C5Z Tunnel Plate Thickness
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 437
Likes: 39
From: PA
C5Z Tunnel Plate Thickness
Has anyone taken the tunnel plate off of their C5Z and measured the thickness? I’ve searched and searched and it appears that all C5 tunnel plates are likely the same 1/16” thickness; however, I did see where someone mentioned that the C5Z got a 1/8” think plate. Just want to clarify before I buy a used 1/8” plate off a C6.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 861
Likes: 49
From: Tampa, FL
They are like pie tins. Just get a good aftermarket one. This is what I have
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/1...-tunnel-plate/
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/1...-tunnel-plate/
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 50
From: Clayton, NC north carolina
I'm making one out of titanium.... .035 thick because of its stiffness and resistance to heat transfer..... the cuts are pretty simple and i have a nice drill press just sitting there... 
grade 2 titanium sheet is about 200 bucks for the material needed...
grade 2 titanium sheet is about 200 bucks for the material needed...
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,381
Likes: 1,593
From: Western NY
I put one of the Elite Engineering (I think it was theirs) tunnel plate in my car YEARS ago. I did, however, keep the OE plate, and just came across it a few weeks ago, as I was attempting to straighten up my basement.
Since I knew where the OE plate was, I could locate it easily, so I went downstairs and measured it. It came out at 0.062".....1/16".
Since I knew where the OE plate was, I could locate it easily, so I went downstairs and measured it. It came out at 0.062".....1/16".
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 275
Likes: 55
All C5s got the 0.06" plate.
C6s got an 0.125" plate (2x as thick).
Neither really blocks any sort of heat unless you coat it or apply a thermal barrier. Even then, it's not much. You'd be better off applying an insulation layer under the carpet. Once I did that to mine, I get VERY little heat from the tunnel. On super hot days, the center console will get a bit warm, but that's it.
There is a noticeable stiffness increase from the thicker plates offered by the aftermarket. I noticed mine pulling out of my apartment complex. The car creaks a LOT less when transitioning from the parking lot to the road.
C6s got an 0.125" plate (2x as thick).
Neither really blocks any sort of heat unless you coat it or apply a thermal barrier. Even then, it's not much. You'd be better off applying an insulation layer under the carpet. Once I did that to mine, I get VERY little heat from the tunnel. On super hot days, the center console will get a bit warm, but that's it.
There is a noticeable stiffness increase from the thicker plates offered by the aftermarket. I noticed mine pulling out of my apartment complex. The car creaks a LOT less when transitioning from the parking lot to the road.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 874
Likes: 107
From: Detroit MI
I did a tunnel plate sandwich. Bought a C6 plate for cheap on eBay, then smashed a layer of heat shield between the stock C5 and C6 plates and bolted them up. I noticed some decrease in temps and increased thickness. Plus it was around $80 all-in. The stock screws are long enough to accommodate stacking the two plates.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,058
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
They are like pie tins. Just get a good aftermarket one. This is what I have
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/1...-tunnel-plate/
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/1...-tunnel-plate/
...one of the best mods I have made...
heres what I got years ago and it made a big difference in heat control and stiffening up on curves and turns...
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/1...h-thermal-abs/
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 437
Likes: 39
From: PA
Thanks for all the responses. I contemplated the C6 plate since I can get one for $25 and I need to remove mine anyways for a clutch. I figured if it was even marginally better then what the hell. I will think about it more and look into the Elite Engineering piece, just not sure there is enough benefit for me there given the cost. If I had a targa top or vert I'd definitely buy one. I’m most interested in potentially stiffening the chassis but don't necessarily have any issues with it as is. Believe it or not, I can’t say I ever noticed a hot console/shifter/interior with my stock tunnel plate even at the road course.
To the person making one out of titanium, that’s freaken cool!
To the person making one out of titanium, that’s freaken cool!
Last edited by wrkdWS6; Mar 9, 2018 at 10:13 AM.
