Corvette on a Budget
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
Corvette on a Budget
Ok, This is my first Vette and Im as proud as a new Papa, but I dont make a million $ an hour so what I would like to see here is ideas or mods that would be affordable to the everyday Joe like myself.
I AM a Vette Newbie and Im sure there are alot of other Vette Newbies that would really appreciate any ideas ya all can give us!!
Remember Please, CORVETTE ON A BUDGET!
Thanx !!
I AM a Vette Newbie and Im sure there are alot of other Vette Newbies that would really appreciate any ideas ya all can give us!!
Remember Please, CORVETTE ON A BUDGET!
Thanx !!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7,207
Likes: 311
From: Lino Lakes MN
first an formost, fill out your profile so everyone knows what your driving and mods you may have.
paint your calipers and hats, you'll need a couple of cans of brake clean, a small can of rustoluem paint, your choice of color and some foam brushes. Maybe $15 worth of supplies at your local walley world.
If you don't mind cutting up your car this has been somewhat effective for some members
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...-write-up.html
Clean and polish the entire car.
paint your calipers and hats, you'll need a couple of cans of brake clean, a small can of rustoluem paint, your choice of color and some foam brushes. Maybe $15 worth of supplies at your local walley world.
If you don't mind cutting up your car this has been somewhat effective for some members
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...-write-up.html
Clean and polish the entire car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,036
Likes: 845
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
Some details on the car would help. Looks like an early C5. Description, condition, how's it run, any known problems, etc....
"How do I mod it" is like asking how do I change the world without knowing what's working in it (not much. ;-( ) and what's not. No real good answers.
Also, what are you looking for? Me? I just bought a stock '03 6M and that's probably how it will stay.
Need to know what you're starting with and what your expectations are.
"How do I mod it" is like asking how do I change the world without knowing what's working in it (not much. ;-( ) and what's not. No real good answers.
Also, what are you looking for? Me? I just bought a stock '03 6M and that's probably how it will stay.
Need to know what you're starting with and what your expectations are.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
Some details on the car would help. Looks like an early C5. Description, condition, how's it run, any known problems, etc....
"How do I mod it" is like asking how do I change the world without knowing what's working in it (not much. ;-( ) and what's not. No real good answers.
Also, what are you looking for? Me? I just bought a stock '03 6M and that's probably how it will stay.
Need to know what you're starting with and what your expectations are.
"How do I mod it" is like asking how do I change the world without knowing what's working in it (not much. ;-( ) and what's not. No real good answers.
Also, what are you looking for? Me? I just bought a stock '03 6M and that's probably how it will stay.
Need to know what you're starting with and what your expectations are.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Check out the C5 Parts for Sale section for some good used upgrades. Consider something like a Blackwing intake, used catback exhaust, different wheels, etc. Painting the calipers like mentioned above is a cheap way to make an appearance upgrade.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
first an formost, fill out your profile so everyone knows what your driving and mods you may have.
paint your calipers and hats, you'll need a couple of cans of brake clean, a small can of rustoluem paint, your choice of color and some foam brushes. Maybe $15 worth of supplies at your local walley world.
If you don't mind cutting up your car this has been somewhat effective for some members
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...-write-up.html
Clean and polish the entire car.
paint your calipers and hats, you'll need a couple of cans of brake clean, a small can of rustoluem paint, your choice of color and some foam brushes. Maybe $15 worth of supplies at your local walley world.
If you don't mind cutting up your car this has been somewhat effective for some members
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...-write-up.html
Clean and polish the entire car.
I may just invest the $15 in some paint and paint the calipers myself.
That sounds like a Mod/upgrade I can do myself and would be very affordable.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,237
Likes: 9
From: Springhill FL
Im starting with a totally stock 98 C5. (pictured) my thoughts of improvement (for my own Vette) are maybe a K&N Air Filter & some other little items like better spark plugs/wires etc. for now. Im just not sure what works the best so Im asking you guys that have been around Vettes for a while for the best advice on everything while keeping it simple & affordable. Basically, the best CHEAP or FREE mods that a person could do to his or her own Vette to make it better.
http://ls1tech.com/forums/corvette-p...p-tie-mod.html
Also check out the Anti-venom mod to improve your shifter feel. Will cost you a few cents for a washer. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...procedure.html
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,820
Likes: 34
From: Ravensdale WA
GM performance plugs and wires work well. Check with Gene at GM Parts House. Fix the seat rock. Easy to do. Check the stickies. Re-solder the HVAC if you have the automatic one. There is a good thread on that on here. I totally removed my interior and cleaned every thing. It looks like new now with that and new seat covers. LLoyds Mats are a nice addition. All this stuff is not much money except the seat covers. You can save money if you need those by not getting the reproductions. There are some nice 2 tone ones for a lot less. Make sure it has a CLB. If not do that before you get stranded some where. I wish I had listened to that advise. Main thing is drive it and enjoy it!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,820
Likes: 34
From: Ravensdale WA
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 20,030
Likes: 289
From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
Congrats on the new car !
Consider doing some of your own maintenance.
I have a bunch of how to's on my web site.
www.ToqueZ06.com
Toque
Consider doing some of your own maintenance.
I have a bunch of how to's on my web site.
www.ToqueZ06.com
Toque
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 29
From: Chilliwack B.C.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34,479
Likes: 532
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
You want to keep the car on a budget, two things.
1: Always investigate here before buying ANYTHING for the car. There are some incredible deals to be had if you know where to ask. New or used.
2: NEVER take the car to a dealer.
There you go, you can afford the car.
Keep in mind the used parts section here. Plenty of 1st quality stuff for sale for no reason other than someone else wanted something else.
1: Always investigate here before buying ANYTHING for the car. There are some incredible deals to be had if you know where to ask. New or used.
2: NEVER take the car to a dealer.
There you go, you can afford the car.
Keep in mind the used parts section here. Plenty of 1st quality stuff for sale for no reason other than someone else wanted something else.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
If you need to replace the tires,go with non runflats and you will get an immediate better and quieter ride.I resisted the mod bug on mine as best I could,because the basic car is extremely capable bone stock.I did a cat back and zip tie along with tires.It's nice to have a car that doesn't fight you every time you want to drive it.With mods,there is always give and take but to each their own.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 835
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles CA
Best bang for the buck mods:
Vararam Intake (+30 hp ~$250)
C6 Shifter assembly
Mail Order Tune (+15hp ~ $200)
C6 Z51 Swaybars and poly bushing(for a 98 the end links should be replaced as well)
Bilstein Shocks
XSpower Long Tube Headers (+30 hp ~ $800)
Vararam Intake (+30 hp ~$250)
C6 Shifter assembly
Mail Order Tune (+15hp ~ $200)
C6 Z51 Swaybars and poly bushing(for a 98 the end links should be replaced as well)
Bilstein Shocks
XSpower Long Tube Headers (+30 hp ~ $800)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,237
Likes: 9
From: Springhill FL
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 835
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles CA
You're right. I was just posting the claimed gains but regardless of the actual combined increase, those mods will add a lot of horsepower. Those 3 alone usually bring up the trap speed of a stock C5 by over 4mph(which is about 45 hp)
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 526
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Ok, This is my first Vette and Im as proud as a new Papa, but I dont make a million $ an hour so what I would like to see here is ideas or mods that would be affordable to the everyday Joe like myself.
I AM a Vette Newbie and Im sure there are alot of other Vette Newbies that would really appreciate any ideas ya all can give us!!
Remember Please, CORVETTE ON A BUDGET!
Thanx !!
I AM a Vette Newbie and Im sure there are alot of other Vette Newbies that would really appreciate any ideas ya all can give us!!
Remember Please, CORVETTE ON A BUDGET!
Thanx !!
I can’t help you other then give your post a bump. I’m a Corvette purist no mods other then I did get a Travel Buddy Cup Holder from CCA.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 646
Likes: 11
From: San Antonio Texas
