Learning
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
From: SouthCentral
Learning
Hello fellow Vette enthusiasts! Have been spending lots of time digging in, under, around learning about my C5 convertible! Have made one 150 mile trip with my wife and was successful! My wife discovered she likes her hair blowing at 90 mph on the highway! Wow, the car really holds its own. Have replaced suspension end links, replaced all support struts for all the hatches, replaced all retainer pins and grommets on the door panels, replaced EBCM/ABS module, added a wind restrictor with red LED light, replaced convertible top canvas and added caliper covers because they were in the car when we purchased. Also used a clay bar on the entire car and waxed and she really shines! Mostly minor stuff so far and have been very fortunate she was in really good shape! Next project is to repair the HUD, but gonna wait til it cools down a bit here in South Louisiana! Every time we tackle one thing, we learn and discover something else we would like to do to her! I am thinking of adding headers, any thoughts on that? Thank you guys for all the information you share, it helps us Greenpea’s enjoy our C5!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10,247
Likes: 888
From: Hickory NC
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '17 thru '26
Welcome to the Forum, Greenpea, and congratulations to you and your wife on your C5! Sounds like you both are having a great time wrenching and driving your ‘vert! 
Enjoy your ride and save the wave!
Enjoy your ride and save the wave!
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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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Moved to C5 General for more comments.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 4,343
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Welcome and yes on headers.
In doing so, I suggest adding either an Elite Engineering tunnel plate with thermal barrier, or at least a used C6 plate along with a DEI tunnel insulation kit.
https://www.tpsmotorsports.com/elite...nel-plate.html
https://www.designengineering.com/c5...-complete-kit/
In doing so, I suggest adding either an Elite Engineering tunnel plate with thermal barrier, or at least a used C6 plate along with a DEI tunnel insulation kit.
https://www.tpsmotorsports.com/elite...nel-plate.html
https://www.designengineering.com/c5...-complete-kit/
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
From: SouthCentral
Thanks
Appreciate the advice on the headers and the tunnel shield. I will certainly add those to our project. I will get a few photos posted! In the meantime, the sun is shining and the temp is 60! Perfect day for a weekday road trip in my convertible!!!!!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,590
Likes: 3,317
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Welcome to the forum! So glad to hear that you and your wife are enjoying your C5.
I would recommend getting rid of the caliper covers. It's cheap and easy to paint the actual calipers yourself. Paint kits are available in a variety of colors from you local auto parts store, or online. For a more durable and premium look, you can send them out to be powder coated. It can be a fun and easy wrenching project that won't cost that much to do. It will also be a HUGE upgrade over the cheesy caliper covers.
As for headers, go for it. They will add power, and improve the exhaust sound. Be aware that you will want to get the car tuned afterwards. The one thing you will want to do beforehand is make sure that they are legal in your area. If you have to pass emissions they could cause a problem.
I look forward to seeing pictures of your car. Don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE!
I would recommend getting rid of the caliper covers. It's cheap and easy to paint the actual calipers yourself. Paint kits are available in a variety of colors from you local auto parts store, or online. For a more durable and premium look, you can send them out to be powder coated. It can be a fun and easy wrenching project that won't cost that much to do. It will also be a HUGE upgrade over the cheesy caliper covers.
As for headers, go for it. They will add power, and improve the exhaust sound. Be aware that you will want to get the car tuned afterwards. The one thing you will want to do beforehand is make sure that they are legal in your area. If you have to pass emissions they could cause a problem.
I look forward to seeing pictures of your car. Don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 689
From: Pingree Grove IL
Get headers and a tune. Should net you 30-40 rear wheel HP. Get a good set from a reputable company. I have had LG since 2007. No issues with anything. Get the high flow cats and Xpipe too. GL.