Removable roof?

[jlucas]

I thought I had read before that the roof would be removable since it shares the same body with the other C6s (different AL frame, of course) but then I saw this here, under the "New for 2006" link:

http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/dom...ge=&butID=1 #

Z06 (1YY87) Model - fixed roof hatchback coupe

So no removable roof?

[IT L GO]

Read my lips according to Dave Hill "no removable roof"

[jdogg]

It is a fixed in place roof frame, without the hardware that can make it removable.

[george]

Full race mode, roof will remove itself at 215 mph. Just kidding, as far as I've heard the C6 Z06 is fixed.

[427 C6]

Originally Posted by IT L GO

Read my lips according to Dave Hill "no removable roof"

Read MY lips:
Dave Hill is an A$$HOLE for this very reason.

[Jim Conforti]

Originally Posted by 427 C6

Read MY lips:
Dave Hill is an A$$HOLE for this very reason.

Read my lips:

Do you want structural rigidity.. or the wind in your hair?

The Al frame requires that the roof take some of the torsional
loading. That's why it's a fixed Magnesium framed panel.

FWIW, there is NO reason that the aftermarket can't make
a replacement (say Ti or Mg) panel that has a removeable
center section "sunroof".. or even a lexan panel with a
similar Ti or Mg frame. Same Strength and wind/sun.

Jim

[427 C6]

Originally Posted by Jim Conforti

FWIW, there is NO reason that the aftermarket can't make
a replacement (say Ti or Mg) panel that has a removeable
center section "sunroof".. or even a lexan panel with a
similar Ti or Mg frame. Same Strength and wind/sun.

You make a good point, but,
after spending $60k,
I shouldn't have to spend $$$ to have the open air top when the MAJORITY wanted it to begin with.

Originally Posted by Jim Conforti

The Al frame requires that the roof take some of the torsional
loading. That's why it's a fixed Magnesium framed panel.
Jim

You sound like a smart guy,
so please don't be a "sheep" and believe GM's marketing B.S.
Hill clearly states that the frame could have handled the removable top with 22lbs of additional support.

I believe the ONLY reason Hill bolted that top in was to avoid cannabalizing sales from the coupe.
If I am wrong, please prove it to me.
Damn Hill for not giving the majority what we want:
an open air OPTION !!!!

[IT L GO]

Originally Posted by 427 C6

You make a good point, but,
after spending $60k,
I shouldn't have to spend $$$ to have the open air top when the MAJORITY wanted it to begin with.



You sound like a smart guy,
so please don't be a "sheep" and believe GM's marketing B.S.
Hill clearly states that the frame could have handled the removable top with 22lbs of additional support.

I believe the ONLY reason Hill bolted that top in was to avoid cannibalizing sales from the coupe.
If I am wrong, please prove it to me.
Damn Hill for not giving the majority what we want:
an open air OPTION !!!!

You make some good points. However, these type marketing decisions are not made at his level. He may make suggestions but that's all.

[3Pedal_Z06]

Even if the car could be made stiffer with the removable top, I prefer it with the fixed roof. The Z06 is supposed to be a race car in a box. I expect it is a little safer with a fixed roof.

[Jim Conforti]

Originally Posted by 427 C6

You sound like a smart guy,
so please don't be a "sheep" and believe GM's marketing B.S.
Hill clearly states that the frame could have handled the removable top with 22lbs of additional support.

Gee.. thanks.. I think.

I'm anything but a sheep, I'm an engineer.

They decided NOT to add 22lbs to accomplish something
they felt would change the character of the car. period.

I believe the ONLY reason Hill bolted that top in was to avoid cannabalizing sales from the coupe.
If I am wrong, please prove it to me.
Damn Hill for not giving the majority what we want:
an open air OPTION !!!!

I don't see it as an option the MAJORITY want.

I see it as something YOU want.

Most of us coming from C5 Z06's were quite content
with the FRC concept = Fixed Roof. If you're not, go
spend your $$ on something else.

If you honestly think they are worried about a more expensive
and more limited car taking sales from the coupe.. well...

This is part of the reason we disagree.

Jim

[RobSan]

Originally Posted by 427 C6

You make a good point, but, after spending $60k, I shouldn't have to spend $$$ to have the open air top when the MAJORITY wanted it to begin with.

Seems like the MAJORITY on this site have already voted for the fixed roof with their own $$$$.

[RC45]

Originally Posted by 427 C6

Damn Hill for not giving the majority what we want:
an open air OPTION !!!!

I hear Bill Heard has a convertible hair-dressers car with your name on it..

[blackvetterzo6]

If You Want Open Air Buy A Ragtop

[Z06KahunaCanuck]

I'd rather shed the pounds and have a fixed roof than the other way around...

[427 C6]

Originally Posted by Jim Conforti

Gee.. thanks.. I think.

I'm anything but a sheep, I'm an engineer.

They decided NOT to add 22lbs to accomplish something
they felt would change the character of the car. period.



I don't see it as an option the MAJORITY want.

I see it as something YOU want.

Most of us coming from C5 Z06's were quite content
with the FRC concept = Fixed Roof. If you're not, go
spend your $$ on something else.

If you honestly think they are worried about a more expensive
and more limited car taking sales from the coupe.. well...

This is part of the reason we disagree.

Jim

Jim,
no disrespect intended.
If you are who I think you are,
you have all of my respect.


Weren't you part of the C5 engineering team that worked directly with Hill?
If so, I've heard you are not a big fan of Hill either.

Didn't you have a targa top retrofitted to your personal Z by Carvaggio?
If so, will you be retrofiting a targa on your 2006 Z?

What is your professinal opinion of what it will take to retofit a targa to the 06 Z, and if the Al frame can handle the top removed.

Do you think it will be easier/ more cost effective to do A or B.
A) retrofit a targa top to the 2006 Z
B) retrofit ZO6 drivetrain to C6 coupe

What is the parts list for option B?
(enlarged ring and pinion, pumkin, entire transaxle, driveshafts, clutch??)

I am asking these questions because
I have to decide between the following 2 options:

1) Buy the new Z.
-Retrofit a targa top

-Leave it stock with the addition of 1 7/8" Kooks headers and maybe a small dry-shot of nitrous. (100-150 hp)

-When warranty expires:
Rebuild LS7 with low compression FORGED pistons for forced induction (Lingenfelter twins -or- Kenne Bell twin screw)

2) Buy a C6 coupe
-Leave stock with 1 3/4" Kooks headers and maybe a small dry-shot of nitrous. (100-150hp).

-When warranty expires:
Drop in LS7 with bolt-ons (1 7/8 headers, cam, maybe ported stock heads) and upgrade all other parts as they need replacement or repair. (brakes, driveshafts, clutch, wheel+tire)

-When LS7 rebuild becomes necessary:
Drop in low compression FORGED pistons with forced induction (Lingenfelter twins -or- Kenne Bell twin screw)

Thanks for any info Jim.