Load Carrying Capacity
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 192
Likes: 13
From: Chandler, AZ
My two cents. I believe the weight limit has to do with changing the suspension geometry. I took a cross country trip about 10 years ago in a 90 vert I had. It was near the point of needing new tires. On the way back home I noticed something on a rear tire. It turned out to be the belt showing thru a worn tire, but only on the inside, The extra weight had squatted the suspesion and caused the tires to sit up on the inside edge. Had to find new tires before going too much further.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: Dayton Ohio
I'd say the limiting factor is the cargo floor. With Z51 springs, the suspension can support 1630 extra pounds without bottoming. But the cargo area floor is not strong enough to handle that much extra weight. Hit a few good bumps, and that thin plastic floor would crack.
If you saw Jay Leno's Toronado, that big Olds has C6 running gear under it, so the frame and suspension are plenty strong to handle extra weight. The limiting factor is the body.
If you saw Jay Leno's Toronado, that big Olds has C6 running gear under it, so the frame and suspension are plenty strong to handle extra weight. The limiting factor is the body.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 100,672
Likes: 2
From: Cleveland OH
This sounds reasonable. I crawled my 200# self into my coupe trunk area to install some accessories. After the cracking/creaking noises, I will never attempt that again. Didn't feel like I'd put a knee through the floor, but the sounds were less than confidence inspiring.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,089
Likes: 13
The passenger cabin floor is made from resin laminated balsa wood. It is light, rigid, and quite strong. It is anchored on the perimeter by the frame rails, and down the center by the drive tunnel. However, the cargo area floor is just sheet molding compound, shaped into a "tub". This is the same stuff from which the fenders are made, and about as strong. The tub is supported by the frame rails on each side, but hasn't any support in the center.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,762
Likes: 4
From: Chandler Arizona
The passenger cabin floor is made from resin laminated balsa wood. It is light, rigid, and quite strong. It is anchored on the perimeter by the frame rails, and down the center by the drive tunnel. However, the cargo area floor is just sheet molding compound, shaped into a "tub". This is the same stuff from which the fenders are made, and about as strong. The tub is supported by the frame rails on each side, but hasn't any support in the center.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,713
Likes: 0
From: Littleton CO
The passenger cabin floor is made from resin laminated balsa wood. It is light, rigid, and quite strong. It is anchored on the perimeter by the frame rails, and down the center by the drive tunnel. However, the cargo area floor is just sheet molding compound, shaped into a "tub". This is the same stuff from which the fenders are made, and about as strong. The tub is supported by the frame rails on each side, but hasn't any support in the center.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 100,672
Likes: 2
From: Cleveland OH
The passenger cabin floor is made from resin laminated balsa wood. It is light, rigid, and quite strong. It is anchored on the perimeter by the frame rails, and down the center by the drive tunnel. However, the cargo area floor is just sheet molding compound, shaped into a "tub". This is the same stuff from which the fenders are made, and about as strong. The tub is supported by the frame rails on each side, but hasn't any support in the center.
MONARTOR
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 249,695
Likes: 146
From: What I know, is dwarfed by what I pretend to know
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,713
Likes: 0
From: Littleton CO
You know that is odd. When I put longtubes in my C5 I found a piece of wood wedged in one of the floorboard supports. I wonder if someone hit it or if it was an extra piece someone put in there.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: Indy Indiana
Sorry, my fault. I interpreted load capacity as stuff not people. I guess I stand corrected. I don't think you should really worrt too much, though.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 100,672
Likes: 2
From: Cleveland OH
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 193
From: By The Hook NJ
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,204
Likes: 911
From: Carlsbad Ca
The low weight limit may have to do with suspension rates and "performance driving." Cornering et al.
I pulled a G with a 300 pounder in the passenger seat...once.
(I go 210)
I pulled a G with a 300 pounder in the passenger seat...once.
(I go 210)
Last edited by NORTY; Feb 15, 2007 at 04:54 PM. Reason: wadyameanicantspellthe?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
Likes: 25
From: Austin Texas
My Dakota is rated for 1200# cargo, when I hook the boat to the hitch the rear of the truck drops 2.5". I hooked the boat to the 'Vette as a joke for a meet and the rear only dropped 1/2".
BTW; The boat towed fine behind the 'Vette but backing up was interesting and 5th and 6th gears weren't usable.
BTW; The boat towed fine behind the 'Vette but backing up was interesting and 5th and 6th gears weren't usable.
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Ocala FL
Good to know, i have a friend who may be pushing the 400 marker that i'm supposed to pick up next month. I am about 180. I will probably get him in the wife's acura tl, but hell if he wants to go for a spin in the vette i don't want to be an a-hole and tell him no.
