The Internet really was different back then. Nearly everyone was on dial-up, so web pages and sites were simpler. It was easier to find “information” then because the net hadn’t yet been taken over by commerce sites. Forums and chat rooms had been around since the early ’80s, but were clunky and difficult to use. AOL’s interface helped make it much easier.

The action of blogging appeared around 1994 and it didn’t take off until 1999 with the addition of “blogging tools.” The blogosphere really took off once the political pundits embraced the bogs in 2002. At the moment there is a blog for everything, which is good and bad news. Almost half of the links are for services, products, auction listings, and blog and forum comments when search is conducted by researchers like me. I was sort of bothered at first with the Corvette forum links since searches often were linked to things such as, “I like side-pipes too.” However I was satisfyingly surprised to find a rich, complete information source once I took a glance at Corvette forum’s home page.

SmokinVette.com is a Corvette forum. The Corvette fad is very big, because it spans a 57 year lineage of cars in six distinctive generations. SmokinVette has a Corvette forum for all six generations. Upon viewing your generation’s forum, look around, look around, and check out the topics. All of the forums are unique, so take some time searching the links, drop-down boxes, and controls. It’s like being in a big box or even a home improvement store. At first it can be overwhelming, but it does not take long for you to figure out what you want to look for.

There are times that I am in the mood to view some Corvette pictures and SmokinVette has a large collection of them. And what a high-fueled testosterone topic like Corvettes is without a compilation of Corvette Girls? Boring is the answer. With SmokinVette being classy, you will not see anything over the top, but you will see numerous SmokinHot Women. Ladies that is a compliment.

Owning a Corvette isn’t as economically challenging as owning a pleasure boat, but you WILL be spending some cash either refurbishing or personalizing your Corvette. The “Vette Parts” section of SmokinVette can help you locate anything from a supercharger or crate engine to a LED lights or used parts. You’ll find stuff you didn’t even know was being offered! Corvette people are VERY creative.

But don’t just be a voyeur. After you go through the free registration, you can add your two-cents to any of the forums, start a new forum topic, and ask a Corvette question, or post photos and images. Corvette people are VERY helpful. When you own a Vette, or are an enthusiast, you’re a member of a uniquely American club. The whole “Save the Wave” thing got started as a way for Corvette owners to acknowledge one another on the road. Corvettes aren’t just “cars.” They’re something more, something intangible that you don’t begin to “get” until you drive one. Driving a Corvette is a uniquely sensual experience. You don’t just “ride” in a Corvette, you DRIVE a Corvette because they are designed and made to be DRIVEN. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve read or heard a new Corvette owner say, “I never really understood this car until I drove one.” That’s the “GOTCHA!” moment.

So clear out some time, get comfortable, and check out some Corvette forums, such as SmokinVette.com. Its fun, entertaining, educational, and a way to meet like-minded people that “get” the Corvette obsession. Nuff said! – KST

For additional info and queries about Why A Corvette Forum Matters please see the Smokinvette Team at www.smokinvette.com

For information on Auto Shipping visit MetroGistics.

The Sting Ray became a household name with the popularity of the 1963 Corvette. Although it did have flaws. The designers and engineers at GM took the feedback and coupled it with the momentum that the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray had created and came out with a new and improved version for 1964 and therefore the Sting Ray continued to roll.

While not a re-design by any stretch of the imagination, the 1964 Corvette Sting Ray did have sweeping changes. Some of the more notable changes for the year included.

Back Window, Gone was the cross bar that made the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray a legend. Because of safety issues, the 1964 Corvette did away with the split rear window and left the 1963 as the sole holder of such distinction.

Hood, Gone too were the faux hood cowls from the previous year. Again, GM cited safety as the reason. The indentations however did remain.

Suspension, One of the chief complaints from owners of the 1963 Corvette was that the ride got progressively worse as the miles began to accumulate on the odometer. To combat this, GM switched the front coil springs to progressive rate or variable rate from the constant rate used in 1963. The rear leaf springs were also upgraded. The shocks were modified to include a small bag of Freon within the shock’s fluid which helped fight the heating problems that plagued the previous year.

Body Styling, The 1964 Corvette Sting Ray lost some of its ribs on the rocker panels and the ribs that remained got a coat of black paint in between them. Wheel coverings were made more simplified and the emblem on the deck-lid was revamped to include circles around its crossed flags.

Engine, The 1964 Corvette proved to be a bit more beefy than the 1963 and had peak horse power of 375. This was due to an upgrade that saw the V-8 engine breathe through a Holley four barrel carburetor as opposed to the stock Carter.

The previous year’s selling record was broken with the sale of 22,229 units. This milestone proved the changes that were made in the1964 Corvette were the right call. Sales for the coupe were down but the convertible sales were very high.

The figures were out and so was the jury with its verdict; a smashing success. While the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray started it all, the 1964 Corvette Sting Ray put the Vette on the map for good.

For more information and questions about a 1964 Corvette please see the Smokingvette Group at www.smokinvette.com

For information on Auto Shipping visit MetroGistics.

The most finely tuned Sting Ray to be made was the 1967 Corvette and even though, the changes were not all that impressive they did make for a cleaner looking Corvette. Some of the notable changes to the 1967 Corvette were…

Front Fender Vents: Five front fender vents replaced the three that were on the 1966 Corvette.

Back-up Light, The 1967 Corvette had a newly designed single back-up light which was mounted just above the license plate holder.

Wheel Covers, The 1967 Corvette did away with the older looking wheel coverings and made way for the Rally wheels which featured chrome beauty rings with small chrome center caps to hide the lug nuts.

Handbrake, The handbrake was moved from beneath the dash to between the seats for the 1967 Corvette.

The engine for the 1967 Corvette ended up producing more power, even though, there was little changes made. In the 1967 Corvette the two small block V-8s as too the big block returned. Only this year the big block was hidden under a redesigned hood scoop. The two largest engines were able to put out 400 and 435 bhp because of the switch to triple two barrel carbs.

Speed freaks could also get their fix with the optional L88 engine which featured many lightened parts and other special upgrades that gave the engine an incredible 560-bhp at the end of the day. The biggest problem with this super engine was the fact that it took only 103-octane racing fuel and consequently did not make for a good option to be driven on a daily basis. Still in 1967 20 buyers opted for the package that would add an enormous $1,500 to the base price of just over $4,200.

As time went by the fans and critics looked back and agreed the 1967 Corvette was the best Corvette ever made. However, in 1967, this was not so because everyone was waiting for the now overdue C3 generation to be released. The result was the 1967 Corvette underselling the 1966 Corvette by 5,000 units. The newest Corvette would be a matter of time and when it was released many would be shocked to see the name Sting Ray was taken away. Though added back in 1969 as ‘Stingray’ there would never again be another Sting Ray, especially not like the one that GM put out in 1967.

For more info and questions about a 1967 Corvette please see the Smokinvette Group at www.smokinvette.com

For information on Auto Shipping visit MetroGistics.