What to do really lean for? Performance or Appearance?
Always Shiftin'
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,028
Likes: 939
From: Central Florida
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C5 of Year Finalist (stock)
I have a moderate amount of "Go" mods w/ a moderate amount of "Show" mods. I like the "stock" look with subtle enhancements! 
As far as Show mods go, I am still a purest at heart. I feel that show is more of a function of cleanliness and presentation, than body and interior alterations. I have a few appearance upgrades, but they are all easily removed to return to stock.
My Go mods are also more bolt-on and easily reversed. However, I have recently been considering "digging in to" the engine.
My goal, for my '99 black coupe, is to be a little better looking and go a little faster than the average '99 black coupe!
That is the beauty of the Corvette. You can do just about anything and still have an awesome looking ride! Whatever floats YOUR boat!!
As far as Show mods go, I am still a purest at heart. I feel that show is more of a function of cleanliness and presentation, than body and interior alterations. I have a few appearance upgrades, but they are all easily removed to return to stock.
My Go mods are also more bolt-on and easily reversed. However, I have recently been considering "digging in to" the engine.
My goal, for my '99 black coupe, is to be a little better looking and go a little faster than the average '99 black coupe!
That is the beauty of the Corvette. You can do just about anything and still have an awesome looking ride! Whatever floats YOUR boat!!
Last edited by MacA1979; Oct 16, 2005 at 04:45 PM. Reason: still learning how to spell!!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I guess when I really stop and think about it, it's mostly show I'm after. I have intake,exhaust, sways, shocks, aftermarket tires, and drilled/slotted rotors so other than an actual engine performance enhancement - I've gone as far as I can go.
I have no interest in making the car faster than it is. I agree with Paul - I don't street race, and I don't care much for drag racing. I think both are unneccessarily abusive to the drivetrain and the tires. I don't care about squealing the tires - I got over that when I got out of high school more years ago than I care to think about.
I've done SCCA Solo II Autocross - that's fun and I'd like to do a little more of that, but only if I have tires dedicated for that activity. I've got my old grey wagon wheels. But a lot of available hp is not very beneficial in autox.
I have friends with superchargers and I know of several guys with twin turbo set ups, a few others with H/C - and most of these guys regardless of their setup are putting out 500 - 600 rwhp. Besides giving them bragging rights, and being able to smoke almost anyone across the intersection - what's the point? Once you start down this road, it's a never ending situation, that requires "one more thing" and on and on. Several guys I know went over to a local shop yesterday to take advantage of $50 dyno pulls. A couple of my buddies tried to get me to go, because I've never done that. I said - "Why?" It's basically a stock C5, and it's going to have about 300 rwhp +/- 10hp. What difference does it make?
So Micah - if more hp makes you happy - I say go for it! You've been around here long enough to know the old adage....."It's your car, do what makes you happy!"
I have no interest in making the car faster than it is. I agree with Paul - I don't street race, and I don't care much for drag racing. I think both are unneccessarily abusive to the drivetrain and the tires. I don't care about squealing the tires - I got over that when I got out of high school more years ago than I care to think about.
I've done SCCA Solo II Autocross - that's fun and I'd like to do a little more of that, but only if I have tires dedicated for that activity. I've got my old grey wagon wheels. But a lot of available hp is not very beneficial in autox.
I have friends with superchargers and I know of several guys with twin turbo set ups, a few others with H/C - and most of these guys regardless of their setup are putting out 500 - 600 rwhp. Besides giving them bragging rights, and being able to smoke almost anyone across the intersection - what's the point? Once you start down this road, it's a never ending situation, that requires "one more thing" and on and on. Several guys I know went over to a local shop yesterday to take advantage of $50 dyno pulls. A couple of my buddies tried to get me to go, because I've never done that. I said - "Why?" It's basically a stock C5, and it's going to have about 300 rwhp +/- 10hp. What difference does it make?
So Micah - if more hp makes you happy - I say go for it! You've been around here long enough to know the old adage....."It's your car, do what makes you happy!"
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,809
Likes: 237
From: Utah
Originally Posted by WNeal
What about both, it can't get any better than that.
Doing nothing at all, you have a great looking car, just maintain it.
The Mods are endless.
Getting there is half the fun
Doing nothing at all, you have a great looking car, just maintain it.
The Mods are endless.
Getting there is half the fun
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 5
From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
I guess when I really stop and think about it, it's mostly show I'm after. I have intake,exhaust, sways, shocks, aftermarket tires, and drilled/slotted rotors so other than an actual engine performance enhancement - I've gone as far as I can go.
I have no interest in making the car faster than it is. I agree with Paul - I don't street race, and I don't care much for drag racing. I think both are unneccessarily abusive to the drivetrain and the tires. I don't care about squealing the tires - I got over that when I got out of high school more years ago than I care to think about.
I've done SCCA Solo II Autocross - that's fun and I'd like to do a little more of that, but only if I have tires dedicated for that activity. I've got my old grey wagon wheels. But a lot of available hp is not very beneficial in autox.
I have friends with superchargers and I know of several guys with twin turbo set ups, a few others with H/C - and most of these guys regardless of their setup are putting out 500 - 600 rwhp. Besides giving them bragging rights, and being able to smoke almost anyone across the intersection - what's the point? Once you start down this road, it's a never ending situation, that requires "one more thing" and on and on. Several guys I know went over to a local shop yesterday to take advantage of $50 dyno pulls. A couple of my buddies tried to get me to go, because I've never done that. I said - "Why?" It's basically a stock C5, and it's going to have about 300 rwhp +/- 10hp. What difference does it make?
So Micah - if more hp makes you happy - I say go for it! You've been around here long enough to know the old adage....."It's your car, do what makes you happy!"
I have no interest in making the car faster than it is. I agree with Paul - I don't street race, and I don't care much for drag racing. I think both are unneccessarily abusive to the drivetrain and the tires. I don't care about squealing the tires - I got over that when I got out of high school more years ago than I care to think about.
I've done SCCA Solo II Autocross - that's fun and I'd like to do a little more of that, but only if I have tires dedicated for that activity. I've got my old grey wagon wheels. But a lot of available hp is not very beneficial in autox.
I have friends with superchargers and I know of several guys with twin turbo set ups, a few others with H/C - and most of these guys regardless of their setup are putting out 500 - 600 rwhp. Besides giving them bragging rights, and being able to smoke almost anyone across the intersection - what's the point? Once you start down this road, it's a never ending situation, that requires "one more thing" and on and on. Several guys I know went over to a local shop yesterday to take advantage of $50 dyno pulls. A couple of my buddies tried to get me to go, because I've never done that. I said - "Why?" It's basically a stock C5, and it's going to have about 300 rwhp +/- 10hp. What difference does it make?
So Micah - if more hp makes you happy - I say go for it! You've been around here long enough to know the old adage....."It's your car, do what makes you happy!"
Very well said!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,308
Likes: 1
From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Micah - For the most part, all I have done is appearance mods on mine since the car is under a warranty (either factory or now extended). I did not want to do anything that could give anyone a reason to deny a warranty claim should it arise. At least for another three plus years, I'll be keeping that same perspective. But, at some point I will want to do some performance tweaks to the car. I too have done just about all I want in the appearance department. If you are still under a warranty and that matters to you, then its a tough decision on whether or not to do performance mods. If you're not under a warranty or you just want to take the chance, then all you have to decide is what mods to do and set enough money aside to pay for any problems. I think many of us are in exactly the same situation as you.
In any case, enjoy the car.
In any case, enjoy the car.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,789
Likes: 894
From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
I did not want to do anything that could give anyone a reason to deny a warranty claim should it arise
