Body rigidity and the targa top

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Body rigidity and the targa top

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Corvette Forum >> Corvette Models >> Corvette C4 Forum >> Body rigidity and the targa top

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Body rigidity and the targa top - 5/28/2005 9:15:11 AM

mxw128

Posts: 13
Joined: 5/17/2005
Status: offline

Anybody else out there notice a huge difference in the C4 ride/handling with and without the targa top? (even between the fiberglass and clear tops?) My 96 feels very loose up front without the top in. Anybody had any luck fixing this?? I've seen some aftermarket products to help stiffen the chassis but I was curious if anyone has any "real-world" experience with these...

Mike
96 (Basically stock) Collector's Edition

Post #: 1

RE: Body rigidity and the targa top - 5/28/2005 10:52:26 AM

Pbtrick

Posts: 733
Joined: 4/30/2005
Status: offline

well, removing the top of any car, aside from maybe the new carrera GT will heavily affect the aerodynamics and downforce at higher speeds. also, any altercation in the vehicle weighting will at least affect the feel of the vehicle somewhat. i know that the frame workings are slightly different, which is why they "couldnt" make the new Z06 in anything but a coupe. what kind of chassis product do you mean?

(in reply to mxw128)

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RE: Body rigidity and the targa top - 5/28/2005 3:18:01 PM

CRMVETTE

Posts: 6
Joined: 5/28/2005
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mike flex is normal,thats why i leave top on most times. have seen bars that go on top at auto cross's that seem to do well. talk with a auto cross racer-he will lead u in right direction. have a 96 ce lt4

rick

(in reply to mxw128)

Post #: 3

RE: Body rigidity and the targa top - 5/30/2005 10:16:21 AM

mxw128

Posts: 13
Joined: 5/17/2005
Status: offline

I agree that in most cars the top is a major stuctural member and contributes greatly to rigidity of the vehicle. The newer C5 and C6s though were designed more with the "top out" concept in mind and are much more rigid so they flex less (but still do flex). From what I've heard , body flex (although normal) was one of the big complaints about the C4... (along with the PIA it is to remove the top..)

At any rate, I've seen a few different "enhancements" th at can help: A bar that bolts accross the back behind the seats and one that that bolts in front of the motor, diagonally accross the front suspension. I've also heard of some folks either bolting or welding on an "X" brace to the bottom of the car. I'm not sure, but I htink this piece may have been part of the convertible C4s... I was wondering of anyone out there has had any experience with any of these products. I try to find more product info and post it back here..

I normally drive with the solid fiberglass top in. The other clear (Lexan?) top is noticeably less stiff and adds a whole lot more squeaks...

Thanks for the responses!!!

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Post #: 4

RE: Body rigidity and the targa top - 5/30/2005 10:52:09 AM

mxw128

Posts: 13
Joined: 5/17/2005
Status: offline

Some more info on two products:

One of the products is called the "camber brace" : http://www.madvet.com/shop?frame=1.3308
Another is just called the "X" brace: http://www.r-dracing.com/CROSS-FRAME.htm ( I think Mid America also carries these...)

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Post #: 5

RE: Body rigidity and the targa top - 5/30/2005 10:55:19 AM

mxw128

Posts: 13
Joined: 5/17/2005
Status: offline

OK, here's the other one I was trying to recall: It's called the C4 Cross Bar: http://www.r-dracing.com/c4crossbar.htm

Has anyone tried any of these??

(in reply to mxw128)

Post #: 6