Can Twin Turbos cover a lot of miles?

[malc350]

Out of interest does anyone have a high mileage TT? I guess they're generally second (or third) cars but I was wondering how well they stand up to regular driving?

A couple of things I've noticed about mine:

1) It runs real cool, (unless in real heavy traffic that I try to avoid always) Cooler than my LT1 and 84, maybe that's the larger radiator?

2) It's the least temperamental high performance car I've owned (don't want to tempt fate) and always runs smoothly and picks up without hesitation. Picks up rather well I might add.

3) Fuel economy is a bit worse than my standard vettes (maybe the same as my 84) perhaps due to the lower compression pistons?

But the main reason I ask is that I've generally found that the more regularly I drive a car (as long as it's well serviced and I'm religious about servicing my TT - 4 oil changes in 4000 miles - I'm gonna go broke!) the better it runs and the less problems it has and the longer I leave it standing the more problems I have.

A friend of mine (also in the UK) has an 87 and he's put a lot of parts on it though I have a feeling that's because it's left standing for long periods of time.

Does anyone use their TT daily out there?

 

[SurfnSun]

I think cars should be driven, they rot if they aren't. That doesnt' mean you have to rack up 100k miles but a good drive on a regular basis is good for it.

 

[*89x2*]

Surf, that reminds me, I really haven't driven big red, since the day we ran down the highway

Thanks for the reminder

 

[Stan A]

Good Points!

Hi Malc,

Some comments on your thread:

1. The radiator in the 1990 and later at better units. You can improve on even this unit. There are a number of units on the market that have higher flow capacity alond with hi-flow water pumps. Also finding away to remove the hot air under the hood will help too. Several years ago a company made a fan unit that could be easily installed on the hood (side panel area). This according to a ZR1 owner really keep things cool especially in the hot summer months. We experiment with using coolant agents a number of years ago. By spraying the intercooler when engaging the turbos really did the job. There are a few downsides to this method too.

2. You are right with this point. Basically, you are driving a regular Corvette unless you engage the turbos. The L98 Tuned Port system was one of the best operating engines GM ever built. It is more reliable than the LT/LS series.

3. As to fuel economy, I found that most TT actually get better mileage than the stock units in most cases. It all in how you use the right foot and proper shifting.

Daily drivers are not the best for TTs and ZR1s. But I have heard about a few people who do this. I agree that cars should be driven and admired.

Have good day,

Stan

 

[SurfnSun]

Surf, that reminds me, I really haven't driven big red, since the day we ran down the highway

Thanks for the reminder

Man youd better get out there and enjoy that thing!!! Thats what Im doing with mine til I sell it. Which is gonna be very soon....