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Corvette C5 weight limit

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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 08:53 AM
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Default Corvette C5 weight limit

Good morning
just a quick question. My C5 manual states that there can be no more than 400 pounds of additional weight in my car. Is that with a full tank of gas? Is this actually true? With a full tank of gas, how much can I really carry? If it is only 400 pounds than my options are limited as to whom can drive with me as I am 260 pounds myself
Thanks
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 09:18 AM
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Moose, check your drivers door placard for the GVWR mine states 3730lbs. I am also about 260 my wife is about 130 with 2 bottles of water we are at that 400lb limit. I think those ratings are conservative we have had the back filled with luggage and had no problems. Unless you are hauling bags of concrete I wouldn't give it a thought..............besides how many bags would fit in the back?
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 09:44 AM
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Me and my wife had our trunk filled to the brim with clothes, cooler and camping gear for a 3500 mile road trip last summer with no problem at all. Could not even tell we were carrying the extra weight.
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 10:21 AM
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i hit the scales @ 250 and my 6'4" son @ 300 no problems!
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 11:00 AM
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Thanks for the comments. I just want to make sure I am not damaging anything. User manual warns against going over stated limit. I am assuming at this point, the 400 pound limit (399 actually) does not include a full tank of gas
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 02:47 PM
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It includes a full tank of gas.

I've often thought that this load limit was rediculas.
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Oldvetter
It includes a full tank of gas.

I've often thought that this load limit was rediculas.
Me too, especially with the stiff springs and heavy duty suspension.
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 07:03 PM
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Within the weight limit.
NOT within the weight limit
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 07:37 PM
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Originally Posted by CalF
Within the weight limit.
NOT within the weight limit
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 10:47 PM
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Looks like an Army infantryman's spouse
(I'm a Marine and a retired Cavalry Scout)
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 10:51 PM
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Originally Posted by CalF
Within the weight limit.
NOT within the weight limit
That poor C4.
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Old Jun 24, 2015 | 12:11 AM
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Fortunately for the C4 that picture was photoshopped onto the hood. I don't think a fat chick like that would fit inside.
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Old Jun 24, 2015 | 09:35 AM
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Originally Posted by striper
Fortunately for the C4 that picture was photoshopped onto the hood. I don't think a fat chick like that would fit inside.
My wife is a lot fatter than that and I can squeeze her in my C5.
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Old Jun 24, 2015 | 09:36 AM
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Originally Posted by JR-01
My wife is a lot fatter than that and I can squeeze her in my C5.
Just kidding.
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Old Jun 24, 2015 | 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by RLDaily
Looks like an Army infantryman's spouse
(I'm a Marine and a retired Cavalry Scout)
Ooooooooooohhhhhhhh boy! Here we go.
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Old Jun 24, 2015 | 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by striper
Fortunately for the C4 that picture was photoshopped onto the hood.
You can tell because the rear wheels are still touching the ground.
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Old Jun 24, 2015 | 12:25 PM
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A few years back I had the trunk completely FILLED with camping gear along with the deck behind the seats. Also had a passenger. Was never a problem. At least, no problem I noticed.
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Old Jan 15, 2026 | 09:18 AM
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I run sub 8 laps on the Nürburgring with my C5 Z06, and measures over 3G downforce (car + me + friend x 3 = 4.836 Kg aka 10.000 pounds for seconds) Done that for 10+ years, never seen damages to the drivetrain.
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Old Jan 15, 2026 | 11:00 AM
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I don't fee like this is really a concern unless folks are hauling a ton of heavy gear, which may include stereo equipment.

If you have any issues with the car bottoming out, I would upgrade to C6 ZO6 shocks, and leave the car at stock height, or maybe even raise it a little. IF you are running aftermarket wheels/tires, you may have more of a tendency to rub inside the fenders (usually the rear ones). As such, the fitment is crucial to make sure this doesn't damage anything.

As for the clutch and/or drivetrain, I would not have any concern especially if stock.
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Old Jan 15, 2026 | 12:24 PM
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If you are riding on the bump stops you have too much weight.

I think the weight factor also factors in the tires. They have limits and short side walls and heat can both be affected by weight.
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