How well can a 4th gen be made to handle?
#1
TECH Enthusiast
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: long island, ny
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Like the title states, my question is how well can a 4th gen f body be made to handle, and still be streetable for a dd. Say up to around a z51 suspension equipped vette level? Also what components are recommended and how much?
#2
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Oshawa (Home of the 5th-gen)
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
That's a little bit of a generic question, and open to a lot of generic answers
.
But to try to sum things up, a 4th-gen can handle EXCEPTIONALLY well
. And The Man to speak to (esp. for a DD / track car) is Sam Strano
.
I have his suspension in my car, and I track it often, as well as daily drive it. It performs beautifully in both areas
.
![Winky](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_wink.gif)
But to try to sum things up, a 4th-gen can handle EXCEPTIONALLY well
![Nod](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_nod.gif)
![Mr. Cool](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_cool.gif)
I have his suspension in my car, and I track it often, as well as daily drive it. It performs beautifully in both areas
![Cheers!!](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_cheers.gif)
#3
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (52)
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Kingsland, GA
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
That's a little bit of a generic question, and open to a lot of generic answers
.
But to try to sum things up, a 4th-gen can handle EXCEPTIONALLY well
. And The Man to speak to (esp. for a DD / track car) is Sam Strano
.
I have his suspension in my car, and I track it often, as well as daily drive it. It performs beautifully in both areas
.
![Winky](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_wink.gif)
But to try to sum things up, a 4th-gen can handle EXCEPTIONALLY well
![Nod](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_nod.gif)
![Mr. Cool](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_cool.gif)
I have his suspension in my car, and I track it often, as well as daily drive it. It performs beautifully in both areas
![Cheers!!](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_cheers.gif)
#4
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: MA
Posts: 3,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I mean it's not going to beat a corvette in an autox or some other cars, but there's always a car out there that can beat another car.
#6
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Oshawa (Home of the 5th-gen)
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![Winky](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_wink.gif)
I've beaten stock and lightly modified C5's more than once on the race track, and even at my first auto-x event
![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
![Nod](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_nod.gif)
![Mr. Cool](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_cool.gif)
Trending Topics
#8
TECH Enthusiast
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: long island, ny
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
well I already have 1 c5, and was thinking of getting rid of it for a car with a removeable top or a vert. The only reason why I ask is my old 4th gen handled like crap. But I got rid of it because I fell in love with vettes. I dunno I may keep the vette and get a f bod for a dd or just get another vette... I just dunno what to do.
#9
TECH Apprentice
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
well I already have 1 c5, and was thinking of getting rid of it for a car with a removeable top or a vert. The only reason why I ask is my old 4th gen handled like crap. But I got rid of it because I fell in love with vettes. I dunno I may keep the vette and get a f bod for a dd or just get another vette... I just dunno what to do.
![Grin](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_grin.gif)
#10
TECH Enthusiast
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: long island, ny
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
maybe a c6.... I have always wanted to go pick a new car up at the corvette museum with the behind the scenes tour of the factory. Damn.... maybe that what I should do?
#11
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Oshawa (Home of the 5th-gen)
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![Icon Rolleyes](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies2/icon_rolleyes.gif)
![Icon Lol](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies2/icon_lol.gif)
The C5 coupe that I've traded wins with is driven exceptionally well
![Nod](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_nod.gif)
![Mr. Cool](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_cool.gif)
As an aside, the only Corvettes I've ever driven were an '87 and a '91 C4, both automatics, and it was only a couple "leisurely drives" on the street
![Winky](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_wink.gif)
![Grin](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_grin.gif)
#12
TECH Addict
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: carol stream illinois
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
you talk with sam strano because hes the man when it comes to making them handle. im sure if you can take some of the road noise from rod end components then there should be no problem on the street. some koni 4/4s and strano springs would be exceptional or a set of nice coilovers with like a 325lbs spring rate.
#13
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Oshawa (Home of the 5th-gen)
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
Originally Posted by Fast_94_Z
some koni 4/4s and strano springs would be exceptional or a set of nice coilovers with like a 325lbs spring rate.
![The Judge](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_judge.gif)
![Grin](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_grin.gif)
![Mr. Cool](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_cool.gif)
#14
TECH Senior Member
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Not enough spring!!
Strano's fronts are 550, and they're still "pleasant" on the street
. Also, I have the Koni 4/3's, as many people do, and they work just fine, and they're slightly cheaper than running 4/4's
.
![The Judge](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_judge.gif)
![Grin](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_grin.gif)
![Mr. Cool](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_cool.gif)
#17
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 556
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Good enough to outrun any other mass-produced street car in the world, including many purpose-built racecars.
I've got full suspension, but it's stuff that you can buy or make easily. I've got good brakes. Stock engine and drivetrain. Stock aero, except for a rear wing. I've lightened the car down to 2900lbs by gutting it. I've heard of guys getting 3000lbs in a hardtop Camaro and still having an interior.
I have yet to meet a street-legal car that can keep up with me on the track (road course). Viper, C6 Z06, Enzo, Maseratti, Porsche GT3 - nothing. And, more than a few racecars - Viper Comp Coupe, GT1 Vette, C5R, GT1 Viper, Ferrari Challenge car. Not bragging, because I've also gotten beat by a few - Porsche GT3 Cup car, Viper Comp Coupe, etc.
Race tires, suspension, reduced weight and brakes will get you 90% of the way. Additional power is NOT necessary. When I race the Vipers, they have about 200whp on me (I make probably 360rwhp). They pull about 3-4 carlengths on me down the front straight (1/3 mile). But, because I'm lighter and can out brake and out turn them, I more than make up for it everywhere else.
I've got full suspension, but it's stuff that you can buy or make easily. I've got good brakes. Stock engine and drivetrain. Stock aero, except for a rear wing. I've lightened the car down to 2900lbs by gutting it. I've heard of guys getting 3000lbs in a hardtop Camaro and still having an interior.
I have yet to meet a street-legal car that can keep up with me on the track (road course). Viper, C6 Z06, Enzo, Maseratti, Porsche GT3 - nothing. And, more than a few racecars - Viper Comp Coupe, GT1 Vette, C5R, GT1 Viper, Ferrari Challenge car. Not bragging, because I've also gotten beat by a few - Porsche GT3 Cup car, Viper Comp Coupe, etc.
Race tires, suspension, reduced weight and brakes will get you 90% of the way. Additional power is NOT necessary. When I race the Vipers, they have about 200whp on me (I make probably 360rwhp). They pull about 3-4 carlengths on me down the front straight (1/3 mile). But, because I'm lighter and can out brake and out turn them, I more than make up for it everywhere else.
#20
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Oshawa (Home of the 5th-gen)
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![Icon Eek](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies2/icon_eek.gif)
Reason I ask is because I just recently picked up a '93 Z28 that's been purpose-built for road racing. It's completely gutted, as in no interior, stereo/speakers, etc., no HVAC, ABS/cruise modules removed, no side glass, etc. On top of that, it has some serious weight-savers, ie: fibreglass hood, lexan front & rear windows, and anywhere possible, things like the doors & rear hatch were gutted and stripped of any excess material. The only additional weight is the roll cage. Sum it up to say, it's a race car!
![Grin](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_grin.gif)
..... but I haven't got it weighed yet, so I'm darn curious what it's going to be. I'd love to see it come in at less than 3000 lbs!!
![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)