As I'm waiting for some additional funds to arrive in the next few days, I've been looking at several upgrades that I want to do, but am not sure which step should be my next.

I've taken care of my rearview mirror problem with the help of Marc over at Vettenuts. My new mirror arrived yesterday, I just need the time to install it.

I have new plugs, wires, and poly bushings on the way from GM Parts House, so again, once I havce the time to install, I'll have my tune-up completed and will have finally gotten rid of the annoying squeaks from front and rear once my jacking pucks arrive from Southern Car Parts.

This takes care of the minor problems I was having (other than the CarToys fiasco), so now I'm looking at spending the last of this month's car budget on some equipment upgrades with a roughly $300 limit, give or take a few dollars. My 2000 coupe is strictly stock other than the aftermarket alarm & stereo system. My choices are:

Brake rotors & pads- Brakemotive drilled/slotted rotors & either Hawk or GM ceramic pads (This would lead to C5/Z06 calipers & steel braided brake lines in the next couple of months, so would wait for install until I had all pieces ready to go on)

C6 shifter- GM Parts House special - Current favorite, but an MGW in place of C6 seems to be the weapon of choice.

C6/Z51 sway bar/end links- GM Parts House Special

SLP Blackwing CAI (not interested in a VRAM atm)- Vendor tbd

None of the current equipment that these items would replace is in any danger of failing, I'm just looking to upgrade. Which of these do you think I would get the most enjoyment out of and should be my next step? Feel free to suggest something I might have overlooked on this list.


Edit- Wanted to thank whoever posted this: http://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Socke.../dp/B000RB31YO

I ordered this extension at the same time I ordered the new plugs and wires so I can get to that nasty #7 plug without too much fuss. I also have an oil filter magnet & magnetic drain plug on the way for my upcoming oil change. First one since I bought the car.

 

It's manual right? Short throw shifter!
Mine came with one and I love it!

 

Yes, it is a manual. That's why I was looking at the C6/Z06 shifter; from what I've been reading it's got a shorter throw and snaps to the middle much better than the stock C5 shifter does.

 

I really like my Hurricane CAI!!!!

Might be for sale too... I might be going FI

 

Second the shifter mod! It's one you will enjoy every time you shift...
I have the MGW, and love it!

 

That's the one from WCC isn't it? What's the difference between it and the Blackwing?

 

Who sells the MGW? How would it compare to the C6/Z06 shifter?

 

Go to their website. It is a very well built, precision piece! I think they are $250.

 

If your set on your brakes as the next mod, I would do the rotors and pads, but paint the calipers myself and sand off the lettering. You can get Caliper paint at Auzozone or somewhere else. I don't feel that the stainless steel lines are necessary for a street car. I use power stop rotors because I got all four for 240 bucks shipped.

 

Do they fit in the C5 boot, or would I need a custom boot made for it?

 

I really don't have anywhere to do any painting, and as the Vette is my only car I really prefer to have straight bolt-on replacements so it's not down for any length of time. Also, I do plan on doing some drag racing once I finish replacing a few things and adding some support to the back end. I'm only 20 minutes from the local NHRA track and I do enjoy the weekend track days.

 

I think the black wing requires you to cut the stock radiator shroud. The Hurricane comes with a nice and fancy fiberglass one that installed in place of the stock one. I think it looks nice.

 

Painting calipers can be done in your garage. just remove the calipers and plug the break lines so fluid doesnt go everywhere. Clean them with break cleaner and a brush. There are caliper paints in spray cans as well as in small quarts. Its pretty simple. I used both. Used a spray can to do the entire caliper, and then used a fine brush and a different color to paint the raised "CORVETTE" on the front.

 

I don't have a garage.

 

Use your porch or back patio... Just be sure to put news paper down on the ground. hehe

 

I painted mine with the calipers still connected by the line. Just unbolt them where you can paint all around them. Mask off the body and everything obviously. This can be done in a driveway or on the side of the street. Just need a jack, and a torque wrench to put the wheels back on.

 

No porch or back patio either. As I said, I don't have anywhere to do any painting. If I tried the paint would be contaminated within minutes from the open exposure to prevalent winds out of the south and the gnats (and other bugs) that never seem to go away around here. This is why I haven't yet tried to refurbish my hood liner. I simply have nowhere I can safely do this type of work. I'd much prefer to buy new parts that would come with a one year warranty anyway.

 

I'm using the stock **** and boot, with no modifications. I do have another Hurst shift **** coming though.

 

Would you happen to know how it compares to the C6 shifter?

 

It is more precise, I would say, and self centering. I don't think the C6Z shifter is. You will get a better feel, and lil shorter throws with the C6Z shifter. I like both, just think the MGW is very well made! A lil shorter throws vs the stock C5 shifter that is.