I'm kinda posting this question to you autoX guys who probably know the handling really well on these things I'm sure. I want to know just in comparison to todays cars how do they match up. Like lets take a new 01'Z28, or prelude with the 4 wheel steering, etc. I know they were good for their time, but how about now?

 

My guess is that the newer cars would be better. The 4th gens have a wider wheel base (4") not counting the size of the wheels and tires and that alone would make them more stable in corners.

 

I don't know about that.

 

Actually the fourth gen cars handle worse than the third gens, even with the bigger wheel/tire, I'll explain why:

First, the fourth gen's center of gravity is a lot higher, I was pondering 6" higher.
Second, From what I have heard from everyone working on third and fourth gen suspensions is that even though the coil-over front in the fourth gen is more modern, GM f-d it up by cheaping out, and becuse the space is limited, the aftermarket can't do much to correct it 100%.
Third, the cars are also very heavy, probably a bit more than the comparable third gen, but at least in the third gens a lot of weight can be taken out using lighter parts, not much exists for the fourth gens.

While the wider track is definitely a plus, it can't undo the poor design otherwise. I know for a fact that the fourth gens cars are nowhere as successful in road racing as the third gens were. Also, a fully dialed in third gen can and does outpace a fourth gen with the same amount of work and a 50hp defecit.

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Paul Huryk, billionare in training.
Monkey Guy Racing
Almost part of the moderately infamous NJ in-your-face all goomba crew

Do it right the first time.

Paul's home page

1985 IROC LG4 POS Best: 15.20s at 92.1mph
1984 Camaro 350 LG4 Best: 12.21s at 121.7mph

The smart person pays for something today so that more is received tomorrow.
The ignorant person gets something today and hopes to have enough money to pay for it tomorrow.

 

Paul is 100% correct

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1992 Z28 W/5.7L. Teal with unpainted cowl hood,18" Billet Specialities Rims,Eibach Sportline Springs, Leather int., B&M Mega Shifter, Headman Headers, Flows,No Cats,K&N,HyperTech air foil,Custome Burned Chip,MSD Ignition,Shift Kit, Billet Corvett Servo my Back License plate reads "ALL UL C"

Here's a couple pics of my car

http://www.geocities.com/jonnyarson/maro.jpg

http://www.iroczdesigns.com/images/camgf.jpg

http://www.iroczdesigns.com/images/cam5.jpg

[This message has been edited by BigMike 92 Z28 (edited April 27, 2001).]

 

These cars arent great handlers in the "real world". They lack a good weight distribution first of all. Second ever try taking a high speed turn and hit a bump. What happens? The whole back end jumps, pretty scarey if you're going fairly quick. Easy to lose control. Solid rear axles are good for drag racing, not for twisties.

Also,notice how the Z06 was the first regular production vette to pull 1 gs on the skidpad. Due to it's 50/50 weight distribution. Just more proof to further show my point. I'm not saying a 3rd gen can't pull 1gs, but not without some serious modifications.

Furthermore, we do not have 4 wheel steering. Ever driven in a 300zxtt? You'll see a complete difference. Solid rear axles suck. So with that said, the new cars can easily, most definitely outhandle us.

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91 Formula 1LE 1 of 46
305 TPI 5speed
1LE/G92/WS6

Paxton SN92 supercharger(SN93 upgrade), Ford SVO 24#injectors, Crane AFPR,SLP airfoil, ported/polished plenum, March alt. pulley,Crane Gold 1.6rrs,MSD coil,MSD6AL (5200rpm limit),Holley 9mm wires,Ac delco R43ts plugs,custom chip,Bosch O2sensor,SLP 1 5/8" headers,SLP catback,shortened shifter,3:73s w/Auburn posi,170* t-stat,JET 195* fan switch, Macewen white face gauges, Autometer gauges, Zoom hi-performance clutch.

[This message has been edited by theformula (edited April 27, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by theformula (edited April 27, 2001).]

 

I agree with PH and BM. 4thgen cars don't handle as good as Thirdgens for all the reasons he listed and more. U can even see it for yourself when u watch 1 or when u are driving near 1 and take their turns, they don't keep their composure as good as Thirdgen's do, and also lean more.



[This message has been edited by IROCZTWENTYGR8 (edited April 28, 2001).]

 

Actually the 84 vette equipped with the Z51 option was the general's first vehivle to top 1.0 on the skid pad to be exact....pulled 1.01 near Thansgiving 83

all stock with the exception that they did play with tire pressures to make it happen

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LOOKING FOR FELLOW F-BODY ENTHUSIASTS TO START THIRDGEN CLUB IN NW IN AND FAR SOUTH CHICAGO SUBURBS , DROP ME A LINE IF INTERESTED OR POST ON THE MIDWEST BOARD

1989 Turbo Trans AM
100k and counting it breaks as fast as i wrench:-)
1991 Formula 350
daily beater with 45k
SLP catback
flowbooster
runners on order
MSD6
cold air kit
soon to be vortec headed,vortec intake, headers and cam etc
ASE Technician
Jaguar Certified Technician

Chat Mod @ thirdgen.org


"If it aint broke make it faster"

 

Oh yes and the C4 Vettes also had pretty good weight distribution as well, as in 52frt 48 rea and basically for all intents and purposes 50/50 in convertibles

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LOOKING FOR FELLOW F-BODY ENTHUSIASTS TO START THIRDGEN CLUB IN NW IN AND FAR SOUTH CHICAGO SUBURBS , DROP ME A LINE IF INTERESTED OR POST ON THE MIDWEST BOARD

1989 Turbo Trans AM
100k and counting it breaks as fast as i wrench:-)
1991 Formula 350
daily beater with 45k
SLP catback
flowbooster
runners on order
MSD6
cold air kit
soon to be vortec headed,vortec intake, headers and cam etc
ASE Technician
Jaguar Certified Technician

Chat Mod @ thirdgen.org


"If it aint broke make it faster"

 

The third gen convertibles have 50/50 distribution and Motor Trend tested a 91 Trans Am vert and pulled 0.93 gs on the skipad.


Check out my site:
http://members.v3space.com/thirdgen/index.htm

 

Looking at the numbers, IROC's will still outhandle many of todays high performance cars. This, of course, is on a perfect race track, or skidpad.

When it comes to real world stuff, as mentioned before, our solid rear ends cause the back end to hop in a hard corner on un-even pavement.