Possible fix for targa wind buffeting
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 30
Likes: 4
Possible fix for targa wind buffeting
I recently bought a 2000 Corvette coupe. During the test drive we took the Targa top off, and above about 75mph the wind buffeting was truly unbearable. A couple weeks later, I thought that the rear end looked like it sat too high. The front looked ok though. (Big fender gap out back, normal in front). So I lowered the rear of the car. It had about a full inch of thread showing on the lowering bolts out back. I backed them out to about 2 threads showing. Still some fender gap out back, but its noticeably better. Today I took it on the highway with the roof off and noticed there was no buffeting. Even up to about 95mph. I don't know if it's just the weather was different or if lowering the rear of the car changed the "angle of a attack" such that it killed the wind buffeting. If anyone else with a C5 has unbearable buffeting, I'd suggest giving it a try. I searched briefly, but didn't see anything on the forum about it.
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Central PA
I have a 2004 Base model with the targa top and likewise disliked the wind whipping at higher speeds. I didn't try adjusting the chassis but instead got a WindRestrictors (https://windrestrictor.com) I saw on some YouTube posts. Aside from being a bit pricey, it does dramatically cut back on wind turbulence. The car is now fun to drive fast with the top off.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 30
Likes: 4
Nice. I have heard good things about those. Figured I'd share my experience, since it's free, lol. Also like to find out if I just got lucky by coincidence or if changing angle of attack really does affect buffeting.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: BEST Corn-Nation
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Yeah it's crazy. If you don't have someplace for the pressure to escape then it gets pretty wild. Opening the back helps a bunch but don't have any loose or small easily displaced items in the back because they will depart your car.
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Good that lowering the car helped with the buffeting issue. And great that it was a no cost solution for you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,818
Likes: 2,266
From: Brighton MI
I have a 2004 Base model with the targa top and likewise disliked the wind whipping at higher speeds. I didn't try adjusting the chassis but instead got a WindRestrictors (https://windrestrictor.com) I saw on some YouTube posts. Aside from being a bit pricey, it does dramatically cut back on wind turbulence. The car is now fun to drive fast with the top off.
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