help me understand
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 31
From: Jacksonville Florida
help me understand
I am a first time vette owner and new to real performance machines so help me understand what I have.Sticker says Performance handling package(stiffer springs and stabilizer bar) is this the Z51 package?
3:15 performance axle ratio. Is this better than a 3:42 or 3:90
These are listed as options installed by manufacturer. The car is 2003 convertible.
Any insight is appreciated to this newbie.
3:15 performance axle ratio. Is this better than a 3:42 or 3:90
These are listed as options installed by manufacturer. The car is 2003 convertible.
Any insight is appreciated to this newbie.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,454
Likes: 1,163
From: Dyer, IN
I am a first time vette owner and new to real performance machines so help me understand what I have.Sticker says Performance handling package(stiffer springs and stabilizer bar) is this the Z51 package?
3:15 performance axle ratio. Is this better than a 3:42 or 3:90
These are listed as options installed by manufacturer. The car is 2003 convertible.
Any insight is appreciated to this newbie.
3:15 performance axle ratio. Is this better than a 3:42 or 3:90
These are listed as options installed by manufacturer. The car is 2003 convertible.
Any insight is appreciated to this newbie.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/.../2003rpos.html
Is a 3:15 better? It was best ratio available for an automatic. The 3:42 was standard on a manual. I suppose it depends on how you intend to drive/mod the car. A 3:42 or 3:90 will help the car accelerate quicker.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
Do you understand how gear ratios work? How about block and tackles or even 10 speed bikes. Think about how a 10 speed works. To start easier you have it in a gear that makes your feet move a lot for not alot happening at the back wheel. As you gain momentum, you can change gears to where your feet sping less and the rear wheel more. All get back to levers. In a high numerical rear gear, you can accelerate off the line faster but you pay the price at high speed-the engine has to turn faster. The reverse is true for lower numerical gear ratios, your slower off the line, but you top speed will be greater. Gear ratios are always about compromise-decide you you want to drive the car. If your doing jack rabbit starts (of do 1/4 mile runs ) all the time and are not concerned with poorer gas mileage, the bigger # might be for you.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18,643
Likes: 14
From: Norman Oklahoma - The Only State in the Union with no Blue Counties!
If you fill our your profile more people will respond!
Like they said above,,,,your car's options are listed on the inside of the glove box lid. The web site quoted above will tell you what each means.
Like they said above,,,,your car's options are listed on the inside of the glove box lid. The web site quoted above will tell you what each means.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Congratulations on owning the best car a CORVETTE
You got goodies too. The 315 is a great rear for a C5 plenty of top end and no dog off the line. Other goodies are F55 suspension and the Z51 for stiffer springs and bigger sway bar. you are a lucky dog. take your time and learn the complex machine you now own. It comes with a perma grin
You got goodies too. The 315 is a great rear for a C5 plenty of top end and no dog off the line. Other goodies are F55 suspension and the Z51 for stiffer springs and bigger sway bar. you are a lucky dog. take your time and learn the complex machine you now own. It comes with a perma grin
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 31
From: Jacksonville Florida
Thanks I understand the gear ratio I was just not sure what was common. I'll check the RPO codes later and I bookmarked the linkylink Thanks. just curious as what others might be able to offer as feed back.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Newport Oregon
And even if you don't have the perf handling package Gene @ GMPartsHouse can fix you up with an even better setup for pretty damn cheap. There's always got to be a first mod you know!
Enjoy that thang!!
Enjoy that thang!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 31
From: Jacksonville Florida
I checked the codes in the glove box today and I have the Z51 package. I am stoked I think I got a tremendous deal. 2003 vert pulled into my driveway with 11970 miles and paid less than 25k.
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 732
Likes: 2
From: Baxter MN
I think you got a very good deal. Z51 is an excellent handling package. A few car magazines at the time (and since!) felt it was a better option for spirited all-around driving than the Z06 due to its more forgiving nature. As you will quickly learn, you can spend a lot of money for not much gain. Before you start to "re-engineer" your Corvette you may want to consider the cost in terms of cash, comfort, and drivability.
Best wishes.
Glen
Best wishes.
Glen