America's Sports Car

Corvettes and Winter Driving Conditions

admin — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:49:54 +0000

People ask about Corvettes and winter driving conditions such as ice and snow and wonder how well the two mix. How well do Corvettes perform on icy roads and does the salt used on the roads really melt the finish off a Corvette (an urban legend).

Well the truth is, I don't really know. Mine never went out on the road during bad weather. (Actually it was very rarely rained on - but now I'm just showing my obsession). The Corvette is really not built to drive in icy weather. Just look around you the next time you drive during icy conditions . . . how many Vettes do you see?

Any rear wheel drive sports car stinks in the snow, Corvette, Porsche, etc. These are not all season cars, but sport cars, designed for dry pavement driving. Unless you live in Florida or southern Texas or California, a Vette should not be your sole means of transportation, instead it is a side toy.

If you're planning on buying or already own a Corvette, do yourself and your Vette a favor and spend about $1000 and get an old 4×4 for the nasty days and keep the Vette looking nice. Think of your Corvette as an investment and a show piece. Have an old clunker for just getting around.

Most Economical C5 Aftermarket Mods

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:06:35 +0000

Recently the question arose about what would be the best, but most economical aftermarket mods for a C5 Corvette. (Actually he said what would be the cheapest performance enhancing mods for a C5.) After some good natured ribbing about nothing being cheap on a Corvette the general consensus was to improve the cars breath-ability.

Modification of a Corvette engine by using performance parts follows the basic philosophy of general automotive performance. "The more air in, the more air out, as fast as possible" is a good general rule of thumb to follow when modifying the performance of a Corvette.

So with that in mind, the first modification should be air intake. A Vararam Cold Air Intake - with K & N filter would be the intake of choice and you can purchase one between $ 350 to $ 400.

The next mod would be the exhaust. You need a shop that is VERY knowledgeable with Vettes. Otherwise what you'll have is a mess. Corsa or Borla would be your best bet. Expect to pay anywhere from $ 900 to $ 1,400 for a new exhaust system and then the expense of installation.

The best mods are those that make the car breathe better. And changing the intake and exhaust will increase performance without significantly decreasing the size of your wallet.

*See the C5 Computer Codes there on your left under Helpful Links for additional information.

New C7 Corvettes – When Will They Be Released?

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:54:42 +0000

It seems like we've waited forever . . . so when will the new C7 Corvettes be released? Insider sources have revealed that the C7, which was originally planned to be introduced in 2012 for the 2013 model year, has been delayed and will likely not be released before 2014. In fact, Sports Cars Fans blog reports the C7 has been put on indefinite hold.

Bill Connell over at the Corvette Blog says GM may not be as bullish on Corvette as once thought. With the federal government bailout, we may not see the changes we hoped for.

Well I suppose we'll take what we can get . . .

2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 vs 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:37:01 +0000

What are the differences between the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe? Are these differences significant or are we simply buying a fancy name?

There are a number of differences, no matter how subtle, that add up to the Z06 being quite a bit more automobile than the regular coupe. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not casting stones at the Coupe, it's a great automobile. But the topic here is the differences - and now they are not simply the Z06 logo and the higher price tag.

First, The Z06 has a higher horsepower and torque rating . . . in other words, the Z06 is faster. The base coupe and convertible Corvettes come with a 6.0-liter LS2 V8, rated at 400 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque. But the Z06’s 427-cubic-inch engine comes with a stunning 505 hp and 470 lb-ft from its 7.0-liter LS7 V8 - in other words, the Z06 is greased lightening.

Not only is the top speed, horsepower and torque rating different, the z06 is built around the racing suspension and it's unique aluminum frame. The z06 is the top of the line for corvette, with it’s recognizable Z06 logo and the air dam located on the rear; while the coupe, though great, is more like a base model.

Yes, the Z06 is a serious car, it is capable of being an everyday car or one to use on the track, it goes up to 200 mph, as verses the coupes 180 mph of the coupe, and uses a manual transmission with optional paddle shifters for easier shifting. The brakes are bigger and better on the Z06 as well, the suspension is race tuned and overall it’s a much better car. It has a heads up display with a g meter and everything.

All in all, though the Coupe is a great car, there is little doubt the Z06 is the superior automobile. If you're in market for either a Coupe or a Z06 you can find a great deal here at America's Sportscar, but if you have the money - go for the Z06.

Is it Corvette Sting Ray or Corvette Stingray?

admin — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 06:18:03 +0000

So, what's the difference between the Corvette, Corvette Stingray and Corvette Sting Ray? Are there differences in these three and if so what are the differences? I'll admit it can be somewhat confusing. Here's the straight scoop.

In 1963 the second generation (C2) of the Corvette was introduced and with it the name Sting Ray. If you owned a second generation or C2 Corvette, you owned a Sting Ray. The C2 or 2nd generation was produced from 1963-1967 and there were approximately 22,000 produced each of these years.

The 1968 Corvette was the first of the C3 or third generation Covettes and though the name Stingray nor Sting Ray were anywhere on the the '68, it was identical to the 1969 Corvette Stingray. Yes, rather than the two word Sting Ray, Corvette made the C3 Corvettes Stingray - one word. The Stingray name continued on the Corvette from 1969 through 1976 when the name Stingray was retired.

Corvette Stringray

admin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:23:47 +0000

Though in appearance there is no doubt, the 1968 corvette was not actually titled "Stingray", although it was almost identical to the "Stingray" 1969 model. But nowhere on the 1968 models can the word "Stingray" actually be found. The Stingray continued until 1976.

Chevrolet Corvette 1973 Corvette Stingray 4 Speed Coupe

$6,600.00

7h 46m

Chevrolet Corvette 1969 Corvette Stingray

$4,825.00

2d 17h 12m

Chevrolet Corvette LP48 1975 Stingray Corvette LOADED NO RESERVE

$6,700.00

2d 11h 5m

Chevrolet Corvette stingray 69 corvette

$17,100.00

1d 14h 21m

Chevrolet Corvette 427 69 CORVETTE STINGRAYBORED TO 572700HP

$33,600.00

10h 45m

Chevrolet Corvette STINGRAY CORVETTE STINGRAY ORIGINAL 82K MILES FACT A C MINT

$8,300.00

6d 17h

Corvette Sting Ray

admin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:38:41 +0000

Corvette Sting Ray (1963-1967), was a hit. The 1963 model Corvette was the first year for a coupé with its distinctive split rear window and non-functioning hood vents as well as an independent rear suspension. Unfortunately the split rear window was discontinued in 1964 due to safety concerns and because they made the design too busy, the hood vents were cut as well. 1967 was the last year the Sting Ray name was used.