Original or Modified?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: La Mirada California
Original or Modified?
I am a new corvette owner (well new to me). I purchased a 1996 Coupe, Polo Green, about three months ago in good condition with 48K original miles and all original equipment. I was thinking of adding the JBA smog legal headers and the Borla exhaust, but I am worried that maybe I shouldn't modify the vehicle, but rather keep it all original. This is not a daily driver and I keep it garaged and covered. I am joining a corvette club in my area and I want to enjoy it as well as show it. I see that the shows offer original or modified classes of corvettes. Can you provide some advice on this subject?
P.S. I know that I need to put some photos on the site. I will do that this weekend. HA!! Said it before anyone posted it.
P.S. I know that I need to put some photos on the site. I will do that this weekend. HA!! Said it before anyone posted it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,377
Likes: 2,297
From: Central Maryland
It's your car. You worked hard to buy it with YOUR hard-earned cash. Do what makes YOU happiest. If you like it best original, keep it that way. If you prefer to tweak it to suit YOUR tastes, damn the torpedoes, and to hell with what anyone else thinks/says about the subject.
Be well,
SJW
Be well,
SJW
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Do the smog legal headers and exhaust! But keep all the original parts so if you ever sell it or need to put the stocker's back you'll have them ready and on hand! That way you can keep the integrity of your Vette!
Thanks,Matt
Thanks,Matt
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,175
Likes: 237
From: Philadelphia Burbs
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by SJW
It's your car. You worked hard to buy it with YOUR hard-earned cash. Do what makes YOU happiest. If you like it best original, keep it that way. If you prefer to tweak it to suit YOUR tastes, damn the torpedoes, and to hell with what anyone else thinks/says about the subject.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 806
Likes: 0
From: Langley B.C.
Originally Posted by SJW
It's your car. You worked hard to buy it with YOUR hard-earned cash. Do what makes YOU happiest. If you like it best original, keep it that way. If you prefer to tweak it to suit YOUR tastes, damn the torpedoes, and to hell with what anyone else thinks/says about the subject.
Be well,
SJW
Be well,
SJW
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Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 536
Likes: 0
From: Humble Texas
If my 96 wasn't a daily driver Id be broke.Id put exhaust, headers turbo,rear end gear,etc you get the point.I dont mind mine being all stock, even the exhaust, and its quite..like everyone says its your car,make it good for you.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by Hot Rod 90
keep the body cosmetics 100% original. mod the hell out of the engine.
these 2 factors make a great corvette. i agree, stock performance blows.
these 2 factors make a great corvette. i agree, stock performance blows.
There are few changes or mods I've made to my car that I regretted. But when that occurred, they were changed in short order. Mod until your wallet screams for mercy..... and then mod some more!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I'd also say, do what makes you happy. But maybe the caveat to that is, do what is also reversible....ahhhhh... if you so choose.
Matt has a good idea: do the exhaust. And my suggestion is store it in the rafters in your garage. When you go to sell (I know, you're never going to sell it...), you've got the originals to either put on, or sell with it. Or, sell off the mods and put the originals back on.
Any way you go, enjoy the ride. And...btw...where the heck are the pictures.....!!!!!!
Matt has a good idea: do the exhaust. And my suggestion is store it in the rafters in your garage. When you go to sell (I know, you're never going to sell it...), you've got the originals to either put on, or sell with it. Or, sell off the mods and put the originals back on.
Any way you go, enjoy the ride. And...btw...where the heck are the pictures.....!!!!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,198
Likes: 10
From: Homestead Fl
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by Hot Rod 90
keep the body cosmetics 100% original. mod the hell out of the engine.
these 2 factors make a great corvette. i agree, stock performance blows.
these 2 factors make a great corvette. i agree, stock performance blows.
as well as to the comments of save the old and ditto to Corvette Kid. It's your Corvette. Might as well feel at home in it.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
I'm into stock, but I'm not one of those NCRS ****'s. Do what ever you want, it's your car, not a temple! Just remember that when you modify, you pay twice. Once to modify, and then back to stock (or through deduction) when you sell it. Most mods, for various reasons, hurt resale unless you're selling to a forum member (not likely). Just My Opinion! Now let the games begin!
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Springfield MO
My motto: Mod it and make it your own. I like being unique and setting mine apart from the rest. However, it's your car. Do what makes YOU happy!
I have a feeling that new exhaust will be very satisfying for you.. if you choose the right system for your taste.
I have a feeling that new exhaust will be very satisfying for you.. if you choose the right system for your taste.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 21
From: CLAREMONT Ca
Congrats on your new toy. I too have a Polo Green '94. Mine has a stock exhaust and I constantly view these threads in hopes of making a decision to install a cat-back system. It gets confusing with so many opinions. If you choose to convert, I'd like to hear what it sounds like. I really need to attend a corvette show a listen to as many types of systems though. As most of the guys here have stated, do what best suits you. Good luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,959
Likes: 40
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Do a cat back exhaust, keep original in garage. Get gears for real fun (3.75 for auto, 4.10 for 6 speed), Extrude hone stock manifolds, as this will keep it stock looking but give you the same power as a set of shorty Emission legal headers.
Modifying is the way to go. Once you get the bug, its all over. It becomes an obsession.
Modifying is the way to go. Once you get the bug, its all over. It becomes an obsession.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,383
Likes: 2
From: The real question is; When you turn your car on, does it return the favor..
Cruise-In VIII & IX Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
Congrats on your new Vet. I have to agree with most on this one. Its your Vet so do what you want to it. I got my Vet 3 years ago and I wanted to make it different. When I purchased it it was painted Gold and all stock. Now its 98 Radar Blue and slightly modified. But I have more to do to it as time goes on.
My Moto, Be Creative -
Anywho have fun with yor Vet and make it yours.....
My Moto, Be Creative -
Anywho have fun with yor Vet and make it yours.....