When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi guys. Its finally time for an introduction! Been lurking many forums of many different cars for years now. I owned an s2000 for 6 years back when I was a dumb kid in his 20s and had to sell it due to financial needs. Ever since then I have been patiently waiting to strike on a new toy. I was floating between a BMW 135i, a BRZ (with plans to LS swap) and of course the c5 corvette. After finally coming to my senses and realizing that the LS swap would be a bit over my head and working on the BMW would be an absolute nightmare, I decided to give GM a shot. Boy was I not disappointed! I have never really been a corvette guys (or a domestic guy at all) but there was always a soft spot for the c5. It's got such classic lines and kinda reminds me of a fd rx7. So anyways here are some pics when I first put her in the garage. Shes a 2004 Z06 with only 57k miles on it.
First thing I did was give her a good cleaning. Girlfriend cleaned the inside like a pro.
Then I took off these gross old mirror lettering on the rear.
Then I changed all the fluids with Amsoil products.
Added the famous hood seal.
Removed the side moldings.
And finally did some light upgrades. All to LED with new housings.
Here she is at the bank looking damn fine!
I also replaced the air dams under the car and installed a k&n drop in filter, both parts that the previous owner had but never installed.
I got big plans for her. Initially I wanted her as a pure track day car but now I'm not so sure... I love driving it around everywhere and love how it looks so I am now trying to bring it to the 21st century with the lighting upgrades and a double din head unit. I plan on installing some Corbeau A4's, harness bar, belts and an aftermarket but clean steering wheel. Also plan on getting some LT headers, Vararam B2 and a tune and keep it like that for quite a while. The car is already plenty fast and I have no desire to do much more than that. I want to keep it reliable, make it track friendly, and cut as much weight as I can without sacrificing OEM comforts. This is the order I plan on modding her and the parts I'm going for, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
0)Halo rear LEDs (in transit)
1) Radioflyer SLC 3.1 ( I cannot stand the idea of having an air brake deployed and I drive it a lot at night. The OEM output is dismal and it's just not safe. I cant say I absolutely love the fixed headlights, but the radioflyer's look pretty good. The cost makes me pretty hesitant but I have been talking with George and he is extremely helpful and informative.)
2) Vararam B2 and 1 3/4 LT headers off road with a tune.
3) Corbeau A4, harness bar and 4 point harness
4) Aftermarket wheel with NRG quick release
5) Forgestar F14 in matte black and some 200 tread wear 285 square all around.
6) Willwood BBK front and rear
7) Coil over conversion. Either LG or KW, still not sure.
The rest is up in the air. I am not rolling in dough but I am a firm believer in doing something right ONCE even if it means saving for a year to buy one part. Thanks for reading!
Last edited by ApexMONSTER; Dec 4, 2020 at 01:07 PM.
Welcome to the Forum, and congratulations on your C5 Z06!
It looked good when you bought it, but even better now all cleaned up.
Your lighting is a nice upgrade and you will really appreciate the improved lighting you will have. I prefer George's ACA setup that let you keep the pop-ups but we always have to choose what is meets our preferences.
You appear to have a good handle on what you want with your car, but in case it helps you will find lots of great members and helpful info in the C5 sections at https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s-1997-2004-2/.
Please share your work from time to time in the C5 sections.
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
Welcome, but I am going to move this thread over to the C5 General section where owners with similar cars will enjoy reading your story. Best of luck with the car - a C5 makes for a great first Corvette.
Welcome to the forum! You got a GREAT car! I like what you've done to it. George is phenomenal to work with, and his stuff is top notch. I too prefer the ACA style headlights, but to each their own. With the mods that you have planned (and considering that you may be using her as a street car as well as on the track) You may want to upgrade to C6 Z06 shocks and C6 Z06 sway bars instead of the coilovers. It is a lot cheaper, and will keep the car nice to drive on the street. At the same time it will GREATLY reduce body roll, and keep the car flat through the corners. If you're serious about turning her into a serious track beast (in which case you may want the coil overs after all) that is still super reliable, you may want to consider an A&A supercharger kit. I know you're going to absolutely love your C5! Let us know if you have any questions. We're always happy to help.
Don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE
Welcome to the forum! You got a GREAT car! I like what you've done to it. George is phenomenal to work with, and his stuff is top notch. I too prefer the ACA style headlights, but to each their own. With the mods that you have planned (and considering that you may be using her as a street car as well as on the track) You may want to upgrade to C6 Z06 shocks and C6 Z06 sway bars instead of the coilovers. It is a lot cheaper, and will keep the car nice to drive on the street. At the same time it will GREATLY reduce body roll, and keep the car flat through the corners. If you're serious about turning her into a serious track beast (in which case you may want the coil overs after all) that is still super reliable, you may want to consider an A&A supercharger kit. I know you're going to absolutely love your C5! Let us know if you have any questions. We're always happy to help.
Don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE
Opps I forgot to mention it already had PFADT swaybar, endlinks and shocks!
Last edited by ApexMONSTER; Dec 4, 2020 at 01:53 PM.
just an FYI... being it’s an ‘04 did you look into the fuel crossover tube concern? If it’s not in the VIN range no worries but if it has has it been addressed?
BTW... Looks fantastic and I really like the Z in silver.
Last edited by I’m Z one; Dec 4, 2020 at 06:05 PM.
just an FYI... being it’s an ‘04 did you look into the fuel crossover tube concern? If it’s not in the VIN range no worries but if it has has it been addressed?
BTW... Looks fantastic and I really like the Z in silver.
No this is news to me. What do I need to look out for? I havnt had the faintest whiff of fuel so far.
Beginning soul crushing research now...
Last edited by ApexMONSTER; Dec 5, 2020 at 07:35 AM.
Thank you everyone for the warm welcomes!
so it turns out my car is within that VIN range for the fuel crossover issue... Guess that puts a stop to the modding... I need to figure out if this has already been done first before I go crazy. There hasn't been any fuel smell at all either in my garage or when I drive it.
Thank you everyone for the warm welcomes!
so it turns out my car is within that VIN range for the fuel crossover issue... Guess that puts a stop to the modding... I need to figure out if this has already been done first before I go crazy. There hasn't been any fuel smell at all either in my garage or when I drive it.
There was a bulletin on it. If you want to PM me your VIN I can look up your car's service history to see if it was done.
Welcome to Corvettes. The C5 Z06 is a great performance car and the C5 is a timeless and beautiful design. I also prefer the ACA setup that let you keep the pop-ups, it's what makes the C5 so cool. Look forward to future posts on your progress. Once you get into these cars you will be hooked for life.
Hello from Jupiter FL!
