Coupe or Convertible. Which is stiffer?

00BlackBeautyGT

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Jan 20, 2004

#1

• Jan 20, 2004

• #1

Coupe or Convertible (99+). Which is stiffer in stock form. Never driven a coupe before so I'm just wondering. I know that coupes don't come with subframe connectors from the factory but the convertible does. So which is stiffer?

 

B

Badd GT

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#2

• Jan 20, 2004

• #2

coupe is way stiffer.
i had an 01 coupe.......and now have an 02 coupe..........and wife has an 03 vert.

if you dont believe me just watch the rearview mirror shake in the vert.

and btw those subs on the vert are very tiny.

 

00BlackBeautyGT

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#3

• Jan 20, 2004

• #3

Badd GT said:

coupe is way stiffer.
i had an 01 coupe.......and now have an 02 coupe..........and wife has an 03 vert.

if you dont believe me just watch the rearview mirror shake in the vert.

and btw those subs on the vert are very tiny.

Click to expand...

You have no subframe connectors at all? Still way stiffer than a vert with factory subs?

 

T

tarch

My 8V > 4V > 2V

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#4

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Coupe is stiffer no matter what you do to the vert, except if you weld on a hard top... and even then the coupe will be stiffer...

if you have a vert you can make it stiffer than stock, but it'll take a lot of things to get it even close to the stock stiffness of the coupe

 

00BlackBeautyGT

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#5

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• #5

What if I got some aftermarket subframe connectors weld in. Will it be stonger than a coupe stock, or will it bring the stiffness to the same level as a regular coupe w/o subframe connectors.

 

00BlackBeautyGT

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#6

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• #6

tarch said:

Coupe is stiffer no matter what you do to the vert, except if you weld on a hard top... and even then the coupe will be stiffer...

if you have a vert you can make it stiffer than stock, but it'll take a lot of things to get it even close to the stock stiffness of the coupe

Click to expand...

Wow! I never really knew that. I never driven a coupe before but I would like to try it someday just to experience it. I don't know anyone here with a coupe that will let me test they're car. Bummer.

 

B

Badd GT

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#7

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no subs on my 01............and i do have custom subs on my 02 now.
but yes factory vert w/factory subs is not as stiff as factory coupe.

 

00BlackBeautyGT

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#8

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• #8

As strong as the coupe is in stock form, when you put some aftermarket subframe connectors on it, it'll be like riding on rails huh. Even more stiffer than it is. WOW!!! Should've gotten a coupe. I knew it, I knew it. Dammit!!!

 

B

Badd GT

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#9

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i could tell a difference just driving across parking lot after subs were installed.

i will let you know in a couple of months when i have something done with wifes vert.
i will be getting a new custom set welded into hers soon. i am just not sure how hers will come out.........and it taken out i dont want car to bend @ all before the new ones are welded in.
i will probably put a jack in the center somewhere to take some of the pressure.

 

T

tarch

My 8V > 4V > 2V

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#10

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i would really like to see what the Extreme Matrix system yields... it's only 200 something dollars, but it seems to add a lot of stifness

 

R

Ron Jeremy

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Jan 20, 2004

#11

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• #11

The coupe is definitely stiffer. The convertible isn't. The convertible also has problems with water getting inside the car when the top is up and when it rains.

 

Redhero

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#12

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• #12

Ron Jeremy said:

The coupe is definitely stiffer. The convertible isn't. The convertible also has problems with water getting inside the car when the top is up and when it rains.

Click to expand...

You aint kiddin there. My '97 vert leaks more than a sailor chuggin down a 24 pack.

Oh yeah, and I live in seattle.....vert heaven

 

NasaGT

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#13

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I've never had any problems with leaks in my vert. And I've got Maximum Motorsports full length subframes on mine, and I think its as stiff or stiffer than a stock coupe. I'm very pleased with this setup.

Full length weld in subs = teh win.

 

Les Paul

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#14

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Ah, but being loose as a goose when the top is down on an awesome summer day is well worth a little rock and roll.

 

00BlackBeautyGT

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#15

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• #15

NasaGT said:

I've never had any problems with leaks in my vert. And I've got Maximum Motorsports full length subframes on mine, and I think its as stiff or stiffer than a stock coupe. I'm very pleased with this setup.

Full length weld in subs = teh win.

Click to expand...

Did the MM Subs make a big night & day difference in your vert? Did it feel like it made the car new again?

 

99RioRedVert

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Chesapeake, VA

Jan 20, 2004

#16

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• #16

I noticed some added stiffness with my suframe connectors. It was most noticable over uneven asphalt. Much less cowl shake.

A great way to make your vert a lot stiffer is to add a 6 pt rollcage. Can't say how stiff compared to a coupe, but it feels rock solid.

 

00BlackBeautyGT

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#17

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• #17

99RioRedVert said:

I noticed some added stiffness with my suframe connectors. It was most noticable over uneven asphalt. Much less cowl shake.

A great way to make your vert a lot stiffer is to add a 6 pt rollcage. Can't say how stiff compared to a coupe, but it feels rock solid.

Click to expand...

I was thinking of the Global West Full Competition Kit. Comes with Subframe-Connectors, Seat support for added support, Rocker-Rail Support & Jacking Rails. Talk about EXTREME STIFFNESS. Plus they are tubular. Supposed to be better than square. Don't know. Never had experience with either. It seems like everyone here @ Stangnet only use MM. I guess MM is top-notch. MM doesn't make any other pieces like Global West. Must be that strong to not come with the other pieces.

 

K

Ken01GTvert

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#18

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• #18

I bought by 01 Vert used with 35,000 miles. Body was real loose which was noticeable going over RR tracks and over bumps in corners. Added strut tower brace and MM full length subframe connectors (welded) and it helped stability a ton. It's still not as tight as a hardtop but it's a lot better then it used to be.

 

K

Ken01GTvert

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Colorado

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#19

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Oh yea, I think the back-end of the verts can be a little more unstable due to the extra weight back there. I added Steeda UCA's and LCA's which really locked down the rear axle and made it more predictable at higher speeds in the turns.

 

FastRedPonyCar

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I pee sitting down...or do I?

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#20

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A quick spin around the curvey streets of my neighborhood in my street prepared class coupe usually leaves male passengers "stiffer" if that helps.

I'm not gay btw...just to clarify