Altitude

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Mar 29, 2019 | 02:02 PM

Pete Neild

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Altitude

I'm planning a trip through Colorado in June. The route I'm looking at gets up to 13,000 feet. Any issues with taking a 2014 C7-Z51 (stock) to that altitude?

Mar 29, 2019 | 02:10 PM

Vetteman Jack

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You should be fine. GM tested the C7 in all kinds of conditions and I doubt they forgot to drive in the mountains.

Mar 29, 2019 | 02:11 PM

TXshaggy

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You’ll be fine; car will be gasping for breath and way down on power though.

Mar 29, 2019 | 05:06 PM

vdavenp802

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The only problem I see is the beauty of the drive may distract you, and slow you down. the answer of course is to
drive very fast to keep your attention on dirving the beast.....

Mar 29, 2019 | 05:15 PM

blueray16

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From: Central Jersey

My Stingray was born and raised at sea level.

I've been over 12000 ft in parts of Colorado and Montana with no noticeable difference in performance.

However, if you are used to running 93 octane, changing to 91 will make for a dramatic reduction in performance.

Nothing to worry about ... enjoy the trip!

Last edited by blueray16; Mar 29, 2019 at 05:18 PM.

Mar 29, 2019 | 05:19 PM

Vet Interested

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If my daughter's Kia can make it with no issues your Vette should!

Last edited by Vet Interested; Mar 29, 2019 at 05:20 PM.

Mar 29, 2019 | 07:00 PM

laserdude2215

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From: San Dimas CA

You may want to have oxygen for your passenger and yourself.

Mar 29, 2019 | 07:17 PM

duckvett

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Quote:

Originally Posted by laserdude2215

You may want to have oxygen for your passenger and yourself.

True story

My wife experienced altitude sickness at 12,000 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Corvette felt fine!
As for your Corvette - the computers adjust to current conditions, but you should continue to use the highest octane fuel you can buy.

Last edited by duckvett; Mar 29, 2019 at 07:18 PM. Reason: add

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Mar 29, 2019 | 07:35 PM

TXshaggy

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From: Texas Hill Country Texas

Generally accepted that NA engines lose 2-3% per 1000’ of altitude...but perhaps not noticeable unless you’re demanding full performance.

Mar 29, 2019 | 08:12 PM

#10

4thC4at60

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You'll have no problems.... have run the mountains many times over the past 29 years of Vette ownership.

Mar 29, 2019 | 09:04 PM

#11

Obe1 GS

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Your engine computer monitors air pressure and compensates the fuel injection system for the altitude change.

Mar 29, 2019 | 09:06 PM

#12

Psychodo

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From: Burbs of Denver

As others have said you will be fine. There will be a loss of power at that altitude but it shouldn't be an issue. Where are you heading here?

Mar 29, 2019 | 09:43 PM

#13

LDB

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Quote:

Originally Posted by blueray16

The drop in power at altitude has nothing to do with the lower octane premium normally sold in high altitude areas. It is due to lower air pressure and thus less oxygen for the engine. Just like people are short of breath at high altitude, the engine is too. But as others have said, the engine computer compensates just fine as far as operability and reliability of the engine. The only impact is loss of power. The lower air pressure is actually why lower octane fuels are sold at high altitude. Think of it this way. The air at 5000 feet (like Denver) only has about 85% as much oxygen as at sea level, while at 13,000 feet, that drops to about 65%. So when you floor the throttle at 5000 feet, it’s like 85% throttle opening at sea level, or if at 13,000 feet, it’s like 65% throttle at sea level. Less throttle opening means less octane needed. Hence, no need for the full 93 octane premium at altitude. The only very small drawback is that if you fill up with 91 premium when leaving high altitude and then drive back to lower altitude, you’ll be a bit low on octane once back at low altitude, so your ECM will be pulling a bit of timing until you fill up with 93.

Mar 29, 2019 | 11:38 PM

#14

dial666

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Quote:

Originally Posted by TXshaggy

You’ll be fine; car will be gasping for breath and way down on power though.

drove up pikes peak last year 14k
ft and barely noticed any power loss just cruising, "way down" may be a stretch IMO

Mar 29, 2019 | 11:52 PM

#15

TXshaggy

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From: Texas Hill Country Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by dial666

drove up pikes peak last year 14k
ft and barely noticed any power loss just cruising, "way down" may be a stretch IMO

Just cruising probably wouldn’t notice as you’re not demading much of the engine...at 14K in a NA car peak is down about 40%.

Mar 30, 2019 | 04:12 AM

#16

wgood

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Well when I was a kid we drove our 1953 Plymouth up to the top of Mt Evans and the road was paved !!! Vapor lock only occurs with carbureted cars !!! Wayne

Mar 30, 2019 | 08:12 AM

#17

7LitreC5

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From: Black Forest CO

The car will run fine but will be *way* down on power. Rule of thumb is a power loss of ~3% per 1k increase in elevation.

Mar 30, 2019 | 11:01 AM

#18

Carlos Thomas

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From: San Francisco CA

No problem here

Mar 30, 2019 | 01:56 PM

#19

Rebel Yell

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From: Down south in Dixie

We've been through that area in a couple different cars with no problems whatsoever. Modern technology is an amazing thing. Enjoy the trip, it's a most beautiful part of our great country.