Less than a year ago, I decided to add a chip, change the air intake, and chane the F45 select ride. I didnt really see or feel much of a change except in the ride which was a little hard. One night I asked myself why the mods? Corvette built the C5 the original way for a reason. The next day I removed the chip, ordered a new air box assembly and F45 shocks. Received OEM equipment, installed it myself, and my vette is running and riding better than it ever has. Point being, leave it original. You'll be glad you did.

 

Not true in many cases (like mine).
My car is WAY better than it was stock.
I enjoy my car 100% more now that its modified.
Its faster, grips better, better brakes, better suspension,,,etc,,,etc,,,,
And that's 10+ yrs after I bought it new.

But if your happy than that is all that matters.

What "chip" did you get ? They did not do chips since the 80's Corvette's.
These days you actually modify the tune inside the computer directly.

Toque

 

To each his own. As long as you are enjoying it, that's what is important.

 

Have to disagree on that one, different people are always looking for different things out of their car. As a cruiser it certainly is pretty close to perfect stock, but if you're looking for more performance, the c5 is by no means close to the biggest or baddest on the street/strip or track. It's fun (for some) trying to squeak out the most performance from a car

 

I'm a big fan of originality- especially in my C3s . . . but I added an air intake, Billy Boats, Bilsteins, console cushion and color matched fuel rail covers - - less about mods and performance -- more about just 'personalizing' the car.

I also wholeheartedly agree that GM engineered a lot of excellence into the brand- so there's not much benefit in over thinking it unless you're going to really ratchet up the game as Toque has clearly done.

All that said, I'm also a big fan of "do what makes you happy".

Happy weekend!

 

A fun topic can wait to see where this goes.

 

My parents always told me the exact same thing growing up.

They eventually gave up and now ask me what I'm going to change each time I get a new car

 

By the way, how did you "install a chip" in this car? Did you mean you dropped a potato chip under the seat?

 

For the most part, the changes I've made are light performance and cosmetic. I plan on leaving the engine and the A4 tranny stock. In my opinion, the more you mess within the engine area components, the more likely you may develop problems later on. It's running great now with no problems.

 

I think this is an interesting thread. I've owed a *lot* of cars over the years. Other than shade tree mechanics I used to do as a teenager I haven't done much with my cars. A strut tower brace here or there and that's about it. I went through this rationalization every time I bought something mod-worthy (i.e. 2005 and 2008 Mustangs):

- Assemble wish list, generally power/handling oriented.
- Price parts and labor either self or professionally installed.
- Ask myself why I need to go faster on the street, how many cars out there can I not handle already with what I've got.
- How often do I race? Do I need the potential trouble that comes along with it?
- Scratch parts list and make it look good

I'm not a street racer but I will admit to occasionally hammering it on interstate on-ramps or fooling around a little on open highways. So after I got over the excitement of a new car and the possibilities, I normally do what you're suggesting and keep it stock.

I see the Vette and my Harley differently though because they are bucket list vehicles and not merely passing through my garage. I spent more modding my 2006 Road King Custom than any of my cars up until now. I'm currently researching Maggy vs ECS vs A&A and fully intend on going FI to go along with what I've already done.

Aside from painting the tins, I turned every bolt on this bike. The same will be true for the Vette to the extent of my abilities/facilities. I prefer to turn my own wrenches although I will have the FI installed by a pro.

 

I couldn't agree more.

 

LOL, seriously?

 

 

 

It shows. Sweet bike man, very sweet.

 

Wheels and Tires.
Smoked Roof.
GM Parts House Suspension 'kit'.
(Shocks and Stabilizers + Links)
Headlights.

I think it looks Great So far.

Drive train completely original.

Daily Driver, not a Street Racer.

 

Nothing wrong with keeping the car stock - it will perform just fine. But I prefer to customize mine to make it different than the many thousands of other C5s out there. And I have been completely happy with the mods.

 

I can't leave well enough alone. While many of the mods I will be doing to mine are C6(Z) OE parts, the seats have got to go. I do love my car, though.

 

Maybe it's Chip Foose.

 

We should probably leave him alone. Don't want him to walk around with a chip on his shoulder.