It's final, I'm keeping her
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
It's final, I'm keeping her
I've owned this pewter '99 FRC since 2000 - it has 68500 miles and it drives like a dream and, to me, looks ****. I've checked out the newer ones - but, to my eye, they don't hit the mark. I love swoopy curves! - HATE edgy-wedgy look. So, It's a keeper - may keep forever.
It has had nothing done to it but a Lingenfelter intake and Corsa exhaust. Since I am not buying a new one I have cash to give this baby a mid-life kicker - maybe $20K - $30K or so say...
I don't intend to do autocross or any competitions, just a somewhat less than daily driver (maybe only every third day).
So, this is a blank canvass - what would you do? She is beautiful to start with - but what is a reasonable way to kick it up a notch? I think she handles great but could use a more responsive "punch". The 5.7 LS1 may be a bit tired.
I'm not a DIY kind of guy with this stuff so I'd love to take it to a Callaway kind of place and have her fixed up - but I don't know of a good choice here (I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area). Thoughts?
Thanks a lot. GREAT forum!
Jim
It has had nothing done to it but a Lingenfelter intake and Corsa exhaust. Since I am not buying a new one I have cash to give this baby a mid-life kicker - maybe $20K - $30K or so say...
I don't intend to do autocross or any competitions, just a somewhat less than daily driver (maybe only every third day).
So, this is a blank canvass - what would you do? She is beautiful to start with - but what is a reasonable way to kick it up a notch? I think she handles great but could use a more responsive "punch". The 5.7 LS1 may be a bit tired.
I'm not a DIY kind of guy with this stuff so I'd love to take it to a Callaway kind of place and have her fixed up - but I don't know of a good choice here (I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area). Thoughts?
Thanks a lot. GREAT forum!
Jim
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
If I had 20-30k laying around to put into my car I would be giddy. Personally I would have a shop mildly build an ls3 and then do some suspension mods for me. Then I would buy a shell of something with the leftover money, and swap my stock motor into it as a project/play toy. That's just me though, great choice in keeping the car, it sure is pretty.
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 454
Likes: 19
From: Prescott AZ
Agreed. Even if you have the engine rebuilt and the SC put on you're probably well under $20k. Give A&A Corvettes in Oxnard a call about their SC, and what your 99 might need. With the low mileage you have, it may not that much. I just had an SC put into my 04 CE. Gotta say I love the immediate kick in the pants when I press down the accelerator pedal.
http://www.scumbackspeakers.com/jimspics/04sc2.jpg
http://www.scumbackspeakers.com/jimspics/04sc2.jpg
Racer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 438
Likes: 82
I like dbgoodwins idea. Crate or custom motor, coilovers, wheels/tires, sway bars, beef up rear end, longtubes, tune, and then just keep some cash tucked away for when the tranny goes. What I would give to be in your shoes! Enjoy
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
It is obvious that you like it now, so I would not go overboard.
I would add headers,
a new shifter with anti venom mod,
C6 Z51 sway bars with metal end links,
new shocks (a lot of people like C6 Z06 shocks),
and new wheels and tires.
Doing that will keep all the nice driveability but make better handling, better performing, and more fun to drive.
I did all of those on my '99 and was happy with each mod.
Good luck.
I would add headers,
a new shifter with anti venom mod,
C6 Z51 sway bars with metal end links,
new shocks (a lot of people like C6 Z06 shocks),
and new wheels and tires.
Doing that will keep all the nice driveability but make better handling, better performing, and more fun to drive.
I did all of those on my '99 and was happy with each mod.
Good luck.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,447
Likes: 24,807
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
LT Headers
New wheels and tires
Upgrade interior, including seats, other leather pieces and double din NAV stereo.
Then if you want more performance, a supercharger would be a cool upgrade.
New wheels and tires
Upgrade interior, including seats, other leather pieces and double din NAV stereo.
Then if you want more performance, a supercharger would be a cool upgrade.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,080
Likes: 151
From: Toronto
...and a new hood like a MCM .
C6 shifter.
New head lights (RadioFlyer)
Re skin steering wheel.
New seats.
Double din nav radio, with rear view camera.
LS7.
Updated wheel sizes like 18F/R19
Sky is the limit!
frank
C6 shifter.
New head lights (RadioFlyer)
Re skin steering wheel.
New seats.
Double din nav radio, with rear view camera.
LS7.
Updated wheel sizes like 18F/R19
Sky is the limit!
frank
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Cool. Thanks.
Now, I'm not sure how much of that engine stuff I can get away with in California - headers, different engine, super charger, etc. I've already had unfortunate experiences with the California DMV. They don't take too kindly to "altered" vehicles and routinely deny a passing grade at the obligatory smog test. Can any California forum members vouch for any of these kinds of powertrain/exhaust changes?
The suspension and wheel stuff I like and will definitely look into. Also, I really like the idea of the Nav radio - the stock radio is nothing to write home about. What's a good one?
Thanks again. Awesome stuff!
Jim
Now, I'm not sure how much of that engine stuff I can get away with in California - headers, different engine, super charger, etc. I've already had unfortunate experiences with the California DMV. They don't take too kindly to "altered" vehicles and routinely deny a passing grade at the obligatory smog test. Can any California forum members vouch for any of these kinds of powertrain/exhaust changes?
The suspension and wheel stuff I like and will definitely look into. Also, I really like the idea of the Nav radio - the stock radio is nothing to write home about. What's a good one?
Thanks again. Awesome stuff!
Jim
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,671
Likes: 1,245
From: Southern Ca
Cool. Thanks.
Now, I'm not sure how much of that engine stuff I can get away with in California - headers, different engine, super charger, etc. I've already had unfortunate experiences with the California DMV. They don't take too kindly to "altered" vehicles and routinely deny a passing grade at the obligatory smog test. Can any California forum members vouch for any of these kinds of powertrain/exhaust changes?
The suspension and wheel stuff I like and will definitely look into. Also, I really like the idea of the Nav radio - the stock radio is nothing to write home about. What's a good one?
Thanks again. Awesome stuff!
Jim
Now, I'm not sure how much of that engine stuff I can get away with in California - headers, different engine, super charger, etc. I've already had unfortunate experiences with the California DMV. They don't take too kindly to "altered" vehicles and routinely deny a passing grade at the obligatory smog test. Can any California forum members vouch for any of these kinds of powertrain/exhaust changes?
The suspension and wheel stuff I like and will definitely look into. Also, I really like the idea of the Nav radio - the stock radio is nothing to write home about. What's a good one?
Thanks again. Awesome stuff!
Jim
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 249
From: Orange County CA
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 96,209
Likes: 75
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
Cool. Thanks.
Now, I'm not sure how much of that engine stuff I can get away with in California - headers, different engine, super charger, etc. I've already had unfortunate experiences with the California DMV. They don't take too kindly to "altered" vehicles and routinely deny a passing grade at the obligatory smog test.
Thanks again. Awesome stuff!
Jim
Now, I'm not sure how much of that engine stuff I can get away with in California - headers, different engine, super charger, etc. I've already had unfortunate experiences with the California DMV. They don't take too kindly to "altered" vehicles and routinely deny a passing grade at the obligatory smog test.
Thanks again. Awesome stuff!
Jim
I'd just put some new wheels on it, get a tune and call it a day.....
If you aren't going to race it and want to keep it, just maintain what you have been doing.....
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
What does value even matter considering he clearly states that he wants to keep the car? If I were in Cali I would probably just bolt on a supercharger and put a nice exhaust on it along with wheels and some suspension mods. Save the rest for if you need to repair down the road. Fun personalized customized car>maintaining value on 20 year old not very valuable chevy that already has way too many miles to be a collector.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,527
Likes: 373
From: Philadelphia PA
You should talk to this member...it sounds like he might want to sell his supercharger...might be able to get a good price on a used unit...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ercharger.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ercharger.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,080
Likes: 151
From: Toronto
I like the top of the line Kenwood, it has Garmin Nav, and RV camera.
Contact DDmods, a forum vendor. He can
do the double din radio bezel for you to boot.
Seats, steering wheel...Caravaggio!
frank
Contact DDmods, a forum vendor. He can
do the double din radio bezel for you to boot.
Seats, steering wheel...Caravaggio!
frank
Cool. Thanks.
Now, I'm not sure how much of that engine stuff I can get away with in California - headers, different engine, super charger, etc. I've already had unfortunate experiences with the California DMV. They don't take too kindly to "altered" vehicles and routinely deny a passing grade at the obligatory smog test. Can any California forum members vouch for any of these kinds of powertrain/exhaust changes?
The suspension and wheel stuff I like and will definitely look into. Also, I really like the idea of the Nav radio - the stock radio is nothing to write home about. What's a good one?
Thanks again. Awesome stuff!
Jim
Now, I'm not sure how much of that engine stuff I can get away with in California - headers, different engine, super charger, etc. I've already had unfortunate experiences with the California DMV. They don't take too kindly to "altered" vehicles and routinely deny a passing grade at the obligatory smog test. Can any California forum members vouch for any of these kinds of powertrain/exhaust changes?
The suspension and wheel stuff I like and will definitely look into. Also, I really like the idea of the Nav radio - the stock radio is nothing to write home about. What's a good one?
Thanks again. Awesome stuff!
Jim
Last edited by JETZ; Jun 21, 2015 at 10:52 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 460
From: East Windsor NJ
Looks just like my '00 FRC with about the same miles. This is what I've done so far:
- Sway bar end links
- Corbeau A4 seats
- Fixed the dim HVAC
- Replaced the radio with another stock one that was modified for a aux-in (Sirius)
- Tires
- Stop-tech rotors + hawk pads + powder-coated calipers
- Underhood decal
- Assist spring for the rear hatch
- Exterior LED lights (parking, marker, and rears)
And it has an exhaust of some kind on it already.
Mine like yours is a clean car with stock engine bay. I plan to tread carefully with mods to this car - not interested in fire-breathing dragons on the rail covers! As long as all the "important stuff" is working OK then perhaps consider "livability improvements" (i.e. - radio upgrade and seats). If I had money to blow on engine mods I might consider what could be done while keeping the stock appearance (i.e. - cam/intake/exhaust). Good Luck and I think you made the right call!
- Sway bar end links
- Corbeau A4 seats
- Fixed the dim HVAC
- Replaced the radio with another stock one that was modified for a aux-in (Sirius)
- Tires
- Stop-tech rotors + hawk pads + powder-coated calipers
- Underhood decal
- Assist spring for the rear hatch
- Exterior LED lights (parking, marker, and rears)
And it has an exhaust of some kind on it already.
Mine like yours is a clean car with stock engine bay. I plan to tread carefully with mods to this car - not interested in fire-breathing dragons on the rail covers! As long as all the "important stuff" is working OK then perhaps consider "livability improvements" (i.e. - radio upgrade and seats). If I had money to blow on engine mods I might consider what could be done while keeping the stock appearance (i.e. - cam/intake/exhaust). Good Luck and I think you made the right call!