C5 Autobox Power Limit

[jevansio]

Hi, quick hello from a newbie and potential C5 owner,

After many years admiring the C5 I will shortly be begining my search for one but need a bit of advice on which to choose.

It will be my everyday car (replacing a XJ8 auto) so I've sort of decided to go with an auto box. Problem is I know it won't take long before I'm tinkering with it, not monster power, maybe another 100 to 150 bhp. Is this within the capabilities of the autobox, or would the 6sp be a better choice if I plan to modify it in the future.

Also I may even be tempted to get a softtop (well with all this lovely weather we're having ), is a circa 500bhp softtop a bad idea with regard to the chassis (it won't be getting chucked round a track or anything) or is the targa or hardtop the best bet for that sort of power.

Thanks in advance

Jay

[vetteheadracer]

Hi Jay,

A standard autobox should be able to cope fine with 100 extra horse power. Regarding the chassis the C5 was the stiffest until the C6 and the car was designed as a softtop so therefore it should be able to cope with the horse power with any noticeable twisting.

Edited by vetteheadracer on Tuesday 24th July 22:36

[UK_WS6]

Well, as said earlier, the C5 original concept was soft top.
That said, the coupe is probably more ridged, however the soft top is more than sufficient in the stability dept.

So, circa 360 hp aint enough !?
Well, considering the weight of the 'vette, 360+ hp is more than enough for me
I have the 2004 CE convertible, and it will flash through 160 mph (on a closed track) in the blink of an eye.
I would expect it would run the 0 ~ 60 and the 1/4 mile with very respectable times.

When the tacho starts swinging up past 4k rpm, the power rush is awsome.

Edited by UK_WS6 on Tuesday 24th July 23:03

Edited by UK_WS6 on Tuesday 24th July 23:07

[Soop Dogg]

I think someone is probably used to the power rush from a certain other car he owns but just wants a change...

Coming over to the dark side, Jay??

Edited by Soop Dogg on Tuesday 24th July 23:14

Edited by Soop Dogg on Tuesday 24th July 23:15

[jevansio]

UK_WS6 said:

Well, as said earlier, the C5 original concept was soft top.
That said, the coupe is probably more ridged, however the soft top is more than sufficient in the stability dept.

So, circa 360 hp aint enough !?
Well, considering the weight of the 'vette, 360+ hp is more than enough for me
I have the 2004 CE convertible, and it will flash through 160 mph (on a closed track) in the blink of an eye.
I would expect it would run the 0 ~ 60 and the 1/4 mile with very respectable times.

Cheers for the replys guys, looks like auto it is,

Totally understand what you're saying though UK_WS6, and it's going to feel amazing when I first get it, but I'm just thinking 6 months/1 year down the line when I've been driving it every day, if I gave it some more power, I wouldn't want to be in a predicament where I'd surpassed the autobox limit and needed to sell the car to buy a manual.

[jevansio]

Soop Dogg said:

I think someone is probably used to the power rush from a certain other car he owns but just wants a change...

Coming over to the dark side, Jay??

Hey Bri, how are ya?

Yeah, a vette has always been on the cards for me, I might have to get your number closer to the time to get a summary of what to look out for etc.

Yip I'll be using it everyday (hence the auto), but wanted a car with great looks, great comfort, great spec & more than a sprinkling of power, which the Corvette does magnificantly. The Corvette will compliment the Supe perfectly.

I'll be over to the dark side shortly

Edited by jevansio on Wednesday 25th July 08:16

[UK_WS6]

jevansio said:

UK_WS6 said:

Well, as said earlier, the C5 original concept was soft top.
That said, the coupe is probably more ridged, however the soft top is more than sufficient in the stability dept.

So, circa 360 hp aint enough !?
Well, considering the weight of the 'vette, 360+ hp is more than enough for me
I have the 2004 CE convertible, and it will flash through 160 mph (on a closed track) in the blink of an eye.
I would expect it would run the 0 ~ 60 and the 1/4 mile with very respectable times.

Cheers for the replys guys, looks like auto it is,

Totally understand what you're saying though UK_WS6, and it's going to feel amazing when I first get it, but I'm just thinking 6 months/1 year down the line when I've been driving it every day, if I gave it some more power, I wouldn't want to be in a predicament where I'd surpassed the autobox limit and needed to sell the car to buy a manual.

,
,
I would be quite happy to push 450 through a stock transmission. Not every day though.
To be honest, how ofton do you think you will be, foot to the floor in a C5.
It would sup the juice like no ones bussiness.
As like everything, push to much to the wheels and things will break.
However, I feel from reading many posts on CF, the auto box is pretty good.
One thing to consider is the drive halfshafts, I have seen them twisted up like spaggetti, simply because the whell broke loose over a metal manhole cover, and when it resumed traction again, the half shaft just stisted and snapped.

[jevansio]

UK_WS6 said:

jevansio said:

UK_WS6 said:

Well, as said earlier, the C5 original concept was soft top.
That said, the coupe is probably more ridged, however the soft top is more than sufficient in the stability dept.

So, circa 360 hp aint enough !?
Well, considering the weight of the 'vette, 360+ hp is more than enough for me
I have the 2004 CE convertible, and it will flash through 160 mph (on a closed track) in the blink of an eye.
I would expect it would run the 0 ~ 60 and the 1/4 mile with very respectable times.

Cheers for the replys guys, looks like auto it is,

Totally understand what you're saying though UK_WS6, and it's going to feel amazing when I first get it, but I'm just thinking 6 months/1 year down the line when I've been driving it every day, if I gave it some more power, I wouldn't want to be in a predicament where I'd surpassed the autobox limit and needed to sell the car to buy a manual.

,
,
I would be quite happy to push 450 through a stock transmission. Not every day though.
To be honest, how ofton do you think you will be, foot to the floor in a C5.
It would sup the juice like no ones bussiness.
As like everything, push to much to the wheels and things will break.
However, I feel from reading many posts on CF, the auto box is pretty good.
One thing to consider is the drive halfshafts, I have seen them twisted up like spaggetti, simply because the whell broke loose over a metal manhole cover, and when it resumed traction again, the half shaft just stisted and snapped.

I think the auto will do the job then, I certainly won't be flooring it everywhere, but it's good to have that extra power for the right occasions, ta muchly

PS forgot to say before, lovely motor,

Jay

Edited by jevansio on Wednesday 25th July 17:54

[Corsette]

Fitted a supercharger to a C5 auto with 6,000 miles on the clock, added about 100 bhp, 4L60e box lasted 200 miles. Complete tranny rebuild cost £3,000.