Z06 - FRC design question
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 120
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From: NJ
Z06 - FRC design question
I remember when the Z06 first came out for 2001, reading that the reason they used the FRC body style was that it is the stiffest of the C5 bodies. My question though, is has there ever been any discussion that GM decided to use the Z06 to force buyers to take the FRC, which hadnt been selling that well? Could be they had spent a fair amount of money developing a third third body style that nobody was really buying?
I know the FRC coupe has its devotees, but to me its just got nothing on the classic fastback. I just so wish they had made a Z06 in a fastback, even if they skipped the removable roof panel like the C6Z. I feel like they made the Z06 in FRC only because GM knew if they made the fastback an option, FRCs would have continued to make up a very small percentage of cars sold.
Thoughts?
I know the FRC coupe has its devotees, but to me its just got nothing on the classic fastback. I just so wish they had made a Z06 in a fastback, even if they skipped the removable roof panel like the C6Z. I feel like they made the Z06 in FRC only because GM knew if they made the fastback an option, FRCs would have continued to make up a very small percentage of cars sold.
Thoughts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Belleville Il
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 293
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From: South Bend IN
I've always been under the impression that it's stiffer too. Marginally - like 13% stiffer. Yes they designed the C5 so that the vert would be as stiff as the coupe out of the box but I swear they added rigidity with the FRC.Yes, personal taste varies, but IMHO the FRC looks more like an exotic than the coupe. The thing looks like it's hauling a$$ even when it's sitting still.
I bought mine for the combination of looks and less weight. Do I really need an electric passenger seat, memory for the drivers seat, and dual climate control - really, dual climate control in a cabin the size of a porta potty? Stripper' down, hand me the keys and let me go defy gravity baby!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,015
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From: Loxahatchee Florida
I bought my FRC new in 2000 exactly because of how it looked. I think the Z06 was just a natural evolution of the model. Could have been an insider plot to boost sales but that's what businesses are supposed to do anyways.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Dallas, TX
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1549359017-post3.html
The car attributes rigidity to the chassis, if the FRC improves that, it seems to be lore vs. documented fact. I have seen some magazine articles imply additional stiffness, but who knows where that info comes from.
The car attributes rigidity to the chassis, if the FRC improves that, it seems to be lore vs. documented fact. I have seen some magazine articles imply additional stiffness, but who knows where that info comes from.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,953
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From: either, ca/ohio
corvette books.
the hydro formed frame gives the c5-6 the rigidity.
same frame for all models.
"Starting with the most structurally rigid body style, the hardtop or FRC, new components included: uprated FE4 suspension, larger wheels and tires, revised gearing ratios, and functional brake cooling ducts. The Z06 is 38 pounds lighter than a standard C5 hardtop thanks to weight-saving measures such as a titanium exhaust, thinner glass, lighter wheel, non-EMT tires, reduced sound proofing, fixed rear radio aerial, and a lighter battery. Starting with the 2002 model year, the LS6 engine output was increased to 405 hp (302 kW) due to a larger CFM air intake, stiffer valve springs, lighter sodium filled valves, more aggressive camshaft lift and timing, lighter pistons, and revised engine block."
google for more of the same info.
the hydro formed frame gives the c5-6 the rigidity.
same frame for all models.
"Starting with the most structurally rigid body style, the hardtop or FRC, new components included: uprated FE4 suspension, larger wheels and tires, revised gearing ratios, and functional brake cooling ducts. The Z06 is 38 pounds lighter than a standard C5 hardtop thanks to weight-saving measures such as a titanium exhaust, thinner glass, lighter wheel, non-EMT tires, reduced sound proofing, fixed rear radio aerial, and a lighter battery. Starting with the 2002 model year, the LS6 engine output was increased to 405 hp (302 kW) due to a larger CFM air intake, stiffer valve springs, lighter sodium filled valves, more aggressive camshaft lift and timing, lighter pistons, and revised engine block."
google for more of the same info.
Last edited by imavettegirl; Oct 21, 2010 at 01:25 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,523
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From: Holly, Michigan
From http://www.idavette.net/hib/99hdtp.htm
The Hardtop's underbody structure is the stiffest of all C5s. It has both the Coupe's "top bow" and the extra crossbar behind the seats, characteristic of the Convertible. Its exterior bodywork behind the windshield and above the belt line is bolted to the windshield header and is bolted and adhesively bonded to the rear deck. The underbody structure, the hard top and the lack of the big hole in the back for the hatch make the Hardtop about 12% stiffer in torsion and bending than the Coupe with its roof in place.
The Hardtop's underbody structure is the stiffest of all C5s. It has both the Coupe's "top bow" and the extra crossbar behind the seats, characteristic of the Convertible. Its exterior bodywork behind the windshield and above the belt line is bolted to the windshield header and is bolted and adhesively bonded to the rear deck. The underbody structure, the hard top and the lack of the big hole in the back for the hatch make the Hardtop about 12% stiffer in torsion and bending than the Coupe with its roof in place.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Holly, Michigan
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/.../09171998.html
"The new Corvette hardtop completes the fifth-generation Corvette lineup," said John G. Middlebrook, Chevrolet general manager. "Some Corvette customers have asked for a lighter, stiffer and slightly more agile high-performance model -- and our new hardtop gives them that car."
"The new Corvette hardtop completes the fifth-generation Corvette lineup," said John G. Middlebrook, Chevrolet general manager. "Some Corvette customers have asked for a lighter, stiffer and slightly more agile high-performance model -- and our new hardtop gives them that car."
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Press releases when the FRC was introduced back in 1999 -
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/.../09171998.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...5/smcroof.html
My recollection of the FRC was that Corvette wanted to introduce a lower priced model of the C5. It was known internally as the "Billy-Bob". They discussed offering the car with significantly lower content, even cloth seats were discussed. Upper management decided that a de-contented C5 would be detrimental to the Corvette name and instead chose to pursue higher performance version with the FRC. It came only with the Z51 performance suspension, 3.42 gears and MN6 trans. It came only with an all black interior and certain options like sport seats were unavailable. It was only available in a few limited colors - none of the premium colors like Millennium Yellow.
As already discussed, the FRC became the Z06 in 2001.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/.../09171998.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...5/smcroof.html
My recollection of the FRC was that Corvette wanted to introduce a lower priced model of the C5. It was known internally as the "Billy-Bob". They discussed offering the car with significantly lower content, even cloth seats were discussed. Upper management decided that a de-contented C5 would be detrimental to the Corvette name and instead chose to pursue higher performance version with the FRC. It came only with the Z51 performance suspension, 3.42 gears and MN6 trans. It came only with an all black interior and certain options like sport seats were unavailable. It was only available in a few limited colors - none of the premium colors like Millennium Yellow.
As already discussed, the FRC became the Z06 in 2001.
Last edited by blacksedan87; Oct 21, 2010 at 03:44 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,523
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From: Holly, Michigan
Resident moron
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,746
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From: Assachusetts
corvette books.
the hydro formed frame gives the c5-6 the rigidity.
same frame for all models.
"Starting with the most structurally rigid body style, the hardtop or FRC, new components included: uprated FE4 suspension, larger wheels and tires, revised gearing ratios, and functional brake cooling ducts. The Z06 is 38 pounds lighter than a standard C5 hardtop thanks to weight-saving measures such as a titanium exhaust, thinner glass, lighter wheel, non-EMT tires, reduced sound proofing, fixed rear radio aerial, and a lighter battery. Starting with the 2002 model year, the LS6 engine output was increased to 405 hp (302 kW) due to a larger CFM air intake, stiffer valve springs, lighter sodium filled valves, more aggressive camshaft lift and timing, lighter pistons, and revised engine block."
google for more of the same info.
the hydro formed frame gives the c5-6 the rigidity.
same frame for all models.
"Starting with the most structurally rigid body style, the hardtop or FRC, new components included: uprated FE4 suspension, larger wheels and tires, revised gearing ratios, and functional brake cooling ducts. The Z06 is 38 pounds lighter than a standard C5 hardtop thanks to weight-saving measures such as a titanium exhaust, thinner glass, lighter wheel, non-EMT tires, reduced sound proofing, fixed rear radio aerial, and a lighter battery. Starting with the 2002 model year, the LS6 engine output was increased to 405 hp (302 kW) due to a larger CFM air intake, stiffer valve springs, lighter sodium filled valves, more aggressive camshaft lift and timing, lighter pistons, and revised engine block."
google for more of the same info.
Furthermore, of course the frame rails are the same, but common sense tells you that having a hard top further reinforcing the structure is going to help pretty significantly. It's pretty much a no-brainer.
Dope
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 901
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From: LaPorte Indiana
I've always been under the impression that it's stiffer too. Marginally - like 13% stiffer. Yes they designed the C5 so that the vert would be as stiff as the coupe out of the box but I swear they added rigidity with the FRC.Yes, personal taste varies, but IMHO the FRC looks more like an exotic than the coupe. The thing looks like it's hauling a$$ even when it's sitting still.
I bought mine for the combination of looks and less weight. Do I really need an electric passenger seat, memory for the drivers seat, and dual climate control - really, dual climate control in a cabin the size of a porta potty? Stripper' down, hand me the keys and let me go defy gravity baby!!
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 244
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From: I'll Keep My Guns , Freedom And Money. You Keep The Change. FL
Coupe = 
Love my ZO6. Significantly better lines and shape. Not much of a fan of the hatchback model. Unless of course its a C6ZO6 or ZR1.
Love my ZO6. Significantly better lines and shape. Not much of a fan of the hatchback model. Unless of course its a C6ZO6 or ZR1.
Last edited by RamAirTA; Oct 21, 2010 at 04:15 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,953
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From: either, ca/ohio
i found articles that say frc/Z06 is stiffer, the same as a coupe with panel installed and no difference for any of the platforms.
until someone can find a photo/diagram of exactly what is different on the frc/Z06 frame i will stick with it is no different then any other c5.
until someone can find a photo/diagram of exactly what is different on the frc/Z06 frame i will stick with it is no different then any other c5.