I'm considering buying a Corvette with the manual transmission, and sat in both a 2LT and 3LT model to check out the options. I like the telescoping steering wheel on the 3LT, but don't want the other stuff. So here's my problem...I have long legs and not so long arms. My legs are a little too crammed up when I sit in an appropriate position for my arms to reach the steering wheel with a comfortable seat angle. I was wondering if anyone on the forum has seen the schematic for the steering column and would be able to tell if there is a one time modification that can be made to a non-telescoping steering wheel, to move it towards the driver an extra inch or two. I would assume that GM engineered the steering column to be modular enough to attach the oem telescoping hardware with little change to the rest of the steering column hardware during the assembly. Thanks in advance.

 

I think you're wasting your time. Why not just go ahead and get the 3LT. The memory system will automatically move the steering wheel in and out on exit and entry per your settings.

 

Sounds to me like a person who doesn't want to pay $3500 just for a telescoping steering wheel. I don't think you've solved his problem.

 

One possible solution is to add an aftermarket steering wheel. While its apart, have a spacer made to push it out as far as you want it. Wouldn't be too hard... just some lathe work at a shop. I think an inch would probably look fine. Two inches might start to look wierd though.

 

Yeah I wish I had the telescoping wheel as well and wondered how hard it would be to convert...

 

I can't answer your specific question about modding the steering column, but the obvious and easy fix is of course to adjust to a steeper seat back angle. In my younger days my C3 seat was practically laying down, and it looked cool too, so I adjusted my C5 that way when I got it. However, after doing a little autocrossing in the C5 and being advised by those more experienced to tip the seat up to have more control over the steering wheel, I find that I like it that way better. Try it for a week or two and see if it doesn't grow on you.

 

I'm not a tall guy, 5' 10.5", and I find that car is not the greatest on fitting people. It also needs adjustable pedals, humans are not all the same, the layout in the car is for the average person, whatever that is. My knees are always hitting the lower part of the dash when going to the brakes, you have to be a contortionish to fit in that car. Also those slick seats are horrible and you continously slide, and the side wings are too low, another compromise, a GM thing to say they have them, what a joke. Most Vette drivers will not complain because they are above themselves to make negative comments about a Veete because they drive them and most people don't. I wish that GM would really listen and put out what the people "really want". Not a caned tuna that stinks.

 

I've read a lot of stuff on this forum, but not once have I ever heard of the Corvette referred to as "caned tuna that stinks."

 

If it's that uncomfortable to you then why do you still own the car?

 

It never did anything to hurt anybody
fig

 

I thought the same thing about adding hud but aparently it is more difficult than you'd think.

I can tell you if you do opt for the 3lt you will not regret it. Women love the heated seats. You will grow to love the HUD. I know I did.

 

CHarris85Vette - thanks for the spacer idea. I hope it doesn't come down to that, but I'll let you know if I ever do it.

Indy-hp, I hear what you're saying. I'm a HPDE instructor, and the first thing I do when I get into a car with anyone is do a quick assessment of their driving position. Like you, I'm used to having the seat in a more upright position than most.

What I commonly do when I get into a car that I need to adjust the seat to suit me is put the seat back at a comfortable angle, but not very reclined. I then move the seat forward until I can sit with my shoulders pressed back, and still be able extend my arms and place my wrists on top of the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position. Then I check to see if I can step the clutch down all the way with my RIGHT foot. If I can't do those two things, I'll mess with the seat adjustments until I get a good compromise.

The C6 isn't too bad; it's just that the plastic panel under the dash is a bit too close to my shins and knees. An extra inch or two further back with the seat would make me feel better about my legs, but then I feel too far away from the steering wheel. I tried to put the seat more upright, but it was to the point I look like a granny (no offense to the grandmas on the forum) driving the car. Not to mention it is uncomfortable when the seat is too upright.

This isn't going to be what keeps me from placing my order. I just wanted to see what you guys knew. I figured someone on the forum might flip through the service manual and provide some insight. I'll look into it if/when I get my C6 and let you guys know what I find out.

 

I like tuna

 

J.Yo, I'm 5'7" and my knees almost touch the dash panel too when the seat is properly adjusted for me, that's just the way the dash fits in the C6. If you've done all you describe in a C6 and still can't get comfortable, I'd spring for the 3LT just to get the telescoping feature. You'll probably find, like I did, that some of those extras that you're not interested in at all now are pretty nice to have, like the HUD and the heated seats. Those features were things I didn't want in the 3LT (I wanted the 6-disk CD, the Homelink, and the easy-exit memory seats), but now find that I'm really, really glad to have. 3LT is overpriced, $3500 more at MSRP ($2900 at GMID), but less than 10% of the total price of the car when you look at the big picture.

 

Want to determine if a Ferrari is a better buy.

 

Cut your legs.