RE: Corvette C5: PH Carpool
Discussion
Windymiller said:
Lazygraduate said:
What's it like - honestly - with LHD? That really would put me off, although I've never even driven a LHD car!
This thing I have no experience of whatsoever really puts me off.Ah, stupid-person logic
Lazygraduate said:
What's it like - honestly - with LHD? That really would put me off, although I've never even driven a LHD car!
Seriously, LHD is not a big deal - and for many UK owners all part of the fun of having a car that's a bit different.About 2/3rds of all Corvettes sold (yes, Europe as well as USA) have an automatic transmission. That big torquey V8 is particularly well suited for auto because you don't need to be revving its nuts off to get the car shifting! And the point is this - buy an auto in UK and you don't even have to learn to change gear with the wrong hand.
Out on the roads the question of overtaking always arises. Sometimes getting a sight line can be a tad awkward; other times you look up the inside of the vehicles in front which is more convenient. And again, with Corvette quantities of power and torque it's no problem to hang back, get a good view and then use the muscle to make the overtake.
Other than that there's just car park ticket machines - but so long as you have friends (and you will with a Corvette) the passenger can deal with it.
I had a C5 Vette as a daily driver for three years and covered about 30,000 miles in it. Still the best car I've ever owned for all sorts of reasons: looks, exclusivity, performance, reliability and (yes) value for money and economy. It's even got a decent sized boot! (sorry, trunk). Wonderful cars, much under-rated, and I wish I still had mine.
Of course, there are dozens of alternatives that could run rings round it on a track but that's rather missing the point. Every drive in a Corvette feels like an event in itself, and yet the running costs are those of a far more prosaic car. I think 37mpg is pushing it a bit though: best I ever saw was low-30s on a very long run, but I would average about 27mpg on my daily commute (that miles per UK gallon, not US gallon that the dash readout gives).
Yes, the steering wheel's on the wrong side, the panel gaps aren't the best, the run-flats were annoying, and the headlights are a bit feeble, but who cares? Just look at it...
Of course, there are dozens of alternatives that could run rings round it on a track but that's rather missing the point. Every drive in a Corvette feels like an event in itself, and yet the running costs are those of a far more prosaic car. I think 37mpg is pushing it a bit though: best I ever saw was low-30s on a very long run, but I would average about 27mpg on my daily commute (that miles per UK gallon, not US gallon that the dash readout gives).
Yes, the steering wheel's on the wrong side, the panel gaps aren't the best, the run-flats were annoying, and the headlights are a bit feeble, but who cares? Just look at it...
Lazygraduate said:
What's it like - honestly - with LHD? That really would put me off, although I've never even driven a LHD car!
For some people they will never get used to LHD or never give themselves the chance to get used to it.If you go in wanting to hate LHD, then you'll find a reason not to like it.
Personally I'd say you need to give yourself a good weekends worth of driving with plenty of seat time to really assess it.
Potential issues:
-Turning left at a T-junction. If you angle the car to the left at the line, then in a RHD you simply look through the side window. With LHD you can end up looking into the rear 3/4 view with a blind spot.
Trick is to pull up to the junction almost as if you are going to turn right, so that you are at 90 degrees to the white line in front of you. You'll now be able to look out through the windscreen and side window easily.
-Over taking. It's true that on some roads, some of the time you won't be able to see past the car in front as well.
However I've found in most cases where this is true, it's a place where I wouldn't be looking to overtake in a RHD car anyhow. LHD does allow you to see down the left hand side better than RHD and can give advantages at times. Or you simply hang back an extra car length or so, so that you can see past the car in front and just use the extra grunt available to get you past safely.
-Ticket machines. If you frequent parking or toll roads were there is a machine/booth on the right hand side, then yes it can be a pain.
However if you don't, then not a problem and you can always lean across or get out and walk around if needs be. So really depends how often you are going to be faced with this.
-Drive-thru's. Similar story as with ticket machines, but an even easier solution.
Either only go with a passenger, or simply get out and use the counter instead.
-Controls. Some might find using their right hand difficult to shift with. But all you need is a little patients and practice. And if you've even driven a farm tractor or other heavy plant machinery, then it likely won't be a problem. Oh and don't grab the door handle instead of the shifter
-Reversing/parallel parking.
This isn't an issue, but I find I'm still more comfy looking over my left shoulder than my right one. It's actually easier to parallel park as you can always open the door and lean out.
Black-C5 said:
the run-flats were annoying
Ah yes, that's worth a mention. Many owners swap to conventional tyres such as Michelin Pilot Sport (not cheap but great tyres) which are a substantial improvement from the original Goodyear Eagle F1 runflats. Just carry a Continental sealant and compressor kit in case of a puncture. 
300bhp/ton said:
V8RX7 said:
Hitting 37mpg by resetting it whilst cruising at 70mph is NOT the same as averaging it.
My LS1 Monaro could hit 34mpg but averaged 14.
My LS2 RX7 likewise.
Depends what you mean by average. Average for the journey is quite possible. Average as in mean or mode average for the car in general, no probably not.My LS1 Monaro could hit 34mpg but averaged 14.
My LS2 RX7 likewise.
The total amount of miles driven, divided by the total amount of fuel used - over the longest sample period possible.
Windymiller said:
Lazygraduate said:
What's it like - honestly - with LHD? That really would put me off, although I've never even driven a LHD car!
This thing I have no experience of whatsoever really puts me off.Ah, stupid-person logic
I must be stupid, as I'm at a bit of a loss as to why you'd post that...
Thanks to the other posters who provided sensible, useful answers.
V8RX7 said:
FFS - everyone but you knows what is meant by average mpg.
The total amount of miles driven, divided by the total amount of fuel used - over the longest sample period possible.
But as you well know, usage and conditions change.The total amount of miles driven, divided by the total amount of fuel used - over the longest sample period possible.
So while a mode or even a mean average is a good and useful indicator, it doesn't show more specific averages or abilities.
The best I've clocked my Camaro at is 31.6mpg, this was 2 up, and fully loaded with camping gear for 4 people. Journey was mixed with a lot of motorway, but also some Dorset country roads.
On the flip side, in the middle of winter commuting to the train station I've clocked it at 19mpg over a tank.
Flashmurder said:
I am 22 and I'm going to run a quote through right now.. Not that I can afford the purchase price mind but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it
Have a look at Camaro and Firebirds. The 1998-2002 models used the same engines and gearboxes as the C5 Vette and weigh almost the same.Not quite as pretty or swoopy, but slightly more practical being 2+2. But the long and short of it is, you get very similar overall performance for less money.
There were also UK/Euro spec Camaro's sold at Vauxhall dealers as well as grey imports. So worth getting quotes for both, same goes with the Vette, as there was a Euro/UK version as well as US imports.
Gaz. said:
Who cares? 37 US MPG is 31mpg, it's a slip of the index when trying to write 27mpg. I can't even summon up enough energy to care for another explanation as I'd rather ask what exhaust has he fitted, is it a fresh import or bought here, does it have the Z51 pack, did Callum try other cars first and how did they compare? Anything but the fuel economy....
No it's not. Other way round. 31 US Mpg is 37 UK Mpg. I average about 25 UK mpg in my C5 Z06 measured over the last 10000 miles or so. On a run, like to Le Mans you can get 30mpg. Never got 37. Still it's not really why you buy a Vette. It's good that it gets twice what a Conti GT gets, but don't buy it if you're searching for an economical car. Buy it for the fantastic engine, drivability, rarity and fun factor. I still prefer the c5 Z06 to the C6 Z06 I also have owned.Gaz. said:
Yes you're quite right, but I still don't care 
What are the different wheel options for the C5, regarding sizes, materials etc? I'd google it but keep getting aftermarket results or ebay listings.
17 at the front and 18s at the rear. I think there were only two styles on the C5 with options to have them in standard alloy, chrome finish or magnesium. The C5 Z06 was given a different style.What are the different wheel options for the C5, regarding sizes, materials etc? I'd google it but keep getting aftermarket results or ebay listings.
Might be three styles as the mag wheels were different. You can see all three in the article and thread.
Edited by minipower on Monday 17th February 18:27
Blimey, didn't think so many PHrs were tree huggers, more talk about the Vettes fuel consumption than
about it's performance, handling etc etc.
I know the figures sound high but in my experience i've had 27 mpg UK in my 2001 Coupe averaging over about 4000 miles.
The C5 Z06 wasn't a daily driver so was "used" a bit heavier but still got me about 21/22mpg UK overall.
The C6 Z06 is averaging around 20 mpg, although it is 7 litres of madness.
Think i will spend more on tyres than fuel in this one
As for the car being WIDE, my C6 Z06 is only 12.5mm wider each side than a Porsche Turbo, no one
mentions how wide they are.......or some Fezzas.
As for LHD, I bought a 1986 Trans Am when I was 23 and went from my RHD car into it. I drove over the
road into a car park and drove around in it for a few mins, found it dead easy, then drove home about
45 miles no problem.
Would it be such a big problem if it was a Porsche or Ferrari you were sitting in .........?????
Go to a car show and ask for a sit in one see how you feel,
might take a lot of persuasion to get a drive tho
Below the old Z06, now in France.
about it's performance, handling etc etc.
I know the figures sound high but in my experience i've had 27 mpg UK in my 2001 Coupe averaging over about 4000 miles.
The C5 Z06 wasn't a daily driver so was "used" a bit heavier but still got me about 21/22mpg UK overall.
The C6 Z06 is averaging around 20 mpg, although it is 7 litres of madness.
Think i will spend more on tyres than fuel in this one
As for the car being WIDE, my C6 Z06 is only 12.5mm wider each side than a Porsche Turbo, no one
mentions how wide they are.......or some Fezzas.
As for LHD, I bought a 1986 Trans Am when I was 23 and went from my RHD car into it. I drove over the
road into a car park and drove around in it for a few mins, found it dead easy, then drove home about
45 miles no problem.
Would it be such a big problem if it was a Porsche or Ferrari you were sitting in .........?????
Go to a car show and ask for a sit in one see how you feel,
might take a lot of persuasion to get a drive tho
Below the old Z06, now in France.
Edited by BlackZeD on Monday 17th February 18:52
Really don't get the mpg argument, if its mpg you're worried about then get a VW UP or something!
I've had over 30mpg out my ZR1 which is well thirsty compared to a stock one. (Nursing it back from Millau to Le Mans with a broken UJ). I've also managed just over 100 miles on a full tank (that was before the engine was opened up), chasing down a friend in another ZR1 on the autobahn aft we got split up. On the whole I get high tens, low 20's in the ZR1 but then the engine is far from stock and the diff gearing has also been changed from 3.55 to 4.10.
The Z06 is a bit better and is similar to a mates Focus ST and way better than another mates Evo.
My ZR1 was my first left hooker. I left home here in Kent for a drive up to Norfolk to see family. By the time I got there, I was comfortable with LHD. It really isn't the big deal some people think it is. It's also great for those euro trips.
Even the Z06's first major service is 100,000 miles. What other cars with that performance have such service intervals?
I've had over 30mpg out my ZR1 which is well thirsty compared to a stock one. (Nursing it back from Millau to Le Mans with a broken UJ). I've also managed just over 100 miles on a full tank (that was before the engine was opened up), chasing down a friend in another ZR1 on the autobahn aft we got split up. On the whole I get high tens, low 20's in the ZR1 but then the engine is far from stock and the diff gearing has also been changed from 3.55 to 4.10.
The Z06 is a bit better and is similar to a mates Focus ST and way better than another mates Evo.
My ZR1 was my first left hooker. I left home here in Kent for a drive up to Norfolk to see family. By the time I got there, I was comfortable with LHD. It really isn't the big deal some people think it is. It's also great for those euro trips.
Even the Z06's first major service is 100,000 miles. What other cars with that performance have such service intervals?
Hello all and thank you Pistonheads - and Dan - for hosting my little article. I have to say I'm not terribly pleased with its journalistic content but at least it's sparked a little discourse here and swung up 8.3 or something on the PHo'meter. Is that good?!
Firstly, thank you to those who enjoyed the article! I apologise for the terrible pictures - it was a bit of a rushed effort and I now feel a little embarrassed by it! There are certainly thousands more where they came from, though...
Secondly, on the hotly contested fuel economy point - the car absolutely will do 37mpg over the course of a tank of fuel under economical driving conditions. I apologise if I misconstrued it as otherwise. I did not buy this car to challenge cruising economy records, but I wanted to argue the case for the Corvette a little and hopefully get some of you over to considering the car as a real option. In the UK, it is such a missed opportunity in the mind of us performance drivers. The car returns an unimaginably strong investment for what you put into it, in terms of exclusivity, novelty, performance, usability, and even practicality and frugality. Perhaps I pushed the fuel point a little too much - like most earthly car qualities it can be a little dry - but the boot space is excellent too... To close the point on fuel economy, it has done 37 UK MPGs, which is greater than it will report to you on its on-board calculator which works in US MPGs. It has also performed better than this. It has absolutely performed worse than this. I use the car as my only car, so if it's time to trundle through town to Tesco and do a shop and it's been cold all day, you're facing something like 18mpg if you enjoy 2-4k rpm and have a bit of family-friendly fun, or 20-25 if you drive it like you want to save fuel. I honestly don't much care myself. What I was trying to prove was that the Corvette is an enormous V8 engine and has all the greatness that comes with that, BUT you don't have to stomach £100 fill ups, 200 mile ranges (it'll do 450 to a tank), or regular teen MPGs if you don't want to.
Most of the time, I do want to deal with teen MPG figures but that's a story for another day
Thanks again all at PistonHeads - and especially you guys commenting here, it's really nice to see a discussion kick up about the car, and hopefully it will encourage one or two of you to just consider the idea that the Corvette is actually far more special, and far more exciting - and I'd say far more worth buying - over in our UK.
Oh and to the bloke who said he'd seen me in Corstorphine, Edinburgh - yes, the car is in and around Edinburgh regularly as well as Glasgow, where I live just now.
Firstly, thank you to those who enjoyed the article! I apologise for the terrible pictures - it was a bit of a rushed effort and I now feel a little embarrassed by it! There are certainly thousands more where they came from, though...
Secondly, on the hotly contested fuel economy point - the car absolutely will do 37mpg over the course of a tank of fuel under economical driving conditions. I apologise if I misconstrued it as otherwise. I did not buy this car to challenge cruising economy records, but I wanted to argue the case for the Corvette a little and hopefully get some of you over to considering the car as a real option. In the UK, it is such a missed opportunity in the mind of us performance drivers. The car returns an unimaginably strong investment for what you put into it, in terms of exclusivity, novelty, performance, usability, and even practicality and frugality. Perhaps I pushed the fuel point a little too much - like most earthly car qualities it can be a little dry - but the boot space is excellent too... To close the point on fuel economy, it has done 37 UK MPGs, which is greater than it will report to you on its on-board calculator which works in US MPGs. It has also performed better than this. It has absolutely performed worse than this. I use the car as my only car, so if it's time to trundle through town to Tesco and do a shop and it's been cold all day, you're facing something like 18mpg if you enjoy 2-4k rpm and have a bit of family-friendly fun, or 20-25 if you drive it like you want to save fuel. I honestly don't much care myself. What I was trying to prove was that the Corvette is an enormous V8 engine and has all the greatness that comes with that, BUT you don't have to stomach £100 fill ups, 200 mile ranges (it'll do 450 to a tank), or regular teen MPGs if you don't want to.
Most of the time, I do want to deal with teen MPG figures but that's a story for another day
Thanks again all at PistonHeads - and especially you guys commenting here, it's really nice to see a discussion kick up about the car, and hopefully it will encourage one or two of you to just consider the idea that the Corvette is actually far more special, and far more exciting - and I'd say far more worth buying - over in our UK.
Oh and to the bloke who said he'd seen me in Corstorphine, Edinburgh - yes, the car is in and around Edinburgh regularly as well as Glasgow, where I live just now.
I never found LHD a problem, although my only LHD cars were a Ferrari 308, bought to sell on, and a Opel GT, bought to keep but had to be released to help transport new son and heir.
In the UK, LHD is not much of a pain as we don't have THAT many toll things - pay and display car parks are an equal opportunities pain in the ass. Overtaking had to be a little circumspect, but that isn't really a problem if the car is quick. Valets in posh hotels opened the wrong door regularly, which irritated my passenger!
At the end of the day it is no stranger than driving a RHD car on a RHD road.
Try it, there is a whole world of weirdness out there.
In the UK, LHD is not much of a pain as we don't have THAT many toll things - pay and display car parks are an equal opportunities pain in the ass. Overtaking had to be a little circumspect, but that isn't really a problem if the car is quick. Valets in posh hotels opened the wrong door regularly, which irritated my passenger!
At the end of the day it is no stranger than driving a RHD car on a RHD road.
Try it, there is a whole world of weirdness out there.
I had a 2000 m/y C5 convertible that I ran in the UK before repatriating it to the US in 2002. No way, no day, did I ever get 30+mpg US or Imperial, but I did drive it hard.
A couple of observations based on my own experience:
Column Lock Bypass is essential on cars of this vintage
Goodyear EMT's are horrendous. I put mine on Goodyear Eagle GSD-3 and it transformed it completely.
Replace the factory air intake with a Blackwing
Make sure the battery is in good shape - lots of these cars had a battery leak problem and the battery tray is directly above the ECU.
The factory exhaust is piss-poor, but some aftermarket ones are problematic too. Mine had a cat-back Magnaflow system which was good on tick over and awesome on WOT, but resonated horribly in mid-range - Borla and Zoomer products are a lot better (though more expensive).
The car needs very regular (every 5k miles) synth oil changes. Whatever the D.I.C. readout says, change the oil every 5 thou.
Although they say you can, don't leave the plugs in until 100k - 50k is much kinder - despite it being a b
d of a job to do yourself.
Great cars - loved mine.
A couple of observations based on my own experience:
Column Lock Bypass is essential on cars of this vintage
Goodyear EMT's are horrendous. I put mine on Goodyear Eagle GSD-3 and it transformed it completely.
Replace the factory air intake with a Blackwing
Make sure the battery is in good shape - lots of these cars had a battery leak problem and the battery tray is directly above the ECU.
The factory exhaust is piss-poor, but some aftermarket ones are problematic too. Mine had a cat-back Magnaflow system which was good on tick over and awesome on WOT, but resonated horribly in mid-range - Borla and Zoomer products are a lot better (though more expensive).
The car needs very regular (every 5k miles) synth oil changes. Whatever the D.I.C. readout says, change the oil every 5 thou.
Although they say you can, don't leave the plugs in until 100k - 50k is much kinder - despite it being a b
d of a job to do yourself.Great cars - loved mine.
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