New vert', a few questions
New vert', a few questions Hey guys, I made my introduction on the LT1 sub-group, but figured I'd step in here as well. Its awesome this site has a forum dedicated to the vert guys. I just bought a 1996 Z-28, M6, red on tan vert. Car is nearly stock, just a catback and FIPK. Just turned 73k miles. I have a few questions about specific convertible stuff.
First - do you need the tonneu cover over the top, or is just an asthetic thing. I can't find a reason to "have to" put it on, but this is the first vert I've ever owned, so I want to be sure.
Second - how much do I have to worry about twisting the body on this car? At what power level, or amount of hard cornering, does that become a factor. I like to auto-cross, drag race, and mod for more power on anything I've ever had, but this 'vert is super clean, and I don't want to tear it up at all. I understand the 'vert models were designed to be convertibles, and not just modified from coupes, but to what extent?
Thanks for all the input in advance guys.
First - do you need the tonneu cover over the top, or is just an asthetic thing. I can't find a reason to "have to" put it on, but this is the first vert I've ever owned, so I want to be sure.
Second - how much do I have to worry about twisting the body on this car? At what power level, or amount of hard cornering, does that become a factor. I like to auto-cross, drag race, and mod for more power on anything I've ever had, but this 'vert is super clean, and I don't want to tear it up at all. I understand the 'vert models were designed to be convertibles, and not just modified from coupes, but to what extent?
Thanks for all the input in advance guys.
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 6
From: Grand Junction, CO / Tomball, TX
I have never used that cover in the 5 years I have had my vert...i think it looked cheap on my vert. As for twisting the body Im putting down around 430+ rwhp with alot of weight reduction and launching on slicks and have never had a problem with the body...and thats without subframe connectors.
I used the cover on the trip from LA up to N Cal when I bought the car, after that I determined it was a pain in the *** to carry around in the trunk, took up to much space, was also in the way to putting the top up fast, since then never used it again.
Guess it would keep the section of the top headliner from fading from the sun that shows when the top is down, I have noticed mine is faded some.
I wouldn't bother with it.
So is your interior tan or your top? Mine started out as a Red/Tan Top/Grey Interior car, now it's a Red/Black Top/Tan and Black Interior car, I don't miss the tan top at all for what its worth.
Guess it would keep the section of the top headliner from fading from the sun that shows when the top is down, I have noticed mine is faded some.
I wouldn't bother with it.
So is your interior tan or your top? Mine started out as a Red/Tan Top/Grey Interior car, now it's a Red/Black Top/Tan and Black Interior car, I don't miss the tan top at all for what its worth.
I used the cover on the trip from LA up to N Cal when I bought the car, after that I determined it was a pain in the *** to carry around in the trunk, took up to much space, was also in the way to putting the top up fast, since then never used it again.
Guess it would keep the section of the top headliner from fading from the sun that shows when the top is down, I have noticed mine is faded some.
I wouldn't bother with it.
So is your interior tan or your top? Mine started out as a Red/Tan Top/Grey Interior car, now it's a Red/Black Top/Tan and Black Interior car, I don't miss the tan top at all for what its worth.
Guess it would keep the section of the top headliner from fading from the sun that shows when the top is down, I have noticed mine is faded some.
I wouldn't bother with it.
So is your interior tan or your top? Mine started out as a Red/Tan Top/Grey Interior car, now it's a Red/Black Top/Tan and Black Interior car, I don't miss the tan top at all for what its worth.
Good to know these verts handle heavy use well, I guess I'm still in my third-gen mentality, where anything that wasn't a hardtop needed SFC's or you'd crack the body in no time.
I love my tonneau covers, i use them at every chance I get. But I use my vert for shows more than track time, so it depends on what you are going for. If you are going to the track, then i would get the subframe connectors, not only is HP an issue for tweaking the frame but age will do it too, is the risk worth >200$.
when i had my vert i rarely used the tonneau cover..also as far as twisting the body like everyone else said it isn't a real big issue. My car was making about 430rwhp and it was fine, all i had was sfc's
Welcome to the site man you will love it here. Pretty much anything that you need to know has been discussed before and that really helps solve problems quick.
Oh and nice color combo
Oh and nice color combo
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Tonneau cover is uneccesary because the top folds completely into the body. If you schlep the cover around it uses up most of the trunk. Also, if you have it installed, and you want to put the top up in a hurry, you can't.
However, the cover does finish off the sleek F-body nicely.
However, the cover does finish off the sleek F-body nicely.
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TECH Junkie
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,915
Likes: 676
From: Western North Carolina
I also love the look with the cover. Very smooth long lines and a must for car shows if you are into that. I use the cover about 95% of the time. It does keep the crap out of the open area as well, such as pollen, leaves, anything that could fly into your car, even a lit cigarette thrown by some idiot.
Yea, I'm sure the covers will get put on some times - shows and cruises - but I probably won't use them for just putting the top down on the way home from work, stuff like that.
Good to know SFC's arn't a must have - I would like to get a set, but that will probably have to wait at least a little while - first things first, the salad shooters gotta go.
Good to know SFC's arn't a must have - I would like to get a set, but that will probably have to wait at least a little while - first things first, the salad shooters gotta go.
I also love the look with the cover. Very smooth long lines and a must for car shows if you are into that. I use the cover about 95% of the time. It does keep the crap out of the open area as well, such as pollen, leaves, anything that could fly into your car, even a lit cigarette thrown by some idiot.
SFC are not a necessity, but they are a niceity to reduce cowl shake and firm up the ride. I noted that my car launches much straighter after adding mine.
Yea, feeling the front and rear of the car over a bump move at different times, is a bit un-nerving - SFC's are pretty high on the to-do list. Good clarification on the boot vs. tonneau - the tonneau looks pretty sharp on taht WS6.
Teching In
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
I am putting down over 800RWHP on my cenvertable and no twist. just make sure you get some sub frame connectors. I rarely drive mine so it is always ready in the garage with the top down. I like the cover as it make it cleaner when the top is down.
i have the cover but never use it.
there are reinforcements to the subframe from the factory (you can see them if you look under the car), so normal driving is fine.
if you're into taking corners faster than an old lady on a sunday drive, the subframe connectors will help. i found the flex made things a little less predictable at speed when you set the car in a corner. with the subframe connectors, it is better. i also use a shock tower brace.
nice find on that LT1
there are reinforcements to the subframe from the factory (you can see them if you look under the car), so normal driving is fine.
if you're into taking corners faster than an old lady on a sunday drive, the subframe connectors will help. i found the flex made things a little less predictable at speed when you set the car in a corner. with the subframe connectors, it is better. i also use a shock tower brace.
nice find on that LT1
SFC yes! when i use to hit a bump my car would rock like a boat or flutter. now with SFC goes straight down the road. i love them! a mag article ls1 dos & donts says SFC are the first thing you should do before adding power. pm me a fax# and i'll send you a copy. thx