C6 Naked and Exposed - The Sequel: Finally...We Drive It!!!

[Rob]

Maybe the Corvette Forum is a nice place to ask questions, despite my many posts, help and years, here. Sorry, Rob. You blew my interest in this place. let it go, pal.

Mike,
I guess I don't understand?

Rob and Hib--
Thanks so much. Dayum, I am jealous of your drive(s). I'd trade any amount of time in the Boeing (Ho-Hum) for such an op. Plus, one of my best buds lives in Ann Arbor.

I am relying on what you and others say in my decision about a C-6. I've always opted for the performance suspension on my Vettes, but am unsure if I want to get a new Vert, with the MagRide or Z-51, or stick with the Z-06. Again, if Chevy offered a Z06 Convertible, my decision would be 'fini'.

I can't answer your questions and make suggestions on what kind of C6 to get, and what kind of suspension options you should get.

I have never driven a C5, a Z06, or a C6. I've spent more time sitting behind the wheel of a C5 in a used car showroom, than I have in one being driven on the road. I can't make comparisons between C5 and C6 suspensions because I have ZERO experience with them. Me telling you what kind of C6 model and suspension would be best is like telling someone that Brand A Caviar is much better than Brand B Caviar. I have never tried Caviar in my life. The same goes for C5 and C6 Corvettes.

Now if you asked me about my impressions of the FX3 suspension on a 1990 Corvette vs. the RTD system on a 1996, then I could offer suggestions because I've driven both and spent significant time around both models.

Hib drove the C6. Hib conducted the interviews, and Hib wrote the articles. To the best of my knowledge, he hasn't been online since yesterday and I haven't spoken to him today. I'm sure he will log in, see this thread, and be able to answer your questions for you.

 

[WhalePirot]

Then, I suggest you go get adopted by a GM exec so you can drive Grosse Point or Toronto in a C-6. Line forms behind ME.

Frustrating to see heated exchanges on this forum; one of such help, so often, and which has been so helpful plus a place to offer help and experience to others; maybe saving fellows some time, cash and heartache.

And, (my bad) I thought you and Hib were cojoined!

 

[Rob]

Then, I suggest you go get adopted by a GM exec so you can drive Grosse Point or Toronto in a C-6. Line forms behind ME.

I'll be attending Carlisle this year. Believe me, I'm just about ready to get down on my hands and knees and grovel at the feet of GM engineers to please let me take a C6 for a test drive somewhere. Hell, I'd be happy with a 2004 Z06. :L

All kidding aside, I would LOVE to be able to get a C6 or s 2004 Z06, just for one week, and do an in depth comparison to my ZR-1. The ZR-1 is to the Z06 or C6, like a watermelon is to a cherry. They're two completely different Corvettes with *years* of engineering and design between them. Yet their performance is within the same ballpark. I think it would be very cool to compare the technology of "yesteryear" to the technology of today, in terms of ride and handling, build quality, performance, etc.

Frustrating to see heated exchanges on this forum; one of such help, so often, and which has been so helpful plus a place to offer help and experience to others; maybe saving fellows some time, cash and heartache.

I don't know....I guess I'm interpreting this much differently than you are. Please forgive me, but it's 12:35am. I just got home from my second job at 11:00 pm. I've been up since 6:00am and I've literally gone from one job to the other and put in over 14 hours today.

I'm exhausted and wiped out, so maybe my interpretation of the responses in this thread is clouded. I guess I just don't see it as being heated. I don't know....I'm not angry. I think I'm too tired to be angry. :L

And, (my bad) I thought you and Hib were cojoined!

Hib is a buddy of mine. We go back to the early days of the VetteNet....back to 1992...1993. I think our first exhchange was a Battle Royale online. I thought he was an arrogant, gnarly-assed SOB, and he thought I was a young whippersnapper who couldn't tell the difference between a Corvette and a Yugo. :L

Over the years, we've grown to be friends and I think it's safe to say we've developed a mutual respect for one another. I don't always agree with what he says and does, nor does he with me. But in most cases, we come to a mutual understanding on some issues, or agree to disagree on other issues and move on.

Above and beyond all else, I have the greatest amount of respect for him because he is very much like me in one particular way: he calls it like he sees it, and doesn't beat around the bush. Sometimes he lacks tact, but he has an insatiable desire to get to the core truth of things and has no problem admitting he's wrong when he is.

Although I may not always agree with him, I highly respect his opinion and insight on several things, because in many instances, he can see things much clearly and much differently than I can.

Now....talk about hijacking this thread! :L

 

[Hib Halverson]

Hib, thanks for the additional comments regarding your real world driving experience. With no current plans for track time or autocross, it has been suggested to me that the F55 suspension, with the addition of the larger Z51 stabilizer bars to minimize body roll, might produce the best compromise between the two competiting suspension packages. Your thoughts on this approach would be appreciated.

The mix of MR with Z51 stabilizer bars on C5 is a good one. In fact, GM's top Corvette chassis guy, Mike Neal, told me in an interview at the time I was writing my MR coverage, that it's a great combination. As for the same "crossbreed" on C6, I can't offer any opinion on that at this point as I have no experience there. I'm not sure what that mix would provide as the 05 Z51 stabilizer bars are larger in dia. than 97-04. The last time I spoke with Mike Neal was about three weeks ago when we interviewed for Pt 2 of the C6 coverage and, unfortunately, that subject did not come up. It probably won't until we get into 05 a bit and C6 susp. tuning becomes more of interest.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

As for Chris Kennedy's remarks to this thread....I'm going to spend a little more time considering his talking points, especially his accusations about my not checking facts. I did note that He, also, states previously in this thread that he didn't want to "cause a problem".

Hel-lo.

Chris, you basically baselessly accuse me of "uncritically repeating the corporate marketing p.r. line."

Well, guess what...that's a problem--which you created, Chris.

Get your fire suit on, fasten your seat belt and put your tray-table in the upright and locked position. You're in for a rough ride.
:nono

 

[hojo38]

Hib, thanks again for your insights regarding the C6 suspension issues. Your imput will make for a more informed decision.
As to the design issue, I think the C6 is terrific looking and I don't care what influenced its style. I doubt that many buyers other than Mr. Kennedy will.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Well...

...if there ever was a "flame-war" just smoked, it was this thread.
Bummer.
I was looking for a fair contest of credibility with Mr. Kennedy.

But, the thread died and has stayed dead for a couple of weeks.

Nevertheless, I would like to bottom-line this by saying that the idea of the C6 being influenced by the F/A-22 was not a fabrication by GM's PR staff further propagated by my passing on the rumor in the interest of continued "access".

I interviewed Tom Peters twice, once face to face back in early June, and then again, by phone, several weeks later. In both cases he said the Raptor was a key influence and the C2 was another. There are others on GM Design Staff who say the same thing.

Conversely, for the C6 follow-up (and our initial coverage posted last January) there were no interviews done with Chevrolet Communications representatives about this so it's pretty hard to fathom that the CAC's coverage is a manipulation by Chevrolet.

So...where'd this Kennedy fellow go...back to the Viper boards or what?