[Z06] Z06 Targa has begun
04-02-2006, 06:00 PM
#62
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I'm going to have to go with Ranger on this one.
Plus, I really don't see why anyone would want a Z06 with no top because it's pretty easy to mod a C6 and have it just as powerful with no roof, and if you want to argue with the whole "It won't affect it too much in the handling and structural rigidity department" well... as stated by Ranger there have been previous C6Z06s with cracked CV joints and even though this AL frame is a great base frame as far as rigidity goes, you take the top off of anything and you won't have the exact same performance.
And another thing, does anyone else think of this as almost disgraceful because the magnesium roof structure is advertised as one of the integral parts of this great automobile, not to mention the structural rigidity.
my .02
Plus, I really don't see why anyone would want a Z06 with no top because it's pretty easy to mod a C6 and have it just as powerful with no roof, and if you want to argue with the whole "It won't affect it too much in the handling and structural rigidity department" well... as stated by Ranger there have been previous C6Z06s with cracked CV joints and even though this AL frame is a great base frame as far as rigidity goes, you take the top off of anything and you won't have the exact same performance.
And another thing, does anyone else think of this as almost disgraceful because the magnesium roof structure is advertised as one of the integral parts of this great automobile, not to mention the structural rigidity.
my .02
04-02-2006, 06:04 PM
#63
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Originally Posted by wotz06
I'm going to have to go with Ranger on this one.
Plus, I really don't see why anyone would want a Z06 with no top because it's pretty easy to mod a C6 and have it just as powerful with no roof, and if you want to argue with the whole "It won't affect it too much in the handling and structural rigidity department" well... as stated by Ranger there have been previous C6Z06s with cracked CV joints and even though this AL frame is a great base frame as far as rigidity goes, you take the top off of anything and you won't have the exact same performance.
And another thing, does anyone else think of this as almost disgraceful because the magnesium roof structure is advertised as one of the integral parts of this great automobile, not to mention the structural rigidity.
my .02
Plus, I really don't see why anyone would want a Z06 with no top because it's pretty easy to mod a C6 and have it just as powerful with no roof, and if you want to argue with the whole "It won't affect it too much in the handling and structural rigidity department" well... as stated by Ranger there have been previous C6Z06s with cracked CV joints and even though this AL frame is a great base frame as far as rigidity goes, you take the top off of anything and you won't have the exact same performance.
And another thing, does anyone else think of this as almost disgraceful because the magnesium roof structure is advertised as one of the integral parts of this great automobile, not to mention the structural rigidity.
my .02
04-02-2006, 06:24 PM
#64
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John Caravaggio's shop does extraordinary work. Everyone knows that. And I am by no means trying to diminish that.
Going back to my original post.
Later in the thread I clarified the breakage that has occurred already.
I'm only saying, if the roof is out of a C6Z06, I'd suggest staying off drag radials unless you want to join the list of owners who've broken CV joint housings.
Ranger
Going back to my original post.
Originally Posted by Ranger
...The owner of the C6Z06 targa version ought to refrain from putting sticky tires on the rear of the car with the roof off.
I say that because of the inherent tendancy of the car to (1) squat on launch when traction is good and (2) flex the tranny-differential UPWARD under those conditions. This, coupled with the loss of some rigidity from the absense of the roof, will increase the likelihood of the differential components striking the under-carriage. When that happens, parts break.
Just a cautionary note....
I say that because of the inherent tendancy of the car to (1) squat on launch when traction is good and (2) flex the tranny-differential UPWARD under those conditions. This, coupled with the loss of some rigidity from the absense of the roof, will increase the likelihood of the differential components striking the under-carriage. When that happens, parts break.
Just a cautionary note....
Originally Posted by Ranger
With way more than 10 C6Z06s (AL frame) with shattered CV joint housings from simple strong 1-2 shifts with the roof in tact, you (DDSLT5) wish to assure everyone that your roof-out in another platform (steel frame)proves that the C6Z has no issues with the roof out....
Pretty unwise statement...and not much assurance....
Pretty unwise statement...and not much assurance....
Ranger
04-02-2006, 06:37 PM
#65
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Originally Posted by wotz06
I'm going to have to go with Ranger on this one.
Plus, I really don't see why anyone would want a Z06 with no top because it's pretty easy to mod a C6 and have it just as powerful with no roof, and if you want to argue with the whole "It won't affect it too much in the handling and structural rigidity department" well... as stated by Ranger there have been previous C6Z06s with cracked CV joints and even though this AL frame is a great base frame as far as rigidity goes, you take the top off of anything and you won't have the exact same performance.
And another thing, does anyone else think of this as almost disgraceful because the magnesium roof structure is advertised as one of the integral parts of this great automobile, not to mention the structural rigidity.
my .02
Plus, I really don't see why anyone would want a Z06 with no top because it's pretty easy to mod a C6 and have it just as powerful with no roof, and if you want to argue with the whole "It won't affect it too much in the handling and structural rigidity department" well... as stated by Ranger there have been previous C6Z06s with cracked CV joints and even though this AL frame is a great base frame as far as rigidity goes, you take the top off of anything and you won't have the exact same performance.
And another thing, does anyone else think of this as almost disgraceful because the magnesium roof structure is advertised as one of the integral parts of this great automobile, not to mention the structural rigidity.
my .02
I actually find it a slap in the face to the corvette the have the roof be made of anything other then fiberglass or CF.
As far as any problems with taking the top off, I guess time will tell. Plus, it's not like there aren't ways to add the rigidity back to the car with the top off.
04-02-2006, 07:18 PM
#66
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Personally, I think the more options/variations/factory personalizations for the Z06 the better. GM should offer the car with lots of customizing potential (e.g. wide variety of paint colors, choice of exotic interior materials, etc.). Different body styles (FRC, fastback, targa, vert, etc) are a natural extension of this market philosophy. However, if that were my car, I'd be kinda nervous right now regarding the long-term impact of "de-roofing" upon the durability of the aluminum chassis. I'm guessing a bent aluminum frame is not an easy fix. Nevertheless, hats off to the shops willing to push the envelope and give us what GM won't. 
PS Try South Florida Mr. Caravaggio - it dovetails well with your expansion plan - lots and lots of vettes and wealthy potential clients.
PS Try South Florida Mr. Caravaggio - it dovetails well with your expansion plan - lots and lots of vettes and wealthy potential clients.
04-02-2006, 11:15 PM
#67
Drifting
Originally Posted by John Caravaggio
Florida and Texas are the spots that I was considering and yes we would sell all the parts through this location.
04-02-2006, 11:51 PM
#68
Originally Posted by John Caravaggio
When I'm done i will weigh the car and tell you how much we have added.
I'm trying to bring the cost in at $5500.00 but I will see when we are done.
I have one more question to ask, I'm thinking of setting up a location in the US to do our conversions. I'm thinking somewhere in the south part or the States. What do you guys think, would that make it more attractive for you guys to have someone closer where you can have these conversions done?
I'm trying to bring the cost in at $5500.00 but I will see when we are done.
I have one more question to ask, I'm thinking of setting up a location in the US to do our conversions. I'm thinking somewhere in the south part or the States. What do you guys think, would that make it more attractive for you guys to have someone closer where you can have these conversions done?
- Bill
04-03-2006, 01:52 AM
#69
Drifting
Originally Posted by John Caravaggio
Florida and Texas are the spots that I was considering and yes we would sell all the parts through this location.
Plus, I'll sign up for a conversion!!
04-03-2006, 09:19 PM
#71
Race Director
Yes, the disposable incomes and car nuts are out west, specifically Cali. and more specifically SoCal.
Same for your targa conversions. You will see the most interest in the dry western climates, John. If you survey targa use on this forum among Coupe owners, you see biggest use out west.
That said, Texas is much more business friendly and is central to most people. For example, I am in SoCal but would have little problem bringing you a car in Tx. ( would of course prefer SoCal )
I am an example of a customer who would have done your targa conversion on my '02 Z06 had you been closer. We discussed your kit by phone, but the DIY route just seemed too risky to me and you had no one out here to "represent". Had you had a Tx shop, that would have been a no-brainer.
I would add, however, that this would have to be a full shop with services of the quality you provide in Can, not just a retail parts outlet. You have an outstanding reputation, built on the OEM quality of your work, not the parts. Just selling parts would lead to trouble, IMO.
Just my $0.02, of course.
Same for your targa conversions. You will see the most interest in the dry western climates, John. If you survey targa use on this forum among Coupe owners, you see biggest use out west.
That said, Texas is much more business friendly and is central to most people. For example, I am in SoCal but would have little problem bringing you a car in Tx. ( would of course prefer SoCal )
I am an example of a customer who would have done your targa conversion on my '02 Z06 had you been closer. We discussed your kit by phone, but the DIY route just seemed too risky to me and you had no one out here to "represent". Had you had a Tx shop, that would have been a no-brainer.
I would add, however, that this would have to be a full shop with services of the quality you provide in Can, not just a retail parts outlet. You have an outstanding reputation, built on the OEM quality of your work, not the parts. Just selling parts would lead to trouble, IMO.
Just my $0.02, of course.
Last edited by TTRotary; 04-03-2006 at 09:22 PM.
04-06-2006, 06:55 PM
#73
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Originally Posted by Mike Z06
Very nice, and VERY tempting!
The NSX (all aluminum) does have some minor flex with the top out, but it tightens right up with the top in. I only notice it when putting it through its paces on some winding back roads in the region - you'll get the occasional squeak from the engine cover or back hatch.
I do plan on attending a few HPDEs (Summit Point, Watkins Glen) this year; that's one of the main reasons I bought the Z06. I don't really have an interest in drag racing it - not my thing, though I do enjoy watching it.
I'd be interested in knowing if the mod was easily reversible (ie, put the OEM magnesium frame/roof assembly back in the weekend before an event). 99% of the time, I drive the car from home to my office (3 miles each way) and in the summer, it's bumper to bumper beach traffic. A removable top would rock - especially if I can do it myself with the help of some people that I've worked with on other project cars I've built.
If it's a kit, reversible and doesn't require shipping the car to some far-off state, sign me up.
Ryan
04-06-2006, 08:19 PM
#74
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Originally Posted by Ranger
With way more than 10 C6Z06s (AL frame) with shattered CV joint housings from simple strong 1-2 shifts with the roof in tact, you wish to assure everyone that your roof-out in another platform (steel frame)proves that the C6Z has no issues with the roof out....
Pretty unwise statement...and not much assurance.
Ranger
Pretty unwise statement...and not much assurance.
Ranger
I've been following your runs with your c5 z06 and now with your new car.. and with all your high speed runs with your c5 z06 and I couldn't believe you never broke a valve spring, I guess my point is that there are many c6 z06 owners have done strong 1-2 shifts without issues. Seems these types of issues are intermittant.
Anyways back to the thread, Nice job John , Caravaggio does some awesome work.
04-07-2006, 12:17 AM
#75
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Originally Posted by 999
Just hanging out here reading posts from time ot time, I think the boys in Texas spend more money on there cars than the ones in Florida. I would go where the money is. George
Texas is a great place to do business
Last edited by C6400hp; 04-07-2006 at 12:22 AM.
04-07-2006, 10:47 AM
#76
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St. Jude Donor '12
Originally Posted by John Caravaggio
Florida and Texas are the spots that I was considering and yes we would sell all the parts through this location.
04-07-2006, 11:05 AM
#77
Race Director
Originally Posted by DDSLT5
I have 850 hp - no problems whatsoever with the top off my coupe. So much for frame theories. Also - my ZR-1 has 700 hp, and yes, it flexes with the top out - does that prevent me from going WOT with the top out? Take a wild guess.
04-07-2006, 11:25 AM
#78
Le Mans Master
Originally Posted by Z06Norway
wow, it is really made as a standard C5 roof 
Windows down please, on the next picture.
good work
Rune
Windows down please, on the next picture.
good work
Rune
Last edited by JETZ; 04-07-2006 at 11:43 AM.
04-07-2006, 11:54 AM
#79
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Originally Posted by EuG
Only because they usually weight extra 200-300lbs
Obviously, it won't be the case here.
Obviously, it won't be the case here.
A car that does twist a lot can dramatically lower its e.t. by becoming more rigid. Surely you have seen a powerful drag car pulling just the driver side tire, or really twisting during a wheelstand, well, those car's are not setup correctly, and would be quicker if they were stiffer...assuming they did not add too much weight in doing so.
04-07-2006, 12:06 PM
#80
Le Mans Master
Originally Posted by KurtinKC
I think you are overlooking how chassis flex can have an effect on acceleration. If the horsepower being produced is actually twisting the car, it's not being delivered to the pavement.
A car that does twist a lot can dramatically lower its e.t. by becoming more rigid. Surely you have seen a powerful drag car pulling just the driver side tire, or really twisting during a wheelstand, well, those car's are not setup correctly, and would be quicker if they were stiffer...assuming they did not add too much weight in doing so.
A car that does twist a lot can dramatically lower its e.t. by becoming more rigid. Surely you have seen a powerful drag car pulling just the driver side tire, or really twisting during a wheelstand, well, those car's are not setup correctly, and would be quicker if they were stiffer...assuming they did not add too much weight in doing so.
C5/C6 chassis is so incredibly stiff (designed as convertible from the beginning FYI) it won’t be twisting anywhere.
If such a minor difference in stiffness would have such drastic effect, then C4s should literally disintegrate in front of our eyes as soon as you press GAS, right?
(C5 is 300%
stiffer than C4)Let’s get real please…
The only legitimate argument against removing top is possible long term effect on aluminum frame – but nobody knows for sure.
I, personally, think it probably won’t have any effect, but it’s purely a guess on my part.
I am pretty convinced that performance would be nearly identical though.