Project C6 Corvette: No Replacement For Displacement

November 02, 2009 | Project Cars | Project C6 Corvette | Dave Pratte | Comments (1)

Because I've primarily been writing for Modified Magazine the last 3 or 4 years, some of you may be thinking I'm purely an import enthusiast. The truth is I did my very first Autocross event in my Dad's 1975 C3 Corvette and have been a Corvette fan ever since. I also competed in quite a few Time Attack events (or what we call SoloSprint up here in Ontario) in my Dad's '98 Camaro. Although both the C3 Vette and '98 Camaro were quite crude in the handling department (multi-leaf transverse springs on the C3, coil-spring live rear axle on the Camaro), it's amazing what a set of wide sticky tires and gobs of V-8 horsepower can do to mask the suspension's shortcomings.

photo credit: Sonia Tanney Photography

So when my Dad decided to trade in the Camaro in 2005, I wasn't too surprised when he ordered a '06 Daytona Sunset Orange C6 Corvette, even though we first test drove an Acura NSX, an Infiniti G35, a Nissan 350Z and a Porsche 996 911 Carrera. Once we tried the 'Vette with its awesome 400-horspower LS2 6-liter aluminum small block we were both hooked on the V-8 crackpipe all over again. You just can't beat the sensation of forward thrust that a GM LS V-8 provides, and with a hugely improved interior (compared to the C5 Corvette and its Pontiac Gran Am-like interior) and modern sports car styling, the overall package was too good to resist.

Shortly after completing a few thousand miles of engine break-in, Pratte Sr. and I were off to Mosport International Raceway, where we put the new Vette and its Z51 Performance Package — including bigger front and rear brakes, firmer springs and shocks, engine, power steering and transmission coolers, closer gear ratios, and upgraded tires — to the test. We did upgrade the front and rear brake pads to Hawk Performance HP+'s, but it was otherwise 100% stock during its maiden track voyage.

photo credit: Sonia Tanney Photography

We were both very impressed by the Vette's pace up the back straight (once we figured out how to turn off the traction control, which was killing acceleration out of Turn 5b onto the back straight), touching 230 km/h before having to brake for Turn 8, but the stock Goodyear rubber wasn't exactly inspiring a lot of confidence. After this first track day as well as a handful of SoloSprint events it's been quite easy to identify a number of areas where performance upgrades would significantly increase the fun factor and reduce lap times.

First and foremost, the stock tires have to go. For street cruising the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires are very good, and they do provide decent grip out on the race track for a lap or two, but after that they start to feel quite greasy and their grip level falls off dramatically. Wider wheels and tires will help immensely during track days, as will a stickier and more track-oriented compound and a more performance-oriented 4-wheel alignment. The Z51 brakes have also been disappointing in terms of stopping power and feel. Also, the suspension also allows far too much body roll and nose dive under braking, and it is difficult getting the power down in a sweeping corner without the back wanting to step out. So, both braking and suspension upgrades are high on our to-do list. Having test-driven a Katech Performance C6 Z06 with a Moton coilover conversion that provided the C6 chassis with a whole new level of handling refinement and balance, we'd like to do a similar coilover conversion but in a more affordable price range.

Power delivery from the LS2 is consistent and impressive, but these engines respond so well to bolt-on power adders like intake, headers, and exhaust that we probably won't be able to resist the lure of another 30-40 ponies at the rear wheels. But because this is primarily a street car, all modifications will be made with street-legality and street civility in mind.

photo credit: Sonia Tanney Photography

Stay tuned as we try to strike the always elusive "perfect balance" between street comfort and track performance. In the case of our Sunset Orange coupe, the goal will be to make the car faster and easier to drive at the limit around a race track while at the same time enhancing its ride quality, engine note and general enjoyment level on the street.

2006 Current Market Value (Nov. 2009)

High value: $35,630
Low value: $31,530
Average value: $33,830

Engine

Chassis

Z51 Package Upgrades

November 02, 2009 | Project Cars | Project C6 Corvette | Dave Pratte | Comments (1)