Must have Mods
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
Must have Mods
Starting to mod my C5 coupe. want everyone's opinion on what the must have mods are. Just got a Blackwing and Performance Hood Seal. So come on, tell me what mods every Vette should have.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,594
Likes: 959
From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
It comes down to a few different things. First how much money do you have to spend on the mods and second are you looking for looks or performance?
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 593
Likes: 12
From: Maryland Heights MO
For performance you need heads/cam/headers/tune. That will boost you to 400+ RWHP. Little boltons will not give you much gains.
If you're going after looks, a sweet set of 18/19" aftermarket wheels!
Once you start modding get ready to start dumping some serious $$$. This isn't a cheap hobby as we all have learned.
If you're going after looks, a sweet set of 18/19" aftermarket wheels!
Once you start modding get ready to start dumping some serious $$$. This isn't a cheap hobby as we all have learned.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 1
From: Rugby North Dakota
Well let's see, I was gonna say a stall converter, but you have a manual so . . .
- 3.73 gears & hardened output shaft
- DTE strut brace
- '04 Z06 springs, swaybars and shocks
- Dynatech Supermaxx headers
- reinforced/stiffer tunnel plate
- sound deadening kit
- AFR 205 heads
- LG G5X3 cam
- Z06 air intake (or aftermarket)
- 160* T-stat
- caddy racing lifters
- hardened pushrods
- Taylor Fire Sleeves on the plug wires
- Underdrive crank pulley
- Hi Volume Oil Pump
- timing chain upgrade
Oh, maybe I'm getting a little carried away - you didn't say what your budget was, so hope I didn't exceed it
- 3.73 gears & hardened output shaft
- DTE strut brace
- '04 Z06 springs, swaybars and shocks
- Dynatech Supermaxx headers
- reinforced/stiffer tunnel plate
- sound deadening kit
- AFR 205 heads
- LG G5X3 cam
- Z06 air intake (or aftermarket)
- 160* T-stat
- caddy racing lifters
- hardened pushrods
- Taylor Fire Sleeves on the plug wires
- Underdrive crank pulley
- Hi Volume Oil Pump
- timing chain upgrade
Oh, maybe I'm getting a little carried away - you didn't say what your budget was, so hope I didn't exceed it
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,487
Likes: 5
From: Naples Florida
For performance you need heads/cam/headers/tune. That will boost you to 400+ RWHP. Little boltons will not give you much gains.
If you're going after looks, a sweet set of 18/19" aftermarket wheels!
Once you start modding get ready to start dumping some serious $$$. This isn't a cheap hobby as we all have learned.
If you're going after looks, a sweet set of 18/19" aftermarket wheels!
Once you start modding get ready to start dumping some serious $$$. This isn't a cheap hobby as we all have learned.
Wheels 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: Torrance CA
Start with some Longtube headers, a good flowing catback (z06 ti, or my favorite Borla, bullets, corsa), then get some gears if you have a manual (3.73 if you are going for big power mods later on, or 3.90's or 4.10s if you are aren't going to put a blower on or have too much power in the future). After that you could make a decision as to wether or not you want to proceed with big power mods or be happy with what you have. Good luck and have Fun!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,987
Likes: 18
From: DuBois PA
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Short Throw shifter and DIY Anti Venom mod...
A purdy Cat back...
Rear Vanity plate to cover that nasty *** plastic thing hanging down in the back...
Paint your calipres...
Headers...
In that order!
Then figure out if you want to go H/C or FI....
A purdy Cat back...
Rear Vanity plate to cover that nasty *** plastic thing hanging down in the back...
Paint your calipres...
Headers...
In that order!
Then figure out if you want to go H/C or FI....
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New wheels/tires
LT headers
Paint calipers
New interior (Vette Essentials recommended)
These are just a few of the many you can do.
LT headers
Paint calipers
New interior (Vette Essentials recommended)
These are just a few of the many you can do.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
Wow! There are more mods than you can shake a stick at. I'm married with a wife that was born to shop, so budget is always an issue. I will say that my finances will allow me to do most any mod in due time. Too bad real life isn't like one of my favorite video games, GranTurismo, where I have an unlimited capital at my disposal and do all of my mods in one sitting.
I guess I want a mixture of power and looks. Would like to do most of the performance mods prior to the dress up mods. However, one of the first things I did whenI got my Vette was to put the C5 plate on the back near the exhaust.
My next upgrade will definitely be the exhaust. This forum is great. So many ideas to choose from.
I guess I want a mixture of power and looks. Would like to do most of the performance mods prior to the dress up mods. However, one of the first things I did whenI got my Vette was to put the C5 plate on the back near the exhaust.
My next upgrade will definitely be the exhaust. This forum is great. So many ideas to choose from.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Haymarket VA
CI 7-8 Veteran
There are no "must have" mods. You need to ask your self the question, "What to I want out of this car"? Show car? Drag car? AutoX/HPDE car? Gentleman's cruiser? Once you've answered that, then we can direct you down a mod trail. The only thing I can say at this point is to not start throwing money at the car *****-nilly. Have a plan before you start to mod. Otherwise, you'll just be wasting money and not getting all the enjoyment out of the car that you could.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 2
From: Flagler Beach Florida
If you have a manual transmission one of the easiest....and cheapest mods (approx $20) is the CAGS eliminator harness. Then I agree on the more expensive side would be a catback system and wheels.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,222
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
There are no "must have" mods. You need to ask your self the question, "What to I want out of this car"? Show car? Drag car? AutoX/HPDE car? Gentleman's cruiser? Once you've answered that, then we can direct you down a mod trail. The only thing I can say at this point is to not start throwing money at the car *****-nilly. Have a plan before you start to mod. Otherwise, you'll just be wasting money and not getting all the enjoyment out of the car that you could.