Corvette Action Center http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/ Corvette Forum | ZR1 Corvette | C6 Corvette | C5 Corvette | C4 Corvette | c3 Corvette | Corvette Repair | Corvette Restoration en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:26:16 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg Corvette Action Center http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/ <![CDATA[Oliver Gavin Q & A on 2009 season]]> http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/autocrossing-motorsports/118590-oliver-gavin-q-2009-season.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:53:14 GMT OLIVER GAVIN -- A BUSY YEAR IN 2009! *1. How did it feel to say goodbye to the Corvette GT1 car... OLIVER GAVIN -- A BUSY YEAR IN 2009!

1. How did it feel to say goodbye to the Corvette GT1 car in the ALMS after so many successful seasons?

It felt quite sad because the car had generated a huge amount of success for the team and me personally, and I got so much enjoyment out of driving it. With my team mates, I won Le Mans four times in the GT1 car, starting in 2002 and then three great victories with Olivier [Beretta] and Jan [Magnussen] in 2004/05/06. I also won three ALMS championships with Olivier so it played a huge part in my career. The GT1 car spanned a decade of successful competition which is really impressive; I'm pleased to have been part of the history of such an important and special car.

2. What's your best memory of those GT1 years?

The whole 2006 season! We started with victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring, a race that Olivier, Jan and I had been trying to win since 2004 but it seemed that luck had always been against us; it was a monkey off our back. That year it all fell into place and we went on to win all the ALMS races leading up to Le Mans and then won in France for the third time in a row after an epic battle with the Prodrive Aston Martins. Having been nose-to-tail for 22 hours, victory was fantastic. On a personal level, I felt it was the best I'd ever driven; I didn't make any mistakes, go off or hit anybody and felt I contributed a lot to that victory.

3. How confident were you that this year's Corvette GT2 car was going to be competitive?

Well, knowing that the same people at Pratt & Miller who'd made the GT1 car were involved automatically gave us a lot of confidence. They've got a massive pool of knowledge for building and running successful GT cars but, until you go to that first race and are up against everyone else on the same track and in the same set of conditions, you don't really know for sure. We've run somewhere near the front almost everywhere we've been with the GT2 car this year, and had a chance of victory, and that speaks volumes.

4. Who is your biggest rival in GT and why?

Your team mates are your biggest rivals first and foremost; with equal equipment and engineering they have exactly the same shot as you. In the ALMS, the Flying Lizard Porsche of Jorg Bergmeister and Pat Long and Jaime Melo and Pierre Kaffer's Risi Ferrari were extremely quick and always a threat. In both cases this is down to their experience, speed and well-run teams.

It's just such an intensely competitive class in the ALMS, with at least seven or eight cars always being in with a chance. At the last round in Laguna Seca, I came into the pits during one practice session and asked what position I was in and was a bit surprised when they said 7th. But, the quickest time was only three tenths of a second ahead and there was rarely more than half a second separating the top six or seven cars in any session at any race which shows just how competitive it is. That rivalry is only going to increase into 2010 and everyone is really looking forward to it. I can't wait to get back to Sebring in March and commence battle!

5. What, for you, was the revelation of 2009?

The Goodwood Revival meeting. It was my first time there this year and it was such an amazing, enjoyable event with so much atmosphere and fun, but with serious racing and great competitors. It was a truly remarkable weekend and one I'd love to do it again next year. To race a Mini on my debut there -- the first time I'd ever raced a front-wheel-drive car -- up against some touring and sports car legends like Derek Bell, Andy Rouse and John Cleland was very special. Nick Swift put out a very good car and did an exceptionally good job himself so the two of us came away with a pretty dominant victory.

6. What was the biggest disappointment of 2009?

Le Mans. We'd worked so hard to overcome hurdles during the race, such as pace cars, incidents, and just 'stuff' that happened and, after 20 hours got into the lead genuinely on speed and not through luck. Then, for it all to be taken away an hour or so later because of a freak gearbox problem, it leaves you thinking..."why? Why did it happen to us?" I felt extremely sorry for Marcel [Fassler] as I'd experienced something similar in 2007, being stuck out on track with a broken car and having to make that horrible walk back to the pits. You feel so helpless and useless and it was massively deflating.

7. Is victory in the Spa 24 Hours a personal goal for 2010 and how different is it racing in Europe and the USA?

Spa is such an iconic track and the 24 Hours is a huge event each year; it's one of the races every sports car driver wants to win. I thought this year might have been my chance to win it but it wasn't to be so I definitely want to go back and crack it. I had a huge amount of fun this year with SRT, driving the GT1 Corvette there for the last time.

The main differences between the two continents are mostly to be found in the paddock. It seems to be a lot more convivial and friendly in the USA, there's a warmer feel to the whole race meeting -- and that's nothing to do with the weather! There's an edginess, a bit of a coldness you feel when racing in Europe and I'm sure it's something to do with the fact that everyone's shut away in garages and motorhomes. On both sides you're there to do your job, compete hard and get victory but I feel happier in the USA than in Europe. The American side is super fan friendly, and paddock-friendly, and that's reflected in the amount of spectators you get at all the races.

8. What makes Olivier a good team mate? What characteristic of his do you admire the most?

He's intelligent, very fast, supportive of whatever happens on the track, whether it's to you or another team mate , and very inclusive of team mates...but very competitive against rivals. He fights hard for his corner, as we've all seen, and many times I've seen him drive brilliant, quadruple stints in the night at Le Mans which is down to his stamina and focus. He also makes me laugh a lot, especially his lack of understanding technology and computers. He's not at all tech savvy and is always asking for someone's help!

9. When you share a rental car at races, who drives and why?

I learnt very early on that sharing a rental car with Olivier is a Jekyll and Hyde experience. You need to make sure you keep him cool because if he gets over-heated he starts doing all sorts of things that shouldn't be allowed, things you think shouldn't possible and things which make you think "I want to get out now!!" We split the driving 50/50 but, if he drives, I keep him calm because if he gets too excited then it all gets a bit too interesting.

10. What were the most frustrating seconds of 2009?

Missing my London Marathon target. I'd trained long and hard over the winter, determined to break the 3-hour barrier but missed it by nine seconds. By the time I got to the final mile or two I was 20 seconds under target and, at the last drinks station, I decided to take an energy drink (first one of the race) but within 30 seconds of drinking it I got stomach cramps and started going slower and slower. I tried to make up the time but couldn't quite, so came in nine seconds short which was very frustrating. Next year, I'm part of a BRDC-entered team and am aiming for 2h 55; there'll be three or four of us within the team pushing for that sort of time so it will spur us all on. Twelve racing drivers all together in the Marathon...how competitive will that be?!

11. What do you see as the biggest racing challenge for 2010?

Le Mans with the GT2 Corvette. It's a new class for us there and a new (much bigger) set of competitors to race against. We don't know what the car will be like at Le Mans, how it will all marry up together -- the tyres, aerodynamics, suspension, general conditions and so on. The last two years we've had wet test days during the week and that doesn't leave much time to get it all set up right. It will be a massive challenge.

12. Who is your pick of the pops for the future in sports cars?

That's a difficult one as there are so many good drivers currently but I think Richard Westbrook has proved himself to be a strong driver and I'm sure we'll have a few more battles. There are always exceptionally good young Porsche drivers and maybe Ferrari will also bring on some, such as Rob Bell. Outside of the current crop, I think Nick Tandy will make a good sports car driver and I hope he gets a good deal for next season, and maybe in a few years' time we need to be looking out for a young Kevin Magnussen!!

-credit: Oliver Gavin: International Sportscar Driver ]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports Rob http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/autocrossing-motorsports/118590-oliver-gavin-q-2009-season.html Master Cylinder install question for my 66 http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c1-c2-general-technical-discussion/118589-master-cylinder-install-question-my-66-a.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:55:58 GMT Hi there- The new master cylinder I just received from Ecklers has a rubber boot on it and I... Hi there-

The new master cylinder I just received from Ecklers has a rubber boot on it and I would like to know if I keep it on the cylinder throughout the installation or do I remove it at some point and then reinstall it.

If you have any additional installation tips I would appreciate it...according to the service manual it seems pretty straight forward....disconnect the brake fluid line and then unbolt the cylinder...then install the new gasket and new cylinder. Is it that straight forward?

I was experiencing a soft brake pedal and had the line bled and new
synthetic fluid put in which appeared to do the trick for a couple of drives
then I noticed the pedal went soft again and the master cylinder had no fluid in it which led to the discovery that the cylinder was leaking inside the car at the point of the rubber boot or where the brake pedal engages
the master cylinder.

Any insights or suggestions are very much appreciated.

Thanks for your help,

Nick ]]> 66NICK98 http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c1-c2-general-technical-discussion/118589-master-cylinder-install-question-my-66-a.html DIC Buttons Not Illuminating http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c6-general-discussion/118588-dic-buttons-not-illuminating.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:35:19 GMT Trip and Reset button no longer illuminate on DIC. Any information available on bulb replacement... Trip and Reset button no longer illuminate on DIC. Any information available on bulb replacement procedures?;shrug ]]> C6 General Discussion C5Maverick http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c6-general-discussion/118588-dic-buttons-not-illuminating.html Both power locks not working http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c4-technical-performance/118587-both-power-locks-not-working.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:29:37 GMT On my 89, I've had the door panels off for a year. I have since ran new speaker wire and had the console tore apart for other things. I went to put the door panels back on and noticed both of the power locks don't work. When I hit the switch, nothing happens.

I know the switches are good cause they rolled the windows up and down. So, it must be somewhere in the wiring as it is affecting both sides. I checked the fuses in the fuse box, and they are good.

Is there a relay or solenoid somewhere, or what could cause both power locks not to work?

The other thing is my mirror toggle switch was working, but acting up. So I drilled a hole in it to clean the inside, but that killed the switch as it didn't work. I bought another toggle switch, and the guy said it would have been checked to make sure it worked. Well, the new toggle switch doesn't do anything. So, I'm guessing he sold me a bad switch, or the problem with the locks are related. But I know my old switch was working just a week ago, so I'm betting the new switch is bad. ]]> C4 Technical and Performance joshwilson3 http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c4-technical-performance/118587-both-power-locks-not-working.html Video: Enzo/Vette/Busa on Runway! http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c6-general-discussion/118585-enzo-vette-busa-runway.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:04:50 GMT YouTube - Enzo/Vette/Busa on Runway (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WftiQQcrH7A) ;squint: YouTube - Enzo/Vette/Busa on Runway
;squint: ]]> C6 General Discussion Hadi-ZR1 http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c6-general-discussion/118585-enzo-vette-busa-runway.html Power window problems http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c6-technical-performance/118584-power-window-problems.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:40:36 GMT Drivers side controls are in-op most of the time. Sometimes I can lower the passenger window but... Drivers side controls are in-op most of the time. Sometimes I can lower the passenger window but not raise it. Drivers window sometimes "stutters" going down but unable to raise it. Sometimes the side mirror & door lock button is in-op. Passenger side works normally. I inspected the door wiring and took off the panel to check connections. I've heard something about a window control module. Where is it located? Thanks for any help. 05 Coupe ]]> C6 Technical and Performance Joe Vette http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c6-technical-performance/118584-power-window-problems.html C6 Dual Mode Exhaust - Switch http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c6-technical-performance/118583-c6-dual-mode-exhaust-switch.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:38:51 GMT I'm looking into getting a switch but was wondering if any harm would be done just removing the fuse that keeps the exhaust in the performance (loud) position. Does anybody know if harm would be done to the car and if there is even a fuse to take out to allow this to happen?
Thanks! ]]> C6 Technical and Performance Rustee http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c6-technical-performance/118583-c6-dual-mode-exhaust-switch.html tires for 1967 http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c1-c2-general-technical-discussion/118581-tires-1967-a.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:59:49 GMT I am shopping for new tires for my 1967 big block. I have pretty much decided on Firestone... I am shopping for new tires for my 1967 big block. I have pretty much decided on Firestone radials, size 215 75 R15, but am wondering whether people have had experience with these tires, or have a better idea. I want the car to look good, but I also want to enjoy driving it, and my NCRS judging days are over. ]]> 3XBLACK67 http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c1-c2-general-technical-discussion/118581-tires-1967-a.html <![CDATA[Toyota's image under scrutiny]]> http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/other-cars/118580-toyotas-image-under-scrutiny.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:26:14 GMT Image:...

For years, Toyota Motor Corp. has investigated complaints from drivers saying their Toyota and Lexus vehicles accelerated all by themselves, and the company has identified essentially one cause.

Toyota's image under scrutiny | detnews.com | The Detroit News ]]> Other Cars 6 Shooter http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/other-cars/118580-toyotas-image-under-scrutiny.html GREAT story! http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/off-topic/118579-great-story.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:08 GMT *What a GREAT Story!* *Charlie:beer:beer:beer:beer* *One-eyed Soldier Graduates to Officer* ... What a GREAT Story!
Charlie:beer:beer:beer:beer

One-eyed Soldier Graduates to Officer

Updated: Thursday, 19 Nov 2009, 6:57 PM EST
Published : Thursday, 19 Nov 2009, 6:57 PM ESTCOLUMBUS, Ga. (AP) - An Army infantryman who lost an eye fighting in Iraq six years ago isn’t letting his wound keep him out of the fight.
Sgt. Peter Sprenger rose to the rank of 2nd lieutenant Thursday after graduating from officer school at Fort Benning in west Georgia.
One of the Army’s top commanders, Gen. David Petraeus, accepted Sprenger’s invitation to attend the ceremony and pinned the 26-year-old soldier’s new rank insignia onto his uniform.
Sprenger of Stockton, Calif., was wounded by a car bomb in Iraq in 2003. Two years later, he became the first disabled soldier known to complete the training for elite Army Rangers.
Sprenger downplays his injury and says he hopes to inspire other wounded troops. ]]> Off Topic Dustoff529 http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/off-topic/118579-great-story.html <![CDATA[NCM Trivia Game - Corvette Stingray concept used in 'Welcome to the Future' video]]> http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/bowling-green-assembly-plant-national-corvette-museum-news/118578-ncm-trivia-game-corvette-stingray-concept-used-welcome-future-video.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:55:37 GMT Image: http://i47.tinypic.com/fdhgte.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JAH_V3gb5c) This...

This week's Tuesday Nite Trivia on Facebook and Twitter was: Name the country song and artist who's music video features the Corvette Stingray concept car (which played the role of Sideswipe in Transformers 2).

Congratulations to Tara Guzman of Aiken, SC. She correctly identified Brad Paisley's video 'Welcome to the Future' as featuring the concept car. Tara will receive a copy of our September/ October America's Sports Car Magazine with the 'Sideswipe' article, autographed by Corvette Designer Tom Peters.

Become a "fan" of the National Corvette Museum to participate in this fun trivia game!
]]> Bowling Green Assembly Plant / National Corvette Museum News 6 Shooter http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/bowling-green-assembly-plant-national-corvette-museum-news/118578-ncm-trivia-game-corvette-stingray-concept-used-welcome-future-video.html front spoiler http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c5-general-discussion/118577-front-spoiler.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:34:16 GMT Heres one for ya! I put a small spoiler/splitter on the leading edge of my front facia,looked... Heres one for ya! I put a small spoiler/splitter on the leading edge of my front facia,looked great!BUT AFTER DRIVING it water temps went to 220!took it back off temps went back to normal 190-200.What gives? Guess my baby didn't like it!;shrug ]]> C5 General Discussion ernestD http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c5-general-discussion/118577-front-spoiler.html Happy holidays from vbp http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c1-c2-general-technical-discussion/118576-happy-holidays-vbp.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:30:12 GMT *HAPPY HOLIDAYS * *VBP WANTS TO CELEBRATE,* *THE HOLIDAYS WITH ALL OUR OLD AND* *NEW...
HAPPY HOLIDAYS


VBP WANTS TO CELEBRATE,
THE HOLIDAYS WITH ALL OUR OLD AND
NEW CUSTOMERS.

WE ARE OFFERING A 20% OFF OUR RETAIL
PRICES THRU THE END OF THE YEAR.



THE ONLY EXCEPTIONS ARE:
ALL QA1 SHOCKS, STEEL LEAF SPRINGS, POWER STEERING GEAR BOXES, HYDRA BOOSTS, WHEEL ADAPTERS, 11269 MASTER CYLINDER, 11223 & 11224 PISTON KIT LIP SEAL 1ST DESIGN,
BALL JOINTS AND THE BIG DADDY KIT.


REMEMBER YOU CAN VISIT US AT OUR WEBSITE WWW.VBANDP.COM
OR YOU CAN GIVE US A CALL AT 1-800-237-9991.

YOU CAN HAVE YOUR PARTS POWERCOATED AND/OR
CRYOGENICALLY TREATED FOR LONGEVITY. CALL FOR DETAILS.


HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM YOUR FRIENDS
AT VETTE BRAKES AND PRODUCTS. ]]> VBP http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c1-c2-general-technical-discussion/118576-happy-holidays-vbp.html Happy holidays from vbp http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c4-technical-performance/118575-happy-holidays-vbp.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:29:07 GMT *HAPPY HOLIDAYS * *VBP WANTS TO CELEBRATE,* *THE HOLIDAYS WITH ALL OUR OLD AND* *NEW...
HAPPY HOLIDAYS


VBP WANTS TO CELEBRATE,
THE HOLIDAYS WITH ALL OUR OLD AND
NEW CUSTOMERS.

WE ARE OFFERING A 20% OFF OUR RETAIL
PRICES THRU THE END OF THE YEAR.



THE ONLY EXCEPTIONS ARE:
ALL QA1 SHOCKS, STEEL LEAF SPRINGS, POWER STEERING GEAR BOXES, HYDRA BOOSTS, WHEEL ADAPTERS, 11269 MASTER CYLINDER, 11223 & 11224 PISTON KIT LIP SEAL 1ST DESIGN,
BALL JOINTS AND THE BIG DADDY KIT.


REMEMBER YOU CAN VISIT US AT OUR WEBSITE WWW.VBANDP.COM
OR YOU CAN GIVE US A CALL AT 1-800-237-9991.

YOU CAN HAVE YOUR PARTS POWERCOATED AND/OR
CRYOGENICALLY TREATED FOR LONGEVITY. CALL FOR DETAILS.


HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM YOUR FRIENDS
AT VETTE BRAKES AND PRODUCTS. ]]> C4 Technical and Performance VBP http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c4-technical-performance/118575-happy-holidays-vbp.html Happy holidays from vbp http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c4-general-discussion/118574-happy-holidays-vbp.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:28:24 GMT *HAPPY HOLIDAYS * *VBP WANTS TO CELEBRATE,* *THE HOLIDAYS WITH ALL OUR OLD AND* *NEW...
HAPPY HOLIDAYS


VBP WANTS TO CELEBRATE,
THE HOLIDAYS WITH ALL OUR OLD AND
NEW CUSTOMERS.

WE ARE OFFERING A 20% OFF OUR RETAIL
PRICES THRU THE END OF THE YEAR.



THE ONLY EXCEPTIONS ARE:
ALL QA1 SHOCKS, STEEL LEAF SPRINGS, POWER STEERING GEAR BOXES, HYDRA BOOSTS, WHEEL ADAPTERS, 11269 MASTER CYLINDER, 11223 & 11224 PISTON KIT LIP SEAL 1ST DESIGN,
BALL JOINTS AND THE BIG DADDY KIT.


REMEMBER YOU CAN VISIT US AT OUR WEBSITE WWW.VBANDP.COM
OR YOU CAN GIVE US A CALL AT 1-800-237-9991.

YOU CAN HAVE YOUR PARTS POWERCOATED AND/OR
CRYOGENICALLY TREATED FOR LONGEVITY. CALL FOR DETAILS.


HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM YOUR FRIENDS
AT VETTE BRAKES AND PRODUCTS. ]]> C4 General Discussion VBP http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/c4-general-discussion/118574-happy-holidays-vbp.html