Livin’ with the Glitches – 07 Corvette

Technology…you love it, you hate it.

It’s the technology that can take a stock small block Chevy engine produce 420 hp and still get reasonable mpg’s. It’s the technology that kicks in the Active Handling when you get yourself in trouble ( I personally drive with it off).

But it’s the technology that can be troublesome and cause confusion.

My 2007 C6 has equal to or in some areas more technology them my wife’s 2011 Lexus RX.  Her car will let you know when the tire pressure is low, the Corvette lets you monitor it was you drive, right on the  Driver Information Center (DIC) and you can toggle between front and rear.  However my Corvette has nasty habit of giving me a false reading every now a then – gives me the “ding ding” warning and then prompts me that my is flat..not just low pressure, but straight to flat and then warns me not go to over 55 miles per hours.  The computer assumes you have run flat tires and that it’s safe to do so.  Of course there is nothing wrong with my tires pressure, (however, I always pull over to check it anyway with $1800 worth of rims and as much in rubber, you can’t be too careful).  Normally it clear up after a while.

Another interesting glitch is the “headlights suggested” warning.  That’s great but in the middle of a bright sunny Arizona day?  Happens all the time.  It darkens the dash so I can’t read it and then as some point it goes away and allows me to continue with just the daytime running light.

Every now and then the light for the passenger air bag show on, without a passenger.

One of other glitches which isn’t technology based, however none-the-less interesting.   It’s emerging now that, that C6 Corvettes with manual 6 speed transmission does not shift well in cold weather.  I’m not talking  85 degree below zero, I’m talking just under 50 degrees (above zero).  I live in southern AZ where under 50 degree weather isn’t as common as else where in the country. How do those of you in northern climates adjust?.  The most common issue is that the driver is unable to shift into reverse.  That is the issue for my 07.  Others have reported not being able to reach 3rd and 4th gears.

How about the known issue with the removal roof?  It often becomes unseated and squeaks unmercifully. The quick solution is to stop the car, unlatch and lift the top and the re-latch.  First ride I took my wife on, give her the impression that I got a lemon.

So are the glitches worth it?  Is the prestige of owning a world reknowned sports car worth the glitches?  Is 420 plus horsepower and suspension that sticks to the curves like a fly on flypaper?

What do you think?

Tim

Quick Contest – Disc Brakes # Answer

Trivia question answer:
Short answer is:
Citroen DS 1955
Citroen DS had the first volume production of cars with caliper/disc brakes in 1955. Although production was on the light side that
year but picked up in 1956.
What wasn’t 100% correct and why:
–  1949 Crosley – yes it had attempted to use disc brakes on all four wheels.  They used Goodyear/Hawley and used aircraft calipers.
These were not designed for the stop and go traffic.  After 6 months all the Goodyear/Hawley brakes were removed and replaced with the standard drum brakes.  Although they are often considered the first American car to sport disc brakes even if the production run only lasted a few months.

Crosley Disc Brake Set Up

– Some might say that the 1902 Lanchester in England was the first, however the disc was thin copper and didn’t fare well.

1902 Lanchester's Disc Brake

– The 1949 Chrysler Imperial had a disc brake option, but it did not function like a disc brake system with a pair of disc pressing against in the inside of a drum.
–  There were a couple more manufacturers in the mix
Jensen (often considered the first) used four wheel disc brakes on there 1956 Deluxe, but not until Oct of that year and
production was only 50 some cars.
Austin-Healey used Dunlap disc brake on it’s 100 but it was a limited production race care where as Jensen was a street car.
Jaguar equipped their Le Mans winner in 1953, but again not a production car.
Triumph use Girling and Dunlop disc brake set ups in 1955, but mainly as tests (during the same Le Mans  where Jaguar won).  Girling impressed them the most, but it wasn’t until late 1956 that they began producing road cars with disc brakes.
So there you have the answer.
Thanks for reading.
Tim

Quick Contest – Disc Brakes

Ok contest time. Free gift if you are the first to post the correct answer. What was the first car with disc brakes?

Come lets see what you know,

1970 Ford Mustang Mod Project

1970 Ford Mustang Mod Project.

1970 Ford Mustang Mod Project Heat and Sound help
http://wp.me/PKHNM-mJ

Goodguys’ Car Show – Favorites

So I thought I’d take the last few post and just show you some of my favoriates.

First up is a 1957 Ford Fairlane.  Beautiful car with a little some’in extra under the hood.  Check it out:

1957 Ford Fairlane - great looking wheels!

 Great view of the portapotties  – I guess I should have photo shopped them, but that wouldn’t make you feel you were actually there. 

Oh..I bet you didn’t see that one coming!!!! Knocking out some HP with that set up.
 
 
Sorry but I have to go back to the wagons.  The two doors are the best!
 
1957 Chevy Wagon - 2 doors - Great...newish LS2 Corvette engine...enough already!!!
 
You need to check out this next car!!!
 
They did this 1960 Ford Starliner just right!!
 

Header cutouts with side pipes and those headlights!!!!

But check out the bling!!!
 

Now say that ain't nice!!!

Thanks for reading.
 
Couple more coming up.
Tim
 

Goodguys Car Show AZ The Wagons

As I have mentioned, I love the old station wagons.  I love the fact that they are being restored.  I even like the fact that many are getting the power plants they needed back then transplanted. Although I have to admit I am growing bit  tired of the seen a “Corvette” engine between the front wheels – maybe just the fact that they left the “Corvette” labeling on them.

There were some beauties at this show.

All Custom Wagon 1

Nicely Done.

 

Here is a nicely done Plymouth:

 

Plymouth Wagon

 

 

Love the Nose of this Ply - They really didn't want any one near it.

Now you can call me a DORK but I love this Ford Wagon.

 

Ford Wagon

 

Love the Grille

 

Hey..I even love the hood ornament.

This Torino Wagon, although banged up and hood all mis-aligned, it’s still a keeper with good tread and not too shabbby wheels.  I think it’s a keeper.

 

Ford Torino Wagon.

Lowered  but still standing tall was this beautiful Chevy Wagon.

 

Loving the paint and the roofline!!

I’ve got a few more post coming up shortly before wrapping the Goodguys’ car show trip.

Keep reading and thank you.

Tim

 

Nearly Live Goodguys Car Show

Coming up in about 60 minutes, Nearly Live – images from the Goodguys Car Show in Scottsdale Az.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Nearly Live Goodguys’ Car Show Scottsdale, AZ

Tomorrow (3/11/2011), I’ll be at the Goodguys’ Car Show in Scottsdale, AZ.  I”ll attempt to provide some “Nearly Live” posts from the location.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Custom Vette – Picture share

I just saw this and thought:

That’s what the C7 should look like!!!

New C7? Let's Start the Rumor!!!

New C7? Let’s Start the Rumor!!!

 

Toss in a LS7 and let’s go!!!!!

What do ya think?

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Nearly Live 71 Cheyenne

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Something about this Chevy pickup I like.