Tunnel Plate ?????????
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 58
From: Dallas Tx
Tunnel Plate ?????????
I've seen 1/4" and 3/8" tunnel plates.
Which is better or recommended?
The 1/4" one I found had circular cutouts in the center portion and the 3/8" one I found had no cutouts down the center.
Whats the general opinion of adding an aftermarket tunnel plate?
Which is better or recommended?
The 1/4" one I found had circular cutouts in the center portion and the 3/8" one I found had no cutouts down the center.
Whats the general opinion of adding an aftermarket tunnel plate?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,502
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
As you probably know - -a tunnel plate can add structural rigidity to the frame and accordingly, less frame flex and improved cornering - -most notably if you're going to track the car.
And accordingly, thicker is stiffer = better.
Tunnel plates are also available with a thermal coating that reportedly absorbs heat and leaves the interior portion of the console and tunnel cooler.
I've been tempted by it - -but I don't track the car - - it turns just fine for me in street driving and I don't mind the heat off the tunnel - - - so as you might guess, I haven't gotten one.
But I've sure given them a good look. I'm sure you will also find those who bought `em . . and love `em !
Good luck with your decision.
And accordingly, thicker is stiffer = better.
Tunnel plates are also available with a thermal coating that reportedly absorbs heat and leaves the interior portion of the console and tunnel cooler.
I've been tempted by it - -but I don't track the car - - it turns just fine for me in street driving and I don't mind the heat off the tunnel - - - so as you might guess, I haven't gotten one.
But I've sure given them a good look. I'm sure you will also find those who bought `em . . and love `em !
Good luck with your decision.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Disclaimer, my opinion only, so FWIW, the purpose of changing tunnel plates is to increase chassis rigidity, and in some cases maybe try to reduce heat into the console. If you put in a plate with cutouts in the center it has to sacrifice torsional rigidity. So I would reject that one.If you drive the car hard or track it then you would likely notice quite a difference with a better plate, and like it. If you're like me it really doesn't make sense except to try to mitigate heat. I've considered putting in an insulated plate but my heat issue hasn't been serious and I don't drive my vert hard enough to benefit from the added rigidity. So for now I'm not doing it. Maybe later though.
Here's a thread I saved just for interest:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...post1562889526
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,954
Likes: 261
From: Greensboro NC
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
I have installed the Thermal Abs 1/4" tunnel plate on my 2010 (F55 equipped) coupe as well as the Z51 sway bars. This gives me very flat and stable cornering as well as reduced heat in the console area. I am very happy with the results.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,367
Likes: 211
From: Edgewood Washington
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Did the same for my Vert.
The reduction in heat is significant and the low purchase cost makes this a worthwhile mod, especially if you have the exhaust system already off the car.
If you're doing a cat-back exhaust upgrade, it's the perfect opportunity to add this piece. Check Elite Engineering for product details.
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Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,361
Likes: 4,803
From: West Burbs of Chicago IL
When I installed it on my '05 it GREATLY improved center console heat, which bordered on being uncomfortable if I was wearing shorts on longer rides. No longer the issue on my '08 Vert.
In addition, it does improve rigidity but I do not think it is a question of if you want to track the vehicle or not...just a question if you want it to corner just a little tigher.
IMHO, they are a no brainer. They are extremely easy to install (though I have a lift to help with getting underneath)
It's a fun, easy, inexpensive mod that will give you immediate results, if you've got the "mod" bug.
On that note, I have yet to do it on my '08 vert, that could use it. Thanks for the reminder!
In addition, it does improve rigidity but I do not think it is a question of if you want to track the vehicle or not...just a question if you want it to corner just a little tigher.
IMHO, they are a no brainer. They are extremely easy to install (though I have a lift to help with getting underneath)
It's a fun, easy, inexpensive mod that will give you immediate results, if you've got the "mod" bug.
On that note, I have yet to do it on my '08 vert, that could use it. Thanks for the reminder!
Last edited by Big Lebowski; Mar 7, 2010 at 05:57 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Miami FL.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,617
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Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
For 99% of applications and the most popular seller is the 1/4" plate. It adds a nice balance of not too much weight gain while providing some rigidity and thermal reduction. I have both available on my vendor site and would be happy to answer any questions you have about adding the plate. You will feel the difference and while I can't say that for the typical owner it is a necessity it is a good enhancement to an already great handling car.
www.theredlion.us/rlcustoms.htm
Paul
www.theredlion.us/rlcustoms.htm
Paul
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,569
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix AZ
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Tunnel Plate
I've got an Elite Engineering 1/4" Plate on my Z51 Coupe with the Heatmaster insulation beneath it. It is superlative for sound deadening, heat or A/C insulation, and structural rigidity throughout the whole car. There's NO downside to the installation of a 1/4" Tunnel plate.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 7
From: Beautiful CO
St. jude Donor '14
Tunnel Plate Sale / Group Purchase
Take a look at this thread, we've got a SALE going on for a couple more days!!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...oup-buy-2.html
Take a look at this thread, we've got a SALE going on for a couple more days!!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...oup-buy-2.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 49
From: Sun Devil Country
You will definitely be happy with E2's Thermal Abs Tunnel Plate. I installed mine when I installed my Corsa Sports. Noticed the body was tighter (more rigid), especially in turns and a reduction in heat in and around the console. I am more than happy I did the installations at the same time. Money and time well spent. That's a damn good price for the GP.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,106
Likes: 1,608
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Tunnel Plate Sale / Group Purchase
Take a look at this thread, we've got a SALE going on for a couple more days!!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...oup-buy-2.html
Take a look at this thread, we've got a SALE going on for a couple more days!!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...oup-buy-2.html
