I finally got a Vette!!
08-12-2004, 12:47 PM
#1
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I finally got a Vette!!
Hello everyone,
This is my first post on this forum as I just recently purchased a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. Needless to say, I'm pumped. The car is an automatic, has 30,000 miles, is red, and is in great condition. Wow, I am still having a hard time believing that it is my car. The car has a very strong engine and tranny in it. The only thing that the car needs improving on is its handling. The car has worn-out tires, which I think contributes to what I believe is its poor handling. I traded in a 2002 Z-28 for this car, and to be honest, the Vette only seems to handle marginally better. I know that this can't be right, so I think it has a lot to do with the old tires. Also, the previous owner put a 275/40 - 17 tire on the passenger side front, and a 275/45 - 17 on the driver side front. Basically different aspect ratios. Why he did this is beyond me, I guess to save money? Anyway, how much would this affect the handling? A lot? Also, how long are the stock shocks good for? The car is a 98 w/ 30,000 miles, so I was wondering if they needed to be replaced. Z-28 shocks are usually only good for 30k-40k miles, and I did not know if this was the case with Vettes. I'm thinking the poor handling is probably the tires more than anything, but I just wanted to make sure. Your help is appreciated. Thanks everyone!
This is my first post on this forum as I just recently purchased a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. Needless to say, I'm pumped. The car is an automatic, has 30,000 miles, is red, and is in great condition. Wow, I am still having a hard time believing that it is my car. The car has a very strong engine and tranny in it. The only thing that the car needs improving on is its handling. The car has worn-out tires, which I think contributes to what I believe is its poor handling. I traded in a 2002 Z-28 for this car, and to be honest, the Vette only seems to handle marginally better. I know that this can't be right, so I think it has a lot to do with the old tires. Also, the previous owner put a 275/40 - 17 tire on the passenger side front, and a 275/45 - 17 on the driver side front. Basically different aspect ratios. Why he did this is beyond me, I guess to save money? Anyway, how much would this affect the handling? A lot? Also, how long are the stock shocks good for? The car is a 98 w/ 30,000 miles, so I was wondering if they needed to be replaced. Z-28 shocks are usually only good for 30k-40k miles, and I did not know if this was the case with Vettes. I'm thinking the poor handling is probably the tires more than anything, but I just wanted to make sure. Your help is appreciated. Thanks everyone!
08-12-2004, 01:39 PM
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Welcome! Yeah, you might want to get those tires replaced. As for the shocks, an inspection might give some clues. The thought still crosses my mind every day, can't believe I'm driving this car! 
08-12-2004, 01:43 PM
#3
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Welcome to the club!!! 
You are dead on. Tires make a WORLD of diference. If your car is a coupe then, and the owner did what u say he did to the front tires, then i would assume they're "runcraps" runflats at best. Get a good all around tire like the F1's and you will notice a HUGE diference, and if u really want to step it up put on a Z06 sway bar for not much $. See u around
You are dead on. Tires make a WORLD of diference. If your car is a coupe then, and the owner did what u say he did to the front tires, then i would assume they're "runcraps" runflats at best. Get a good all around tire like the F1's and you will notice a HUGE diference, and if u really want to step it up put on a Z06 sway bar for not much $. See u around
08-12-2004, 04:14 PM
#5
Race Director
Wow, we've both got similar stories here!
I also just recently bought a 98 Corvette, with almost the same mileage too (mine has 32k), and I also traded an f-body for it (I traded a 95 Formula)
I also can't believe this is my car, I often look out the window at home and pinch myself, it truly is a dream come true! These cars are awesome!
I also found the handling of the C5 is good, but it didn't completely wow me like I expected. Although I've got the base suspension along with the stock runflats, so I know that with better tires and the optional suspensions it would be much better.
Enjoy your C5 and don't forget to wave!
I also just recently bought a 98 Corvette, with almost the same mileage too (mine has 32k), and I also traded an f-body for it (I traded a 95 Formula)
I also can't believe this is my car, I often look out the window at home and pinch myself, it truly is a dream come true! These cars are awesome!
I also found the handling of the C5 is good, but it didn't completely wow me like I expected. Although I've got the base suspension along with the stock runflats, so I know that with better tires and the optional suspensions it would be much better.
Enjoy your C5 and don't forget to wave!
08-12-2004, 04:20 PM
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Congrats on the purchase. Still grin when I drive our 2002 Coupe. What a car. Turns heads every time we drive it. Resounding vote appears to be to shed the runflats and go for F1's or even Pilot Sports. Less noise, mega grip and much money. Still waiting for my original tires to wear out. Maybe next year.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
08-12-2004, 05:41 PM
#9
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The different sized tires will make a difference, but small. More than likely it's just due to old crappy tires, and shocks as well. GM stock shocks are horrible. Upgrade t oa set of bilstein sports and make life so much better. Also lower the car a bit.
08-12-2004, 06:38 PM
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Welcome to the forum.. 
08-12-2004, 06:51 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
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Everyone else has said it. Definately the tires. Even new runflats would help, from what you describe.
Welcome to the Forum. Plenty of ideas here for mods or repairs.
Welcome to the Forum. Plenty of ideas here for mods or repairs.
08-12-2004, 06:56 PM
#15
Team Owner
Welcome to the forum Believe us when we tell you to lose the runflats. 
You'll be glad you did. 
08-12-2004, 07:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Josh98RedC5
Hello everyone,
This is my first post on this forum as I just recently purchased a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. Needless to say, I'm pumped. The car is an automatic, has 30,000 miles, is red, and is in great condition. Wow, I am still having a hard time believing that it is my car. The car has a very strong engine and tranny in it. The only thing that the car needs improving on is its handling. The car has worn-out tires, which I think contributes to what I believe is its poor handling. I traded in a 2002 Z-28 for this car, and to be honest, the Vette only seems to handle marginally better. I know that this can't be right, so I think it has a lot to do with the old tires. Also, the previous owner put a 275/40 - 17 tire on the passenger side front, and a 275/45 - 17 on the driver side front. Basically different aspect ratios. Why he did this is beyond me, I guess to save money? Anyway, how much would this affect the handling? A lot? Also, how long are the stock shocks good for? The car is a 98 w/ 30,000 miles, so I was wondering if they needed to be replaced. Z-28 shocks are usually only good for 30k-40k miles, and I did not know if this was the case with Vettes. I'm thinking the poor handling is probably the tires more than anything, but I just wanted to make sure. Your help is appreciated. Thanks everyone!
This is my first post on this forum as I just recently purchased a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. Needless to say, I'm pumped. The car is an automatic, has 30,000 miles, is red, and is in great condition. Wow, I am still having a hard time believing that it is my car. The car has a very strong engine and tranny in it. The only thing that the car needs improving on is its handling. The car has worn-out tires, which I think contributes to what I believe is its poor handling. I traded in a 2002 Z-28 for this car, and to be honest, the Vette only seems to handle marginally better. I know that this can't be right, so I think it has a lot to do with the old tires. Also, the previous owner put a 275/40 - 17 tire on the passenger side front, and a 275/45 - 17 on the driver side front. Basically different aspect ratios. Why he did this is beyond me, I guess to save money? Anyway, how much would this affect the handling? A lot? Also, how long are the stock shocks good for? The car is a 98 w/ 30,000 miles, so I was wondering if they needed to be replaced. Z-28 shocks are usually only good for 30k-40k miles, and I did not know if this was the case with Vettes. I'm thinking the poor handling is probably the tires more than anything, but I just wanted to make sure. Your help is appreciated. Thanks everyone!
Welcome to the Corvette Family. Here is where the fun will began. Get ready to spend some "MONEY"
08-12-2004, 08:36 PM
#20
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jul 2004
Location: Edmond, OK...One of the first rules of online forums: If you don't like what is said but can't refute it, attack the poster.
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Yeah, welcome to the forum. As a newbie myself, I can tell you it's true: get ready to spend some more MONEY! There's so much stuff you can buy. I've already topped 1grand and am looking for some more STUFF. Gotta have lots of STUFF.
Jeff