Malc350 - I just noticed this about your B2K - w/in>

[*89x2*]

Malc, I was looking back through the gallery of pics from your "COTM" (COTM June '03)and noticed that your side view mirrors are "export mirrors" but didn't see any other export items (like flares or different side lights)

What, besides the amber tail lights and side mirrors are different on your Callaway as an export car??

Thanks

 

[malc350]

Hi, yes those mirrors used to bug the hell out of me though sometimes I like them because they make the car look a little different.

I think that eventually they will bother me enough to go for regular vette mirrors though when I had the mirrors changed on my 93 the old export mirrors left an ugly mark on the door paintwork due to the mountings being larger.

When I get round to top speed testing I'll have to change them or maybe have no mirrors for max drag reduction!

Other euro differences - there are probably many that I don't know about because I remember reading there were more than 50 changes made to the Euro version of the 84 vette - who knows what they all were?

I have seen some horrific European vettes including front fender flares (don't mind rear flares - like a Grand Sport) and different rear bumper to accomodate our huge number plates.

Main difference I know of (although my original exhaust has been replaced with a nice custom-made stainless system) is my car has no cats as it doesn't become mandatory in the UK until 1993.

Another thing worth mentioning is that I have Michelin European tyres on the car and I just realised the other day that this may be why my car rides so nice compared to every other C4 I have been in (?!)

Once I posted a thread about whether anyone thought the Dymags contributed to the better ride I experienced. As there are no other changes to my suspension I can only think it's the Dymag/ Michelin combination but the ride is truly amazing for a C4 (still cr*p with the roof out though!)

Also I once posted a thread about a road test I found in an old magazine where an 88 Callaway Twin Turbo topped out at 193 mph - car had no cats or air con (for reduced weight?) Maybe the cat removal alone will give the extra 1.5 mph?!

Bit of a long thread but I'm feeling a bit enthusiastic about my car lately - I've had it for a year and a half and it still scares me sometimes. How many cars can you say that about?

Cheers, Malc.

 

[*89x2*]

Malc, Those mirrors are unique and add character

For top speed, you need to remove them all together

I'll give - what were the 50 changes?? Headlights, sidelights, exhaust, taillights, flared fenders, fog lights, ?? What else??

How are European tires different ??? Compound, sidewall structure??
I will agree there is a difference in ride - I think the Dy's have much to do with that though

Bit of a long thread but I'm feeling a bit enthusiastic about my car lately - I've had it for a year and a half and it still scares me sometimes. How many cars can you say that about?

Good deal - I love my B2K and had an absolute blast driving her today I cannot say that about many - savored like fine wine

 

[malc350]

Euro differences

I reckon they arrive at that many differences because they include things like:

side indicators must flash with front indicators (not alternately like in US cars)

Also glass (and tyres) have to be e(euro)-marked. Seatbelts should lock when pulled.

I've seen a lot of variations including a 96 that had part of the dash surround removed (for safety in a collision?) I think there must be a lot of different interpretations of Euro regs.

Good news is that it is that US glass, tyres, headlights, are now generally acceptable and we're allowed to run smaller licence plates (with smaller letters) as most US cars only have a small licence plate opening.

I think they've finally realised that if these cars satisfy US regs (USA - land of the big lawsuit!!!) that they must be safe enough for Europe!

 

[Peer81]

Hee, that's funny. I've checked you site a couple of time's but never saw them either!
But if you need some extra info on export vette's. Henri Kroeze (from Holland) has a 91 export and made a site (http://www.exportcorvettes.tk/) maybe a good idea to contact him. I thought it was only for export for Holland but never hurts to try...

Greets Peter.

 

[*89x2*]

Peter - What a neat link


Malc - do you have a tag on your 1990 like this one does??

Now your friends 87 B2K, does it have "Euro export mods" too???

Good stuff

 

[malc350]

Tag

My Callaway doesn't have that tag (it was sold new in UK) but my 93 had a tag like that - came from Germany, don't know if that's why?

 

[*89x2*]

that's interesting how the mirrors on the Vettes (Breakaways) are black - Look decent ou yours, stand out a bit on the red one

If I recall, they were stock, on VERY early Pontiac GTA's (before they switched to Vette mirrors in early 87) but on the Pontiacs, they were painted body color, hmm....