[Z06] Newb with a question
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Newb with a question
New 04' MS Z owner in Arizona. I am new to Corvette ownership but not new to sports cars. Have owned a Buick GN, Saleen and LX Mustangs and host of Europeans and currently have 94 Supra TT next to the Z in the Garage!
My question is whether or not any of you have tried to replace the Z antenna with one from a C5 convertible? It seems to me that would be the cleanest look and would be no-brainer! I realize that a number of vendors sell the short version of the existing antenna but I wanted something even cleaner.
thanks in advance for any help offered.
My question is whether or not any of you have tried to replace the Z antenna with one from a C5 convertible? It seems to me that would be the cleanest look and would be no-brainer! I realize that a number of vendors sell the short version of the existing antenna but I wanted something even cleaner.
thanks in advance for any help offered.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 733
Likes: 0
From: Rapid City SD
I don't know about using a power antenna on the Z, but I don't see why you couldn't. The question would be getting power to it - you might try the audio forum as well.
I just went with the shortie - works fine, although weak signals will fall off sooner. If you are in Phoenix that should be a total non-issue.
I just went with the shortie - works fine, although weak signals will fall off sooner. If you are in Phoenix that should be a total non-issue.
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Meadows Place Texas
I think a power antenna is possible. However, it adds a lot of weight. I think that is what was behind the decision to go with a fixed antenna to start with.
The performance advantage of a Z06 is, in part, from its reduced weight. The 6 has a lower unsprung and sprung weight. I am told that many of the design decisions, like the fixed antenna, no covers on trunk wells, and no cd changer were made to reduce sprung weight. Other decisions, like wheels, and no tire pressure sensors were made to reduce unsprung weight. I am told that the decision against run-flat tires was for both weight and handling performance improvements.
dave
The performance advantage of a Z06 is, in part, from its reduced weight. The 6 has a lower unsprung and sprung weight. I am told that many of the design decisions, like the fixed antenna, no covers on trunk wells, and no cd changer were made to reduce sprung weight. Other decisions, like wheels, and no tire pressure sensors were made to reduce unsprung weight. I am told that the decision against run-flat tires was for both weight and handling performance improvements.
dave
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,567
Likes: 0
From: Aurora IL
I did the replacement using the how to instructions found in the fourm tech tips. Bought the antenna from Fitchner, made a wire harness fron the plug supplied and local wire purchase. Took an hour to get done as far as weight change, just use a laxative before each race date and you will lose the wight the antenna adds
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Aptos, CA.
Originally Posted by CAPN17
... just use a laxative before each race date and you will lose the wight the antenna adds
I guess you really need to do that given all the "mods" you've done. I bet the antenna is the last thing you worry about on the track. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
I've thought of this mod as well. The wiring is in the passenger footwell area from what I was told so you just wire it from the antenna to that point. Plug and play though for the most part. Get a OEM antenna assy for genuine GM fit and be good to go.
I may just do this one day. The 2lbs this adds to the car is negligible in my opinion. I know all the little things add up but I can live with that.
I may just do this one day. The 2lbs this adds to the car is negligible in my opinion. I know all the little things add up but I can live with that.
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