convertible chassis stiffness
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
convertible chassis stiffness
I'm considering a 2002 C5 convertible but my past experience with other converts were disappointing. I found the chassis' flexed causing an awkward feeling. I would like some input comparing the removable top model.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 204
From: Calabash, NC
I have a 2001 Vert and a 2004 Coupe (removable roof) - I have no twisting issue with either one. Both are stock. With the tube construction introduced with the C5 I believe the twisting is a thing of the past. 
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
When the C5 frame was designed, it basically started out as a convertible. You will find that the C5 'vert is stronger and stiffer than a C4 coupe.
The C5 coupe frame was created from the basic convertible design. The FRC was a further expansion of the convertible design.
The C5 coupe frame was created from the basic convertible design. The FRC was a further expansion of the convertible design.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 9
My 69' Vette and my current C5 are fine. The 69' rode STIFF though, not nearly as smooth as the C5
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 128
From: Valdosta GA
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-‘18-'19-'20-'21-'22
http://www.thegreatamericansportscar.com/history5.html
Try getting a copy of "All Corvettes are Red" for a great insight on the design and production of the C5
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Ive posted this many times
As Ive said many times, SOME people think 1960's technology still lives in our C5.. back in the 60's and up into the 90's a convertible frame typically was 200 lbs heavier with an added X frame support added for rigidity... That's why some old school mechanics still living in the 60's will tell owners to open their doors before lifting their corvette.. these mechanics are living in the distant past...
As Far as the C5 goes..In 1997, the fifth-generation Corvette represented the first true breakthrough in automotive hydroforming technology with industry-first twin seamless hydroformed frame rails. Each rail began as a piece of 18-foot-long six-inch diameter tubing, and replaced the previous model's 14-piece stamped and spot-welded rails. The frame rails gave the Corvette unprecedented stiffness - a 450 percent improvement - and dramatically improved ride and handling while reducing weight and improving step-in height. It also saved us some $25 million in tooling costs.
This hydroforming procedure was accomplishes at out Pontiac Mich facility, but has since moved in house at Bowling Green.
With a 450% increase in strength there is no need to reinforce the frame for a convertible.
As Far as the C5 goes..In 1997, the fifth-generation Corvette represented the first true breakthrough in automotive hydroforming technology with industry-first twin seamless hydroformed frame rails. Each rail began as a piece of 18-foot-long six-inch diameter tubing, and replaced the previous model's 14-piece stamped and spot-welded rails. The frame rails gave the Corvette unprecedented stiffness - a 450 percent improvement - and dramatically improved ride and handling while reducing weight and improving step-in height. It also saved us some $25 million in tooling costs.
This hydroforming procedure was accomplishes at out Pontiac Mich facility, but has since moved in house at Bowling Green.
With a 450% increase in strength there is no need to reinforce the frame for a convertible.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Here's a brief overview
http://www.thegreatamericansportscar.com/history5.html
Try getting a copy of "All Corvettes are Red" for a great insight on the design and production of the C5
http://www.thegreatamericansportscar.com/history5.html
Try getting a copy of "All Corvettes are Red" for a great insight on the design and production of the C5
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,657
Likes: 195
From: Boxford Massachusetts
I am no expert, but I've test driven a handful of convertibles and they all twist in ways that make them very undesirable as a sports car. Not the C5. It's as rigid as you could possibly want it to be. For all the pissing and moaning about little stuff (no cup holder), they nailed this big item.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: South River NJ
Who needs a cup holder. GM put two cup holders in the new Camaros and they are useless! MY elbow and arm will hit anything in them more than 3 inches high. Maybe useful for an automatic, but useless for a manual.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 352
From: Carson City Nevada
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 227
Likes: 2
From: Arkansas
As Ive said many times, SOME people think 1960's technology still lives in our C5.. back in the 60's and up into the 90's a convertible frame typically was 200 lbs heavier with an added X frame support added for rigidity... That's why some old school mechanics still living in the 60's will tell owners to open their doors before lifting their corvette.. these mechanics are living in the distant past...
As Far as the C5 goes..In 1997, the fifth-generation Corvette represented the first true breakthrough in automotive hydroforming technology with industry-first twin seamless hydroformed frame rails. Each rail began as a piece of 18-foot-long six-inch diameter tubing, and replaced the previous model's 14-piece stamped and spot-welded rails. The frame rails gave the Corvette unprecedented stiffness - a 450 percent improvement - and dramatically improved ride and handling while reducing weight and improving step-in height. It also saved us some $25 million in tooling costs.
This hydroforming procedure was accomplishes at out Pontiac Mich facility, but has since moved in house at Bowling Green.
With a 450% increase in strength there is no need to reinforce the frame for a convertible.
As Far as the C5 goes..In 1997, the fifth-generation Corvette represented the first true breakthrough in automotive hydroforming technology with industry-first twin seamless hydroformed frame rails. Each rail began as a piece of 18-foot-long six-inch diameter tubing, and replaced the previous model's 14-piece stamped and spot-welded rails. The frame rails gave the Corvette unprecedented stiffness - a 450 percent improvement - and dramatically improved ride and handling while reducing weight and improving step-in height. It also saved us some $25 million in tooling costs.
This hydroforming procedure was accomplishes at out Pontiac Mich facility, but has since moved in house at Bowling Green.
With a 450% increase in strength there is no need to reinforce the frame for a convertible.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 96
Likes: 3
From: Mansfield Ohio
Here's a brief overview
http://www.thegreatamericansportscar.com/history5.html
Try getting a copy of "All Corvettes are Red" for a great insight on the design and production of the C5
http://www.thegreatamericansportscar.com/history5.html
Try getting a copy of "All Corvettes are Red" for a great insight on the design and production of the C5