For DIY Vette Owners

The following "Details" are for 6 of the 28 available "Reports" on accessories, modifications, installation and general information. 

CLICK TO SEE a list and photos of all 25 items

The scraping noise heard when driving over even a small dip out of a driveway makes you cringe!  That is the bottom of the Skid Support Assembly hitting the ground. 

There are several devices sold to help.  Some use a wheel cantilevered to one side of the support.  However you must drill a 3/8 inch hole in a support that is only about twice that thickness.  The wheels also stick down so far you'll be lifting the front even more.  There are also skid plates sold that apparently fit a C5 but you would have to cut some of the air deflectors to make it fit a C6.  In addition, the way they attach doesn't look like it will be loaded in a way that will keep it in position. 

Green Corvette (reduced energy use; GNC)

Corvette is one of the most energy efficient sports cars.  However the general public and even enthusiasts who have not keep up with its technology often consider it an energy waster!  Our GNC report provides some statistics useful to use when responding to uninformed inefficiency comments from folks who do not understand its virtues. The Corvette is compared with  several Porsche, Nissan, and Ferrari models.  It also provides suggestions on how Chevy can expand the target market for Corvettes by providing an even Greener “reduced energy use” model. In keeping with the Corvettes image of being a tool for exploring leading edge technology it's suggested Chevy consider incorporating a 2009 Formula 1 type KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) in this model.  The KERS could be used to recover some of the energy used in braking.  Of the power that gets to the rear wheels 42% is expended in braking!  It might also be used to save the 17% energy in gasoline that the average car wastes idling.  Since only about 13% of the energy in gasoline gets to the rear wheels (a majority going to cooling the engine and exhaust heat along with idling) this could be a significant energy savings!  The KERS would deliver the power needed for air-conditioner and electrical needs when the engine was turned off when idling.

Just showing a prototype of the “Green Corvette” at car shows and the resulting free magazine publicity would allow the public to see that the standard V8 models are also state of the art and more energy efficient than most sports cars (and many sedans!)   It would help all Corvette enthusiasts and should help sell more standard Corvettes.     Go to Reports Page to Download

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Dual Mode Exhaust Switch; ITEM EXS 

For Z06 and 2008/9 with NPP Option.  A switch to turn this function on and off when you want is a must.  If nothing else, to hear the gurgling and popping when backing off at low speeds!  The stock system closes the butterflies below ~3000 RPM depending on year and model.  With a switch you're in control!

We found a place to put the switch that is hidden from view, easily and readily accessible while driving and requires drilling one small hidden hole!  If you want to return to stock a small black rubber plug will go unnoticed (but anyone buying the Corvette will want this feature-even a purest!) The PDF shows step by step construction with photos including how we made the hidden switch holder etc.  There is no need to go to the fuse panel in the engine compartment, the fuse that operates the Dual Mode Exhaust on both Z06 and 2008/9 NPP option is in front of the passenger foot well.  No alterations of the panel or wiring required, just plug in an “Add-a- Circuit” the way we show and crimp on the proper size wires to an Off-0n Switch.   Routing the wires is a snap since your not going very far and none pass through the firewall etc.  Just tuck them in the console.  The design maintains the 10 amp fuse and draws no current when the car is off.

Using The Switch Is A Great Way To Increase Gas Mileage!

No it's not the improvement from lower exhaust restriction, doubt if that is measurable!  It's the fact that when you hear the exhaust noise and the burbling when you decelerate at low speeds you only need to go slow!  Seriously, I have found that I do not put my foot to the floor as often when I have the exhaust opened.  No need to get to 3000 rpm to get the great sound.  In fact if you want you could use lower octane gas and if you keep your foot out of the throttle and keep rpm's high so your not lugging the engine it may not even have to detune itself to the 87 octane program!  Yes it does have such a program and detecting a slight knock it will revert to reduced timing, for a least a short time! Go to Reports Page

Want More Information on Ways of Saving Gasoline?

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Radar Detector, Visor Mount; ITEM PWR (Includes Getting Power From Mirror)

If you want your radar detector out of the way, the best place to install it is with a clip on the passenger visor.  The added benefit of that location is you can connect to the 12V power available at the mirror.   Very little wire is visible and none from outside of the car.  That power is only on when the car is on.  If you use the cigarette lighter and a windshield mount the power is always on and if you leave connected for a week a dead battery might greet you!  Mounting on the visor makes it difficult to see from outside the car!

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GRILL MESH SCREEN; ITEM GMS 

After a failure of the air conditioner condenser due to what Chevy Service said was caused by a rock (and therefore not covered by warrantee,) decided to purchase this GM  Grill Mesh Screen that installs behind the standard grill and protects the condenser and radiator.  Not wanting any Bling thought about painting it flat black.  However it is not that visible.  In fact if you want a different look get something else!  There are several moderately difficult installation issues that are worth reading in the report.

An interesting observation was found after examining the failed condenser.  An 11 page documented report proved to Chevy home office it was not a rock that caused the leak!  They agreed it was a warrantee item and provided full reimbursement!  Full details in the report.  Go to Reports Page

Changing Oil With Only Jacks; ITEM COJ

Devised a way to change oil and filter without having to haul out the low ramps that were built to get the car off the ground enough to insert a large jack and cross brace.

This approach uses inexpensive low profile jacks to raise the car sides just enough to slip the main lift jack with home built cross brace under the front spoiler and it positioned properly beneath the Vette's aluminum front cross member.  An inexpensive hydraulic floor jack was modified to fit under a lifting "puck" on  the car side.

Purchase Training Aids

Purchase Flow Rate Limiter