Living with a left hand drive Corvette (and other questions)
Discussion
Went to Le Mans last week. Saw quite a few Corvettes - and they looked and SOUNDED wonderful!
So, a few questions about Corvette ownership.
a) Left hand drive - easy to live with?
b) Corvettes are obviously fast and would murder most A roads, but what are they like on B roads?
c) What can I get for £20K ish. Do I need to spend that much?
d) Are Corvettes constructed of fibreglass?
e) Coming from the world of TVR, is the Corvette a more robust car - e.g. side impact protection etc
f) What about servicing? Main dealers - or indies? Costs?
g) Anyone moved from TVR (RV8) to Corvette? If so, how do you find it?
h) Reliability - is it as good as people make out?
i) Stupid question - what about fuel consumption?
j) There is a Corvette in my village (North of Cricklade, Wilts) - anyone on here?
Thanks in advance.
TeaVR
So, a few questions about Corvette ownership.
a) Left hand drive - easy to live with?
b) Corvettes are obviously fast and would murder most A roads, but what are they like on B roads?
c) What can I get for £20K ish. Do I need to spend that much?
d) Are Corvettes constructed of fibreglass?
e) Coming from the world of TVR, is the Corvette a more robust car - e.g. side impact protection etc
f) What about servicing? Main dealers - or indies? Costs?
g) Anyone moved from TVR (RV8) to Corvette? If so, how do you find it?
h) Reliability - is it as good as people make out?
i) Stupid question - what about fuel consumption?
j) There is a Corvette in my village (North of Cricklade, Wilts) - anyone on here?
Thanks in advance.
TeaVR
a) Left hand drive - easy to live with? YES, YOU GET USED TO IT VERY QUICKLY. OVERTAKING LARGE LORRIES ON NARROW ROADS IS A BIT DULL AND CAR PARK MACHINES THE WRONG SIDE. ENTERING ROUNDABOUTS YOU NEED TO LEAN FORWARD FOR VISIBILITY. IN REALITY, NO BIG DEAL. ESPECIALLY THE OVERTAKE WITH SO MUCH POWER ONCE YOU CAN SEE.
b) Corvettes are obviously fast and would murder most A roads, but what are they like on B roads? THEY ARE FINE ON B-ROADS. IT'S BIGGER THAN AN ELISE SO WILL NEVER BE AN ELISE. MORE LIKE DRIVING AN ESPRIT WITH A BIT LESS STEERING/CHASSIS FEEL
c) What can I get for £20K ish. Do I need to spend that much? YOU'LL GET A GREAT C5 FOR £15K TO £20K
d) Are Corvettes constructed of fibreglass? YES
e) Coming from the world of TVR, is the Corvette a more robust car - e.g. side impact protection etc YES, IT PASSES GLOBAL CRASH TEST REQUIREMENTS WITH EASE. ALSO PROPERLY ENGINEERED, BUILT AND RELIABLE.
f) What about servicing? Main dealers - or indies? Costs? OVER 9 YEARS MINE HAS COST ME ABOUT £180 A YEAR PLUS TYRES. YES, THAT'S ALL IN! THERE ARE A FEW MAIN DEALERS BUT MOST C5 OWNERS WILL BE USING INDIES. THERE'S A GREAT CLUB (SEE CORVETTE CLUB UK) FOR ANY GUIDANCE YOU NEED.
g) Anyone moved from TVR (RV8) to Corvette? If so, how do you find it? THEY'LL BE ALONG SOON! THERE ARE MANY FORMER LOTUS/TVR ETC OWNERS NOW IN VETTES AND WE LIKE IT!
h) Reliability - is it as good as people make out? YES. SEE (f) ABOVE
i) Stupid question - what about fuel consumption? REALISTICALLY 22 TO 28 IN MY EXPERIENCE WITH A 4-SPEED AUTO.
Modern Vettes are astounding cars and personally I'm a huge fan of C5/C6, which are essentially the same car. It was a "clean sheet" design by GM in 1997 and has served them well. Really, you can't go wrong with one provided you buy sensibly. Good luck!
UK CLUB at http://www.corvetteclub.org.uk Suggest you join soonest for full access to club resources.
b) Corvettes are obviously fast and would murder most A roads, but what are they like on B roads? THEY ARE FINE ON B-ROADS. IT'S BIGGER THAN AN ELISE SO WILL NEVER BE AN ELISE. MORE LIKE DRIVING AN ESPRIT WITH A BIT LESS STEERING/CHASSIS FEEL
c) What can I get for £20K ish. Do I need to spend that much? YOU'LL GET A GREAT C5 FOR £15K TO £20K
d) Are Corvettes constructed of fibreglass? YES
e) Coming from the world of TVR, is the Corvette a more robust car - e.g. side impact protection etc YES, IT PASSES GLOBAL CRASH TEST REQUIREMENTS WITH EASE. ALSO PROPERLY ENGINEERED, BUILT AND RELIABLE.
f) What about servicing? Main dealers - or indies? Costs? OVER 9 YEARS MINE HAS COST ME ABOUT £180 A YEAR PLUS TYRES. YES, THAT'S ALL IN! THERE ARE A FEW MAIN DEALERS BUT MOST C5 OWNERS WILL BE USING INDIES. THERE'S A GREAT CLUB (SEE CORVETTE CLUB UK) FOR ANY GUIDANCE YOU NEED.
g) Anyone moved from TVR (RV8) to Corvette? If so, how do you find it? THEY'LL BE ALONG SOON! THERE ARE MANY FORMER LOTUS/TVR ETC OWNERS NOW IN VETTES AND WE LIKE IT!
h) Reliability - is it as good as people make out? YES. SEE (f) ABOVE
i) Stupid question - what about fuel consumption? REALISTICALLY 22 TO 28 IN MY EXPERIENCE WITH A 4-SPEED AUTO.
Modern Vettes are astounding cars and personally I'm a huge fan of C5/C6, which are essentially the same car. It was a "clean sheet" design by GM in 1997 and has served them well. Really, you can't go wrong with one provided you buy sensibly. Good luck!
UK CLUB at http://www.corvetteclub.org.uk Suggest you join soonest for full access to club resources.
Hi mate.
In answer to your questions:
a) Left hand drive - easy to live with?
VERY! Just spend a weekend driving one and you'll be fine by Sunday evening. Yes, it feels a little odd at first for some people, but in many situations, I actually prefer LHD. PLUS - if some day the government actually succeeds with taxing us off the road in the UK, it'll be easier to sell in mainland Europe than if I was lumbered with RHD.
b) Corvettes are obviously fast and would murder most A roads, but what are they like on B roads?
This depends on the model you are thinking of buying. I have a 2003 C5 convertible and it does pretty well on B-roads. Once in a while the back end can skip under power if you hit a bump, but it pretty much sorts itself out very quickly without ever having given me much of a fright. Unclassified roads (back lanes) are a whole other story as the 'vette is a wide car, but it's not that often I find myself on those, even here in Norfolk.
c) What can I get for £20K ish. Do I need to spend that much?
You don't NEED to spend that much, but you do need to be careful if you're buying at the bottom end of the market for the model you want. (I guess that goes for most cars though) If you pay a good price, you should get a good car. Check out the For Sale section at www.corvetteclub.org.uk. (My car will be in there shortly!)
d) Are Corvettes constructed of fibreglass?
The body panels of Corvettes have always been made of fibreglass, but I believe these days, (or at least since the C5's introduction in the 90's) they have been using some other composite plastic type material. The C6 Z06 has some carbon fibre now too. I really don't see any down side to non-metallic body panels though. They don't rust, and the bits that protect you are always under the skin of a car anyway - metal body panels only do the same job as GRP ones - give the car it's shape - they're not really there to stand up to an impact.
e) Coming from the world of TVR, is the Corvette a more robust car - e.g. side impact protection etc
The Corvette is made to stop a Cadillac getting in the passenger seat beside you - not a Mondeo! I don't know if there has been a Euro N-Cap test done on the 'vette, but I know that in the States, it's come out very well in crash tests.
f) What about servicing? Main dealers - or indies? Costs?
Services on the C5 are very reasonable. Buidget for a couple of hundred quid for a normal service and you won't be far out. I use an independant - I think they're just as respected (if ot more so) within the 'vette community.
g) Anyone moved from TVR (RV8) to Corvette? If so, how do you find it?
Sorry - not me. I'm sure someone will be along soon to advise you.
h) Reliability - is it as good as people make out?
YES. Had my car about 20 months and covered almost 10,000 miles. I've replaced the tyres, one set of discs and had a service. Can't complain at that!
i) Stupid question - what about fuel consumption?
If you work hard at it you can get single figures! I've just got back from Le Mans - covered 1600 miles and got an average of 28.7mpg despite spending 2 hours in traffic on Sunday and having some spirited blasts along the back roads and motorways. Without those, I may have made it to 30mpg. (Which I did in France/Germany last Autumn)
j) There is a Corvette in my village (North of Cricklade, Wilts) - anyone on here?
Could be - just not me I'm afraid.
In answer to your questions:
a) Left hand drive - easy to live with?
VERY! Just spend a weekend driving one and you'll be fine by Sunday evening. Yes, it feels a little odd at first for some people, but in many situations, I actually prefer LHD. PLUS - if some day the government actually succeeds with taxing us off the road in the UK, it'll be easier to sell in mainland Europe than if I was lumbered with RHD.
b) Corvettes are obviously fast and would murder most A roads, but what are they like on B roads?
This depends on the model you are thinking of buying. I have a 2003 C5 convertible and it does pretty well on B-roads. Once in a while the back end can skip under power if you hit a bump, but it pretty much sorts itself out very quickly without ever having given me much of a fright. Unclassified roads (back lanes) are a whole other story as the 'vette is a wide car, but it's not that often I find myself on those, even here in Norfolk.
c) What can I get for £20K ish. Do I need to spend that much?
You don't NEED to spend that much, but you do need to be careful if you're buying at the bottom end of the market for the model you want. (I guess that goes for most cars though) If you pay a good price, you should get a good car. Check out the For Sale section at www.corvetteclub.org.uk. (My car will be in there shortly!)
d) Are Corvettes constructed of fibreglass?
The body panels of Corvettes have always been made of fibreglass, but I believe these days, (or at least since the C5's introduction in the 90's) they have been using some other composite plastic type material. The C6 Z06 has some carbon fibre now too. I really don't see any down side to non-metallic body panels though. They don't rust, and the bits that protect you are always under the skin of a car anyway - metal body panels only do the same job as GRP ones - give the car it's shape - they're not really there to stand up to an impact.
e) Coming from the world of TVR, is the Corvette a more robust car - e.g. side impact protection etc
The Corvette is made to stop a Cadillac getting in the passenger seat beside you - not a Mondeo! I don't know if there has been a Euro N-Cap test done on the 'vette, but I know that in the States, it's come out very well in crash tests.
f) What about servicing? Main dealers - or indies? Costs?
Services on the C5 are very reasonable. Buidget for a couple of hundred quid for a normal service and you won't be far out. I use an independant - I think they're just as respected (if ot more so) within the 'vette community.
g) Anyone moved from TVR (RV8) to Corvette? If so, how do you find it?
Sorry - not me. I'm sure someone will be along soon to advise you.
h) Reliability - is it as good as people make out?
YES. Had my car about 20 months and covered almost 10,000 miles. I've replaced the tyres, one set of discs and had a service. Can't complain at that!
i) Stupid question - what about fuel consumption?
If you work hard at it you can get single figures! I've just got back from Le Mans - covered 1600 miles and got an average of 28.7mpg despite spending 2 hours in traffic on Sunday and having some spirited blasts along the back roads and motorways. Without those, I may have made it to 30mpg. (Which I did in France/Germany last Autumn)
j) There is a Corvette in my village (North of Cricklade, Wilts) - anyone on here?
Could be - just not me I'm afraid.
Just off to a meeting so very quick answers for now listed below.
In two words, do it!
In two words, do it!
TeaVR said:
Went to Le Mans last week. Saw quite a few Corvettes - and they looked and SOUNDED wonderful!
So, a few questions about Corvette ownership.
a) Left hand drive - easy to live with? I find it better than RHD
b) Corvettes are obviously fast and would murder most A roads, but what are they like on B roads? From C5 on they are fine, C6 with Z51 and Z06 are stunning!
c) What can I get for £20K ish. Do I need to spend that much? A decent C5, make sure it's 1999 onwards with Head up display
d) Are Corvettes constructed of fibreglass? The body is made from composite panels
e) Coming from the world of TVR, is the Corvette a more robust car - e.g. side impact protection etc 100% so
f) What about servicing? Main dealers - or indies? Costs? About £180 via a main dealer, although you can do it yourself
g) Anyone moved from TVR (RV8) to Corvette? If so, how do you find it? Came from two Cerberas, and the C5 and C6 are much better cars.
h) Reliability - is it as good as people make out? Only needed to replace a tyre so far in 2 1/2 years
i) Stupid question - what about fuel consumption? Just back from Le Mans which included a flying track lap on Saturday, 1100 miles, about 27mpg
j) There is a Corvette in my village (North of Cricklade, Wilts) - anyone on here?
Thanks in advance.
TeaVR
So, a few questions about Corvette ownership.
a) Left hand drive - easy to live with? I find it better than RHD
b) Corvettes are obviously fast and would murder most A roads, but what are they like on B roads? From C5 on they are fine, C6 with Z51 and Z06 are stunning!
c) What can I get for £20K ish. Do I need to spend that much? A decent C5, make sure it's 1999 onwards with Head up display
d) Are Corvettes constructed of fibreglass? The body is made from composite panels
e) Coming from the world of TVR, is the Corvette a more robust car - e.g. side impact protection etc 100% so
f) What about servicing? Main dealers - or indies? Costs? About £180 via a main dealer, although you can do it yourself
g) Anyone moved from TVR (RV8) to Corvette? If so, how do you find it? Came from two Cerberas, and the C5 and C6 are much better cars.
h) Reliability - is it as good as people make out? Only needed to replace a tyre so far in 2 1/2 years
i) Stupid question - what about fuel consumption? Just back from Le Mans which included a flying track lap on Saturday, 1100 miles, about 27mpg
j) There is a Corvette in my village (North of Cricklade, Wilts) - anyone on here?
Thanks in advance.
TeaVR
I'm relatively new to the world of Corvettes, but I would definitely back-up what the other contributors are saying. From my experience of C5 ownership:
Left-Hand Drive: 90% of the time it's not a problem at all and you quickly get used to it. It only becomes a problem for, say, overtaking an artic on a straight narrow road, or sometimes entering roundabouts when you need to lean forward to see.
B roads: What takes more getting used to than LHD is the size of the thing and the fact that you sit a loooong way back and it's quite wide - consequently I would say it is not a great B-road hustler and I find myself driving slower on narrow country lanes than I would normally. On anything else it's superb and, yes, you will "murder most A roads"!
Purchase Cost: £20k will get you a good late model C5. In fact, I have seen C5's advertised for as little as £13k, but I think most people would advise against the earliest cars ('97 model year), and only from '99 on did all cars have the head-up display as standard. Bear in mind that there are "Euro-spec" cars out there which were sold in the UK through Vauxhall dealers from 1998 - 2002 (recognisable from the wide rear number plate housing and large fog lights set into the rear valance) which are all fairly high spec; imported cars will vary more in spec but won't necessarily present any other problems.
Fibreglass Body: Strictly speaking it's "sheet moulded composite", rather than fibreglass. But, yeah, it's plastic so it won't rust!
Robustness: Certainly more robust than a TVR in terms of safety features, and built to the (relatively tough) US safety standards.
Servicing: C5 Corevttes only really need oil and filter changes (as indicated by the Oil Life display on the dash) until the first major service at 100,000 miles. I use mine for regular commuting and spend about £150 every nine months for this oil change (most of which is for the Mobil 1 oil). Oil filters are £7. You can either do this yourself or just get your local garage to do it - no need to go to a main dealer. I have used Stratstone and Bauer-Millett once or twice for other issues, but the independents (such as Ian Goss) are just as good if not better. Your biggest expense will be tyres - I recently paid about £250 each for run-flat Bridgestone rear tyres, but many people fit non-run-flats which are cheaper and give a softer ride.
Reliability: Yes, they are generally extremely reliable. There are some weak points (I'm on my third window regulator!) but parts are easy to get hold of and not too expensive. Remember: compared to a lot of German/Japanese/Italian alternatives, the Corvette is a relatively low-tech car and consequently there's not much to go wrong. And that engine, in its various incarnations, has been honed to perfection over the years.
Fuel Consumption: I average 27-28 mpg on my daily commute. The best I've ever got is about 30mpg on a long run. Don't be fooled by the trip computer, it reads in US gallons so you need to multiply this figure by 1.2 to get UK mpg.
In summary, yes they are great cars, and easy to live with on a daily basis. Just don't tell everyone 'cos we like our little club to remain fairly exclusive! Now, I'm off to test drive a C6...
Left-Hand Drive: 90% of the time it's not a problem at all and you quickly get used to it. It only becomes a problem for, say, overtaking an artic on a straight narrow road, or sometimes entering roundabouts when you need to lean forward to see.
B roads: What takes more getting used to than LHD is the size of the thing and the fact that you sit a loooong way back and it's quite wide - consequently I would say it is not a great B-road hustler and I find myself driving slower on narrow country lanes than I would normally. On anything else it's superb and, yes, you will "murder most A roads"!
Purchase Cost: £20k will get you a good late model C5. In fact, I have seen C5's advertised for as little as £13k, but I think most people would advise against the earliest cars ('97 model year), and only from '99 on did all cars have the head-up display as standard. Bear in mind that there are "Euro-spec" cars out there which were sold in the UK through Vauxhall dealers from 1998 - 2002 (recognisable from the wide rear number plate housing and large fog lights set into the rear valance) which are all fairly high spec; imported cars will vary more in spec but won't necessarily present any other problems.
Fibreglass Body: Strictly speaking it's "sheet moulded composite", rather than fibreglass. But, yeah, it's plastic so it won't rust!
Robustness: Certainly more robust than a TVR in terms of safety features, and built to the (relatively tough) US safety standards.
Servicing: C5 Corevttes only really need oil and filter changes (as indicated by the Oil Life display on the dash) until the first major service at 100,000 miles. I use mine for regular commuting and spend about £150 every nine months for this oil change (most of which is for the Mobil 1 oil). Oil filters are £7. You can either do this yourself or just get your local garage to do it - no need to go to a main dealer. I have used Stratstone and Bauer-Millett once or twice for other issues, but the independents (such as Ian Goss) are just as good if not better. Your biggest expense will be tyres - I recently paid about £250 each for run-flat Bridgestone rear tyres, but many people fit non-run-flats which are cheaper and give a softer ride.
Reliability: Yes, they are generally extremely reliable. There are some weak points (I'm on my third window regulator!) but parts are easy to get hold of and not too expensive. Remember: compared to a lot of German/Japanese/Italian alternatives, the Corvette is a relatively low-tech car and consequently there's not much to go wrong. And that engine, in its various incarnations, has been honed to perfection over the years.
Fuel Consumption: I average 27-28 mpg on my daily commute. The best I've ever got is about 30mpg on a long run. Don't be fooled by the trip computer, it reads in US gallons so you need to multiply this figure by 1.2 to get UK mpg.
In summary, yes they are great cars, and easy to live with on a daily basis. Just don't tell everyone 'cos we like our little club to remain fairly exclusive! Now, I'm off to test drive a C6...
OK - all sounds good. Now for some more questions.
1. Happy that there are C4s, C5s, C6s. But what is a Z06? I think I need some clarification.
2. Which models come as coupe, targa, convertibles?
3. Is there a premium to be paid for manual over auto? Are more cars auto?
4. From what I can tell, the car market is in a bad way at the moment. Having large engines, is this hitting Corvettes badly?
Cheers.
TeaVR
1. Happy that there are C4s, C5s, C6s. But what is a Z06? I think I need some clarification.
2. Which models come as coupe, targa, convertibles?
3. Is there a premium to be paid for manual over auto? Are more cars auto?
4. From what I can tell, the car market is in a bad way at the moment. Having large engines, is this hitting Corvettes badly?
Cheers.
TeaVR
TeaVR said:
a) Left hand drive - easy to live with?
It might take a day or two or perhaps a week but after a while its amazing how natural it feels. The only times when its an issue is at McDonalds drive-thru’s and car parks where you need to take a ticket as you enter.Some junction are more difficult, but some are easier. Example turning left at a T junction, in a RHD car you pull up and swing the motor to the left before you stop then look out the side window. In a LHD all you’ll see is the rear B/C pillar of the car interior. So all you have to do is pull up square to the white line and look out the passenger window. Same sort of thing as if you where in a RHD and wanting to turn right.
It becomes 2nd nature after a while.
You’ll also find you are more careful about over taking, however its not a bad point as it means you do really make sure it is safe to do so, before you pull out.
TeaVR said:
b) Corvettes are obviously fast and would murder most A roads, but what are they like on B roads?
I can’t really comment on the Vette. But I have a LS1 Camaro (same engine as a C5 Vette).I’ve owned plenty of cars that handle well (hot hatches, sports, Jap coupes, etc.) and in all honesty the Camaro is just as easy and quick on the B roads. Sure if the road is really tight then a Vette being a wide car will be noticeable. But if the road is that small you probably shouldn’t be driving that fast even if you where in a Caterham.
TeaVR said:
c) What can I get for £20K ish. Do I need to spend that much?
Personally I’d try and hold out for a C5 z06. These where the top of the range and had the 5.7 LS6 engine with 405bhp (after 2002). They are also lighter and are more focused.A regular C5 is a great car though and has 345bhp with plenty of poke. They also have a targa top and there a convertible. The convertible should go and handle pretty much as well as the coupe. The body is not part of the structure on a Vette, so it doesn’t suffer like most other rag tops.
There’s also a Fixed Roof Coupe, it looks like the z06 but with out the more powerful engine. Not many in the UK though.
Personally I’d go for a manual. They are the T56 6 speed unit. The auto’s are 4 speed units.
There are also two different rear axle ratio’s for the auto’s. Standard was 2.73:1 and a sports option with 3.15:1 all the manuals where 3.42:1
C5:
C5 z06:
Not sure if you’ll get it for the money, but the new C6 would be the next one to look at. It has the LS2 6.0 engine with 400bhp.
It should offer up similar performance to the C5 z06 but be less focused and more comfy.
If you go for a C6 try and find one with the z51 handling package on it.
C6:
In terms of performance, well they’ll all top 170mph or higher.
C5 z06 0-100mph in 8.9 seconds
C6 0-100mph in 9.9 seconds
The slowest would be a 2.73 geared C5, but even these will still do the best part 180mph and run the ¼ mile in low 13’s @ 105mph+
TeaVR said:
d) Are Corvettes constructed of fibreglass?
Not sure, think they may use composits as well. Z06 def has other materials.TeaVR said:
e) Coming from the world of TVR, is the Corvette a more robust car - e.g. side impact protection etc
The Corvette is a car sold all over the world and manufacturered on a mass production basis. It meets all US and Europe safety standards and type approval. A TVR being a low production car used to have to meet much lower type approval standards.In terms of durability, the Vette is built to be used daily, there are hundreds of examples having over 150,000 miles on them with no problems, only servicing and still put down over 300rwhp on a dyno.
TeaVR said:
f) What about servicing? Main dealers - or indies? Costs?
Even though GM sold C5’s at selected Vauxhall dealers and still have a few showrooms for genuine Euro spec cars the servicing is pretty crap and expensive. But I guess you could say the same if you had a V6 Vectra.99% of the servicing you could do at home or get any good mechanic to do. No special tools are needed and its all sensible stuff.
There are several places in the UK that stock service items and other parts and can get hold of almost any part within 48 hours.
You can also buy many parts over here buy doing a little research. Example I bought some front pads for my Camaro from Mintex for about £22.
TeaVR said:
g) Anyone moved from TVR (RV8) to Corvette? If so, how do you find it?
Not a TVR, but I do have a modified Triumph TR7 V8 running a 230hp Rover V8. I guess comparable to a 4.0 Chimera.All I can say is I don’t regret the move
One thing to remember though, is while a TVR was loud and raunchy straight off, the Vette may be a little more tame. However all it takes is a few mods and it’s a totally different car.
Even a 345bhp C5 can be turned into a monster for not a lot of money. E.g.
-Buy an induction set like a Vara Ram or Donaldson Blackwing
-Port the TB
-If it’s a pre 2002 model add a LS6 type intake manifold
-Slap in a cam like a Texas Speed Performance Torquer V3
-Add Long Tube headers and a loud exhaust
And you should have somewhere near 450bhp+ and all the noise and poise to make even a Griffith 500 cower in the corner (seriously….)
TeaVR said:
h) Reliability - is it as good as people make out?
TeaVR said:
i) Stupid question - what about fuel consumption?
My Camaro has the same 350bhp LS1 but weighs a tad more. I regularly see 24-26mpg with an auto. This is fairly mixed driving, but mostly fairly short journeys and for fun (so plenty of WOT action).Manual Vettes should see up to 30mpg on the motorway. You’d be really hard pushed to average less than 20mpg, even modified.
For the money I’d either go C5 z06 and slap a nice exhaust on it. Or buy an earlier C5 (probably 99 model year, the 97/8 had a different ECU which isn’t as easy to tune). And then spend the rest on performance parts.
If you want more specific info try this forum: www.ls1tech.com
As for parts, well there is no shortage, you can do anything you like. From n/a and 500bhp to a 7.0 litre conversion to a supercharger (3 or 4 kits available) or even a twin turbo setup.
Over 800bhp is quite achievable should you want to go for it and it’ll still be reliable and offer up fairly decent mpg (18-20mpg).
You might find these of interest:
http://www.texas-speed.com/shop/
http://www.thunderracing.com/
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Thursday 19th June 13:42
TeaVR said:
OK - all sounds good. Now for some more questions.
1. Happy that there are C4s, C5s, C6s. But what is a Z06? I think I need some clarification.
2. Which models come as coupe, targa, convertibles?
3. Is there a premium to be paid for manual over auto? Are more cars auto?
4. From what I can tell, the car market is in a bad way at the moment. Having large engines, is this hitting Corvettes badly?
Cheers.
TeaVR
1. Happy that there are C4s, C5s, C6s. But what is a Z06? I think I need some clarification.
2. Which models come as coupe, targa, convertibles?
3. Is there a premium to be paid for manual over auto? Are more cars auto?
4. From what I can tell, the car market is in a bad way at the moment. Having large engines, is this hitting Corvettes badly?
Cheers.
TeaVR
C5 body panels are composite i.e. front and rear are a lightweight poly urethane and the rest of the body panels are fibreglass but not like UK fibreglass as they are moulded in a compression mould which shapes the panels from both sides rather than laying fibreglass into a one sided mold. Chassis is basically two hydro-formed rails with aluminium sub-frame for the engine cradle to which the front suspension mounts. Rear also has a subframe holding the gearbox and diff.
C5 Z06 could be £20k, but hardtop only. C5 either Coupe or Convertible 'cept 1999/2000 models which had hardtop also but before introduction of Z06 package so same engine as coupe or convertible.
No premium for manual over auto, just auto is more common especially on US spec cars.
Corvettes offer much better fuel consumption than most people realise as the fuel computer records MPG vs the US gallon which is about 7/8th the size of a UK gallon. Therefore is the car says 18MPG that is really about 21-22MPG when compared with any other car.
C4 pre-face lift 1984-1990 (you really don't want one!!!)
C4 face lift 1991-1996 (Coupe or Convertible)
C5 1997-2004 (1997-2004 Coupe, 1998-2004 Convertible, 1999-2000 hardtop, 2001 Z06 385BHP hardtop, 2002-2004 Z06 405BHP hardtop)
C6 2005-present (Coupe or Convertible) 2006-present Z06
£20k budget you might find a c6, but unlikely to be a good one, more likely to find a decent C5 for that money. Possible to find a C5 Z06 especially if you are prepared to import one from USA.
One to test your resolve
www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=242593347&dealer_id=58299677&car_year=2003&num_records=25&model=CORV&systime=&make2=&start_year=2002&engine=&keywordsfyc=__WjA2__&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=090048054&keywordsrep=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&first_record=51&make=CHEV&color=&keywords_display=Z06&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&position=top&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceASC&address=21122&advanced=y&end_year=2004&pager.offset=50&transmission=&doors=&max_price=&cardist=1039
Edited by vetteheadracer on Thursday 19th June 12:56
TeaVR said:
OK - all sounds good. Now for some more questions.
1. Happy that there are C4s, C5s, C6s. But what is a Z06? I think I need some clarification.
Zo6 is a more focus version. Wasn't available as a C4 Vette, but I would stick to a C5 Vette or newer.1. Happy that there are C4s, C5s, C6s. But what is a Z06? I think I need some clarification.
TeaVR said:
2. Which models come as coupe, targa, convertibles?
C5 and C6 coupes are targa. and available as a vert too.The C5 was offered pre 2001 as a Fixed foor coupe (without the hatch style rear window)
the C5 z05 replaced the Fixed roof coupe but look similar.
TeaVR said:
3. Is there a premium to be paid for manual over auto? Are more cars auto?
This is actually an amusing question.All Vettes have a manual as the stand transmission. Auto is optional (albeit often a non cost one).
In the US most Vettes and Camaro's/Trans Am's are actually manual ones. However here in Blighty we have the opinion that all American cars are auto's so for some reiduclas reason nearly always import or buy Vettes and muscle cars with auto boxes.
I would have given my right arm for a manual Camaro, but at the time the only one I could find for sale in the UK was going for £16,000 where I only paid £7500 for my auto one.
Having said that the auto's are actually very capable. Adding a higher stall torque converter makes a huge difference and you can even switch to a manual valve body and use a ratchet shifter, so you end up with a transmission much like the DB9 with flappy padels but via gear lever instead and better response.
The only dower with the auto's is they don't like higher rpms if you plan on a cam. So if you want to mod for big HP you may have to look at rebuilding the gearbox to strengthen it. But this is not an issue unless you plan on something very specific.
TeaVR said:
4. From what I can tell, the car market is in a bad way at the moment. Having large engines, is this hitting Corvettes badly?
Yes and no. But no worse than anyother performance car.Good mpg means a Vette is cheaper to run than most other performance cars of similar ilk or performance.
Another thing to consider, if you buy a Vette registered before March 2001 you'll pay the same road tax as a 1.6 Vuaxhall Corsa
If it's pre March 2003 then it's still fairly ok and will cost similar in tax to a 2.5 litre V6 Vectra.
If it's after March 2003 then you're in the top band as per Subaru Impreza's and the like, think it's £400 or something crazy.
300bhp/ton said:
C5 and C6 coupes are targa. and available as a vert too.
So all C5s and C6s have some roof off capabilities i.e. convertible or targa panel?AND - what is the source with importing one from the USA? Tax, shipping, etc? Are there companies that will do this on my behalf?
Edited by TeaVR on Thursday 19th June 13:48
300bhp/ton said:
C5 and C6 coupes are targa. and available as a vert too.
So all C5s and C6s have some roof off capabilities i.e. convertible or targa panel?AND - what is the score with importing one from the USA? Tax, shipping, etc? Are there companies that will do this on my behalf?
Edited by TeaVR on Thursday 19th June 13:51
Edited by TeaVR on Thursday 19th June 13:52
Just to clarify: yes, all C5 and C6 "coupes" are actually targas. The solid roof panel lifts out manually and stores securely in the boot. Only takes a couple of minutes. On mine, the roof panel is body colour, but I think a transparent panel was an option on the C5 (although I haven't seen many in the UK). And remember that the C5 and C6 were designed as convertibles, so there are no issues with rigidity when removing the roof panel.
TeaVR said:
AND - what is the score with importing one from the USA? Tax, shipping, etc? Are there companies that will do this on my behalf?
There are already a lot of Vettes over here to chose from, plus plenty of companies which speicalise in importing cars and selling them.If you want to import one yourself then you could fly over buy it, drive it to a port. Ship it back via RORO (roll on, rol off). Pay the import duty and VAT, SVA it and register it.
There are quite a few companies that will ship and then arrange SVA and registration for you. I've never done it myself but you could potentiall save a wedge and many people do import privatley.
I cant complain.i have had a few TVR,s and still do.Love the marque.I have had my Vette since october,and can honestly say its one of the best cars i have ever owned.And i have had a few(check profile)I have done endless miles in it since i bought it and hasnt let me down.I had the car serviced back in January which cost me just under £700.But also in that i had a new pair of front discs,pads all round,aircon serviced and recharged.Compare that when i had the Cerbera last serviced with a few odds and sods needed doing at £3150,then its a no brainer.And to date nothing has fallen off or broken.And above all i dont have that (will i get there feeling).
BLUETHUNDER said:
I cant complain.i have had a few TVR,s and still do.Love the marque.I have had my Vette since october,and can honestly say its one of the best cars i have ever owned.And i have had a few(check profile)I have done endless miles in it since i bought it and hasnt let me down.I had the car serviced back in January which cost me just under £700.But also in that i had a new pair of front discs,pads all round,aircon serviced and recharged.Compare that when i had the Cerbera last serviced with a few odds and sods needed doing at £3150,then its a no brainer.And to date nothing has fallen off or broken.And above all i dont have that (will i get there feeling).
I know that TVR feeling too well! Can't really understand why they cost so much to service / repair!TeaVR said:
BLUETHUNDER said:
I cant complain.i have had a few TVR,s and still do.Love the marque.I have had my Vette since october,and can honestly say its one of the best cars i have ever owned.And i have had a few(check profile)I have done endless miles in it since i bought it and hasnt let me down.I had the car serviced back in January which cost me just under £700.But also in that i had a new pair of front discs,pads all round,aircon serviced and recharged.Compare that when i had the Cerbera last serviced with a few odds and sods needed doing at £3150,then its a no brainer.And to date nothing has fallen off or broken.And above all i dont have that (will i get there feeling).
I know that TVR feeling too well! Can't really understand why they cost so much to service / repair!Gassing Station | Corvettes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff