Newbie with questions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 10
Newbie with questions
Hello all,
I have just bought my first Corvette (and AmCar for that matter), a 1998 Corvette C5 Cab 6M.
I plan to use it for cruising and the occasional trackday. I also go with some friend to drive on the Nordschleife a couple of times a year.
I really like the car, but the handling on un-eaven surfaces and in high speeds could be better. It think it gets a little "loose".
What is the best fix for this within a reasonable budget?
Other mods for the winter pause is cone-air filter and an axle-back exhaust system (Magnaflow?). I want some more sound, and to let the engine breathe more freely.
Another thing; I've read some places on the net that the M6 has a little bit more torque than the auto. Is that true, or is it "mythe"?
Tips and comments regarding the car in general, and to make it a little more track'able is highly appreciated. Thanks in advance;
Regards from Norway
I have just bought my first Corvette (and AmCar for that matter), a 1998 Corvette C5 Cab 6M.
I plan to use it for cruising and the occasional trackday. I also go with some friend to drive on the Nordschleife a couple of times a year.
I really like the car, but the handling on un-eaven surfaces and in high speeds could be better. It think it gets a little "loose".
What is the best fix for this within a reasonable budget?
Other mods for the winter pause is cone-air filter and an axle-back exhaust system (Magnaflow?). I want some more sound, and to let the engine breathe more freely.
Another thing; I've read some places on the net that the M6 has a little bit more torque than the auto. Is that true, or is it "mythe"?
Tips and comments regarding the car in general, and to make it a little more track'able is highly appreciated. Thanks in advance;
Regards from Norway
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 714
Likes: 104
From: Springfield Ohio
Congrats on your purchase and welcome! Sounds like your car may have run-flat tires on it. Run-flats have very stiff sidewalls to allow them to be driven with no air pressure and that sidewall stiffness makes them pretty bouncy. That can be especially pronounced when going over bumps while cornering. I'd say ditch the run-flats if that's what you have for a regular, high performance tire and the problem will go away. If you don't have run-flats, then over inflation is probably the cause. How many miles are on your car? If you have a lot of miles, then new shocks can help keep the wheels on the ground and give better control. The stock shocks are good and last a long time but they have their limits. C6 Z51 shocks are good bolt-on replacement and are valved stiffer if you don't mind giving up a little ride comfort - most don't!
The manual transmission cars come with a lower gear ratio rear differential and trasmit power to the ground more efficiently than an automatic. I think that's what you mean by more torque.
The manual transmission cars come with a lower gear ratio rear differential and trasmit power to the ground more efficiently than an automatic. I think that's what you mean by more torque.
Last edited by tbrowne; Oct 12, 2015 at 05:38 PM. Reason: Added info on shocks.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 10
Thanks for the feedback, Tbrowne!
The car has approx 40' miles on it, with complete carfax and in mint condition, so it should be good even if it got som years. I will check the tires, allthough having tested my friends C5, I think it's because I just like the ride more firm. It's been said that Europeans and Americans have different taste when it comes to ride experience, and that you need to buy the latest Corvettes to compare the ride to European sportscars....
Anyway, what I thought of was changing both sway bars and maybe the shocks. I guess that would change the ride quite some bit?
As for the difference in torque, it's been written than it is a tune-differce in the engine, and that the M6 has 375 fot-pounds and the auto 350...
Since they have both the same hp output, I guess it's just a www-mythe.
The car has approx 40' miles on it, with complete carfax and in mint condition, so it should be good even if it got som years. I will check the tires, allthough having tested my friends C5, I think it's because I just like the ride more firm. It's been said that Europeans and Americans have different taste when it comes to ride experience, and that you need to buy the latest Corvettes to compare the ride to European sportscars....
Anyway, what I thought of was changing both sway bars and maybe the shocks. I guess that would change the ride quite some bit?
As for the difference in torque, it's been written than it is a tune-differce in the engine, and that the M6 has 375 fot-pounds and the auto 350...
Since they have both the same hp output, I guess it's just a www-mythe.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 845
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
The C6 Z06 Shocks and a C5 Z51 set of sways would tighten things up quite a bit and as already pointed out - check your tires as well.
You really don't need to replace anything for the car to "breathe" until you start pushing bigtime HP. The stock setup on a C5 flows VERY well.
I put a Z06 TI catback system on mine and like it but it'd probably be way to mild for you. If you go to youtube and search for "c5 exhaust" or similar, there are a ton of videos out there that you can listen to.
Spend some time going through the TECH section
Whatever you do, enjoy your car - OH, and if it does not have an LMC5 on it now, PUT ONE ON IT.
From the looks of the map, you're the 4th member in Norway.
If you want to add your location see the first post in this thread.
Welcome!
--
Steve
You really don't need to replace anything for the car to "breathe" until you start pushing bigtime HP. The stock setup on a C5 flows VERY well.
I put a Z06 TI catback system on mine and like it but it'd probably be way to mild for you. If you go to youtube and search for "c5 exhaust" or similar, there are a ton of videos out there that you can listen to.
Spend some time going through the TECH section
Whatever you do, enjoy your car - OH, and if it does not have an LMC5 on it now, PUT ONE ON IT.
From the looks of the map, you're the 4th member in Norway.
If you want to add your location see the first post in this thread.
Welcome!
--
Steve
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 147
From: Jasper Alabama
I don't know what your budget is but I would go with the C6 Z06 sways and a set of coilover shocks. I have the C6Z06 sways, shocks and brakes. Love all of them but I am going to swap the Z shocks out for the coilovers. You have the options of adjustable dampning, spring rate and ride height. My friend has the Stance coilovers on his 2001 convertible and it is night and day difference between his and mine. The torque put down to the pavement has a lot to do with the gear ratio on your car. Mine is an automatic. Came stock with 2:73 gears. Swapped them out with a set of 3:42 Z06 gears and a 2800 stall converter. Major difference in the torque.
Last edited by Stealth02; Oct 13, 2015 at 08:02 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 10
Thanks calvins,
To be honest, the filter and catback are mostly of vanity, I'd like more sound
Magnaflow, is that an ok brand?
As for the column lock "thing", is it easy for me to find out if the car already has it?
To be honest, the filter and catback are mostly of vanity, I'd like more sound
Magnaflow, is that an ok brand?
As for the column lock "thing", is it easy for me to find out if the car already has it?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 10
I don't know what your budget is but I would go with the C6 Z06 sways and a set of coilover shocks. I have the C6Z06 sways, shocks and brakes. Love all of them but I am going to swap the Z shocks out for the coilovers. My friend has the Stance coilovers on his 2001 convertible and it is night and day difference between his and mine. The torque put down to the pavement has a lot to do with the gear ratio on your car. Mine is an automatic. Came stock with 2:73 gears. Swapped them out with a set of 3:42 Z06 gears and a 2800 stall converter. Major difference in the torque.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 845
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
They all make noise and function - find ones you like the sound of and that don't drone. (Search for drone here and you'll probably get thousands of threads discussing it as well as catback systems)
Have to agree that the coilovers are probably going to siffen you up the most but they'll also drain your pocket the most too.
Spend some serious time in the TECH section here Most anything you can think of has been hashed out multiple times. Plus read the "best thread ever" thread in the sticky section.
A tip for using "Search" here.... - I find that using google works much better. Just include corvetteforum in your searches. My experience with this places built in search function has been... well let's just say, not totally positive.
IE: c5 suspension upgrade corvetteforum.com
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 10
Regarding the suspension upgrade, reading up and down this forum and the net, I guess the best choice for me would be to go for a kit of upgraded sways and shocks. Then the question is, what to choose?
For example, Corvette Central sells a complete kit called Johnny O'Connel Signatur Supension Package for approx 1100.- dollars
Some says to upgrade to Z06 parts.
Then you have Bilstein shocks....
any thoughts?
For example, Corvette Central sells a complete kit called Johnny O'Connel Signatur Supension Package for approx 1100.- dollars
Some says to upgrade to Z06 parts.
Then you have Bilstein shocks....
any thoughts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
C5 Z06 shifter, anti-venom mod, amsoil torque drive fluid...
C5 Z06 shocks, sways, and stabilizers
Vararam B2 CIA and Z06 Ti exhaust...
I bought the above parts and equipment off of the FORUM parts C6 and C5 sections...
DO THE LMC5 from Compliance Parts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rformance.html
C5 Z06 shocks, sways, and stabilizers
Vararam B2 CIA and Z06 Ti exhaust...
I bought the above parts and equipment off of the FORUM parts C6 and C5 sections...
DO THE LMC5 from Compliance Parts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rformance.html
Last edited by 73Corvette; Oct 24, 2015 at 04:01 PM.
Administrator
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OP - at least in the latter years of the C5, the manual tranny cars were rated at a higher torque spec than the automatics.
Manuals were 375 lb.ft.
Automatics were 360 lb.ft.
According to stats on the Corvette Action Center, for 1998 the torque was all the same at 350 lb.ft.
Manuals were 375 lb.ft.
Automatics were 360 lb.ft.
According to stats on the Corvette Action Center, for 1998 the torque was all the same at 350 lb.ft.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 412
Likes: 64
Let us know if you have any questions about our exhaust systems. We do have authorized MagnaFlow dealers in Norway in Bergen (actually Kleppestø), Vestby, and Skien. You can get more info on our Norwegian dealers on this page.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 429
From: Birmingham Al
If you have a CLC5 or any other deal column lock never turn the wheels with the key off the Corvette will think it's being stolen and the warning light will come on and stay on for days ,now do I know that ..Did it .. O just hit the reset NO It will go off when it wants to ..JUST AN FYI..
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 10
We think we're alright.
Let us know if you have any questions about our exhaust systems. We do have authorized MagnaFlow dealers in Norway in Bergen (actually Kleppestø), Vestby, and Skien. You can get more info on our Norwegian dealers on this page.
Let us know if you have any questions about our exhaust systems. We do have authorized MagnaFlow dealers in Norway in Bergen (actually Kleppestø), Vestby, and Skien. You can get more info on our Norwegian dealers on this page.
I guess I just have to take the chance.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
Welcome to our group.
you should be able to change the sway bars and shocks without any trouble since they are a swap that looks stock. I'm not sure how coil overs would be accepted by your government.
That is a very inexpensive (here in the US) change that reaps great benefit. also, the end links on many early C-5s were made with hard rubber, the newer models had metal end links. Just changing those will likely tighten up your road 'feel'.
If they are in your budget, I would select Michelin tires for a better ride. I have PS-2 run flatss on one of my cars, and PS2 non run flats on the other, they both are much quieter anan the Goodyear run flats.
you should be able to change the sway bars and shocks without any trouble since they are a swap that looks stock. I'm not sure how coil overs would be accepted by your government.
That is a very inexpensive (here in the US) change that reaps great benefit. also, the end links on many early C-5s were made with hard rubber, the newer models had metal end links. Just changing those will likely tighten up your road 'feel'.
If they are in your budget, I would select Michelin tires for a better ride. I have PS-2 run flatss on one of my cars, and PS2 non run flats on the other, they both are much quieter anan the Goodyear run flats.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 412
Likes: 64
I've already been in touch with your dealer in Vestby (Bilens eksosanlegg), and they have given me an offer that seems fair for the catback system numbered 16732. Since I have the convertible, I'm a little nervous that the sound will be too high (or not high enough)
I guess I just have to take the chance.....
I guess I just have to take the chance.....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 10
Thanks all for constructive input. I think my initial upgrade during winter / spring will be sways, shocks, Magnaflow catback and cone airfilter kit. That will give me a firmer ride for the occasional track day and the sound that is right for a V8 sportscar.
The spring trip to the Nordschleife is under planning already, can't wait :-) From Oslo that is first a boat trip to Kiel in Germany with the worlds largest cruise ship with car deck for some beer and bragging, then 600 km of highway (mostly) without speedlimits, and approx 20 km of "green hell". What's not to like :-)
With more air in and out I will probably get a couple of more HP also???
Christian327, I looked at the pictures of your car, and it looked like the exhaust tips sat a little unevenly? Is it just the pictures?
The spring trip to the Nordschleife is under planning already, can't wait :-) From Oslo that is first a boat trip to Kiel in Germany with the worlds largest cruise ship with car deck for some beer and bragging, then 600 km of highway (mostly) without speedlimits, and approx 20 km of "green hell". What's not to like :-)
With more air in and out I will probably get a couple of more HP also???
Christian327, I looked at the pictures of your car, and it looked like the exhaust tips sat a little unevenly? Is it just the pictures?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 10
......and about tires; the tires are new from when the car left the stats early this year. They are named "Sumitomo". Never heard of that brand, but I see that Ecklers or Corvette Central sells them in some of their wheel/tire sets.
I don't remember the type, but is this an ok tyre brand? How can I see if they're run-flats?
I don't remember the type, but is this an ok tyre brand? How can I see if they're run-flats?