Project $5000 Corvette C5
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,820
Likes: 108
From: California
Project $5000 Corvette C5
My Vette History – I’ve been a member since 2004 (16yrs old) purchased my first Corvette at age 18 in 2006. Just 2 years ago I started my own tire shop and half way through I decided to part ways with my 99 FRC even though I promised myself I would never sell it (had this car for 6 yrs) at the time it was just sitting in the garage and the cash would be used towards the company. Being “Vetteless” for nearly 2 yrs was tough…. But I am back!
Project $5k C5
-Acquired my current and 4th Vette this past June through method of trade + cash
The S500 I used as a trade – Great car – Surprisingly everything worked on this thing, loved it
the Corvette wont necessarily be a DD, but any chance I get to drive it on the road I will. Occasionally this car will see some track days.
Short term Upgrades and Repair Budget – $3500-$5000
*Prices are calculated based on my own research, and who I know. This allowed me to keep the cost to an absolute minimum*
-Replace A/C Compressor (major leak) Est cost $200
-Replace clutch, Master Cylinder & Slave Cylinder, Torque Tube Coupler Bushing Est Cost $1400
-Re-spray of front driver side fender, rear bumper and front bumper Est Cost $400
-Lube Sway Bar Bushings front & Back – Replace End links all-around $120
Planned Upgrades:
-Vinyl Wrap Roof Halo Cost $30.00 (for a 5ftx8ft roll)
-Repair and Vinyl Wrap Removable Clear Targa top Est Cost $50 (Still have wrap from Halo)
-New rear Lowering Bolts from WWC - $45 (already purchased)
- New Performance Suspension Shocks EST Cost- $300-$600 (have not determined what to go with yet)
-Non Factory Performance Seats Est Cost - $500-$900 (Leaning towards Corbeau A4s)
Further out future Plans
- Wheels and Tires
Really Diggin' these wrapped in Hankook Evo V12s
- Roll Bar and Harness
- Track Pads
*What I’ve done so far – Wrapped Halo in 3D Carbon Vinyl Wrap – what a PIA, best you use a minimum of 2 people for this if you want to keep your sanity.
Been scrolling though different TR C5s on the web, for inspiration...simple and clean, straight to the point
I will keep updating the thread as it all comes along, feel free to leave feedback..suggestions..
Last edited by NiteriderFRC; Aug 14, 2014 at 02:57 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 7
From: South Florida
Cool. Should be some good projects! I did some similar work.
My recommendations would be to get shocks that are compatible with the amount you want to lower so the car is not bouncing off the bump stops (internal to the rear shocks).
The TT has two couplers, 3 bearings, and a slinger washer that should be done at the same time. (Your call on the bearings depending on wear).
What type of racing? Are you running your street tires during the races?
With the AC compressor, you might consider o-rings all around, and don't forget a new dryer and orifice tube...With corresponding oil replacement. (Not sure your level of expertise, since you did open a tire shop. So no offense hopefully).
Keep the old clutch/FW and read up on match balancing the new one. Some of us have had balancing issues with zero balancing the flywheel.
That's all that came to the top of my head. Good luck with the project!
My recommendations would be to get shocks that are compatible with the amount you want to lower so the car is not bouncing off the bump stops (internal to the rear shocks).
The TT has two couplers, 3 bearings, and a slinger washer that should be done at the same time. (Your call on the bearings depending on wear).
What type of racing? Are you running your street tires during the races?
With the AC compressor, you might consider o-rings all around, and don't forget a new dryer and orifice tube...With corresponding oil replacement. (Not sure your level of expertise, since you did open a tire shop. So no offense hopefully).
Keep the old clutch/FW and read up on match balancing the new one. Some of us have had balancing issues with zero balancing the flywheel.
That's all that came to the top of my head. Good luck with the project!
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Sounds like you have a good plan. Best of luck bringing it all together.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,820
Likes: 108
From: California
REplied
Smokin JoeCool. Should be some good projects! I did some similar work.
My recommendations would be to get shocks that are compatible with the amount you want to lower so the car is not bouncing off the bump stops (internal to the rear shocks).
Im thinking Bilstein Sport, used them before on previous Vettes, never liked them with the Z51 springs though. There was a harshness to them that was hard to live with, a bit over sprung. I will most likly be trying them out on this since its a non-Z51 and has the softer springs. It will be interesting to see how they adsorb/handle the road. I plan to maintain the current ride height and see whats what when i throw on some better shocks.
The TT has two couplers, 3 bearings, and a slinger washer that should be done at the same time. (Your call on the bearings depending on wear).
Good looking out, I will need to look into this. I left somewhat of a cushion when calculating the project budget for exactly these types of surprises
What type of racing? Are you running your street tires during the races?
I'm in Southern Cali, plan to re visit WIllow Springs, Cal Speedway Infield track, maybe Laguna Seca one day. I've had good luck with Nitto NT05 tires all around on my FRC. Im going to purposely go for something that has less grip, my next track outing will be more about car control then setting lap times
With the AC compressor, you might consider o-rings all around, and don't forget a new dryer and orifice tube...With corresponding oil replacement. (Not sure your level of expertise, since you did open a tire shop. So no offense hopefully).
I have a technician friend who will be assisting me. and when i say assist I mean Ill be drinking down my beer watching. I cant be bothered when it comes to AC maintenance/repairs
Keep the old clutch/FW and read up on match balancing the new one. Some of us have had balancing issues with zero balancing the flywheel.
If I go OEM, will this still need attention?
That's all that came to the top of my head. Good luck with the project!
My recommendations would be to get shocks that are compatible with the amount you want to lower so the car is not bouncing off the bump stops (internal to the rear shocks).
Im thinking Bilstein Sport, used them before on previous Vettes, never liked them with the Z51 springs though. There was a harshness to them that was hard to live with, a bit over sprung. I will most likly be trying them out on this since its a non-Z51 and has the softer springs. It will be interesting to see how they adsorb/handle the road. I plan to maintain the current ride height and see whats what when i throw on some better shocks.
The TT has two couplers, 3 bearings, and a slinger washer that should be done at the same time. (Your call on the bearings depending on wear).
Good looking out, I will need to look into this. I left somewhat of a cushion when calculating the project budget for exactly these types of surprises
What type of racing? Are you running your street tires during the races?
I'm in Southern Cali, plan to re visit WIllow Springs, Cal Speedway Infield track, maybe Laguna Seca one day. I've had good luck with Nitto NT05 tires all around on my FRC. Im going to purposely go for something that has less grip, my next track outing will be more about car control then setting lap times
With the AC compressor, you might consider o-rings all around, and don't forget a new dryer and orifice tube...With corresponding oil replacement. (Not sure your level of expertise, since you did open a tire shop. So no offense hopefully).
I have a technician friend who will be assisting me. and when i say assist I mean Ill be drinking down my beer watching. I cant be bothered when it comes to AC maintenance/repairs
Keep the old clutch/FW and read up on match balancing the new one. Some of us have had balancing issues with zero balancing the flywheel.
If I go OEM, will this still need attention?
That's all that came to the top of my head. Good luck with the project!
