Possible V6 for Corvette?

[mena661]

I'd take a twin-turbo'd 3.6 DI in a Sol but not the NA version. And that's only if I could rock 900whp on pump gas. BTW, Audi sales are down this month like everyone else's.

Audi Reports November 2008 Sales

[BaldTurboFreak]

Icould realistically make 600-700whp on pump fuel reliably. THe challenge will be gettign the LNF opsystem to run a 6cyl.

[bigblau]

Originally Posted by BaldTurboFreak i"ll put the 3.6DI in someone's soltice.

I don’t want to change this topic of possibly putting a V6 in an affordable base Corvette to entice new buyers, domestically and world wide, in an effort to reduce fuel consumption, reduce CO2 emissions, reduce weight, and most important to increase sales so GM doesn’t have to go running to Barney Frank, to save them from having to layoff their employees. But I really want to thank BaldTurboFreak, for his offer of putting the 3.6L DI V6 in my Solstice.

When I bought the Solstice, I was planning to install my carbureted V6 engines I built in 1994. One is a Chevy 4.8L (291cu.in.) 90-degree V6 with ported stock iron heads producing 328HP at 5,400rpm and 344ft.lb. @ 4,200rpm N/A (465HP and 478lb.ft @ 5,100rpm on the bottle). The other is a 4.5L (272cu.in.) Stage II off-center Buick V6 with virgin Stage II aluminum heads producing 301HP @ 5,700rpm and 308lb.ft. @ 4,550rpm. I didn’t know about OBD2 and all that emissions stuff.
Solstice Engine Swap

I wonder if anyone will notice that I am a GM supporter from way back when my father purchased his first 1970 Chevy C10 4-wheel-drive pickup and 1970 472cu.in. 375HP Cadillac Calais 4-door hard top.

I have thought of installing a LLT into my solstice. Jobber price for the LLT engine from the local Pontiac dealer is $5,189 when I last checked June 2008. But I’d have at least another $10,000 in nickel and dime stuff just to install it and then I don’t know if I could get the thing to pass my state’s yearly inspection.

I have contacted the Mallett Team and their reply was a “…no thank you.” There was a bit of discussion that the computers would not communicate and the harness will not comply. They also told me that it would cost the same amount of money to convert a V6 as it would their V8 package. Considering that the lowest price V8 package is about $22,000, I just can’t justify wasting that much cash for a mediocre car that I only paid $21, 585 sticker price plus tax.

I also contacted Dave Gilbert, from Performance Autowerks. He had no problem doing the swap. He said it would pass the OBD2 readings, but the VIN in the ECM would not match the chassis VIN which may throw a red flag. He guestimated it would probably cost $15,000 including a T-56 transmission, all parts (minus engine) and labor.

So unless BaldTurboFreak can promise me I won’t have any problems with state inspection and can install the 3.6L DI V6 for $5,000 total cost, I guess I’ll do the next best thing, getting a DDM supercharger kit.

So far I have spent over $8,000 on mods on my Solstice Z0K plus planning to spend another $5,000 next year for a DDM supercharger –pretty stupid but what the hell? I could have bought a new 2009 Audi TT 3.6L N/A VR6 producing nearly 300HP for what I’m going to have in my Solstice.

[mena661]

I could have bought a new 2009 Audi TT 3.6L N/A VR6 producing nearly 300HP for what I’m going to have in my Solstice.

So why didn't you buy that car? It's still not too late, you know.

[bigblau]

Originally Posted by mena661 So why didn't you buy that car? It's still not too late, you know.

Thank you for the suggestion but it is too late. The dealer offered me $12,000 for my 2006 Solstice Z0K that I have $30,000 invested in. So I guess I'll be keeping my Solstice for a long time -at least until Corvette offers a V6. Besides, I've driven a Solstice with the DDM supercharger, so for $5,000 more I can live with that nicely.

Remember, "The future is assured for those who relentlessly innovate." (page 54 of 2009 Audi TT/TTS brochure). I understand the 3.6L VR6 is coming towards end of 2009 or beginning of 2010.

[bee guz]

Why would you want a V-6 in a corvette, does the price of 2 more spark plugs frighten you LOL, if it is the fuel mileage you worry about don't worry corvettes get excellent fuel mileage from the c-4 moldel up to the present.

If you want a corvette with gas mileage consider a c-4 but when your looking don't buy anything with the perf. diff. My old 88 with the 2.59 diff did over 30 mpg Hwy, and 20 city.

My next c-4 was a 94 Lt-1 with the 3.15 perf. rear that never saw over 18 no matter what I did with it.

Now my present corvette is a 02 Zo6, with a 3.42 and a 6 speed that will do 18 city and 30 on the highway @ 75 mph all day.

There are alot of guys who get the standard rear and the 6 speed that get way more than 30 hwy so if it fuel mileage just choose your vette by what rear it has and you will do big fuel miles.

[bigblau]

Thanks for the input. That's real good milage. To answer your question I guess it’s so GM can appease Nancy Pelosi, and use part of its $25 billion allocation of Green money while increase sales to countries that have CO2 emissions taxes. According to Mercedes Benz, the V6 is 40% cleaner, 25% lighter, and 13% more fuel-efficient.

Besides I like the lower motion of inertia of the V6s lighter internals which helps it accelerate and decelerate sooner then the heavier V8 internal. IMO it makes it feel more nimble.

Wolfgang's ML Page: Mercedes-Benz M112/M113 V6/V8 engines

Originally Posted by bee guz Why would you want a V-6 in a corvette, does the price of 2 more spark plugs frighten you LOL, if it is the fuel mileage you worry about don't worry corvettes get excellent fuel mileage from the c-4 moldel up to the present. If you want a corvette with gas mileage consider a c-4 but when your looking don't buy anything with the perf. diff. My old 88 with the 2.59 diff did over 30 mpg Hwy, and 20 city. My next c-4 was a 94 Lt-1 with the 3.15 perf. rear that never saw over 18 no matter what I did with it. Now my present corvette is a 02 Zo6, with a 3.42 and a 6 speed that will do 18 city and 30 on the highway @ 75 mph all day. There are alot of guys who get the standard rear and the 6 speed that get way more than 30 hwy so if it fuel mileage just choose your vette by what rear it has and you will do big fuel miles.

[Fformula88]

The Corvette does get good mileage for the power it puts out, and it's V8 engine. However, with the 35 MPG combined rating looming on the horizon, the Corvette is in trouble. It has already been publicized that GM has canceled any work in relation to taking the 'Vette mid engine next time around, but the fuel mileage issue has the car in jeopardy regardless of drive train configuration.

In the next decade, GM is going to either have to find a way to get a good deal more mileage out of the Corvette's V8 while retaining performance, look for other options to get to their performance figures, or be ready to move on without it.

On possible option would be a turbocharged direct injection V6. Such an engine would easily deliver V8 power levels with better fuel mileage. Whether Corvette buyers would take to it is another issue. However, if it came down to that or no Corvette at all, I'd rather give it a chance anyway.

Then again, 10 years is a long time for innovation to get to work on how to keep the V8. Plus, if volume is low enough and GM raises the average mileage of the rest of it's fleet enough, they may also decide they can absorb lower mileage from a V8 Vette and still meet fleet mileage requirements.

[bee guz]

I just hope GM will still be building the vette, I promised myself I will buy a new corvette before I too old to enjoy it, hopefully.

I was sorta counting on the one I have now to be worth at least half if the cost of a new one, I purposely didn't drive it much to achive this, plus never takeing it in any weather that wasn't perfect, I have the car 3 years and put about 3K miles on it.

But if things don't work out I still have a 14 K mile Zo6 to drive for the rest of my life.

[bigblau]

You've got an awesome car that should always hold it's value -seeing it was improved on its second year of production w/405HP and suspension. I like the hard top too. I hope you enjoy it for a long time.

I don't think GM has to get rid of the V8 option altogether. The V8 should be an upper scale premium for those that have the money and want to spend it. As Fforumula 88 states, GM is going to either have to find a way to get a good deal more mileage and reduced emissions out of the Corvette's V8 while retaining performance. Because of current Kyoto CO2 limits adopted by most countries, even Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has said that they are planning to reduce CO2 levels by 40% before 2012. Ferrari is also looking at turbocharged V6 engines and other cleaner more fuel-efficient ways as options to accomplish this goal.
Ferrari Planning To Build A Hybrid Sportscar|Device Daily

I remember back in the early '70s when Corvette enthusiasts where claiming that they would never buy a Corvette without a BB V8. Well the Mid-east oil embargo changed all that and Corvette only offered SB V8s after that. But Corvette enthusiast still bought Corvettes. Now we are in another era of change.

I think GM needs to look at offering consumers more options. In the past GM, as well as Ford and Chrysler, have been arrogant and close minded. Their attitude was that customers will buy whatever they have to sell as long as the price is right -the old cheap whore marketing plan. IMO, that attitude has got them in the position they find themselves in today. Brands like Mercedes Benz, BMW, VW, Audi, Toyota, Honda, etc. have been innovating while the big three have been sleeping. I'd like to see a V6 option. I think it would complement the brand and bring new customers to the showrooms. IMO, that's the best business plan any company can have.

Originally Posted by bee guz I just hope GM will still be building the vette, I promised myself I will buy a new corvette before I too old to enjoy it, hopefully. I was sorta counting on the one I have now to be worth at least half if the cost of a new one, I purposely didn't drive it much to achive this, plus never takeing it in any weather that wasn't perfect, I have the car 3 years and put about 3K miles on it. But if things don't work out I still have a 14 K mile Zo6 to drive for the rest of my life.

[mena661]

I'd like to see a V6 option. I think it would complement the brand and bring new customers to the showrooms. IMO, that's the best business plan any company can have.

You mean V6 option in a Solstice, right? Because most of GM's and Ford's cars have V8, V6 and 4 cylinder options. Allow me to list some:

1. G8
2. CTS/CTS-V
3. Mustang
4. Fusion
5. Etc.

[bigblau]

Don't forget the new 2010 Camero. Too bad for you they won't offer a Turbo 4-cylinder LNF in that, right?

So why don't they offer a V6 Corvette?

Originally Posted by mena661 You mean V6 option in a Solstice, right? Because most of GM's and Ford's cars have V8, V6 and 4 cylinder options. Allow me to list some: 1. G8 2. CTS/CTS-V 3. Mustang 4. Fusion 5. Etc.

[mena661]

Don't forget the new 2010 Camero. Too bad for you they won't offer a Turbo 4-cylinder LNF in that, right?

The only thing I have against the new Camaro is the weight. The engine choices are good.

[SolsticeMan]

A TT V6 Corvette?

Really?




I mean, seriously?

Lemme look that up....

"1-800-notgonnahappen? Hello, I'd like to see if you have a future speculative vehicle on your list? You do? Thanks!"



This from magazines that speculated that the V6 in a kappa was a certainty (IIRC it was pop mech that "broke" the top secret [and never existent] CHEVY 2-seat kappa roadster... and the SAAB 2-seat kappa roadster...). All of the 'rumors' of a GM-built V-6 kappa running around (no such vehicle ever existed)... the list of speculated vehicles is very long.

The magazines have had some really good howlers in issues past. I remember the 'interview with an inside source from Vauxhall' about how the Solstice/SKY would get a SUPERCHARGED engine. Remember the 'Sunfire replacement off the kappa"?...




V6 corvette?

How 'bout a 2.0 liter SIDI 2-stage turbo 425 hp/445 ft-lb I-4 Corvette on an aluminum structure and lightweight carbon fiber body panels and new aero treatments? Add in a small hybrid battery system - not a big one, but just enough to handle the city driving - and you get some REAL fuel economy...

2975 lbs, 425 hp, 39 mpg highway/32 mpg city.


Premium fuel required, obviously.

[brentil]

Originally Posted by SolsticeMan How 'bout a 2.0 liter SIDI 2-stage turbo 425 hp/445 ft-lb I-4 Corvette on an aluminum structure and lightweight carbon fiber body panels and new aero treatments? Add in a small hybrid battery system - not a big one, but just enough to handle the city driving - and you get some REAL fuel economy... 2975 lbs, 425 hp, 39 mpg highway/32 mpg city. Premium fuel required, obviously.

I'd buy one of those too.

I want a Corvette for it's looks and performance. I could care less how it gets the performance as long as it gets it. If I get better fuel economy too then that's a major plus.