Different driving
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 703
Likes: 76
From: leesburg fl
St. Jude Donor '12
Different driving
It seems to me that my 2016 base coupe stuck to the road a bit better then the 2017 vert. The vert seems to get a little loose in the back end with a little faster driving then the coupe did. Both cars have the same motor and A-8 with NPP. Is there a difference in the weight of the cars? Should I consider putting a sway bar on the vert in the rear.(the coupe didn't have a sway bar)? Maybe a spoiler on the vert? (again the coupe didn't have one) outside temps were in the 80s. Maybe it's just the driver.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,439
Likes: 590
From: Tellico Plains Tennessee
Perhaps its the roof line profile that makes the difference. Big difference between a Vert and Coupe roof profile. I'd guess the downforce, or lack thereof, must be different as well. Is there any published data on downforce between the two models? Maybe a rear spoiler can improve the Vert.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 318
From: Cedar Falls Iowa
If the cars are different, it's not because one is a vert and the other a coupe. Having my dad's Z51 coupe sitting next to mine for a couple months afforded me to drive em back to back. When his car (with mrc) was in touring mode, the vibe basically the same as my ZF1 base vert. Perhaps still a touch stiffer because of the Z51 sway bar setup.
Add: The vert is something like 65 lbs heavier so the extra weight would not be noticed.
Add: The vert is something like 65 lbs heavier so the extra weight would not be noticed.
Last edited by DAFFYDRUNK; Dec 27, 2016 at 10:05 AM.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2008
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From: Manheim Pennsylvania
Could be alignment, tire pressures, ambient temperature difference even the engine's fuel scheduling (faster response). I am sure the spoiler has nothing to do with any of the handling differences (cosmetic) you are noticing. Two different cars seldom perform exactly the same. My 2017's engine seems to respond with more authority than my previous 2014, both are M7, base convertibles. With the temperatures in the forties and the fact that the 2017 only has 110 miles prevents me from actually doing a comparison.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 703
Likes: 76
From: leesburg fl
St. Jude Donor '12
Thanks a lot, Jan 12th I have to go to the va hospital in gainsville so thats when I will check everything from all your replies, its about a 70 mile interstate drive @ about 75 mph.
Yes the other time I did have the top down.
I know the coupe would squat and go.
The vert will break loose, I think the vert is faster.
Thanks again for all your help and some of my dumb questions
Yes the other time I did have the top down.
I know the coupe would squat and go.
The vert will break loose, I think the vert is faster.
Thanks again for all your help and some of my dumb questions
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 25,583
Likes: 16,942
Could be alignment, tire pressures, ambient temperature difference even the engine's fuel scheduling (faster response). I am sure the spoiler has nothing to do with any of the handling differences (cosmetic) you are noticing. Two different cars seldom perform exactly the same. My 2017's engine seems to respond with more authority than my previous 2014, both are M7, base convertibles. With the temperatures in the forties and the fact that the 2017 only has 110 miles prevents me from actually doing a comparison.
If you put a more aggressive spoiler (Z51 or Z06) on a base convertible, it will produce significantly more rear-end down force at speeds above 60-70mph. They are not just there for "cosmetic" reasons.
Last edited by Foosh; Dec 27, 2016 at 03:48 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
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From: Manheim Pennsylvania
If he's comparing base coupe to base convertible, perhaps there are aero differences between coupe and convertible that he may be noticing, but he hasn't made it clear the convertible he's comparing the base coupe to is also a base.
If you put a more aggressive spoiler (Z51 or Z06) on a base convertible, it will produce significantly more rear-end down force at speeds above 60-70mph. They are not just there for "cosmetic" reasons.
If you put a more aggressive spoiler (Z51 or Z06) on a base convertible, it will produce significantly more rear-end down force at speeds above 60-70mph. They are not just there for "cosmetic" reasons.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 25,583
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You're right about low speed. That's not why spoilers are there, but the OP did say he felt it get looser with "faster driving" (his words). He did not define what faster driving meant.
On my F-Type, which had an automatic deployable/retractable spoiler, it deployed at 60 on the convertible and at 70 on the coupe. Porsches w/ similar automatic spoilers deploy at similar speeds. They do make a difference in keeping the rear end planted at speeds above 60-70.
On my F-Type, which had an automatic deployable/retractable spoiler, it deployed at 60 on the convertible and at 70 on the coupe. Porsches w/ similar automatic spoilers deploy at similar speeds. They do make a difference in keeping the rear end planted at speeds above 60-70.
Last edited by Foosh; Dec 27, 2016 at 06:03 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: merritt island fl
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Unless you're comparing lap times at a track, you really can't accurately do a comparison. As has been said, too many variables.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Saint Clair Shores Mi
As said above, tons of variables. I put the Z51 front and rear swaybar kit on my ZF1 2015 base coupe and the front spoiler. I really couldn't tell a lot of difference, but to the seat of the pants it feels like the rear is a little more stable in hard turns. I don't have any areas where I can take the car near it's limits nor am I skilled enough to try. I did kind of find it hard to believe the base cars at least my 15 didn't have any rear sway bar.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,800
Likes: 2,653
From: Down south in Dixie
Now if we were talking about the difference between the C3 convertible and coupe I know the Verts were terribly skiddish in the corners. But, I have't noticed any of that in my '16. Could it be the road surface's you're on at the time causing the problem Jim? Just guessing here.
Last edited by Rebel Yell; Dec 28, 2016 at 02:37 PM.