C4 Handling questions...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
C4 Handling questions...
Hi everyone, I have recently started looking at getting a C4 for road-racing purposes. From your experiences, how well do these cars handle on the track? If the handling is not so good, what kind of mods are available to improve the handling? Also, I should specify that the car will have to be a 1992-1996 since I have a built 383 LT1 engine sitting in the garage.
And finally, I see that C4s usually weigh in at about 3300lbs. The question is, how much weight can be taken off of these cars? My initial plan was to go road-racing in a fourth gen Camaro, but my experiences haven't been so kind with the live-rear axle so a C4 is my next logical choice to drop the 383 in. Thanks in advance.
Fikret
And finally, I see that C4s usually weigh in at about 3300lbs. The question is, how much weight can be taken off of these cars? My initial plan was to go road-racing in a fourth gen Camaro, but my experiences haven't been so kind with the live-rear axle so a C4 is my next logical choice to drop the 383 in. Thanks in advance.
Fikret
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,276
Likes: 3
From: Why are there squished peanut butter cups in my underware?
If you're looking for a 92-96, I would suggest trying to find one with the off road performance packages.
`91-`95 has the Z-07 heavy duty adjustible suspension package, and the `96 will have the Z-51 sport suspension package.
The Z-07 will have the stiffest springs, and thickest sway bars the factory ever put on. They will also have the 13" heavy duty brakes (not much more stopping power, but more to disipate heat better for autocross racing). The suspension setup is actually stiffer than the `84 Z-51s (which have the reutation as the harshest ridding Vettes ever), so they will all have the FX-3 adjustible shock absorbers.
The `96 Z-51 will be equal to the base suspension of previous years, in terms of ride and suspension components.
`91-`95 has the Z-07 heavy duty adjustible suspension package, and the `96 will have the Z-51 sport suspension package.
The Z-07 will have the stiffest springs, and thickest sway bars the factory ever put on. They will also have the 13" heavy duty brakes (not much more stopping power, but more to disipate heat better for autocross racing). The suspension setup is actually stiffer than the `84 Z-51s (which have the reutation as the harshest ridding Vettes ever), so they will all have the FX-3 adjustible shock absorbers.
The `96 Z-51 will be equal to the base suspension of previous years, in terms of ride and suspension components.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
For sure you want a 6-speed, it will come with the D-44 rear. You will want to select rear gear ratio to best suit the particular type of road racing you get into.
The Z-51 suspension, as mentioned, would be a good option to have if possible. In addition to larger front brakes it comes with fast ratio steering and other goodies. Pick up a copy of the "Corvette Black Book" to see features of the various suspension packages offered over the C4 years.
A guy I worked with in northern CA who road races went to a coil-over susupension for improved handling along with poly graphite sway bar bushings. Of course alignment must be tweaked and road race tires installed.
You can easily drop about 100lbs by removing the spare & jack and racing with about 1/2 tank of fuel. You can replace the stock seats with lighter ones, as the stock tracks can be rather heavy. If you're realy into it, get rid of the carpeting and heavy sound-deadening matting.
You can install the roadster cross-brace under the chassis to stiffen it a little, along with a roll cage to realy reduce flex.
To realy tweak it, pick up a copy of "How to Make your Car Handle" by Fred Puhn.
The Z-51 suspension, as mentioned, would be a good option to have if possible. In addition to larger front brakes it comes with fast ratio steering and other goodies. Pick up a copy of the "Corvette Black Book" to see features of the various suspension packages offered over the C4 years.
A guy I worked with in northern CA who road races went to a coil-over susupension for improved handling along with poly graphite sway bar bushings. Of course alignment must be tweaked and road race tires installed.
You can easily drop about 100lbs by removing the spare & jack and racing with about 1/2 tank of fuel. You can replace the stock seats with lighter ones, as the stock tracks can be rather heavy. If you're realy into it, get rid of the carpeting and heavy sound-deadening matting.
You can install the roadster cross-brace under the chassis to stiffen it a little, along with a roll cage to realy reduce flex.
To realy tweak it, pick up a copy of "How to Make your Car Handle" by Fred Puhn.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 9
They can be made to handle great! The biggest item that needs to be addressed is the rear suspension camber rods: replace them with solid heim joined parts (vette brakes).
Weightwise: The archives are gone, but it is easy to reduce weight by 150 lb without affecting any functionality or going the stripper route. Beyond that you can take out an additional 28lb for AC, gut the interior for 50+, etc.
Weightwise: The archives are gone, but it is easy to reduce weight by 150 lb without affecting any functionality or going the stripper route. Beyond that you can take out an additional 28lb for AC, gut the interior for 50+, etc.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 2
From: Albuquerque NM
wieght - 2200 to 2400 gutted...unfortunately this puts more % of wieght over the front wheels. Going to a light wieght hood and dumping unnecessary feature like the A/C, heater core, etc.. will help. To rebalance I seen as much as 150 to 200 lbs of lead added to the rear cross brace. I've even found it better to drag race with a full tank of gas and the spare tire installed for better traction BUT for a road racer you gotta get as close to 50 50 as possible.
Suspension: you gotta go vette brakes for the rear. Get everything they have...Also get rid of the transverse leafs as they "communicate" load from one to the other. And of course lower the car a few inches.
Unfortunately, It'll be better if you sell your motor and get a C5.
Suspension: you gotta go vette brakes for the rear. Get everything they have...Also get rid of the transverse leafs as they "communicate" load from one to the other. And of course lower the car a few inches.
Unfortunately, It'll be better if you sell your motor and get a C5.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Originally Posted by JAKE
There's also an autocross and roadrace board on this Forum. Those guys can give you more details if you need them. I believe it's under "General".
Jake
Jake
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Thanks for all the info guys, and I have already browsed through the Auto-x/Road Racing section, and I have found lots of good information. So thanks for pointing out that section. If anyone else has any suggestions, I would be glad to read them. Thanks.
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