any replacement belts available. Don't be choosy about the color, and there may still be stock.
Congratulations. In your part of the country weather, weather, and then the weather is everything. Be careful and prudent. I don't want to hear Juan Browne or Dan Gryder talking about you. Again, congratulations.
Congratulations. In your part of the country weather, weather, and then the weather is everything. Be careful and prudent. I don't want to hear Juan Browne or Dan Gryder talking about you. Again, congratulations.
As for flying, yeah I’m not a risk taker. I was 2 hrs late for my exam due to low clouds over the field.
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,375
Likes: 2,737
congrats dude.
Here is what i did for my 86, and Doms 85. They were smooth as silk, an fe1 car. (pretty sure yours is fe1).
New bilsteins, the non-z51 version. I cant remeber if they were b6 or b8’s.
New tires. in my case i put c6 base 5 spokes on, using adapters. Continental Extreme contacts. Smooooooth ride! Getting new tires in your factory size is a challenge. you can get the 245 version.
Alignment. In your case get a cruising alignment.
Corsa exhaust, (no drone due to built in heimholtz frequency cancellation which if u like science is pretty cool) and retain a new catalytic converter, helps with odour. get a professional muffler shop to assemble unless you got a lift in ur new shop and can weld.
interiir, even just ensuring all the screws are tight is a good start. i use very thin peel and stick felt padding cut with scissors to keep the rattles down.
Lastly, superpro bushing replacements tighten it all up and reduce the nvh.
Jessie loves her C5. Hates the C4’s. C5’s drive like a honda. So u may need to consider that haha.
Here is what i did for my 86, and Doms 85. They were smooth as silk, an fe1 car. (pretty sure yours is fe1).
New bilsteins, the non-z51 version. I cant remeber if they were b6 or b8’s.
New tires. in my case i put c6 base 5 spokes on, using adapters. Continental Extreme contacts. Smooooooth ride! Getting new tires in your factory size is a challenge. you can get the 245 version.
Alignment. In your case get a cruising alignment.
Corsa exhaust, (no drone due to built in heimholtz frequency cancellation which if u like science is pretty cool) and retain a new catalytic converter, helps with odour. get a professional muffler shop to assemble unless you got a lift in ur new shop and can weld.
interiir, even just ensuring all the screws are tight is a good start. i use very thin peel and stick felt padding cut with scissors to keep the rattles down.
Lastly, superpro bushing replacements tighten it all up and reduce the nvh.
Jessie loves her C5. Hates the C4’s. C5’s drive like a honda. So u may need to consider that haha.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 165
From: Nashville TN
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
congrats dude.
Here is what i did for my 86, and Doms 85. They were smooth as silk, an fe1 car. (pretty sure yours is fe1).
New bilsteins, the non-z51 version. I cant remeber if they were b6 or b8’s.
New tires. in my case i put c6 base 5 spokes on, using adapters. Continental Extreme contacts. Smooooooth ride! Getting new tires in your factory size is a challenge. you can get the 245 version.
Alignment. In your case get a cruising alignment.
Corsa exhaust, (no drone due to built in heimholtz frequency cancellation which if u like science is pretty cool) and retain a new catalytic converter, helps with odour. get a professional muffler shop to assemble unless you got a lift in ur new shop and can weld.
interiir, even just ensuring all the screws are tight is a good start. i use very thin peel and stick felt padding cut with scissors to keep the rattles down.
Lastly, superpro bushing replacements tighten it all up and reduce the nvh.
Jessie loves her C5. Hates the C4’s. C5’s drive like a honda. So u may need to consider that haha.
Here is what i did for my 86, and Doms 85. They were smooth as silk, an fe1 car. (pretty sure yours is fe1).
New bilsteins, the non-z51 version. I cant remeber if they were b6 or b8’s.
New tires. in my case i put c6 base 5 spokes on, using adapters. Continental Extreme contacts. Smooooooth ride! Getting new tires in your factory size is a challenge. you can get the 245 version.
Alignment. In your case get a cruising alignment.
Corsa exhaust, (no drone due to built in heimholtz frequency cancellation which if u like science is pretty cool) and retain a new catalytic converter, helps with odour. get a professional muffler shop to assemble unless you got a lift in ur new shop and can weld.
interiir, even just ensuring all the screws are tight is a good start. i use very thin peel and stick felt padding cut with scissors to keep the rattles down.
Lastly, superpro bushing replacements tighten it all up and reduce the nvh.
Jessie loves her C5. Hates the C4’s. C5’s drive like a honda. So u may need to consider that haha.
I already did the bushings on the rear and that did wonders. I’ve got the front ones but haven’t tried to get them installed. They look like a bear to do (the rears were not easy either). Might have a shop do them.
I’ve got new(ish) tires. Meaning they’re a couple years old but low miles.
New exhaust is high on the list. That drone is killer. I’ve got a local shop that does great work, I’ll have him do it.
I’m curious about the felt pads. That sounds like a great idea, do you have photos you can share? I’m assuming you put them on the frame underneath the panels, then tighten the panel down?
Good to hear from you Viking!