Lineup at Monterey Historics

Corvette race fans take note!  Corvette Central is pleased to announce an alliance with the Registry of Corvette Race Cars (RCRC).  The RCRC was formed to “…preserve the heritage of Corvette race cars that keeps the Corvette legend alive”.  The organization maintains an active registry of all Corvette race cars, from C1 through C6, in various racing series, including but not limited to the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and many others.

Corvette Central will be publishing feature stories covering topics of interest from within the RCRC, with the goal of building awareness for Corvette owners and enthusiasts.  Look for updates here in the CC Blog, as well as Corvette Central’s Facebook fan page.  We have also established a gallery that will showcase many different Corvette race cars (most still actively racing) and events across the country.

The first installment will be an overview of Watkins Glen, the “birthplace of sports car racing” after World War II.  Stay tuned!

Enjoy super legal speeds but don’t like the wind in your hair?  Read on.  General Motors has issued a technical service bulletin for owners of 2008 and 2009 convertible Corvettes.  The TSB was issued to Chevrolet dealers via AllDataPro.com.

Technical Service Bulletin 08312A  was issued on July 1, 2010.  In it, GM states that the convertible top fabric could possibly begin to separate from its retainer bracket near the windshield.  At speeds over 100 m.p.h. (!), the roof material could tear from the front all the way to the rear window.   A new retainer bracket had been developed that should correct the issue.

The repair program runs through May 31, 2011.  Please contact your Chevrolet dealer’s service department for more information.

This week, we review the latest (but not last) generation of Corvettes, the C6 models.  The C6 was introduced in 2005, and was another all-new design, just like the preceding C5 was all-new compared to the C4.  The C6 continues the Corvette Team’s mission to improve on the previous generation in every category.  The resulting base model Corvette for 2005 boasted numbers like a 4.3 second sprint to 60 miles per hour, a 186 MPH top speed, and fuel economy ratings of 18 city/28 highway for manual equipped versions (15/25 with the 4L65-E Hydra Matic automatic).  Somehow, the team managed to undercut the cost of the base 2004 Corvette by $300.  Pretty impressive!

Since it’s 2005 introduction, the base Corvette received a new 436 HP LS3 engine, providing supercar levels of performance.  The well-sorted chassis prompted Corvette engineers to develop enhanced Corvette models, including the 505 HP Z06 (2006), 635 HP ZR1 (2009) and Grand Sport (2010) models.  Speaking of the Grand Sport, Chevrolet produced more of these in 2010 than the base model coupes and convertibles.

The C7 Corvette is currently scheduled to be introduced in 2012.  Improving on the incredible C6 is sure to be a challenge for Team Corvette, but we know they’ll deliver.

GM is recalling certain model year 2005 and 2006 Corvettes produced between March 2004 and January 2006 that were equipped with a tilt and telescoping steering column (RPO N37). According to the notice, in rare cases, repeated movement of the column may cause a signal malfunction.  If this occurs, a  “SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM”  will appear in the Driver Information Center.  Additionally, the brakes may activate, pulling the vehicle in one direction, putting the driver at risk for an accident.

GM will notify owners of all affected Corvettes, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge.  The safety recall is expected to begin around April 30, 2010.  Owners may contact Chevrolet at  1-800-630-2438 or at www.gmownercenter.com

GM’s recall campaign number is N100118.

The recall, which starts in January, applies to 2005-2007 Corvettes and 2006-2007 Z06 Corvettes.  If you own one of these cars, please contact Chevrolet (1-800-630-2438, www.gmownercenter.com) or your Chevrolet dealer’s service department for more information.  The GM recall number is 090230.

Fehan confirmed that the new 5.5L V8 is currently undergoing dyno testing, and will make its racing debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March.

The crew from Lingenfelter Performance Engineering had their C6 ZR1 test car at Maryland International Raceway on December 7 for testing. One of their runs resulted in a blistering 9.81 E.T., believed to be the first time a ZR1 has eclipsed the 10 second barrier in the quarter mile. Another run produced a not-too-shabby 9.93. Modifications are as follows courtesy of LPE. Note the liberal use of the term “stock”.

“Car is running a stock 3.42 rear diff. Factory halfshafts. 2.66 Z06 gearset that has been micropolished, courtesy of RPM transmissions. Stock ZR1 clutch. Stock suspension. Our larger supercharger inlet is utilized, and will be available soon. Larger intercooler. Stock engine with stock internals. Lingenfelter upper pulley kit along with lower overdrive damper completes the run down of what we have done with this car.”