SAE article on the C6 states the shorten chassis with the longer wheelbase creates a stiffer chassis over the C5...
Michael

 

Right. But it's not the shortening of the chassis which resulted in this. The longer wheelbase would result in a frame which is less stiff, but they added reinforcement and redid some parts of the frame for a net increase in stiffness.

And the wheelbase increased by only 1.2 inches anyway.

 

“Chassis stiffness” is a topic that has been thoroughly discussed in the C5 section for years. I’m sure it will also get a lot of attention from C6 owners. Unfortunately there are a lot of variables to consider when trying to put actual numbers on chassis stiffness. It is true that the C6 is engineered to have a stiffer more rigid frame than any other corvette, but I feel a thicker tunnel plate just adds to that rigidity. Everyone that has installed our plate has been 100% satisfied. They all say there is a noticeable difference, “the car just feels tighter”. A side-by-side comparison of our plate vs. the stock OEM plate is clear evidence. Our aluminum plate is about twice as thick.

 

Michael - get them, Just DO IT. JT

 

For information on chassis stiffness, read my sticky...link in sig. As the SAE pubs get published, and I read them, I'll update the thread to reflect what I've learned.

 

Just curious that's all

 

I am a true sportscar guy. I want an independent suspension, stiff chassis, great engine, and a light weight above all. I believe weight reduction is the only design feature or mod that will improve all three facets to a car's performance; going, turning, stopping.

Ford only wants to win over its customers with horsepower, nothing else. Sure, SVT does the exlusivity thing...big deal. Just give me a car with great performance numbers based on a solid design.

The new Shelby Cobra is heavy, heavy, heavy (and front heavy at that), with a very obsolete solid rear axle. Ford cannot build non-supercharged engines with high horsepower, I guess. You can even look at the Ford GT; it's supercharged too. It's also heavy for a $140K two seater at over 3400lbs. Chevys new C6 Z06 is so damn impressive at half the cost (estimated) of a Ford GT.

I could go on and on about Ford's bungling of the new Cobra, but you probably heard enough. I've always held out on the Corvette for two reasons. The open top and I wasn't keen on the C5's looks enough to pay for it. It's still a good looking car. However, the Ford sucks and I do like the look of the C6. Besides, it's runs side-by-side with the 911 and makes a Mustang look like a piece of crap. I love my 2003 Cobra, mostly because of my mod too, however. But, I will buy a C6 when they get the bugs worked out next year. Hopefully, I can get a hold of a Z06. It is a great, great car.