Just picked up a new 2002 Torch Red Z06 and put 1200 miles on it the past two weeks. I have gone to school on many of the questions and answers about what's "normal" over the past couple months and found it helpful. Now I've got data points to contribute to some of the questions I've seen on the forum that I hope will be helpful to others.

This is a stock car except for "CAGS defeat" harness which was put on before I picked it up. The battery was not disconneted for the installation and everyting works fine. The "1 - 4 shift" light has come on so seldom that I wonder if I would have been bothered without the harness. The few times the light has come on I couldn't tell what was different about my start so I have no plans to take the harness off.

Highest coolant temperature seen was 212 degrees F in Chicago Loop, stop and go traffic with 85 degree ambient. Constantly moving at almost any speed I saw 191 - 194 degrees in any ambient.

Highest oil temperature was 208 degrees and that seemed pretty constant.

At stabilized operating temperature and cruising at engines speeds above 1500 rpm, oil pressure was 41 - 43 psi.

I was impressed with the cruise control response, the car never varied off the digital setting shown in HUD.

I passed a "public service" radar unit which saw me instantly and the speedo agreed well with radar display.

I'm getting what I think is a lot dust from the brake pads, but I have no other "high performance" brake pad experience to compare to. I thought this might decrease as the pad material cured but this hasn't happend yet.

The throw out bearing noise is audible in the drivers compartment at a stop light. It made me a bit curious at first but the clutch seems to feel and function fine so it's nothing more than a "watch" item at this point.

The exhaust note did seem to change - got a bit crisper - in the first couple hundred miles but I'm sure my ear was going through and adjustment period as well so who knows if it is real.

Have not done any launches from zero mph yet but jumping on it in 1st gear at 2000 rpm in competitive mode still produces wheel spin and fish tail for a second then a nice hookup. It pulls noticeable harder from 4000 - 6000 rpm -it really hustles in that range and sounds great. There is no noise from the tires when spinning. Traction control eliminates all this fun.

First to second gear is an easy shift make quickly and the car easily breaks the tires loose but I have missed second to third once. Stiffer centering springs would certainly help but I'm going to wait until I've spent more time with this gear box and linkage before considering a new shifter. I can see that this would be a "must change" for the drag strip but I don't plan to spend any time there.

I hear a slight "rattling/chattering" noise from the rear end when I'm doing a normal first gear start from a light or stop sign. There is not much to hear when starting and going straight, it is more pronounced if I'm starting and making a 90 degree turn. Don't notice this or I'm must unable to hear it due to ambient noise in the other gears. Nothing feels wrong and I'm guessing it is from the differential not the clutch. Another "watch" item.

I'm 6' 4" tall and found the car very comfortable. With the cruise control on I can stretch my legs out behind the pedals and be very comfortable for long distances. The center council against my right leg does get warm but it wasn't a major issue. Can't compare it to the '01 issue.

Crusing on the highway with engine rpm under 2000, there is little to no exhaust noise and the stereo is easy to hear and sounds fine (stereo sound quality didn't enter into my purchase decision). Above 2000 rpm I start to hear the exhaust and have to crank up the volume. Noise from the rear end of the car is highly dependent on the road surface, new asphalt is quiet, old concrete is very noisy.

The car seems very tight yet provides a comfortable ride - nothing rattles. There are bigger blind spots on the sides because of the fixed roof line, the driver needs to be comfortable using the mirrors.

All things considered I'm very happy with the purchase and expect to enjoy it, mostly stock, for a long time.

Now my question:

I live in Europe for the moment on a work assignment and the car is stored for up to two months at a time without being driven. I want to put a battery tender on and am looking for recommendations. Any experience would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mark


[Modified by markmcclain, 2:05 PM 9/9/2001]


[Modified by markmcclain, 2:06 PM 9/9/2001]


[Modified by markmcclain, 2:11 PM 9/9/2001]

 

Congrats on the car, & I have no idea about the tender.
:jester

 

Mark-
Congradulations with your Torch Red 2002 Z06! Everything you describe with your 2002 is evident in my 2001. Please remeber, GM eliminated all the sound deadeniing material in the rear deck area so noises will become very apparent. Watch your owners tape and the transmission noise you are hearing is described in the tape! Actually, I rather enjoy the mechanical sounds from my 2001 Z06 over my '99 LS1.

The battery tender is a must! A 2 month lay over will drain the Delco battery. There are many brands out ther, The NCM in Bowling Green, Ky sells the Battery Tender brand and its a good unit, I believe its $59.00 US.

Enjoy your Z06!!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

 

I did get the battery tender from the Corvette Museum and it works just fine. It has an extra harness that you could put onto the battery to easily quick connect the trickle charger. You can also get a similar product at Sears. For ordering online the NCM is hard to beat.

 

Thanks guys for quick answers on battery tender. I'll have one on the car next month (my next trip).

I forgot to mention oil consumption, I've used a half a quart according to the dipstick in these first 1200 miles.

Mark