REPORT: First 80 miles in my new 2008
07-11-2007, 09:13 PM
#101
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Is it later, yet? 
07-11-2007, 09:18 PM
#102
Le Mans Master
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Congratulations on your new Corvette. 
Hurry up and kiss the wife and wash the car. I dying to hear what WOT was like.
Hurry up and kiss the wife and wash the car. I dying to hear what WOT was like.
07-11-2007, 10:23 PM
#103
Team Owner
Thread Starter
It's hard to quantify, but lets just say it's fast. I nailed it from second and even from a roll in first a couple of times. I was on two lane roads quite a bit today, so I HAD to pass several cars from about 55-60mph in third gear as well.
The first time I ran it hard - in second gear, I immediately knew it was a significant step up from my previous C6's. No question.
Then, I dropped into first at about 20mph, and ran it to redline in first, second and third, and eased into fourth. I was astonished at how quickly redline came up in second gear. Yes, this car has lower gearing than my last car (the F55), so that accounts for some difference, but I can assure you that even taking into account the gearing, this car is quite a bit faster.
I was thinking about 1/4 mile times, and thinking that we'll definitely see some 11's, and some 117-118 trap speeds when good weather comes around (not neccessarily me, but by some good drivers).
This car is a lot of fun. And I'll repeat again - I really like the NPP exhaust a lot. I had the fuse pulled again most of the day today. The only time the "drone" is really an issue is if you go up an incline at about 55-60 mph in sixth gear (yes, I do that sometimes!). Drop to a lower gear and all is well. And on basically flat roads, it's not an issue at all. I will put a switch in for extended freeway driving, but for now, I don't have any plans to put the fuse back in right away.
With them open, they sound like about 80-90% of the Bullets I've had on three Covettes. In fact, above about 5000 rpm running wide open, I'd say they are very close to the Bullets. And I'm very happy with the looks of the tips.
The first time I ran it hard - in second gear, I immediately knew it was a significant step up from my previous C6's. No question.
Then, I dropped into first at about 20mph, and ran it to redline in first, second and third, and eased into fourth. I was astonished at how quickly redline came up in second gear. Yes, this car has lower gearing than my last car (the F55), so that accounts for some difference, but I can assure you that even taking into account the gearing, this car is quite a bit faster.
I was thinking about 1/4 mile times, and thinking that we'll definitely see some 11's, and some 117-118 trap speeds when good weather comes around (not neccessarily me, but by some good drivers).
This car is a lot of fun. And I'll repeat again - I really like the NPP exhaust a lot. I had the fuse pulled again most of the day today. The only time the "drone" is really an issue is if you go up an incline at about 55-60 mph in sixth gear (yes, I do that sometimes!). Drop to a lower gear and all is well. And on basically flat roads, it's not an issue at all. I will put a switch in for extended freeway driving, but for now, I don't have any plans to put the fuse back in right away.
With them open, they sound like about 80-90% of the Bullets I've had on three Covettes. In fact, above about 5000 rpm running wide open, I'd say they are very close to the Bullets. And I'm very happy with the looks of the tips.
07-11-2007, 10:32 PM
#105
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CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03,'04,'05,'07,08,'09,'10,’17
It's hard to quantify, but lets just say it's fast. I nailed it from second and even from a roll in first a couple of times. I was on two lane roads quite a bit today, so I HAD to pass several cars from about 55-60mph in third gear as well.
The first time I ran it hard - in second gear, I immediately knew it was a significant step up from my previous C6's. No question.
Then, I dropped into first at about 20mph, and ran it to redline in first, second and third, and eased into fourth. I was astonished at how quickly redline came up in second gear. Yes, this car has lower gearing than my last car (the F55), so that accounts for some difference, but I can assure you that even taking into account the gearing, this car is quite a bit faster.
I was thinking about 1/4 mile times, and thinking that we'll definitely see some 11's, and some 117-118 trap speeds when good weather comes around (not neccessarily me, but by some good drivers).
This car is a lot of fun. And I'll repeat again - I really like the NPP exhaust a lot. I had the fuse pulled again most of the day today. The only time the "drone" is really an issue is if you go up an incline at about 55-60 mph in sixth gear (yes, I do that sometimes!). Drop to a lower gear and all is well. And on basically flat roads, it's not an issue at all. I will put a switch in for extended freeway driving, but for now, I don't have any plans to put the fuse back in right away.
With them open, they sound like about 80-90% of the Bullets I've had on three Covettes. In fact, above about 5000 rpm running wide open, I'd say they are very close to the Bullets. And I'm very happy with the looks of the tips.
The first time I ran it hard - in second gear, I immediately knew it was a significant step up from my previous C6's. No question.
Then, I dropped into first at about 20mph, and ran it to redline in first, second and third, and eased into fourth. I was astonished at how quickly redline came up in second gear. Yes, this car has lower gearing than my last car (the F55), so that accounts for some difference, but I can assure you that even taking into account the gearing, this car is quite a bit faster.
I was thinking about 1/4 mile times, and thinking that we'll definitely see some 11's, and some 117-118 trap speeds when good weather comes around (not neccessarily me, but by some good drivers).
This car is a lot of fun. And I'll repeat again - I really like the NPP exhaust a lot. I had the fuse pulled again most of the day today. The only time the "drone" is really an issue is if you go up an incline at about 55-60 mph in sixth gear (yes, I do that sometimes!). Drop to a lower gear and all is well. And on basically flat roads, it's not an issue at all. I will put a switch in for extended freeway driving, but for now, I don't have any plans to put the fuse back in right away.
With them open, they sound like about 80-90% of the Bullets I've had on three Covettes. In fact, above about 5000 rpm running wide open, I'd say they are very close to the Bullets. And I'm very happy with the looks of the tips.
07-11-2007, 11:12 PM
#106
Racer
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It's hard to quantify, but lets just say it's fast. I nailed it from second and even from a roll in first a couple of times. I was on two lane roads quite a bit today, so I HAD to pass several cars from about 55-60mph in third gear as well.
The first time I ran it hard - in second gear, I immediately knew it was a significant step up from my previous C6's. No question.
Then, I dropped into first at about 20mph, and ran it to redline in first, second and third, and eased into fourth. I was astonished at how quickly redline came up in second gear. Yes, this car has lower gearing than my last car (the F55), so that accounts for some difference, but I can assure you that even taking into account the gearing, this car is quite a bit faster.
I was thinking about 1/4 mile times, and thinking that we'll definitely see some 11's, and some 117-118 trap speeds when good weather comes around (not neccessarily me, but by some good drivers).
This car is a lot of fun. And I'll repeat again - I really like the NPP exhaust a lot. I had the fuse pulled again most of the day today. The only time the "drone" is really an issue is if you go up an incline at about 55-60 mph in sixth gear (yes, I do that sometimes!). Drop to a lower gear and all is well. And on basically flat roads, it's not an issue at all. I will put a switch in for extended freeway driving, but for now, I don't have any plans to put the fuse back in right away.
With them open, they sound like about 80-90% of the Bullets I've had on three Covettes. In fact, above about 5000 rpm running wide open, I'd say they are very close to the Bullets. And I'm very happy with the looks of the tips.
The first time I ran it hard - in second gear, I immediately knew it was a significant step up from my previous C6's. No question.
Then, I dropped into first at about 20mph, and ran it to redline in first, second and third, and eased into fourth. I was astonished at how quickly redline came up in second gear. Yes, this car has lower gearing than my last car (the F55), so that accounts for some difference, but I can assure you that even taking into account the gearing, this car is quite a bit faster.
I was thinking about 1/4 mile times, and thinking that we'll definitely see some 11's, and some 117-118 trap speeds when good weather comes around (not neccessarily me, but by some good drivers).
This car is a lot of fun. And I'll repeat again - I really like the NPP exhaust a lot. I had the fuse pulled again most of the day today. The only time the "drone" is really an issue is if you go up an incline at about 55-60 mph in sixth gear (yes, I do that sometimes!). Drop to a lower gear and all is well. And on basically flat roads, it's not an issue at all. I will put a switch in for extended freeway driving, but for now, I don't have any plans to put the fuse back in right away.
With them open, they sound like about 80-90% of the Bullets I've had on three Covettes. In fact, above about 5000 rpm running wide open, I'd say they are very close to the Bullets. And I'm very happy with the looks of the tips.
I've been reading this thread with a great amount of interest. The clearly perceivable power increase coupled with the exhaust that can go from quiet to near Bullet loud when you're on it is fantastic! The tranny sounds like a winner too. How is the shifting at high RPM, do you feel like you can makes the shifts faster with the new tranny?
07-11-2007, 11:20 PM
#107
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
speak to that one.
07-12-2007, 07:47 AM
#110
Melting Slicks
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Cool...quite a bit faster hugh. I'm gonna guess right now that I'm really gonna feel the difference coming from an A6 auto going into a 2008 Mn6 Z51 NPP. I know manuals and the Z51 gearing pull harder...so couple that with 50+rwhp over my A6 and I'm really gonna feel the difference..especially from a roll.
07-12-2007, 08:36 AM
#111
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Howard - yes, this car is a lot of fun. Between the Z51 handling, and the power, this car is something special. It remains to be seen if I'll miss having a convertible, but for the next three months in Houston its way too hot and humid to miss it anyway.
TR-6060 - I never had an issue shifting any of my cars. I know this sounds a little cocky, and I'm sorry for that, but shifting has always been something I'm really good at. Goes back to drivers ed in 1968 - that's when I learned to powershift (long story, and I'm not kidding). I can bang off extremely fast shifts in any of the Corvettes I've owned. Needless to say, the new one should be just as good or better.
TR-6060 - I never had an issue shifting any of my cars. I know this sounds a little cocky, and I'm sorry for that, but shifting has always been something I'm really good at. Goes back to drivers ed in 1968 - that's when I learned to powershift (long story, and I'm not kidding). I can bang off extremely fast shifts in any of the Corvettes I've owned. Needless to say, the new one should be just as good or better.
07-12-2007, 08:48 AM
#112
Melting Slicks
Jim - All of your reviews so far have got me excited about getting an '08. The tough part for me is going to be the wait while mine is being built. I'm anxious to check your new one out up close.
07-12-2007, 09:35 AM
#113
Burning Brakes
Sounds like Chevy came up with a winning combo. Count me as jealous and I appreciate you keeping us informed.
It seems like the stars came together for such a big leap forward in the middle of a model run. With GM consolidating engines between lines and Tom Wallace wanting to make his own mark, we ended up with a significantly better C6. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this progress continues into the next Corvette (C7).
It seems like the stars came together for such a big leap forward in the middle of a model run. With GM consolidating engines between lines and Tom Wallace wanting to make his own mark, we ended up with a significantly better C6. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this progress continues into the next Corvette (C7).
07-12-2007, 09:49 AM
#115
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Sounds like Chevy came up with a winning combo. Count me as jealous and I appreciate you keeping us informed.
It seems like the stars came together for such a big leap forward in the middle of a model run. With GM consolidating engines between lines and Tom Wallace wanting to make his own mark, we ended up with a significantly better C6. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this progress continues into the next Corvette (C7).
It seems like the stars came together for such a big leap forward in the middle of a model run. With GM consolidating engines between lines and Tom Wallace wanting to make his own mark, we ended up with a significantly better C6. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this progress continues into the next Corvette (C7).
07-12-2007, 11:31 AM
#116
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Congratulations on the new Corvette and nice write-up.
Red is good.
Overall your evaluation confirms what was anticipated...slight improvements with the transmission, steering and no doubt a bit more power.
I'm sure the new exhaust is an improvement over the weak sounding stock Corvette exhaust but I was surprised to hear you say it produces "very little drone." I would have thought the new exhaust would be drone-free. I still feel a 'full-time' after-market exhaust is the way to go.
Thanks for sharing your first impressions. Enjoy your beautiful new C6 and drive safe.
Red is good.
Overall your evaluation confirms what was anticipated...slight improvements with the transmission, steering and no doubt a bit more power.
I'm sure the new exhaust is an improvement over the weak sounding stock Corvette exhaust but I was surprised to hear you say it produces "very little drone." I would have thought the new exhaust would be drone-free. I still feel a 'full-time' after-market exhaust is the way to go.
Thanks for sharing your first impressions. Enjoy your beautiful new C6 and drive safe.
07-12-2007, 02:14 PM
#117
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Congratulations on the new Corvette and nice write-up.
Red is good.
Overall your evaluation confirms what was anticipated...slight improvements with the transmission, steering and no doubt a bit more power.
I'm sure the new exhaust is an improvement over the weak sounding stock Corvette exhaust but I was surprised to hear you say it produces "very little drone." I would have thought the new exhaust would be drone-free. I still feel a 'full-time' after-market exhaust is the way to go.
Thanks for sharing your first impressions. Enjoy your beautiful new C6 and drive safe.
Red is good.
Overall your evaluation confirms what was anticipated...slight improvements with the transmission, steering and no doubt a bit more power.
I'm sure the new exhaust is an improvement over the weak sounding stock Corvette exhaust but I was surprised to hear you say it produces "very little drone." I would have thought the new exhaust would be drone-free. I still feel a 'full-time' after-market exhaust is the way to go.
Thanks for sharing your first impressions. Enjoy your beautiful new C6 and drive safe.
07-12-2007, 02:34 PM
#118
Melting Slicks
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Jim,
Congratulations on the new car! Can't wait to see it!
I am starting to get Vette Fever again!
EDIT: Oh yeah! ...this thread is useless without pics! ;-)~
Corey
Congratulations on the new car! Can't wait to see it!
I am starting to get Vette Fever again!
EDIT: Oh yeah! ...this thread is useless without pics! ;-)~
Corey
Last edited by SAXN8R; 07-12-2007 at 02:36 PM. Reason: Forgot to bust Jim's Ball's
07-12-2007, 03:25 PM
#120
Melting Slicks
Need Pics