Hot Console
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5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
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Hot Console
Just bought 2003 50th Anniversary Edition last week was driving around and the The console got very warm, is it anything to be concerned about or just the normal transmission heat. Glasses were in the console and were almost to warm to put on. All gauges seemed normal
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
That's normal. You can mitigate the heat by installing sound/heat insulation under the carpet, and/or an insulated tunnel plate. What you're feeling is the heat from the torque tube that radiates through the flooring.
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with Corvette_Ed. Corvettes have always had quite a bit of heat from the console area (especially in earlier models where the tranny was up front). Installing some insulation material will certainly help keep the heat down in the cabin.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
The tranny up front on earlier models...? I am not aware the C5 had any other tranny configuration other than a trans/axel setup. What gives? I must have a later model with the tranny and rear axel setup and the console gets somewhat warm but never hot.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Lake Charles Louisiana
And to add to this thread for the OP and others, I added a full layer of Rammat sound deadener and a good layer of closed cell ensolite under my console the full length of the tunnel. The entire car to be exact as you can see in my stereo build thread, and this only cut down on the console heat very slightly. I think the best bet, though no experience, would be to install the "bubble foil" stuff that Marc with vettenuts sells.
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Significant reduction in heat inside the cabin, as well as reduction of road noise.
Marc at Vettnuts has these kits (he installed mine), and I think recently he had a sale on them. He is a forum vendor, and you could look into it, or call him.
It's a mod, that will never wear out. I think a good investment.
Don
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
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I went this route as well and noticed a considerably difference in the heat ! Insulated Tunnel Plate has got my vote !
Supporting Vendor
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We have our insulation kits on sale located here: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...irst-10-a.html
Pictures of the kit installed in a C5 vert are below.
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Check this thread. Just ordered mine. Good reviews.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...insulator.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...insulator.html
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I installed a heat/sound deadening system as well as a thermal tunnel plate. It really cut down on the noise and heat. There is also a vendor who sells a thermal cut out that you can install in your center console.
I remember after I first bought my C5. I filled up at a gas station and bought a bag of M&Ms and placed them in the center console. When I got home, they had all completely melted. 😧
I remember after I first bought my C5. I filled up at a gas station and bought a bag of M&Ms and placed them in the center console. When I got home, they had all completely melted. 😧
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 250
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From: MA
I installed an .25" aluminum tunnel plate. Cut down console heat significantly. You don't need to insulate aluminum tunnel plates. That actually makes it worse as aluminum is a great heat spreader. If you insulate the aluminum it doesn't spread the heat. The tunnel also has holes in the front and back which again makes insulating the plate a waste of time.