2009 C6 convertible..the 1,000 mile follow-up report.
09-09-2008, 01:01 PM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
2009 C6 convertible..the 1,000 mile follow-up report.
I finally broke 1,000 miles on my 2009 C6. My initial reactions to this car were very positive, but every new car seems wonderful, so I thought a 1,000 mile review might be a bit more objective.
Much of my reaction to this car is based on the driving experience I had with my previous 2005 C6. That car was a Machine Silver coupe with red interior, set up with the Z51 suspension, Corsa Sports, the MN6 manual transmission, painted wheels, and the 1SB option group…which is the equivalent of the current 3LT package.
My new car is a Cyber Gray 2009 C6 convertible with red interior, set up with the F55 suspension, NPP exhaust, MN6 transmission, polished wheels, and the 3LT option group.
Let me first state that I really enjoyed my 2005 coupe, and was very impressed with the Z51 setup. I thought it was very good handling suspension and the car was always fun to drive. The coupe was sharp looking, and the Machine Silver looked good and was easy to maintain. I did have my share of issues with my 2005, some of which were more than annoying, but the car proved to be generally reliable and trouble free after the first two years of ownership.
My 2009 is now fully broken in and I’ve been able to get away from baby steps to giant leaps. I’ve been able to finally push the car into triple digit territory on straights, and break .90g’s on turns. I’m becoming more familiar with it as time goes by, and am finally reaching a comfort level where I’m not afraid to really drive it.
As the miles accumulate, the engine is getting looser and developing a bit more growl to it. There’s now a pleasant burble to it at idle. The NPP exhaust seemed very mild to me at first, but now seems to be opening up and is much more aggressive sounding after that magical 3500rpm threshold. I am very fond of this system and its ability to provide quiet cruising and tooling around town, while still sounding nicely raucous when you nail it. I have not been inclined to add the popular M2W switch, mainly because I like the way the NPP works just the way it is.
Now, about that LS3 motor. It’s noticeably smoother than the LS2, especially at idle, and it sounds really fine at higher revs. The point of the LS3, I think, is to provide an increase in performance without sacrificing fuel economy. Even after 1,000 miles, I’m not totally convinced. I haven’t done any timed runs but, going purely by a “seat of the pants” feel, I can’t really see any huge advantage over the LS2 motor. The LS3 is supposed to be more robust, from a construction point of view, but it feels much like my old LS2. I have had a few runs off entrance ramps where it pulled so strongly that it actually surprised me, but that’s the exception. In normal starts, shifting at the redline, it is very strong, but on a par with my 2005. There is one variable here which I should mention. My 2005 had the more aggressive gearing of the Z51, while my 2009 has the standard gearing. Since I’m discussing feel, and not actual times, I think the harder pull of the Z51 in first and second is probably the culprit here. The 2009 with the F55 gearing just doesn’t “feel” as brutal off the line as the Z51 did. Of course my wife Sandy, who is often my passenger, might not agree with this since she usually has her eyes covered when I’m doing my acceleration runs. By third gear, the LS3 is screaming and does feel somewhat stronger than my LS2. One the whole though, the difference is not as obvious as I would have expected.
I continue to be impressed with the F55 magnetic suspension coupled with the Z51 sway bars. I did not have the opportunity to drive this car without the sway bars installed, since my dealer installed the bars before delivery. I find that I leave it on “Tour” mode most of the time, where the ride is firm but not at all punishing over rough roads. “Sport” mode introduces the same level of ride stiffness that I felt with my Z51, which is fine over smooth and moderately rough roads, but uncomfortable over harsh surfaces. In either mode, body lean is kept to a minimum by the heavier sway bars. I recently pushed the car through one of my favorite turns; a hard 90 degree left followed by a 90 degree right sweeper. With the Z51, I could reach .94 g’s with no noise or slippage from the SuperCar tires. My first run through this turn with my 2009 produced an easy .90 g’s, but the base tires were screeching. I think I can probably hit that .94g mark, but the difference in tire adhesion is very obvious. This is a trade-off I expected and am more than willing to accept for the increased ride compliance of the F55. It’s still too early to judge the cold weather capabilities of the standard rubber compared to the SC tires, but I expect to see improved performance. So, for me, I am still very pleased with my transition from the Z51 to the F55. The F55 does not have the “edge” of the Z51 but, especially with the heavier sway bars, it offers similar handling feel with improved “bump management.”
The standard MN6 gearing of the F55 does make for less aggressive feeling 1-2-3 shifts. The car pulls very strongly, but it takes a bit longer to reach your redline, so it doesn’t feel as fast through the gears. In fact, it is just as fast and ¼ mile times are virtually identical in every test I’ve seen, but that subjective feel is not the same. This is most obvious through first and second. By third gear, the car seems to really come alive and wants to just run. I’m surprised GM doesn’t offer at least the option of choosing the Z51 gearing with the F55. There is no practical downside to the standard gearing, since I can easily start the car in second gear and move it in first with no gas, just by feathering the clutch. I do, however, prefer the feel of the Z51 gearing.
The MN6 transmission in this car is a nice improvement over the MN6 in my 2005. When new, it was a bit notchy, but it has since smoothed out significantly. The shifts are now very slick, requiring little effort. Throws are much shorter than in the 2005, so this change which was first instituted in 2008, is a real plus. The clutch is still a bit abrupt, with a very strong return spring. It seems to be getting a little smoother as I drive it, but it’s impossible to know if that’s real or just me getting used to it.
For 2009, GM added a steel shaft and variable ratio to the steering mechanism. The result is an even further refinement of the already upgraded steering added for 2008. The steering is quite a bit lighter feeling than the one used on my 2005, and it does away with the numbness inherent in that system. I’m still getting used to this new system, but I do like it and it does feel seamless through heavy cornering. Parking is much easier, and on center feel during highway driving is very good. It did have my dealer check my alignment after my first week with the car and, as I suspected, it was off. The steering feels even better since that was corrected.
Here are some additional comments that have nothing to do with driving the car. I really like this convertible, even more than my coupe. The power top is very easy to use, seals tightly, and offers better rear visibility than I had in my coupe. Driving top down, I feel like I’m back in one of my old open top roadsters again. Wind turbulence is very manageable, especially with the side windows raised. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get back into a coupe again after this. I’m totally spoiled now!
Cyber Gray is a fantastic color. It looks different every time the light changes, and I get many unsolicited compliments about it. Also, it doesn’t really show dirt as much as I thought it would.
The first 1,000 miles have been problem free. I did have a rear rattle which, with a little help from a Forum member, I was able to quickly resolve myself. There was minor shipping damage to the bottom of the driver’s door. The repair, which required some minor paint and fiberglass work, is completely undetectable.
The Bose actually doesn’t sound too bad with CD’s, still flat with satellite or FM. The audio/volume compensation thing works…you can hear a difference as speed and noise increase.
I’m glad I got the polished wheels. They are well done and have a nice, soft shine to them. They also look really nice against the Cyber Gray.
So, after 1,000 miles, this car is getting better and better. Smoother, the exhaust is opening up some more, and as much fun to drive as my 2005 coupe. Quality seems to be very, very good. If this car holds together well, and doesn’t require too much in the way of unscheduled service, it may turn out to be the best car I’ve ever owned. Not bad for a GM product.
Much of my reaction to this car is based on the driving experience I had with my previous 2005 C6. That car was a Machine Silver coupe with red interior, set up with the Z51 suspension, Corsa Sports, the MN6 manual transmission, painted wheels, and the 1SB option group…which is the equivalent of the current 3LT package.
My new car is a Cyber Gray 2009 C6 convertible with red interior, set up with the F55 suspension, NPP exhaust, MN6 transmission, polished wheels, and the 3LT option group.
Let me first state that I really enjoyed my 2005 coupe, and was very impressed with the Z51 setup. I thought it was very good handling suspension and the car was always fun to drive. The coupe was sharp looking, and the Machine Silver looked good and was easy to maintain. I did have my share of issues with my 2005, some of which were more than annoying, but the car proved to be generally reliable and trouble free after the first two years of ownership.
My 2009 is now fully broken in and I’ve been able to get away from baby steps to giant leaps. I’ve been able to finally push the car into triple digit territory on straights, and break .90g’s on turns. I’m becoming more familiar with it as time goes by, and am finally reaching a comfort level where I’m not afraid to really drive it.
As the miles accumulate, the engine is getting looser and developing a bit more growl to it. There’s now a pleasant burble to it at idle. The NPP exhaust seemed very mild to me at first, but now seems to be opening up and is much more aggressive sounding after that magical 3500rpm threshold. I am very fond of this system and its ability to provide quiet cruising and tooling around town, while still sounding nicely raucous when you nail it. I have not been inclined to add the popular M2W switch, mainly because I like the way the NPP works just the way it is.
Now, about that LS3 motor. It’s noticeably smoother than the LS2, especially at idle, and it sounds really fine at higher revs. The point of the LS3, I think, is to provide an increase in performance without sacrificing fuel economy. Even after 1,000 miles, I’m not totally convinced. I haven’t done any timed runs but, going purely by a “seat of the pants” feel, I can’t really see any huge advantage over the LS2 motor. The LS3 is supposed to be more robust, from a construction point of view, but it feels much like my old LS2. I have had a few runs off entrance ramps where it pulled so strongly that it actually surprised me, but that’s the exception. In normal starts, shifting at the redline, it is very strong, but on a par with my 2005. There is one variable here which I should mention. My 2005 had the more aggressive gearing of the Z51, while my 2009 has the standard gearing. Since I’m discussing feel, and not actual times, I think the harder pull of the Z51 in first and second is probably the culprit here. The 2009 with the F55 gearing just doesn’t “feel” as brutal off the line as the Z51 did. Of course my wife Sandy, who is often my passenger, might not agree with this since she usually has her eyes covered when I’m doing my acceleration runs. By third gear, the LS3 is screaming and does feel somewhat stronger than my LS2. One the whole though, the difference is not as obvious as I would have expected.
I continue to be impressed with the F55 magnetic suspension coupled with the Z51 sway bars. I did not have the opportunity to drive this car without the sway bars installed, since my dealer installed the bars before delivery. I find that I leave it on “Tour” mode most of the time, where the ride is firm but not at all punishing over rough roads. “Sport” mode introduces the same level of ride stiffness that I felt with my Z51, which is fine over smooth and moderately rough roads, but uncomfortable over harsh surfaces. In either mode, body lean is kept to a minimum by the heavier sway bars. I recently pushed the car through one of my favorite turns; a hard 90 degree left followed by a 90 degree right sweeper. With the Z51, I could reach .94 g’s with no noise or slippage from the SuperCar tires. My first run through this turn with my 2009 produced an easy .90 g’s, but the base tires were screeching. I think I can probably hit that .94g mark, but the difference in tire adhesion is very obvious. This is a trade-off I expected and am more than willing to accept for the increased ride compliance of the F55. It’s still too early to judge the cold weather capabilities of the standard rubber compared to the SC tires, but I expect to see improved performance. So, for me, I am still very pleased with my transition from the Z51 to the F55. The F55 does not have the “edge” of the Z51 but, especially with the heavier sway bars, it offers similar handling feel with improved “bump management.”
The standard MN6 gearing of the F55 does make for less aggressive feeling 1-2-3 shifts. The car pulls very strongly, but it takes a bit longer to reach your redline, so it doesn’t feel as fast through the gears. In fact, it is just as fast and ¼ mile times are virtually identical in every test I’ve seen, but that subjective feel is not the same. This is most obvious through first and second. By third gear, the car seems to really come alive and wants to just run. I’m surprised GM doesn’t offer at least the option of choosing the Z51 gearing with the F55. There is no practical downside to the standard gearing, since I can easily start the car in second gear and move it in first with no gas, just by feathering the clutch. I do, however, prefer the feel of the Z51 gearing.
The MN6 transmission in this car is a nice improvement over the MN6 in my 2005. When new, it was a bit notchy, but it has since smoothed out significantly. The shifts are now very slick, requiring little effort. Throws are much shorter than in the 2005, so this change which was first instituted in 2008, is a real plus. The clutch is still a bit abrupt, with a very strong return spring. It seems to be getting a little smoother as I drive it, but it’s impossible to know if that’s real or just me getting used to it.
For 2009, GM added a steel shaft and variable ratio to the steering mechanism. The result is an even further refinement of the already upgraded steering added for 2008. The steering is quite a bit lighter feeling than the one used on my 2005, and it does away with the numbness inherent in that system. I’m still getting used to this new system, but I do like it and it does feel seamless through heavy cornering. Parking is much easier, and on center feel during highway driving is very good. It did have my dealer check my alignment after my first week with the car and, as I suspected, it was off. The steering feels even better since that was corrected.
Here are some additional comments that have nothing to do with driving the car. I really like this convertible, even more than my coupe. The power top is very easy to use, seals tightly, and offers better rear visibility than I had in my coupe. Driving top down, I feel like I’m back in one of my old open top roadsters again. Wind turbulence is very manageable, especially with the side windows raised. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get back into a coupe again after this. I’m totally spoiled now!
Cyber Gray is a fantastic color. It looks different every time the light changes, and I get many unsolicited compliments about it. Also, it doesn’t really show dirt as much as I thought it would.
The first 1,000 miles have been problem free. I did have a rear rattle which, with a little help from a Forum member, I was able to quickly resolve myself. There was minor shipping damage to the bottom of the driver’s door. The repair, which required some minor paint and fiberglass work, is completely undetectable.
The Bose actually doesn’t sound too bad with CD’s, still flat with satellite or FM. The audio/volume compensation thing works…you can hear a difference as speed and noise increase.
I’m glad I got the polished wheels. They are well done and have a nice, soft shine to them. They also look really nice against the Cyber Gray.
So, after 1,000 miles, this car is getting better and better. Smoother, the exhaust is opening up some more, and as much fun to drive as my 2005 coupe. Quality seems to be very, very good. If this car holds together well, and doesn’t require too much in the way of unscheduled service, it may turn out to be the best car I’ve ever owned. Not bad for a GM product.
Last edited by StanNH; 09-09-2008 at 02:48 PM.
09-09-2008, 01:49 PM
#4
Life Time NCM #2196
Stan, great write up and I have similar sentiments with our Cyber Gray Coupe that we went over 1100 miles this weekend on the way home from Bowling Green. I do not have a comparison over a C6, though ours has been trouble free and no rattles from the glass top area and the power in the A6 was surprising to me and I have had a few triple digits blasts and it does pull nicely, I can not compare this to my C5 as with the boost they are not in the same league, however plenty of power for passing or for my DD needs
09-09-2008, 01:50 PM
#5
Safety Car
09-09-2008, 02:26 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
It was behind the cockpit, under the tonneau cover. With the top and cover in the raised position, you can see two black plastic wingnuts ... one on each side of the floor. On my car, both were loose. After hand tightening them the rattle disappeared.
09-09-2008, 03:30 PM
#8
Racer
Member Since: Sep 2002
Location: fl
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09-09-2008, 03:37 PM
#10
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2005
Location: Northern, VA
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
09-09-2008, 03:59 PM
#13
Le Mans Master
Sweet! I know I'm biased but to me the C6 verts are one of the world's greatest convertibles and are definitely quieter & better designed than the coupe. I hope to trade up from my 05 someday.
09-09-2008, 04:31 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
09-09-2008, 05:14 PM
#15
Team Owner
Great DETAILED write-up, thanks for sharing.
09-09-2008, 08:17 PM
#20
Racer
