Convertible vs coupe vs Z06 structural integrity
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 694
Likes: 102
From: CA
Convertible vs coupe vs Z06 structural integrity
Does anyone know how much difference there is in structure integrity between a C5 Z06, a convertible, and a base coupe?
Has anyone ever done track days with a convertible?
I came across a Z06 that was converted by Caravaggio Corvette into a convertible. I thought this was a crazy idea. Do they reinforce the frame after they do this? Not sure what the point is since you can buy a convertible and just put on Z06 parts.
Has anyone ever done track days with a convertible?
I came across a Z06 that was converted by Caravaggio Corvette into a convertible. I thought this was a crazy idea. Do they reinforce the frame after they do this? Not sure what the point is since you can buy a convertible and just put on Z06 parts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 358
From: Northville, MI
While the rigidity of the C5 was very good, GM published studies on the rigidity of convertible, coupe and FRC. In the archives somewhere in CF was the published results but they were something like the Convertible were 22 hz, the coupe was 24 and the FRC was 27. The Corvette performance group wanted a structurally more rigid platform for T1 racing and other groups so they developed the FRC.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4,309
Likes: 13
From: FW/d Texas
The C5 was designed with the convertible in mind even though they didn't have one the first year in '97. Thus the convertible had the same rigidity as the coupe - can't really speak for the FRC / Z06. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
There is some discernible flex on the coupe. If you put your fingers across the roof/top of windshield joint while driving on a mildly bumpy road you can feel it. It's very slight, but it's there.
Is there a structural X-brace or similar built into the FRC roof, or is it just a body panel?
Is there a structural X-brace or similar built into the FRC roof, or is it just a body panel?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,671
Likes: 850
From: New Jersey
There is some discernible flex on the coupe. If you put your fingers across the roof/top of windshield joint while driving on a mildly bumpy road you can feel it. It's very slight, but it's there.
Is there a structural X-brace or similar built into the FRC roof, or is it just a body panel?
Is there a structural X-brace or similar built into the FRC roof, or is it just a body panel?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 78
From: OH
The convertible has "some" extra bracing to gain back rigidity lost by cutting off the roof. The FRC/Z06 is a convertible (thus the extra bracing) that has a fixed roof so it is ultimately slightly stiffer and slightly lighter than the coupe (less glass also helps with the weight).
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-corvette.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-corvette.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 99
From: Apache Junction, Arizona
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Most tracks will not allow a vert, to run unless it has a rollbar
In the Midwest that includes Autobahn, Road America, Blackhawk Farms, Gingerman,
In the Midwest that includes Autobahn, Road America, Blackhawk Farms, Gingerman,
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 120
why do you say it is a crazy idea?
Does anyone know how much difference there is in structure integrity between a C5 Z06, a convertible, and a base coupe?
Has anyone ever done track days with a convertible?
I came across a Z06 that was converted by Caravaggio Corvette into a convertible. I thought this was a crazy idea. Do they reinforce the frame after they do this? Not sure what the point is since you can buy a convertible and just put on Z06 parts.
Has anyone ever done track days with a convertible?
I came across a Z06 that was converted by Caravaggio Corvette into a convertible. I thought this was a crazy idea. Do they reinforce the frame after they do this? Not sure what the point is since you can buy a convertible and just put on Z06 parts.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nvertible.html
Putting Z06 parts on a convertible is one way to go. But once you look at the differences in the Z06 (there are a lot of them besides the engine - lightweight windshield, leaf springs, sway bars, etc.) you will see that your idea (i.e., buy a convertible and just put on Z06 parts) is the CRAZY one.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 355
From: Little Rock Arkansas
Any perceived advantages gained by say tracking a Z06 converted to a convertible like it sounds like the OP has plans for could conceivably be reverted when you consider that there is considerable structural measures to account for in a convertible. Even a roll bar with door supports is going to add some weight, as opposed to the stock halo with SMC body panel.
I would think there would be considerable issues also - someone could elaborate further - actually tech'ing the car. It's pretty much accepted when you track say a Miata or an S2000 that you're going to run a roll bar and there are rules for this, but a Z06 is a much different car from a base C5 convertible performance-wise, and you'd probably need to account for this in tech. At the least I'd think the car could possibly get bumped in class which may negate any advantages gained.
I feel if your goal is a track car you should just look for a normal Z06.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 143
From: Bellevue Ky.
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 143
From: Bellevue Ky.
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
I was thinking C6, not C5.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 277
Likes: 37
From: Central Mississippi
Interesting. I found this that clears up a lot. What Bill said, with pictures.
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/vem...rvette-frames/
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/vem...rvette-frames/
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 365
From: SF Bay Area
There is a sticky on here about converting a hatchback to a convertible
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nvertible.html
Putting Z06 parts on a convertible is one way to go. But once you look at the differences in the Z06 (there are a lot of them besides the engine - lightweight windshield, leaf springs, sway bars, etc.) you will see that your idea (i.e., buy a convertible and just put on Z06 parts) is the CRAZY one.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nvertible.html
Putting Z06 parts on a convertible is one way to go. But once you look at the differences in the Z06 (there are a lot of them besides the engine - lightweight windshield, leaf springs, sway bars, etc.) you will see that your idea (i.e., buy a convertible and just put on Z06 parts) is the CRAZY one.
