Question: Convertible Rigidity?

[Peglaws]

Chevrolet said that the reason the C6 Z06 is not offered in a convertible is because they thought the chassis sans permanent roof was not strong enough for the power. However Callaway Corvettes have at a minimum 20% more power than the Z06 and a selling point they emphasize is that the Callaway supercharger package can be installed on the convertible. At one point I e-mailed Callaway regarding this issue and was informed that since the "...convertible frame is the same as the coupes frame" that there are no issues. I am confused as to whom to believe. I can't believe that Chevrolet would not have wanted to at least keep the door open on a future convertible Z06 if in fact the frame/chassis could support the power. Any thoughts or experiences with the Callaway Convertible and this issue?

 

[redvett]

Chevrolet said that the reason the C6 Z06 is not offered in a convertible is because they thought the chassis sans permanent roof was not strong enough for the power. However Callaway Corvettes have at a minimum 20% more power than the Z06 and a selling point they emphasize is that the Callaway supercharger package can be installed on the convertible. At one point I e-mailed Callaway regarding this issue and was informed that since the "...convertible frame is the same as the coupes frame" that there are no issues. I am confused as to whom to believe. I can't believe that Chevrolet would not have wanted to at least keep the door open on a future convertible Z06 if in fact the frame/chassis could support the power. Any thoughts or experiences with the Callaway Convertible and this issue?

The coupe & convertible have a STEEL frame and the Z06 & ZR1 have a ALUMINUM frame.

 

[tim414]

Chevrolet said that the reason the C6 Z06 is not offered in a convertible is because they thought the chassis sans permanent roof was not strong enough for the power. However Callaway Corvettes have at a minimum 20% more power than the Z06 and a selling point they emphasize is that the Callaway supercharger package can be installed on the convertible. At one point I e-mailed Callaway regarding this issue and was informed that since the "...convertible frame is the same as the coupes frame" that there are no issues. I am confused as to whom to believe. I can't believe that Chevrolet would not have wanted to at least keep the door open on a future convertible Z06 if in fact the frame/chassis could support the power. Any thoughts or experiences with the Callaway Convertible and this issue?

On top of Z06 and ZR1 having aluminum frame, they posess greater performance abilities with their respective power plants....the aluminum frame (by design) was to reduce weight while maintaining rigidity so the additional performance hardware could be added without making the car so heavy that it adversely affect handling (hence Vettes of the past that ran real fast but "plowed" into turns, not the case today or even yesterday-heiritage Vettes). Thats also why you find the carbon fiber on Z06 and ZR1 (roof, hood, fender's splitter too I think) The engineers (bet ya kind find their names on this site!!) were brilliant in doing so, setting new trends/benchmarks in high-end performance two seater car design. (the vette , it's really much more than that, don't want ya to think I'm partial to them there Vettes!! ) Anyway, when you add the extra performance to your Vette you'll be doing so on model with steel frame, hence lil more weight. If adding allot of weight maybe think of the suspension and brakes as well. Hope this answered your question. Good Luck

 

[Peglaws]

Thank you.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Believe GM. They designed the car. Callaway did not.

Also the Callaway folks who emailed you back seem to know little about onto what customers install their products. News flash for Callaway: the Z06 frame and the convertible frame are not the same. Not only is the structure different but the material is different, too.

Callaway may have decided the convertible's modest compromise in stiffness is acceptable because it is more interested in selling expensive supercharger packages than it is concerned about how the chassis will perform in at-limit handling maneuvers. They assume know that few convertible buyers are going to be worried about how the car's structure deflects under the high suspension loads typical of at-limit handling. They may also assume that people buying superchargers are typically not interested in at-limit handling rather they're concerned about acceleration, straight line speed and the ego pump of having a blower on the engine.

Lastly, if adding a supercharger is the main intent..there may be better choices than what Callaway has at less cost. Take a look at Edelbrock's new C6 Corvette blower kit. It bolts on and does not require a change in the hood.

 

[John H. Christensen]

I HAVE A 98 C5 CONVERTABLE WITH A 7LITER CALLAWAY ENGINE 585hp "NO SUPERCHARGER", IT HAS OVER 50,000 MILES ON IT.
I HAVE HAD NO FRAME ISSUES.


YES YOU CAN GET SUPERCHARGED CHEEPER THAN CALLAWAY, BUT WITHOUT A WARRANTY PLUS A LOW RESALE VALUE.

 

[tim414]

Believe GM. They designed the car. Callaway did not.

Also the Callaway folks who emailed you back seem to know little about onto what customers install their products. News flash for Callaway: the Z06 frame and the convertible frame are not the same. Not only is the structure different but the material is different, too.

Callaway may have decided the convertible's modest compromise in stiffness is acceptable because it is more interested in selling expensive supercharger packages than it is concerned about how the chassis will perform in at-limit handling maneuvers. They assume know that few convertible buyers are going to be worried about how the car's structure deflects under the high suspension loads typical of at-limit handling. They may also assume that people buying superchargers are typically not interested in at-limit handling rather they're concerned about acceleration, straight line speed and the ego pump of having a blower on the engine.

Lastly, if adding a supercharger is the main intent..there may be better choices than what Callaway has at less cost. Take a look at Edelbrock's new C6 Corvette blower kit. It bolts on and does not require a change in the hood.

Rock on dude!!

 

[Hib Halverson]

(snip)


YES YOU CAN GET SUPERCHARGED CHEEPER THAN CALLAWAY, BUT WITHOUT A WARRANTY PLUS A LOW RESALE VALUE.

First, a little "netiquet" lession: when you set all caps, you're shouting. Also, if you calm down a bit, you'll be able to spell "cheaper".

Secondly, a warranty is definitely a plus and Callaway is one of the few which warrants supercharged engines. Now...does Callaway warrant all its superchargers or just those installed on cars Callaway builds in-house?

As for resale value...if that's the prime consideration of Corvette ownership, perhaps you shouldn't modify the car at all.

That said, I'd be interested in seeing the evidence that Callaway's resale value less the cost of the modifications or upfitting is any more than that of cars with other supercharger installations. Also, with respect to Callaway resale value, what's the context? That is, are you talking about Joe Schmo's C6 on which he installed a Callaway supercharger kit or are you talking about a "Callaway Corvette"?

 

[*89x2*]

Chevrolet said that the reason the C6 Z06 is not offered in a convertible is because they thought the chassis sans permanent roof was not strong enough for the power. However Callaway Corvettes have at a minimum 20% more power than the Z06 and a selling point they emphasize is that the Callaway supercharger package can be installed on the convertible. At one point I e-mailed Callaway regarding this issue and was informed that since the "...convertible frame is the same as the coupes frame" that there are no issues. I am confused as to whom to believe. I can't believe that Chevrolet would not have wanted to at least keep the door open on a future convertible Z06 if in fact the frame/chassis could support the power. Any thoughts or experiences with the Callaway Convertible and this issue?

Believe GM. They designed the car. Callaway did not.

Also the Callaway folks who emailed you back seem to know little about onto what customers install their products. News flash for Callaway: the Z06 frame and the convertible frame are not the same. Not only is the structure different but the material is different, too.

Callaway may have decided the convertible's modest compromise in stiffness is acceptable because it is more interested in selling expensive supercharger packages than it is concerned about how the chassis will perform in at-limit handling maneuvers. They assume know that few convertible buyers are going to be worried about how the car's structure deflects under the high suspension loads typical of at-limit handling. They may also assume that people buying superchargers are typically not interested in at-limit handling rather they're concerned about acceleration, straight line speed and the ego pump of having a blower on the engine.

Lastly, if adding a supercharger is the main intent..there may be better choices than what Callaway has at less cost. Take a look at Edelbrock's new C6 Corvette blower kit. It bolts on and does not require a change in the hood.

News flash for Hib, RIF ;squint: The OP did not say (Callaway - or anyone else) it was mentioned the Z06 and convertible frames were the same.

You are making a lot of assumptions in your post vs. your usual quest for facts. Please get back on track

 

[*89x2*]

Chevrolet said that the reason the C6 Z06 is not offered in a convertible is because they thought the chassis sans permanent roof was not strong enough for the power. However Callaway Corvettes have at a minimum 20% more power than the Z06 and a selling point they emphasize is that the Callaway supercharger package can be installed on the convertible. At one point I e-mailed Callaway regarding this issue and was informed that since the "...convertible frame is the same as the coupes frame" that there are no issues. I am confused as to whom to believe. I can't believe that Chevrolet would not have wanted to at least keep the door open on a future convertible Z06 if in fact the frame/chassis could support the power. Any thoughts or experiences with the Callaway Convertible and this issue?

The Z06 frame was a part of the weight savings needed to keep the car under the threshold for a gas guzzler penalty - this was one of the chief goals when the Z06 was introduced in 2006. In fact, weight was so important, had OnStar been installed on the Z06 as standard equipment in '06, it would have added enough weight to push it across the threshold.

I hope that helps with one of the main reasons for aluminum being used in the frame on the Z06.

With respect to Callaway and the steel frames on convertibles. There has not been any detrimental effects on the Callaway SuperCharged Corvettes I have driven - and I've driven several

Are you in the market for a new Callaway Corvette :cool

 

[6 Shooter]

Get a C5 or C6 if you want a rigid Roadster, ...

...Corvette hydroformed frames rule!​

 

[CalJim]

I have had two Callaway Corvette verts with no concerns when driven aggressively. I have also owned numerous Corvette Coupes.

 

[*89x2*]

Pot, meet kettle...

First, a little "netiquet" lession: when you set all caps, you're shouting. Also, if you calm down a bit, you'll be able to spell "cheaper". ?

Lesson :confused

 

[Hib Halverson]

News flash for Hib, RIF ;squint: The OP did not say (Callaway - or anyone else) it was mentioned the Z06 and convertible frames were the same.

You are making a lot of assumptions in your post vs. your usual quest for facts. Please get back on track

Thank you for that news flash "89x2". I didn't realize that "news" was part of your regular shilling...er, I mean "public relations" for Callaway. I guess it's expected, but...I digress.

Here is what the "OP" said:

At one point I e-mailed Callaway regarding this issue and was informed that since the "...convertible frame is the same as the coupes frame" that there are no issues. I am confused as to whom to believe. I can't believe that Chevrolet would not have wanted to at least keep the door open on a future convertible Z06 if in fact the frame/chassis could support the power. Any thoughts or experiences with the Callaway Convertible and this issue?

If the OP is accurately quoting the Callaway email, it is incorrect information. Since the C5 convertible was introduced in 1998, it's been widely known that the C5/C6 coupe and convertible structures are different. The coupe (removable or fixed roof) has a "halo" bar (or "top bow) which is a wide, metal structural member which serves as the b-pillars, the rear of the top and the mount for the rear hatch hinges. The convertible lacks that part and, as a result, the two structures differ in torsion and bending because one is more stiff than the other. In addition, if we are talking about a Z06, which the OP was obviously concerned about, not only do the coupe and convertible structures differ with the halo bar but, as you know, they also differ in material.

I agree with you that it is unlikely the addition of a Callaway supercharger could be enough to somehow leverage the difference in frames in a way that would be detrimental to reliability or short term durability. I don't think Callaway supercharged engines generate enough torque to cause such problems.

That said, there is a reason GM decided to restrict its uplevel, manual trans powertrains to the coupe structure and that is the effect high torque output and manual trans shock loading can have on the structure's torsion and bending and, in turn, the effect of those on at-limit handling.

Pot, meet kettle...

Touche!

Good one, "89x2"
Proves what many already knew...that balding, fat-guy writers can't spell.

 

[Rob]

What's wrong Chris? Too boring over where you are now - you have to come back here and check in on the Callaway forums, or are you bored from sending me anonymous emails through the site's email system joking about the decreased traffic in this forum and highlighting phrases I made in previous posts.

Got to love IP addresses - especially when you try to anonymously email through the site - coming from a unique IP address.

You wrote the CAC off after you got your feathers in a ruffle because I didn't agree with your comparison to Callaway and the ZR1.

You bitched and complained when Patrick posted negative comments about Callaway over on Digital Corvettes, but it didn't take you long to find your way over there shortly after you left here.

How ironic. Can you possibly get anymore whiny, two faced, or full of double standards. Probably not.:eyerole