C7 Tech/Performance Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Handling

Old Jun 9, 2014 | 10:05 AM
  #61  
JSibert's Avatar
JSibert
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Westerville OH
Default

Originally Posted by Shaka
There is only one single part that can do this and no one has mentioned it. Mind boggling.
It is also mind boggling that someone would post something like this without mentioning what that "single part" might be.
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2014 | 10:26 AM
  #62  
BarneyZ's Avatar
BarneyZ
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 83
From: DFW, TX
Default

Originally Posted by JSibert
It is also mind boggling that someone would post something like this without mentioning what that "single part" might be.
I suspect that boggling minds is just what he had on his mind....
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2014 | 10:55 AM
  #63  
icntdrv55's Avatar
icntdrv55
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 867
Likes: 26
From: SW Ohio
Default

I'm guessing this is his sarcastic or tongue-in-cheek reference to "the nut behind the wheel" joke….
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2014 | 01:59 PM
  #64  
JSibert's Avatar
JSibert
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Westerville OH
Default

Originally Posted by icntdrv55
I'm guessing this is his sarcastic or tongue-in-cheek reference to "the nut behind the wheel" joke….
Oh, I get it. Wish my problem were that simple.
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2014 | 09:43 PM
  #65  
Shaka's Avatar
Shaka
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 1,336
From: FLL Florida
Default

Originally Posted by JSibert
Oh, I get it. Wish my problem were that simple.
So what are you going to do now? The usual suspects have all given you advice including some genius suggesting that the problem lies with the leaf springs.
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2014 | 07:45 PM
  #66  
JSibert's Avatar
JSibert
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Westerville OH
Default

Originally Posted by Shaka
So what are you going to do now? The usual suspects have all given you advice including some genius suggesting that the problem lies with the leaf springs.
Waiting for the dealer to acquire a Digital Angle Gauge and Adaptor to check the rear caster measurement.
Reply
Old Jun 12, 2014 | 08:39 AM
  #67  
joaquinnparker's Avatar
joaquinnparker
Cruising
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Default

I'm interested in 2014 C7 but experience has taught me to let the first year of a major redesign go by and let Chevy fix the nagging little problems uncovered by owners driving on real streets. handling is not much for this car not unless you modify the suspension.
Reply
Old Jun 12, 2014 | 02:34 PM
  #68  
Magister Ludi's Avatar
Magister Ludi
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 896
Likes: 38
From: Camarillo California
Default

Originally Posted by joaquinnparker
handling is not much for this car not unless you modify the suspension.
Really? Not my experience.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Jun 12, 2014 | 04:38 PM
  #69  
*C7*'s Avatar
*C7*
Melting Slicks
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
20 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,592
Likes: 393
St. Jude Donor 05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Default

Originally Posted by joaquinnparker
I'm interested in 2014 C7 but experience has taught me to let the first year of a major redesign go by and let Chevy fix the nagging little problems uncovered by owners driving on real streets. handling is not much for this car not unless you modify the suspension.

Reply
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 04:53 PM
  #70  
RLH's Avatar
RLH
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Humboldt Iowa
Default

JSibert, I am having the same exact issue that you have described but with a std C7. I have not lowered the vehicle and have had the alignment checked twice. I have had 3 BMW Z4 that had to be changed to non runflats to eliminate this issue. I have also had 2 C6 and did not have to change to non runflats because they handled great. This car is just plain scary the way it handles. If the road has any hint of grooves I can't pass another car because it rocks back and forth too much. Going over a bridge or dip in the road it shifts right and then back to the left. This problem is worse at 70 Mph and I'm afraid to drive it faster in those conditions. My wife doesn't want to ride in it because the back and forth motion is making her sick and scared.
My local dealer doesn't know what to do with it and so I'm scheduled to go to a larger dealer that sells Corvettes. They said that they haven't heard of this so I'm not looking forward to explaining all this and knowing that they will think it's just me.
One other issue that I don't think is related but worth mentioning... there is a subtle vibration that comes and goes on a regular basis. It is only detectable on smooth roads, any bumps or cracks in the road distract enough so it's not noticeable. I have had the tires balanced a couple times and the last was on a road force balancer (if this is the correct name for it). It was determined that one tire was out of spec and was replaced. Unfortunately this didn't correct the problem. Not sure what is going on with this.
I have searched other parts of this forum but couldn't find anyone with the same issue. Finally someone else has this problem (sorry it's you). Have been considering seling the car because of this. Do you have any answers yet? Thanks!
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 06:17 PM
  #71  
ncrowe's Avatar
ncrowe
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 482
Likes: 13
From: Wildwood MO
Default

Originally Posted by RLH
JSibert, I am having the same exact issue that you have described but with a std C7. I have not lowered the vehicle and have had the alignment checked twice. I have had 3 BMW Z4 that had to be changed to non runflats to eliminate this issue. I have also had 2 C6 and did not have to change to non runflats because they handled great. This car is just plain scary the way it handles. If the road has any hint of grooves I can't pass another car because it rocks back and forth too much. Going over a bridge or dip in the road it shifts right and then back to the left. This problem is worse at 70 Mph and I'm afraid to drive it faster in those conditions. My wife doesn't want to ride in it because the back and forth motion is making her sick and scared.
My local dealer doesn't know what to do with it and so I'm scheduled to go to a larger dealer that sells Corvettes. They said that they haven't heard of this so I'm not looking forward to explaining all this and knowing that they will think it's just me.
One other issue that I don't think is related but worth mentioning... there is a subtle vibration that comes and goes on a regular basis. It is only detectable on smooth roads, any bumps or cracks in the road distract enough so it's not noticeable. I have had the tires balanced a couple times and the last was on a road force balancer (if this is the correct name for it). It was determined that one tire was out of spec and was replaced. Unfortunately this didn't correct the problem. Not sure what is going on with this.
I have searched other parts of this forum but couldn't find anyone with the same issue. Finally someone else has this problem (sorry it's you). Have been considering seling the car because of this. Do you have any answers yet? Thanks!
I believe there is a recall on rear shocks with cracked mounts (the shock itself) on the base car.

If you are experiencing vibration on smooth roads and swaying and awkward movement, check the shocks

https://www.corvetteforum.com/articl...ock-absorbers/
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 07:21 PM
  #72  
Shaka's Avatar
Shaka
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 1,336
From: FLL Florida
Default

I said that it could only be one thing.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 08:46 PM
  #73  
RLH's Avatar
RLH
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Humboldt Iowa
Default

I found that Jsibert started another thread and his problem was corrected when the jack caster was adjusted.
I have had the car at a dealership working on the vibration over the last few weeks. they were speaking to GM and were directed to check the tires on the balancer that found a tire out of spec. Would it be safe to assume that the VIN would have been checked for recalls and the shock issue?
Shaka, you say it can be only one thing. Care to elaborate for someone that isn't making the connection? Thanks
Reply
Old Sep 24, 2014 | 12:18 AM
  #74  
hifiguy's Avatar
hifiguy
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Riverside California
Default Run-flat tires are your problem

I also had the same problem with bump steer and what felt like a 'loose' suspension. A friend who used to race cars for a living told me to throw out the run flats and buy a set of Michelin Super Sport Cup tires, which are a very soft rubber compound without the stiff side walls. Guess what? My C7 now handles like a completely different car, and I wouldn't have believed it since no one seems to complain about run flats. Evidently, the thick side walls do not "give" enough for the car to absorb the bumps, so you're thrown sideways after hitting a bump or going into the rain grooves. The really soft rubber of the Cup tires allows your car to stick to the road, beyond your expectation. That is why real track cars use this tire. However, there are two draw backs:
1. They have a treadwear rating of 200, which is about 12,000 miles of driving. One hard day at the track can scrub these down to the steel cords, but you can't really track a car on run flats anyway.
2. You will need to carry the flat tire repair kit in your trunk pocket. It doesn't look too hard to repair a hole in the tread, but of course, if you pop the side wall, you'll have to call a tow truck. Do not let that stop you from buying these tires! A set of 4 in the Corvette offset costs around $2,200 here in Los Angeles, and most of the time, they're special order. I forgot to mention that these are also a couple of pounds lighter, meaning that the car will respond better.
Reply
Old Sep 24, 2014 | 12:15 PM
  #75  
RLH's Avatar
RLH
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Humboldt Iowa
Default

Originally Posted by hifiguy
I also had the same problem with bump steer and what felt like a 'loose' suspension. A friend who used to race cars for a living told me to throw out the run flats and buy a set of Michelin Super Sport Cup tires, which are a very soft rubber compound without the stiff side walls. Guess what? My C7 now handles like a completely different car, and I wouldn't have believed it since no one seems to complain about run flats. Evidently, the thick side walls do not "give" enough for the car to absorb the bumps, so you're thrown sideways after hitting a bump or going into the rain grooves. The really soft rubber of the Cup tires allows your car to stick to the road, beyond your expectation. That is why real track cars use this tire. However, there are two draw backs:
1. They have a treadwear rating of 200, which is about 12,000 miles of driving. One hard day at the track can scrub these down to the steel cords, but you can't really track a car on run flats anyway.
2. You will need to carry the flat tire repair kit in your trunk pocket. It doesn't look too hard to repair a hole in the tread, but of course, if you pop the side wall, you'll have to call a tow truck. Do not let that stop you from buying these tires! A set of 4 in the Corvette offset costs around $2,200 here in Los Angeles, and most of the time, they're special order. I forgot to mention that these are also a couple of pounds lighter, meaning that the car will respond better.
Thanks for the info. Seems like I should confirm alignment first and then correct the vibration that I mentioned as well. If these issues aren't corrected new tires will be the next step.
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2014 | 02:31 PM
  #76  
JoesC5's Avatar
JoesC5
Team Owner
 
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
Default

Originally Posted by hifiguy
I also had the same problem with bump steer and what felt like a 'loose' suspension. A friend who used to race cars for a living told me to throw out the run flats and buy a set of Michelin Super Sport Cup tires, which are a very soft rubber compound without the stiff side walls. Guess what? My C7 now handles like a completely different car, and I wouldn't have believed it since no one seems to complain about run flats. Evidently, the thick side walls do not "give" enough for the car to absorb the bumps, so you're thrown sideways after hitting a bump or going into the rain grooves. The really soft rubber of the Cup tires allows your car to stick to the road, beyond your expectation. That is why real track cars use this tire. However, there are two draw backs:
1. They have a treadwear rating of 200, which is about 12,000 miles of driving. One hard day at the track can scrub these down to the steel cords, but you can't really track a car on run flats anyway.
2. You will need to carry the flat tire repair kit in your trunk pocket. It doesn't look too hard to repair a hole in the tread, but of course, if you pop the side wall, you'll have to call a tow truck. Do not let that stop you from buying these tires! A set of 4 in the Corvette offset costs around $2,200 here in Los Angeles, and most of the time, they're special order. I forgot to mention that these are also a couple of pounds lighter, meaning that the car will respond better.
I disagree. I had the OE run flats on my C5 and it handled great. When I replaced them with Michelin run flats, the car still handled great. I had the OE run flats on my C6 Z06 and I never experienced any stability problems the OP is having. I changed the OE Goodyear's for a set of Bridgestone run flats and the handling of the car is still exceptional. I've had it over 145 on a rough road; Z06 was moving around, but the road was rough(as it was built in the 1930's and hasn't been repaved in many a year, but I had full control of the car with no problems the OP is experiencing), and over 160 on a smooth track(Talladega).



Take a look at the videos of GM running the C6 Z06 and ZR1 around Nurburgring. Do they look like they are out of control at speeds of 160 -180 and that track is not a super smooth track. Oh, and run flats are on the Z06 and the ZR1 in the videos. The Cup tires GM used on the C6 ZR1 and the C6 Z06/Z07 and the new C7 Z06/Z07 are also run flats.
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2014 | 03:29 PM
  #77  
lancekl's Avatar
lancekl
Pro
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 514
Likes: 105
From: Georgia
Default

Had a similar issue with a Miata one time. Put new tires on the car and it would dart all over the place. Pressures were correct, and no visible issue with the tires.

Dealer contacted the manufacturer, they replaced the tires and the problem was solved. Tires were sent back to the manufacturer for evaluation, but I never heard anything back.

Don't rule out the tires.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Handling

Old Sep 26, 2014 | 03:59 PM
  #78  
QKSLVRZ's Avatar
QKSLVRZ
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 983
Likes: 23
From: Northeast Ohio
Default

The camber on the images, is whacked. The front should be equal and negative. -0.5 degree is a reasonable handling setup for the street.
AutoX or Track, as negative as you can get (-1.5 to -2.5 or more depending on how fast you're going) , depending on your wallet.
The rear, where your problem is even worse, they should both be negative, normally the rear is a little more positive than the front, (but still negative). Most of the race setups the fronts are 0.5 - 1.0 more negative. The real check is tire surface temp, even surface temps at speed on the track.
iirc my C5 Z06 was like -1.1 f and -0.7(-0.5?)in the rear. The cross camber in the rear is the first thing I'd fix.

When I lowered my Z, I worked really hard to make sure it was level, as that controls weight jacking (which I think was mentioned up thread), I was going to get it weighted on a set of scales, but never did.

Last edited by QKSLVRZ; Sep 26, 2014 at 04:03 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2014 | 04:32 PM
  #79  
MitchAlsup's Avatar
MitchAlsup
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,531
Likes: 1,943
From: Austin Texas
Default

Originally Posted by JSibert
Attached is the printout from the alignment check.

The car is aligned to move slightly towards the right at the rear and to move slightly towards the left at the front. So when yo take an up bump, the car is going to want to rotate counterclockwise.

While the readings are within spec, what you want is both side to have the same reading; +/- 0.1 maximum tolerable difference.

Oh, and BTW, there is a big difference between having no specification for caster and having a specification of 0.0 degrees for the caster specification. The former says that any reading is within spec, the later says that only when the caster is 0.0 is the specification being satisfied.
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2014 | 05:01 PM
  #80  
m3incorp's Avatar
m3incorp
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 229
From: Colorado Springs, CO/Augusta,GA Colorado
Default

I'm guessing Shaka is trying not to say it must be shocks.
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:15 AM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE