Track testing the C-6
11-05-2004, 05:41 PM
#1
Former Vendor
Thread Starter
Track testing the C-6
Hello All,
This is Randy from Doug Rippie Motorsports and I have some exicting news about the C-6.
Our first C-6 hit the door about three weeks ago, Doug's first impressions were mixed. The styling and aero package looks different but fuctional, the "extra" gizmos will take some time to get use to. If the Bose stereo system would turn on, the car would be near prefect.
The stock car made 335 horse and 335 tourqe to the wheels, that's with only 100 miles on it. When the odometer read 170 it was time to take things apart. We had a goal to finsh a list of things before it's first track day.
1. Cooling has always been a problem in high perforance use. Brake ducts, Radiator with engine oil cooler, Tranny and Diff.
2. Brakes are needed at the end of the staights all day long. So we made our AP setup work, with 14 inch rotors up front and the stock C-5 brakes in the rear. With our DRM master cylinder for a nice hard pedal that never goes away.
3. Suspenison was pretty much a no brainer. Coilovers are a must for any veichle that needs high speed stability on and off the track. We used our Bilstein shocks, Hyperco springs with all of our great hardware.
4. Tires and Wheels, Thanks to the Jim, Travis and Carol out at Fikse we had wheels in our hands fast. They fit just right with no rubbing and the perfect track widths. The tires where Michelin Pilot Sport cups which are great for track events. (295 front and 315 rear)
5. Chassis stiffener bar for impovred handling and a good place to mount seat belts.
At the track down in Iowa, Mid-America Motorsports Complex, Doug ran a few very hard sessions with the car. The coolers worked great, oil temps never got above 254 degrees, the trans (240) and the diff (260).
The brake ducts experienced no rubbing or any problems at all. At these temps the compontes should last for many events.
The DRM AP brakes have already been proven on the C-5 so basically we needed to make sure that the new ABS system would be ok with the added braking force. It worked out just fine, the car stoped great all day without issues.
The coilovers like all of our suspension products handled great. The wheel and tire package work just fine, good looks with good performance how can you beat that.
Overall we are very happy with the car's performance. Now the biggest problem is to get some horsepower. We have a 427 waiting for installation after we can tune on the car. We will keep you posted!
Thanks
Randy Rippie
763-477-9272
DRM@tcinternet.net
This is Randy from Doug Rippie Motorsports and I have some exicting news about the C-6.
Our first C-6 hit the door about three weeks ago, Doug's first impressions were mixed. The styling and aero package looks different but fuctional, the "extra" gizmos will take some time to get use to. If the Bose stereo system would turn on, the car would be near prefect.
The stock car made 335 horse and 335 tourqe to the wheels, that's with only 100 miles on it. When the odometer read 170 it was time to take things apart. We had a goal to finsh a list of things before it's first track day.
1. Cooling has always been a problem in high perforance use. Brake ducts, Radiator with engine oil cooler, Tranny and Diff.
2. Brakes are needed at the end of the staights all day long. So we made our AP setup work, with 14 inch rotors up front and the stock C-5 brakes in the rear. With our DRM master cylinder for a nice hard pedal that never goes away.
3. Suspenison was pretty much a no brainer. Coilovers are a must for any veichle that needs high speed stability on and off the track. We used our Bilstein shocks, Hyperco springs with all of our great hardware.
4. Tires and Wheels, Thanks to the Jim, Travis and Carol out at Fikse we had wheels in our hands fast. They fit just right with no rubbing and the perfect track widths. The tires where Michelin Pilot Sport cups which are great for track events. (295 front and 315 rear)
5. Chassis stiffener bar for impovred handling and a good place to mount seat belts.
At the track down in Iowa, Mid-America Motorsports Complex, Doug ran a few very hard sessions with the car. The coolers worked great, oil temps never got above 254 degrees, the trans (240) and the diff (260).
The brake ducts experienced no rubbing or any problems at all. At these temps the compontes should last for many events.
The DRM AP brakes have already been proven on the C-5 so basically we needed to make sure that the new ABS system would be ok with the added braking force. It worked out just fine, the car stoped great all day without issues.
The coilovers like all of our suspension products handled great. The wheel and tire package work just fine, good looks with good performance how can you beat that.
Overall we are very happy with the car's performance. Now the biggest problem is to get some horsepower. We have a 427 waiting for installation after we can tune on the car. We will keep you posted!
Thanks
Randy Rippie
763-477-9272
DRM@tcinternet.net
11-06-2004, 07:10 PM
#9
Drifting
What size wheels were used?
Also, was there any testing to see how the OEM brake ducts worked? As I understand it, the C6 brake ducts are much better than the C5/Z06 ducts.
Also, was there any testing to see how the OEM brake ducts worked? As I understand it, the C6 brake ducts are much better than the C5/Z06 ducts.
11-07-2004, 02:00 AM
#10
Burning Brakes
I would be interested in seeing an item-by-item, head-to-head comparison with a stock C6. This would demonstrate the benefits of each and allow one to prioritize the order in which they upgrade their car.
11-07-2004, 07:23 PM
#12
Race Director
I'd hate for my Hydroformed steel boxed chassis to flex, thank God for the chassis stiffener. What was GM thinking building the most advance chassis on the planet without one of those!!!!!!
11-08-2004, 12:06 PM
#15
Former Vendor
Thread Starter
John- the bar that we put into the car is about the same as yours. It welds in at four different points for added siffness.
SilverZ06vette-Cobra- aunegl- The object of the test was not to put down fast lap times or to figure out if the Z06 was faster than the C-6. Our goal was to make sure the car stayed cool, handled well, and stopped hard. We know driving down the road, the C-6 runs about 245 oil temps and how fast those numbers climb at the track. We also know that the trans and diff get way too hot at the track also. That is why we have made coolers for the three items. All systems worked great by keeping the fuilds cool at the track.
The way Doug test the suspension on a car is not by lap times. He charges the corners, turns in and out trying to get the car upset. In the many years of driving fast corvettes he has a great feeling in his butt. After the track day he had nothing but good things to say about the car. The car did not step out, or "do anything stupid."
The brakes on the stock car are not the best. They are basically the same as the C-5. We know that our AP setup is much more relible and faster stopping. Any time you go from a 13 to 14 inch rotor you will have better braking. We didn't do any number testing with the C-6 stock brakes, but I know our system is better, 14 inch, better caliper, and pfc 01 pads!!!
Acrace- we used 10.5x18 up front and 11.5 in the rear. We are going to a 12 inch in the rear after tubs are done. The stock ducts are still dumping into the wheel well. Our ducts route the air right in the heart of hot spots. We have heard form other racers that the factory ducts aren't going to cut it.
cgh1- I know that doing a item by item test would be best. But with the weather, track days, and time we can not test like GM or other major car companies.
Adam- You can drive it, if you beat the snow storm. I don't think my new winter tires for my truck will fit the c-6.
Bbunting- I hope you had fun down at the track. I know Doug did! He was very happy with the track and the good group of guys.
To all- I'm not the best at working on a computer, so if you want I can e-mail you some pics.
SilverZ06vette-Cobra- aunegl- The object of the test was not to put down fast lap times or to figure out if the Z06 was faster than the C-6. Our goal was to make sure the car stayed cool, handled well, and stopped hard. We know driving down the road, the C-6 runs about 245 oil temps and how fast those numbers climb at the track. We also know that the trans and diff get way too hot at the track also. That is why we have made coolers for the three items. All systems worked great by keeping the fuilds cool at the track.
The way Doug test the suspension on a car is not by lap times. He charges the corners, turns in and out trying to get the car upset. In the many years of driving fast corvettes he has a great feeling in his butt. After the track day he had nothing but good things to say about the car. The car did not step out, or "do anything stupid."
The brakes on the stock car are not the best. They are basically the same as the C-5. We know that our AP setup is much more relible and faster stopping. Any time you go from a 13 to 14 inch rotor you will have better braking. We didn't do any number testing with the C-6 stock brakes, but I know our system is better, 14 inch, better caliper, and pfc 01 pads!!!
Acrace- we used 10.5x18 up front and 11.5 in the rear. We are going to a 12 inch in the rear after tubs are done. The stock ducts are still dumping into the wheel well. Our ducts route the air right in the heart of hot spots. We have heard form other racers that the factory ducts aren't going to cut it.
cgh1- I know that doing a item by item test would be best. But with the weather, track days, and time we can not test like GM or other major car companies.
Adam- You can drive it, if you beat the snow storm. I don't think my new winter tires for my truck will fit the c-6.
Bbunting- I hope you had fun down at the track. I know Doug did! He was very happy with the track and the good group of guys.
To all- I'm not the best at working on a computer, so if you want I can e-mail you some pics.
11-08-2004, 12:26 PM
#16
Drifting
Member Since: Aug 2002
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11-08-2004, 03:07 PM
#17
Team Owner
My car runs so cool with all your coolers. I am running it hard and I don't feel quilty as it never gets hot. Great setup!
11-08-2004, 03:42 PM
#18
Le Mans Master
Originally Posted by Randy@DRM
We know driving down the road, the C-6 runs about 245 oil temps and how fast those numbers climb at the track.
If the C6 runs those temps on the highway, it will be toast on the track. I bet you could use it as a BBQ grill when you get in the pits.
11-08-2004, 04:57 PM
#20
Melting Slicks
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Originally Posted by Falcon
Wow! It surprises me GM would let them get that hot. And I thought my Z06 was bad. My Z only runs ~215 to 220 on the road.
If the C6 runs those temps on the highway, it will be toast on the track. I bet you could use it as a BBQ grill when you get in the pits.
If the C6 runs those temps on the highway, it will be toast on the track. I bet you could use it as a BBQ grill when you get in the pits.
Jody, how bouts a nice rack of Spare-Ribs !!!
My 01 Z06 ran ~205 F on the hwy. My 04 Z06 ran ~ 223 F before I added the Rippie combo oil cooler/larger radiator.
IF the C-6sss are pushing 240 to 245 F on the Hwy. IMO... thats way too HOT... to put that puppy on a track!