How do you make these drive better?
03-20-2006, 11:02 AM
#1
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St. Jude Donor '05
How do you make these drive better?
Been having a discussion with a friend of mine (owns a C2 here), Id love to get a 65-67 driver at some point, but the way these things drive/handle, well....It is old tech. Is there a way to work with whats there without having to use an aftermarket frame/C4-C5 susp?
I love the C4 vettes for their handling, but I miss the simplicity of the old school stuff (read: No F'n computer!). No laptop, multimeter or BS required to fix 'em. If their was a reasonable alternative Id be open to dumping both the C4's and getting one.
No smog either
I love the C4 vettes for their handling, but I miss the simplicity of the old school stuff (read: No F'n computer!). No laptop, multimeter or BS required to fix 'em. If their was a reasonable alternative Id be open to dumping both the C4's and getting one.
No smog either
03-20-2006, 11:13 AM
#4
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Vette Brakes sells adjustable monosprings for both front and rear, as well as improved shocks, struts, control arms, etc. I bought their rear monospring and like the improvement, but don't have any experience with the front. Here's a link:
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=474
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=474
03-20-2006, 12:12 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
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St. Jude Donor '08
You want a 40+ year old vette, but you want it to handle like a new one 
Stick with a new one, you can't handle an old one 
Part of the charm, like C2IT wrote
No P/S, P/B, P/W and no AC, but I smile alot
Stick with a new one, you can't handle an old one Part of the charm, like C2IT wrote
No P/S, P/B, P/W and no AC, but I smile alot
03-20-2006, 12:17 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
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I think the slam against C1s and C2s not riding/handling is based upon comparisons against C4s, C5s, C6s, modern BMWs & Porsches, etc...
But when compared to a Chevy, Dodge or Ford of the same era, these cars where in a league of their own... Maybe not as nimble as a similar vintage Porsche, but I'm willing to bet there wasn't much else around that could keep up with these cars in the twistys....
So what aspect of their ride do you wish to improve...??? Handling, steering. braking...??? There maybe options with having to swap in a Paul Newman conversion...
But when compared to a Chevy, Dodge or Ford of the same era, these cars where in a league of their own... Maybe not as nimble as a similar vintage Porsche, but I'm willing to bet there wasn't much else around that could keep up with these cars in the twistys....
So what aspect of their ride do you wish to improve...??? Handling, steering. braking...??? There maybe options with having to swap in a Paul Newman conversion...
03-20-2006, 01:11 PM
#9
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Not to leave out tire upgrades. A good set of Pirelli P4000 Touring V rated tires will, combined with a good set of gas shocks, enhance handling.
Jim
Jim
03-20-2006, 01:39 PM
#10
Melting Slicks
Originally Posted by 91DRM
Yeah, you young whipper-snapper. Find the dream car from your own era and leave the old iron to us Geezers! 
03-20-2006, 02:57 PM
#11
Well, if you really want great handling with the C2 then you need one of these to replace the stock frame.
These guys do awesome work and from what i understand the frame pretty much bolts right up.
http://www.streetshopinc.com/frames_index.htm
These guys do awesome work and from what i understand the frame pretty much bolts right up.
http://www.streetshopinc.com/frames_index.htm
03-20-2006, 04:05 PM
#12
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Many of the "tricks" have been around as long as people have been racing and tuning corvettes. One of the best at both tasks is Dick Guildstrand, www.guldstrand.com. The web catalog sections offer a little information about some of the things that can be improved.
Don't be fooled by people who beileve the old chassis cannot be upgraded (in stock form or with updated suspension components
.
Don't be fooled by people who beileve the old chassis cannot be upgraded (in stock form or with updated suspension components
.
03-20-2006, 05:25 PM
#13
Racer
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03-20-2006, 07:58 PM
#15
Race Director
Originally Posted by 65air_coupe
If all the suspension rubber is in good shape, then put the best gas shocks money can buy on it. It can be an remarkable difference.
This is a good part of it. Fresh body mounts help a lot too. I wish they were easier to change out - I would replace them every couple of years.Dan
03-20-2006, 11:36 PM
#19
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St. Jude Donor '05
That kit looks pretty good...Not expecting it to handle like a later model, jut a little more positive. As far as charm goes, the ride has plenty of "charm" (read: stiff and noisy) which I like.
I do want power front disk (rear drums are fine), power steering, radio, AC, etc I could care less about. Changing body mounts shouldnt be a problem ..
Last edited by cv67; 03-20-2006 at 11:55 PM.
03-21-2006, 12:01 AM
#20
Originally Posted by youwish2bme
A freshly rebuilt suspension makes a big difference as does good tires. My car rides and handles GREAT.. Dave
The suspension can be upgraded to handle most anything you can throw at it. Since my suspension upgrade I am fooling with the steering box/power steering unit/stock steering wheel combos for a better high speed road feel. I've got the good tires, shocks, poly bushings, anti-roll bars, lowered stance, brakes, etc. Now I need to get those 100+ mph jaunts under better control for a truly awesome ride. In ther mean time I'm just cruising and enjoying my baby