C4 Chassis Stiffness - Coupe vs. 'vert
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 15
From: Lusby MD
C4 Chassis Stiffness - Coupe vs. 'vert
I used to have a nice 96 LT4 coupe (before my wife took it as part of our separation), and now I'm looking for another. My question is, as much as I'd love the breeze in my hair, how much chassis stiffness am I likely to lose if I buy a convert instead of a coupe?
While I'm not gonna go autocrossing or anything, I do love the handling and don't want to drive a wet noodle. The coupe creeked enough on uneven pavement!
Your opinions are appreciated.
[Modified by 69L71, 11:46 AM 9/16/2003]
While I'm not gonna go autocrossing or anything, I do love the handling and don't want to drive a wet noodle. The coupe creeked enough on uneven pavement!
Your opinions are appreciated.
[Modified by 69L71, 11:46 AM 9/16/2003]
Pro
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 542
Likes: 1
From: Stuck in the 80's
Re: C4 Chassis Stiffness - Coupe vs. 'vert (69L71)
I have not owned a coupe, but I have driven a few. I don't know if all convertibles are as solid as mine, but if they are, you should be happy with it. I think they all have the X support on the undercarridge to help out. Mine is a Z52 and is more fun to drive than a friends 94 base version.
JMHO
JMHO
Instructor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 145
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From: San Francisco, CA, USA
Re: C4 Chassis Stiffness - Coupe vs. 'vert (gbody5)
I read somewhere that the coupe was originally designed as a T-Top and at the last minute the were made to change it to a targa. Because of that lost support, there is quite a lot of flex in a coupe with the top off compared with a convertible. As mentioned, there is a x-brace under the convertibles that stiffen them considerably. There is also an aftermarket company that has created an x-brace for the coupes that is suppose to greatly improve their stiffness.
Pro
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 525
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From: San Jose, Ca
Re: C4 Chassis Stiffness - Coupe vs. 'vert (OnDVirg)
These guys make the brace you mentioned. I don't have one, but several CF members do, I've read nothing but good things about them.
http://www.r-dracing.com/
http://www.r-dracing.com/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 51
From: Pomfret, CT
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
Re: C4 Chassis Stiffness - Coupe vs. 'vert (Black'69)
I still smile every time I go around a curve with the vert. You will love it. The wind in your hair will more than make up for any "perceived" loss in stiffness. Add a camber brace and you'll be all set! Handles great even without one!
-Rick
-Rick
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Re: C4 Chassis Stiffness - Coupe vs. 'vert (cicch95)
I still smile every time I go around a curve with the vert. You will love it. The wind in your hair will more than make up for any "perceived" loss in stiffness. Add a camber brace and you'll be all set! Handles great even without one!
-Rick
-Rick
IMHO, the camber brace is not worth the $ or the effort on the rdstr since it came with a "factory camber brace" and the X frame.
I have 110,000 miles on my rdstr and just a little squeak in the passenger door, no rattles and with 30mm front, 24 mm rear sway bars, C5 wheels, Billstein Z51 shocks and C5 brake setup with DRM proportioning valve...corners are great :D :D :D
[Modified by jackdaroofer, 7:28 PM 9/16/2003]
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 15
From: Lusby MD
Re: C4 Chassis Stiffness - Coupe vs. 'vert (jackdaroofer)
Thanks for the opinions guys. I hope to have my butt strapped into a nice late C4 'vert in the next few months! I'll check into the structural mods at that time.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,263
Likes: 86
From: O'Fallon Missouri
Re: C4 Chassis Stiffness - Coupe vs. 'vert (jackdaroofer)
IMHO, the camber brace is not worth the $ or the effort on the rdstr since it came with a "factory camber brace"
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 51
From: Pomfret, CT
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
Re: C4 Chassis Stiffness - Coupe vs. 'vert (69L71)
Thanks for the opinions guys. I hope to have my butt strapped into a nice late C4 'vert in the next few months! I'll check into the structural mods at that time.
-Rick
