WHAT IS MY PROFESSION? Im glad you asked.
As most of you know, I travel to different Corvette events around the country and serve as many people as I can. This requires absolute focus on accurate information.
I had a lot of questions at these events this year, but one that reoccurred over and over,
"You are a GM mechanic, you don't like aftermarket modifications!!!! Is this just GM talking through you??"
In order to answer this question, it is important to understand my viewpoint as a service technician.
In my opinion, it is my duty to return every vehicle I work on to factory engineered specifications. And if a customer intends on changing that, they MUST understand the negative effects to any modification! It is the owners money, but they rely on honest feedback as to if it will be WORTH the money they are spending.
In order to do that you must first know that I am not an engineer, I am a service technician. I have to find the balance between serving the customers with integrity in repairing the vehicle, GM and supplying accurate information as to what I did to repair the vehicle and my dealership. There are times when that is not an easy task.
I cannot and will never KNOW everything about GM vehicles, however it is my access to accurate resources that provides me the information to FIND THE ANSWER to any problem with any GM vehicle.
My resources start from my training as a GM service technician from some of the greatest minds within the company and my training resources to which I refer constantly.
I also have my library at home, which includes hundreds of books, diagrams, pictures, sales brochures, service training books from as far back as 1961. Online service information from GM is also a critical part of this!
Finally, my service experience within the dealership level is more critical than most anything else.
This gives me real actual experience to see what fixes work, does not work, how aftermarket modifications and other things create either a better vehicle or a vehicle that is not as reliable.
So now, when it comes to modifications, there is never one right answer. As there is a negative side to any and all modifications, the question is, are you as the owner of the vehicle prepared for the negative and are you willing to accept it?
Everything on any vehicle is usually a compromise between cost, federal and state laws, function and form. Doing what I have been doing, for as long as I have, gives me the benefit of seeing many things when it comes to vehicle service.
Is GM always right?? No! Is the customer always right? No. Am I always right?? NO!
And this is where I believe that my title "GM World Class Certified technician" is much more than just fixing vehicles.
It is about bringing the vehicle owner, GM and my dealership together to obtain the best possible results for the customer to whatever their needs may be.
THAT is what I believe my profession is, and that is what I always aspire to accomplish!
Friday, September 30, 2016
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Why do you do Corvette events?
Jackson Chevrolet helps me be the best that I can be and when we do Corvette events at our dealership, they are not unlike the intimate classroom settings we have at the NCM.
I love it and I cannot wait to do my next Corvette event!
I get that question alot, but for me, its all about educating and assisting the Corvette owner!
Corvettes at Carlisle is a prime example of that. When we do seminars, there is so much to do!!! We try to answer all questions asked by the people who take time out of the weekend to spend it with us! From simple maintenance to in depth operation of systems and features of Corvette were covered during the 3 day event!
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| 7am and it starts with setup |
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| My team, the best support in the business! |
I figure, I have the BEST training in the business and why not use it to the best of my ability? The rush of working on so many Corvettes and using all the knowledge I have been taught is truly rewarding on many levels for me. I mean, I get intense, no question but doing this is something I LOVE TO DO! And my team makes it possible!
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| Question and answer in the Chevrolet theater at the NCM |
And when serving at the hub of all things Corvette at the National Corvette Museum, its a feeling that is indescribable. My intensity is only raised higher being there!
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| Full diagnostic troubleshooting, even on a C12 Callaway |
Jackson Chevrolet helps me be the best that I can be and when we do Corvette events at our dealership, they are not unlike the intimate classroom settings we have at the NCM.
 |
| Smaller classroom question and answer |
Monday, August 5, 2013
Corvette and my career, the Past, Present and Future
As Feb 28, 2013 has come and gone, the last C6 rolled off the assembly line in Bowling Green, KY. It makes me think of the many milestones in my career, the special Corvettes, the progression of technology and WHY I cherish Corvette the way I do.
The C5 Coupe was introduced in 1997 to rave reviews including numerous awards from the automotive journals around the world. At this point in my career, I had just been introduced to Corvette and really wasn't ready to serve Corvette. As a young man, I never realized the depth of repairing vehicles, nevermind Corvettes and how much of a singular focus one must have to accurately repair them.
The Corvette received Motor Trend Car of the year honors in 1998, the same year the convertible was introduced. My favorite was the 1998 Indy Pace car WITH all the decals, thank you very much!
1998 was also my first major repair on Corvette, replacing an engine on a 1998 Convertible. Talk about jumping in feet first! But that first experience certainly taught me the value of details. I remember it to this day, Mr. Montalbano was amazing in allowing me to repair his pride and joy.
In 1999, the hardtop model or FRC, fixed roof coupe, made its debut. This Corvette set the table for many years of hard core performance and singular purpose to absolutely kick butt on the track.
2000 was a turning point in my professional career. While I was completely immersed in Corvette, this was the FIRST year I had the opportunity to go to the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY. The Labor Day celebration was phenominal and for the first time in my life, I was sitting in the Chevrolet theater inside the NCM. Dave Hill, chief engineer at the time, was giving a presentation on the introduction of the 2001 ZO6.
WHAT A SEMINAR!
Every single person in the packed theater was hanging on his every word. I kept thinking, "Does anyone really understand the level of this man's knowledge about this car????"
That was my first experience with a Corvette seminar of any kind. I never had a chance to thank Dave Hill in person for that day, but it would forever change my professional life. I left that theater with one thought: "Someday, somehow, I will know as much as I can know about Corvette and I will be the person presenting in that theater." I never realized how that focus would serve me in the future.
2003 and I was still fighting to obtain GM World Class Certification as a service technician. This is the highest level of certification a GM technician can achieve. But after being stonewalled by my first employer, I decided to move to Dworkin Chevrolet in Derby CT. After speaking with Jay Antonucci, the service manager and a previous Cadillac master technician, I knew it was where I wanted to be. Warren Dworkin was a Corvette enthusiast himself, owning many wonderful Corvettes including his solid axle 1962 and his 2003 50th anniversary. With that commitment from my dealership, I was able to attain my world class June 19, 2007. Warren, Adam, Jay and the entire dealership celebrated my achievement with me along with Dan Fuller and other GM representatives. It was a day I will never forget!
In 2004, the Lemans Z16 Commemorative was introduced as everyone was still talking about the amazing 50th anniversary edition with Magnetic Ride control. This Corvette boasted a cutting edge suspension that is STILL being produced today because it works so well. BUT the 2004 ZO6 Z16 is still my all time favorite C5, a first carbon fiber hood, the one year only shocks for the ZO6 just made the car everything I felt it needed to be. Can anyone say "driver's car" ????
Corvettemechanic.com was the brainchild of GM master technician Denise from Massechusetts. Denise and I met over the web on corvetteactioncenter.com. The premise for the website was to provide accurate technical information without all the BS from advertisers skewing accurate service to the Corvette owner. I felt honored that Denise would ask me to assist in this goal. But in truth, it was Rob I have to thank more than anyone. Over the few years, I had served on Corvetteforum, c5forum, Crossedflags and other internet boards without any real notice. It was Rob who added "chick" and "c4c5specialist" to the technical advisory staff at Corvetteactioncenter.com. Rob contacted me and asked if I would consider giving a Corvette seminar at the Cruisefest in Auburn Indiana that year. "UM, well, YES!" was my response.
That first seminar, under a tent, with 11 people helped me gain my confidence. It was at this event, that I knew I wanted to do more, but certainly didnt have the level of confidence I wanted to. Rob and the others attending my first seminar supported me tremendously. That support gave me the opportunity to speak to Lance Miller from Carlisle events. I had attended Corvettes at Carlisle since 2000, but my introduction was rehearsed and my voice strained, "Your event doesnt have anyone who advises on C5, I would like to be that person." The silence on the other end of the line was deafening, LOL. But, Lance allowed me to do one seminar on C5 diagnostic assistance and this service has blossomed into C5 and C6 diagnostic assistance. I continue to serve Carlisle attendees today.
2005, and C6 rolls into production. 400 HP and enough power to really push this car ahead. The C6 Corvette was more of an evolution of the C5 and certainly continued the challenge of keeping my knowledge up to speed on the new vehicle.
2006 and the lauded ZO6 is reintroduced with a butt kicking 7.0L/427 CID and 505 horsepower, massive brakes, better suspension and more aggressive handling. But the aluminum full frame really set this car apart, the lighter weight and strength all added to the impressive driveline. Technology was moving forward and with the thanks to GM training, I was able to keep up and excel at servicing Corvette.
Fast forward to 2009 and here comes the Z R 1! Supercharged 6.2L at 638 horsepower and magnetic ride control was only the beginning of what this vehicle was. Carbon ceramic composition brakes along with Brembo calipers made this braking system the best there was on Corvette in every way. Carbon fiber parts all over the place and me, DROOLING ALL OVER IT! I never worked with more than a carbon fiber hood on 2004 Z16/ZO6 and little magnesium and aluminum. Carbon fiber ground effects was a whole new ball game.
2009 was also first year I was invited by the National Corvette Museum to conduct a seminar in the Chevrolet theater and perform diagnostic assistance to anyone needing it. To this day I do NOT know how Roc and the others found out about me but am I glad they did! My seminar was 8:30AM on Friday and I was as nervous as I had ever been. I arrived an hour early and those of you who know me understand. When I stood on the floor in front of the stage, I didn't climb the steps to the stage. I couldn't bring myself to stand up where the true legends of Corvette have stood before me. I kept thinking, Zora, Dave Mclellan, Dave Hill, and all the members of the NCM Hall of Fame stood here. "No, I'm not ready yet, but someday I will be!" kept echoing through my mind.
In July, I was contacted by Mid America Motorworks to be involved as a seminar presenter at "Corvette Funfest", an event that is held every year in September. I had heard of the event but never was able to attend. In August, we decided to meet up at Carlisle and discuss how I could contribute to their event. This will mark my fifth year at Corvette Funfest and I look forward to presenting and being a part of their 20th annual celebration.
Since then, some of the most special Corvettes I have ever worked on have been produced. These include the 50th anniversary, Carlisle Blue celebrating our dear friends at Carlisle events, the return of the Callaway B2K Corvette, Centennial edition, the 60th anniversary with a 427.
And now, the all new Stingray is here. 2014 and C7 will usher in a new era of Corvette performance, refinement, racetrack capability and QUALITY. The Generation 5 LT1 engine, T-6070 7 speed manual transmission, electronic limited slip differential and all the different aspects of this vehicle will be a challenge to maintain and repair. The key, as always will be my resources and training from GM.
I am humbled and honored to have served Corvette for the past 16 years and being able to repair and maintain everything from a 1962 solid axle to the present 2013 Corvettes.
Corvette engineering has supported me in ways that I cannot express. Art Spong, brand quality manager for years and Dave Peacy before him were and are my driving force from within GM to be the best I can possibly be. I owe them so much for all they have done for me professionally and "thank you" just doesn't seem adequate enough in showing my gratitude.
The on the job experiences have allowed me to serve the NCM, Carlisle, Mid America and thousands of Corvette enthusiasts around the world via the web and on site seminars and assistance. Its been more of a pleasure than I can possibly express to all of you! I only hope I can serve for another 16 years!
Professionally,
Paul Koerner
The C5 Coupe was introduced in 1997 to rave reviews including numerous awards from the automotive journals around the world. At this point in my career, I had just been introduced to Corvette and really wasn't ready to serve Corvette. As a young man, I never realized the depth of repairing vehicles, nevermind Corvettes and how much of a singular focus one must have to accurately repair them.
The Corvette received Motor Trend Car of the year honors in 1998, the same year the convertible was introduced. My favorite was the 1998 Indy Pace car WITH all the decals, thank you very much!
1998 was also my first major repair on Corvette, replacing an engine on a 1998 Convertible. Talk about jumping in feet first! But that first experience certainly taught me the value of details. I remember it to this day, Mr. Montalbano was amazing in allowing me to repair his pride and joy.
In 1999, the hardtop model or FRC, fixed roof coupe, made its debut. This Corvette set the table for many years of hard core performance and singular purpose to absolutely kick butt on the track.
2000 was a turning point in my professional career. While I was completely immersed in Corvette, this was the FIRST year I had the opportunity to go to the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY. The Labor Day celebration was phenominal and for the first time in my life, I was sitting in the Chevrolet theater inside the NCM. Dave Hill, chief engineer at the time, was giving a presentation on the introduction of the 2001 ZO6.
WHAT A SEMINAR!
Every single person in the packed theater was hanging on his every word. I kept thinking, "Does anyone really understand the level of this man's knowledge about this car????"
That was my first experience with a Corvette seminar of any kind. I never had a chance to thank Dave Hill in person for that day, but it would forever change my professional life. I left that theater with one thought: "Someday, somehow, I will know as much as I can know about Corvette and I will be the person presenting in that theater." I never realized how that focus would serve me in the future.
2003 and I was still fighting to obtain GM World Class Certification as a service technician. This is the highest level of certification a GM technician can achieve. But after being stonewalled by my first employer, I decided to move to Dworkin Chevrolet in Derby CT. After speaking with Jay Antonucci, the service manager and a previous Cadillac master technician, I knew it was where I wanted to be. Warren Dworkin was a Corvette enthusiast himself, owning many wonderful Corvettes including his solid axle 1962 and his 2003 50th anniversary. With that commitment from my dealership, I was able to attain my world class June 19, 2007. Warren, Adam, Jay and the entire dealership celebrated my achievement with me along with Dan Fuller and other GM representatives. It was a day I will never forget!
In 2004, the Lemans Z16 Commemorative was introduced as everyone was still talking about the amazing 50th anniversary edition with Magnetic Ride control. This Corvette boasted a cutting edge suspension that is STILL being produced today because it works so well. BUT the 2004 ZO6 Z16 is still my all time favorite C5, a first carbon fiber hood, the one year only shocks for the ZO6 just made the car everything I felt it needed to be. Can anyone say "driver's car" ????
Corvettemechanic.com was the brainchild of GM master technician Denise from Massechusetts. Denise and I met over the web on corvetteactioncenter.com. The premise for the website was to provide accurate technical information without all the BS from advertisers skewing accurate service to the Corvette owner. I felt honored that Denise would ask me to assist in this goal. But in truth, it was Rob I have to thank more than anyone. Over the few years, I had served on Corvetteforum, c5forum, Crossedflags and other internet boards without any real notice. It was Rob who added "chick" and "c4c5specialist" to the technical advisory staff at Corvetteactioncenter.com. Rob contacted me and asked if I would consider giving a Corvette seminar at the Cruisefest in Auburn Indiana that year. "UM, well, YES!" was my response.
That first seminar, under a tent, with 11 people helped me gain my confidence. It was at this event, that I knew I wanted to do more, but certainly didnt have the level of confidence I wanted to. Rob and the others attending my first seminar supported me tremendously. That support gave me the opportunity to speak to Lance Miller from Carlisle events. I had attended Corvettes at Carlisle since 2000, but my introduction was rehearsed and my voice strained, "Your event doesnt have anyone who advises on C5, I would like to be that person." The silence on the other end of the line was deafening, LOL. But, Lance allowed me to do one seminar on C5 diagnostic assistance and this service has blossomed into C5 and C6 diagnostic assistance. I continue to serve Carlisle attendees today.
2005, and C6 rolls into production. 400 HP and enough power to really push this car ahead. The C6 Corvette was more of an evolution of the C5 and certainly continued the challenge of keeping my knowledge up to speed on the new vehicle.
2006 and the lauded ZO6 is reintroduced with a butt kicking 7.0L/427 CID and 505 horsepower, massive brakes, better suspension and more aggressive handling. But the aluminum full frame really set this car apart, the lighter weight and strength all added to the impressive driveline. Technology was moving forward and with the thanks to GM training, I was able to keep up and excel at servicing Corvette.
Fast forward to 2009 and here comes the Z R 1! Supercharged 6.2L at 638 horsepower and magnetic ride control was only the beginning of what this vehicle was. Carbon ceramic composition brakes along with Brembo calipers made this braking system the best there was on Corvette in every way. Carbon fiber parts all over the place and me, DROOLING ALL OVER IT! I never worked with more than a carbon fiber hood on 2004 Z16/ZO6 and little magnesium and aluminum. Carbon fiber ground effects was a whole new ball game.
2009 was also first year I was invited by the National Corvette Museum to conduct a seminar in the Chevrolet theater and perform diagnostic assistance to anyone needing it. To this day I do NOT know how Roc and the others found out about me but am I glad they did! My seminar was 8:30AM on Friday and I was as nervous as I had ever been. I arrived an hour early and those of you who know me understand. When I stood on the floor in front of the stage, I didn't climb the steps to the stage. I couldn't bring myself to stand up where the true legends of Corvette have stood before me. I kept thinking, Zora, Dave Mclellan, Dave Hill, and all the members of the NCM Hall of Fame stood here. "No, I'm not ready yet, but someday I will be!" kept echoing through my mind.
In July, I was contacted by Mid America Motorworks to be involved as a seminar presenter at "Corvette Funfest", an event that is held every year in September. I had heard of the event but never was able to attend. In August, we decided to meet up at Carlisle and discuss how I could contribute to their event. This will mark my fifth year at Corvette Funfest and I look forward to presenting and being a part of their 20th annual celebration.
Since then, some of the most special Corvettes I have ever worked on have been produced. These include the 50th anniversary, Carlisle Blue celebrating our dear friends at Carlisle events, the return of the Callaway B2K Corvette, Centennial edition, the 60th anniversary with a 427.
And now, the all new Stingray is here. 2014 and C7 will usher in a new era of Corvette performance, refinement, racetrack capability and QUALITY. The Generation 5 LT1 engine, T-6070 7 speed manual transmission, electronic limited slip differential and all the different aspects of this vehicle will be a challenge to maintain and repair. The key, as always will be my resources and training from GM.
I am humbled and honored to have served Corvette for the past 16 years and being able to repair and maintain everything from a 1962 solid axle to the present 2013 Corvettes.
Corvette engineering has supported me in ways that I cannot express. Art Spong, brand quality manager for years and Dave Peacy before him were and are my driving force from within GM to be the best I can possibly be. I owe them so much for all they have done for me professionally and "thank you" just doesn't seem adequate enough in showing my gratitude.
The on the job experiences have allowed me to serve the NCM, Carlisle, Mid America and thousands of Corvette enthusiasts around the world via the web and on site seminars and assistance. Its been more of a pleasure than I can possibly express to all of you! I only hope I can serve for another 16 years!
Professionally,
Paul Koerner
Friday, January 18, 2013
C7 Front subframe system and interesting details
While looking over the latest computer drawings, a few things really caught my eye on this one.
The front subframe/suspension and steering all must work together to provide constant steering feel, solidity when driving hard and proper ride quality.
The packaging of the photograph below shows so much of that thought, along with lower weight, better packaging for servicing the vehicle and thoughtfulness to detail.
Electronic power steering is a crutial part of this. With that system, its easily programmable to the steering feel desired by the customization feature within the vehicle.
All systems including ABS, Stability control, traction control, vehicle dynamics of the F55 suspension and launch control working together to create a driving experience unlike any other.
Its truly amazing, I hope you enjoy my little breakdown.
Allthebest, the corvettemechanic
The front subframe/suspension and steering all must work together to provide constant steering feel, solidity when driving hard and proper ride quality.
The packaging of the photograph below shows so much of that thought, along with lower weight, better packaging for servicing the vehicle and thoughtfulness to detail.
Electronic power steering is a crutial part of this. With that system, its easily programmable to the steering feel desired by the customization feature within the vehicle.
All systems including ABS, Stability control, traction control, vehicle dynamics of the F55 suspension and launch control working together to create a driving experience unlike any other.
Its truly amazing, I hope you enjoy my little breakdown.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
2014 Stingray driveline breakdown by thecorvettemechanic
Take a look at this picture from the GM media website.
Its computer generated but its a great inside into the differences between the 2014 and previous generations of Corvette.
I have broken down some of the more simpler design stuff that I see. While this is just the basics, it really tells me the level of detail that GM engineering went through to make this car more of a drivers car.
And with the other things that I have noticed on the exterior, this should make for one hell of a great drivers car.
Watch this place for future technical breakdowns of the 2014 Stingray.
Allthebest, thecorvettemechanic
Its computer generated but its a great inside into the differences between the 2014 and previous generations of Corvette.
I have broken down some of the more simpler design stuff that I see. While this is just the basics, it really tells me the level of detail that GM engineering went through to make this car more of a drivers car.
And with the other things that I have noticed on the exterior, this should make for one hell of a great drivers car.
Allthebest, thecorvettemechanic
Monday, January 14, 2013
Welcome welcome welcome to all the Corvette enthusiasts around the world!
This is another way to connect with the Corvette mechanic here in Ct.
We will be talking in depth about all facets of the Corvette hobby.
Corvette events that we attend, as well as seminars that we do will also be part of this blog.
You will find alot of pics, technical articles, how to discussions as well as cutting edge technical evaluations of the new 2014 Stingray!
If anyone has anything they would like to see, please dont hesitate to post up and let us know how we can serve you better!
Allthebest, thecorvettemechanic
This is another way to connect with the Corvette mechanic here in Ct.
We will be talking in depth about all facets of the Corvette hobby.
Corvette events that we attend, as well as seminars that we do will also be part of this blog.
You will find alot of pics, technical articles, how to discussions as well as cutting edge technical evaluations of the new 2014 Stingray!
If anyone has anything they would like to see, please dont hesitate to post up and let us know how we can serve you better!
Allthebest, thecorvettemechanic
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