What's it like DDing a modified Corvette?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,467
Likes: 8
From: 972 and 405
What's it like DDing a modified Corvette?
I ask because I am planning on doing more modifications to the car to enhance the performance in all areas E.I. suspension, braking, engine yadda yadda yadda. I'm not planning on doing anything crazy for power mods on the engine. I installed the Bullets recently, so I'll probably just limit the rest of the power mods to exhaust manifolds, intake and tune. Just wondering if you all are noticing any crazy things happening as far as reliability goes in that particular department.
-Alex
-Alex
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Before you start modding you need to sit down and decide exactly what kind of ride you are going for, do you want it to be the perfect DD, or maybe an ok DD and a monster on the track?
There is no way to "perfectly" mod a car, you will always have some trade off. You just have to decide what trade offs you are willing to make.
There is no way to "perfectly" mod a car, you will always have some trade off. You just have to decide what trade offs you are willing to make.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,467
Likes: 8
From: 972 and 405
Fair enough. I guess what I'm looking for is how reliable is a power modified Corvette with basic mods? With a healthy tune and maintenance shouldn't have any problems right?
Also I plan to lower the rear to match the front on stock bolts. Should I invest in rocker panel protectors? I do drive over speed bumps regularly so if they are required then I'll get them,if not eff it.
-Alex
Also I plan to lower the rear to match the front on stock bolts. Should I invest in rocker panel protectors? I do drive over speed bumps regularly so if they are required then I'll get them,if not eff it.
-Alex
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: lockport IL
if you only do intake exhaust and tune it should drive just like stock, just with more power.
you probably wont notice a difference in the braking unless your on the track.
depends on what suspension mods you do...
you probably wont notice a difference in the braking unless your on the track.
depends on what suspension mods you do...
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Fair enough. I guess what I'm looking for is how reliable is a power modified Corvette with basic mods? With a healthy tune and maintenance shouldn't have any problems right?
Also I plan to lower the rear to match the front on stock bolts. Should I invest in rocker panel protectors? I do drive over speed bumps regularly so if they are required then I'll get them,if not eff it.
-Alex
Also I plan to lower the rear to match the front on stock bolts. Should I invest in rocker panel protectors? I do drive over speed bumps regularly so if they are required then I'll get them,if not eff it.
-Alex
Suggested modifications:
- headers and cat back exhaust (get + ~20HP over OEM setup and a powerful sound while also improving effeciency
- intake: a true cold air intake like honker, vararam, BBP vortex or Hurricane will yield significantly better power and effeciency
The following mods should be accounted for in a tune:
- MAF sensor housing: They can be picked up for around $25 and significantly improve airflow through the intake.
- Ported/aftermarket Throttle body: minimal HP increase, but mainly increases throttle response
Any other HP modification will usually affect driviability and milage.... not to mention put a nice dent in your wallet.
Team Owner
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Drive my SC cammed 99 almost daily...also her cammed 02 no issues.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
Likes: 886
From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
Daily drove mine for a few months on a full bolt-on compliment: Callaway Honker, LG Pro's no cats, Corsa Indy, 160* T-Stat, Underdrive Pulley, Hurst shifter. Drove great, same gas mileage as stock.
Heck, even now with the Twin Turbo's I could easily daily drive this car as it is still as quiet and docile as ever even with 500 to the wheels.
Heck, even now with the Twin Turbo's I could easily daily drive this car as it is still as quiet and docile as ever even with 500 to the wheels.
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Laurel MD
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Mines still pretty much a DD (as long as the weather isn't too ridiculous, then I take my truck). I love having 440RWHP in everyday situations, not to mention the looks I get at a stop light when the car gets that cam shake going at idle 
There are times when I wish it was a little quieter or a little easier to drive, but then I just put my foot in it and remember why I freakin love this car!
There are times when I wish it was a little quieter or a little easier to drive, but then I just put my foot in it and remember why I freakin love this car!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,025
Likes: 2
From: Valdosta GA
Mine is still a daily driver. I supercharged it over three years ago and have done a lot like headers/exhaust, rear gears, RPM level V tranny, dual disc clutch, etc. It is still a great daily driver and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it anywhere. It has 630 rwhp and over 510 rwt.
As with anything though, you may have a few kinks to work out with major modifications (yours don't sound like major modifications though). With the right tune, it will behave like stock in normal driving conditions but you will see a difference when you want to.
Good luck with your changes. You've gotta make the car the way you want it if you are truely going to fully enjoy it.
As with anything though, you may have a few kinks to work out with major modifications (yours don't sound like major modifications though). With the right tune, it will behave like stock in normal driving conditions but you will see a difference when you want to.
Good luck with your changes. You've gotta make the car the way you want it if you are truely going to fully enjoy it.
