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Why do you guys refer to the standard Corvette model as “base”?
I even note a bit of disdaine when referencing these cars that are neither Z06 or Grand Sport models. i’ve been away from the Corvette scene for a few years and of the 15 or so Vettes I have owned all but 3-4 were vintage models. My reentry into the Corvette ranks is a ‘05 convertible Z51 six speed that now has just over 14,000 miles on its LS2 engine. Red with black top and interior.
The term “base” to me conjures up images of the old 210 Chevy line. Usually a straight 6 three speed and might have a heater. Probably no radio or sunvisors. School me please on why a $60,000+ sports car with a 400 hp engine and suspension to match is a “base” model. Never mind the nav system, power top and a host of other options.
I’ve owned a solid axle fuelie, several mid years, big block C3’s, a couple of C4’s and C5’s. NONE of these were the car the current car is. Standard body? Yes. Base? Frankly I have a hard time with that term as applied to the standard body C6.
I even note a bit of disdaine when referencing these cars that are neither Z06 or Grand Sport models. i’ve been away from the Corvette scene for a few years and of the 15 or so Vettes I have owned all but 3-4 were vintage models. My reentry into the Corvette ranks is a ‘05 convertible Z51 six speed that now has just over 14,000 miles on its LS2 engine. Red with black top and interior.
The term “base” to me conjures up images of the old 210 Chevy line. Usually a straight 6 three speed and might have a heater. Probably no radio or sunvisors. School me please on why a $60,000+ sports car with a 400 hp engine and suspension to match is a “base” model. Never mind the nav system, power top and a host of other options.
I’ve owned a solid axle fuelie, several mid years, big block C3’s, a couple of C4’s and C5’s. NONE of these were the car the current car is. Standard body? Yes. Base? Frankly I have a hard time with that term as applied to the standard body C6.
There is no disdain a BASE is simply the more inexpensive model of all the Corvette models offered.Actually you having the Z51 option is an upgraded BASE.
Because it is the base of the line up for corvettes. It has nothing to do with performance or that it is inferior it is simply a way to tell it apart from a z06 or grand sport.
Base model (narrow body car,and a LS7 option on some base cars)
Base model with Z51 option (narrow body).
GS model (wide body), after the Base with Z51 option was discontinued.
Z06 model(wide body)
Z07 model with CF and PTM option available. (think version as a ZR1, but with a ls7 motor, isntead of Super charged LS9)
Zr1 model
So as you move from base, up to the ZR1 model, upgrades in suspension, Braking, and power as well.
Note, concept it to keep the power level to what the cars upgrade will allow for a ballance between handling and power.
As for why the Z07 over a ZR1, the SC can cause heat soak problems on long road course runs, while the LS7 is N/A instead. So although the LS9 makes 620HP, the LS7 makes 505hp in stock form instead, it not have to mod a LS7 to over 600hp, and you don't have the heat problem from the Roots blower isntead.
Note, LS9 is making 620 horse power, so what little the motor did heat soak, was still more HP that most could use isntead. Hence even with a pro behind the wheel on a ZR1 on a road course, the PTM is used to dial back instant power, since without out that motor reeled back a bit in instant HP, all you end up with it just sloppy runs with the back end trying to over step out every chance it gets instead.
As for 427 Convertible, it could be had, but in regards to a road coarse handling work car, is well lacking since it just over powers the handling on that GS model, and the motor really belongs in a Z06/Z07 model isntead. Hence just tries to move the car into the street use muscle type car straight line type use car isntead.
Base model (narrow body car,and a LS7 option on some base cars)
Base model with Z51 option (narrow body).
GS model (wide body), after the Base with Z51 option was discontinued.
Z06 model(wide body)
Z07 model with CF and PTM option available. (think version as a ZR1, but with a ls7 motor, isntead of Super charged LS9)
Zr1 model
So as you move from base, up to the ZR1 model, upgrades in suspension, Braking, and power as well.
Note, concept it to keep the power level to what the cars upgrade will allow for a ballance between handling and power.
As for why the Z07 over a ZR1, the SC can cause heat problems on long road course runs, while the LS7 is N/A instead. So although the LS9 makes 620HP, the LS7 makes 505hp in stock form instead, it not have to mod a LS7 to over 600hp, and you don't have the heat problem from the Roots blower isntead.
As for base model with LS7, it could be had, but in regards to a road coarse handling work car, is well lacking since it just over powers the handling on that model, and the motor really belongs in a Z06/Z07 model isntead. Hence just tries to move the car into the muscle type car straight line type use isntead.
The base car was NOT offered with an LS7. And the ZR1 did not have heat issues on the track.
I think we use the term base because it' shorter than "narrow body". Personally, when I refer to base cars, it' usually referencing a 1lt stick shift no options car.
Well lets get even more precise. Maybe the base could be considered the bottom tier of the Corvette line. Then one can add options on top of what the base comes with. Like a base coat of paint....then other coats are put on top of that to get the finished product as the owner desires..... And I do like how the usual "Base Blasters" (you know who you are) are trying to keep somewhat civil in this thread.....but for how long.....HE HE. Regardless.....let us not forget that the base is faster !!!!!......
Well lets get even more precise. Maybe the base could be considered the bottom tier of the Corvette line. Then one can add options on top of what the base comes with. Like a base coat of paint....then other coats are put on top of that to get the finished product as the owner desires..... And I do like how the usual "Base Blasters" (you know who you are) are trying to keep somewhat civil in this thread.....but for how long.....HE HE. Regardless.....let us not forget that the base is faster !!!!!......
The base car was NOT offered with an LS7. And the ZR1 did not have heat issues on the track.
I think we use the term base because it' shorter than "narrow body". Personally, when I refer to base cars, it' usually referencing a 1lt stick shift no options car.
Cleaned up my reply above, and would rather think of interior option packages in the car, as more as a comfort type gran turismo option packages isntead.
Hence model type, including F55 and J55 options is more about handling, braking, and then the LT packages levels in the car, which more about interior pimping bling options isntead.
Simply put, if it came down to say a GS with F55 in 3lt, verse a GS 4lt without the F55 option, would be all over the 3lt with F55 instead.
The 4lt adds leather in the car to look at, while the F55 option in the GS package ends up with a better handling car instead.
And still standing fast on the 427 edition in the GS car even with F55, since GS does well with the LS3, but the LS7 just over powers the road course handling of that car; plus not keen on ringing a convertible up to 175mph down a road coarse track straight every lap as well.
Because it is the base of the line up for corvettes. It has nothing to do with performance or that it is inferior it is simply a way to tell it apart from a z06 or grand sport.
No disdain intended at all. I drove a 2005 Base Coupe for 4 years. I loved it. Like they say, “It is what it is”. The Corvette is a great car regardless of the model, upgrades, ad-ons, generation etc...IMHO.
Just throwing this out there, I went from a 1LT C6 to a 3LT C6 to another 1LT C6 and there isnt anything I miss about the 3LT package. The HUD is cool but I never used it for anything... Other than that, I love my base
Just throwing this out there, I went from a 1LT C6 to a 3LT C6 to another 1LT C6 and there isnt anything I miss about the 3LT package. The HUD is cool but I never used it for anything... Other than that, I love my base
FWIW: I'm generally the only driver, so the memory stuff isn't useful to me. Can't remember what else the 3LT comes with aside from the HUD.
But as for the HUD? It's the greatest thing since sliced bread, intermittent wipers, and snooze alarms. I miss it when I'm driving the truck.
or . . .
Is he the original owner or did he buy it new?
No, bruzer, I think he was asking if the car was new when the OP bought it or if he was the original owner. No, wait, he was asking if the OP bought it used or if someone else owned it first. No, wait...ah, hell, who cares...
05-06-2018, 09:42 AM
Why do you guys refer to the standard Corvette model as “base”?
I miss it when I'm driving the truck. 
