Why Mod a Corvette?
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Illinois
Originally Posted by Wayne O
Simply put....to make a great car even better. There are those that elect to keep their Corvette stock. Some people primarily mod their car for appearance and there are those that mainly mod for performance (and others that modify for both). It’s all good...'beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' I can assure you, a modified Corvette is still a "genuine" Corvette....perhaps not stock….but genuine nonetheless. There are certain appearance and even some performance modifications I don’t personally like and I’ll express my opinion but when it gets down to it, it’s like the old adage…”I may not agree with what you say but I’ll defend your right to say it.” Everyone does with their car what they like best.
There was nothing 'wrong' with my stock 2005 C6, however, when the Z06 came out, I seriously contemplated trading-in my C6 and buying a Z06. My C6, however, was still (in my eyes) a new car, it had low mileage, it was mechanically perfect and it had a targa top and was Magnetic Red (two feature unavailable on the Z06). To put it simply, I still loved my C6. I am not one that typically trades-in a car every year or two, especially a car I love and which is mechanically sound. I did, however, desire 'something more.'
I loved driving my stock C6 and its power and performance were certainly more than adequate. I did feel, however, that the stock Corvette sounded much too tame for a high performance sports car and it didn't quite have the level of ‘tire-smoking’ performance I desired.
After owning the car about a year and a half, I radically modified my C6 (at considerable expense I might add) and you know what....I still have a few more things I want to modify before my genuine Corvette is setup exactly the way I want. Although I did lose portions of my factory warranty, LPE/21CMC provides a warranty on the new 403 motor I had installed. All things considered, I'm good with that.
I enjoyed driving my stock C6 but I can assure you, making these modifications increased my driving pleasure exponentially! My modified C6 is the sh*t....it's an absolute blast to drive! I tend to think if you could drive my modified C6, you would understand why I modified it….or then again, maybe you wouldn’t.
There was nothing 'wrong' with my stock 2005 C6, however, when the Z06 came out, I seriously contemplated trading-in my C6 and buying a Z06. My C6, however, was still (in my eyes) a new car, it had low mileage, it was mechanically perfect and it had a targa top and was Magnetic Red (two feature unavailable on the Z06). To put it simply, I still loved my C6. I am not one that typically trades-in a car every year or two, especially a car I love and which is mechanically sound. I did, however, desire 'something more.'
I loved driving my stock C6 and its power and performance were certainly more than adequate. I did feel, however, that the stock Corvette sounded much too tame for a high performance sports car and it didn't quite have the level of ‘tire-smoking’ performance I desired.
After owning the car about a year and a half, I radically modified my C6 (at considerable expense I might add) and you know what....I still have a few more things I want to modify before my genuine Corvette is setup exactly the way I want. Although I did lose portions of my factory warranty, LPE/21CMC provides a warranty on the new 403 motor I had installed. All things considered, I'm good with that.
I enjoyed driving my stock C6 but I can assure you, making these modifications increased my driving pleasure exponentially! My modified C6 is the sh*t....it's an absolute blast to drive! I tend to think if you could drive my modified C6, you would understand why I modified it….or then again, maybe you wouldn’t.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 671
Likes: 40
From: Stamford, CT
Originally Posted by G Morse
. . . Why would someone spend over $50K for a sports car and immediately have all kinds of modifications done to change it into something all together different? To me once you significantly change the car, it is no longer a genuine Corvette, but some kind of bastardized car with no real identity. . .
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 595
Likes: 1
From: Columbus Ohio
Originally Posted by KMK454
Dear God.
I thought I would only hear this crap on the Volvo forums...
YOU, sir, are not a car enthusiast as far as I'm concerned.
I thought I would only hear this crap on the Volvo forums...
YOU, sir, are not a car enthusiast as far as I'm concerned.
Not a very charitable or constructive response, to a newby poster.
The original poster asked a honest question, trying to understand why he should think about modifing HIS Vette. He was not criticizing you for modifing YOUR Vette. Honest questions should be answered in a way that will encourage the newby to come back and learn more. To feel welcome in the diverse Corvette community. Exterior: Personally I like the exterior appearance of my C6 and have made very modest changes: chrome valve cap covers, chrome license plate frames w/ clear hard plastic plate covers (easier to wash bugs off) and a removable front license plate holder bracket. I may or may not put on chrome door handles. The exterior design of the C6 is a work of art. Why change perfection?
Interior: only modification is after market heavy-duty vinyl/rubber storm floor mats. No use with carpet mats, that quickly get dirty and nasty looking. While I do not like my gear shifter, I have not found a product to replace it. Besides, I do not want to trouble myself enough to take the center console apart to swap-out the gear shifter. So I will not do it. I may get a cargo organizer tray for the cargo bay. Or I may not. I am happy with the interior other wise of the C6. So I will not do much more to the interior of my ride.
Engine: I do not care to spend money to add chrome or carbon fiber cosmetics in the engine bay. Color match fuel rail covers? Perhaps, I have not decided? May not. When I go to Vette rallies, I do not raise my hood, as I have nothing to show anybody.
Unless someone wants to spend $6000 for a supercharger, I see no reason to put on any other "performance" modifications. Spend $260
to gain 15 h.p.? This not enough to make any real performance difference, so why do it? I do not want to spend $6K for a supercharger...so I will not put on a supercharger. When I can go
60+MPH in 1st Gear (in less than 5 seconds), and go 115 MPH in a 1/4 mile, that is plenty of performance for me. The first car I have had with such performance. I have lots of fun w/o modding my engine, that can achieve 186 MPH, as it comes from the factory. There is no place in my state where 186 MPH can be achieved (even on an oval track or drag strip). I don't live in a western state where I can drive safely @ 100+ MPH for any worth while distance, before slowing for other traffic. So I personally see no reason to modify the performance of my C6, which can blow away 99% of the cars, on the road without any modifications.
It is the owners choice of how much they modify their Vette. If a owner wants to doll-up the appearance of their Vette... good for them.
If they want a race car sound, by all means do it. Bullets exhaust pipes really sound cool, BTW. Want more horsepower... make your mods, brother. But for the reasons I listed above, my modifications will be very minor. My C6 can be returned to factory stock condition, in five minutes and no extra cost. I'm happy with my C6 and I love all Vettes. Love to look at other Vette drivers modifications. It is up to the owner how much or little to modify. We all love Corvettes in our own special way.
Best Wishes,
Gburg
"Preserve the Wave"
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,774
Likes: 0
From: Loganville GA
Originally Posted by Blue Demon
So how much did you pay for your house? And, did you immediately start adding mods to it? Yep, I figured you did.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,647
Likes: 1
From: Objects in your mirror are losing , Long Island, NY
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by Gburg
Not a very charitable or constructive response, to a newby poster. The original poster asked a honest question, trying to understand why he should think about modifing HIS Vette. He was not criticizing you for modifing YOUR Vette. Honest questions should be answered in a way that will encourage the newby to come back and learn more. To feel welcome in the diverse Corvette community.
Exterior: Personally I like the exterior appearance of my C6 and have made very modest changes: chrome valve cap covers, chrome license plate frames w/ clear hard plastic plate covers (easier to wash bugs off) and a removable front license plate holder bracket. I may or may not put on chrome door handles. The exterior design of the C6 is a work of art. Why change perfection?
Interior: only modification is after market heavy-duty vinyl/rubber storm floor mats. No use with carpet mats, that quickly get dirty and nasty looking. While I do not like my gear shifter, I have not found a product to replace it. Besides, I do not want to trouble myself enough to take the center console apart to swap-out the gear shifter. So I will not do it. I may get a cargo organizer tray for the cargo bay. Or I may not. I am happy with the interior other wise of the C6. So I will not do much more to the interior of my ride.
Engine: I do not care to spend money to add chrome or carbon fiber cosmetics in the engine bay. Color match fuel rail covers? Perhaps, I have not decided? May not. When I go to Vette rallies, I do not raise my hood, as I have nothing to show anybody.
Unless someone wants to spend $6000 for a supercharger, I see no reason to put on any other "performance" modifications. Spend $260
to gain 15 h.p.? This not enough to make any real performance difference, so why do it? I do not want to spend $6K for a supercharger...so I will not put on a supercharger. When I can go
60+MPH in 1st Gear (in less than 5 seconds), and go 115 MPH in a 1/4 mile, that is plenty of performance for me. The first car I have had with such performance. I have lots of fun w/o modding my engine, that can achieve 186 MPH, as it comes from the factory. There is no place in my state where 186 MPH can be achieved (even on an oval track or drag strip). I don't live in a western state where I can drive safely @ 100+ MPH for any worth while distance, before slowing for other traffic. So I personally see no reason to modify the performance of my C6, which can blow away 99% of the cars, on the road without any modifications.
It is the owners choice of how much they modify their Vette. If a owner wants to doll-up the appearance of their Vette... good for them.
If they want a race car sound, by all means do it. Bullets exhaust pipes really sound cool, BTW. Want more horsepower... make your mods, brother. But for the reasons I listed above, my modifications will be very minor. My C6 can be returned to factory stock condition, in five minutes and no extra cost. I'm happy with my C6 and I love all Vettes. Love to look at other Vette drivers modifications. It is up to the owner how much or little to modify. We all love Corvettes in our own special way.
Best Wishes,
Gburg
"Preserve the Wave"
The original poster asked a honest question, trying to understand why he should think about modifing HIS Vette. He was not criticizing you for modifing YOUR Vette. Honest questions should be answered in a way that will encourage the newby to come back and learn more. To feel welcome in the diverse Corvette community. Exterior: Personally I like the exterior appearance of my C6 and have made very modest changes: chrome valve cap covers, chrome license plate frames w/ clear hard plastic plate covers (easier to wash bugs off) and a removable front license plate holder bracket. I may or may not put on chrome door handles. The exterior design of the C6 is a work of art. Why change perfection?
Interior: only modification is after market heavy-duty vinyl/rubber storm floor mats. No use with carpet mats, that quickly get dirty and nasty looking. While I do not like my gear shifter, I have not found a product to replace it. Besides, I do not want to trouble myself enough to take the center console apart to swap-out the gear shifter. So I will not do it. I may get a cargo organizer tray for the cargo bay. Or I may not. I am happy with the interior other wise of the C6. So I will not do much more to the interior of my ride.
Engine: I do not care to spend money to add chrome or carbon fiber cosmetics in the engine bay. Color match fuel rail covers? Perhaps, I have not decided? May not. When I go to Vette rallies, I do not raise my hood, as I have nothing to show anybody.
Unless someone wants to spend $6000 for a supercharger, I see no reason to put on any other "performance" modifications. Spend $260
to gain 15 h.p.? This not enough to make any real performance difference, so why do it? I do not want to spend $6K for a supercharger...so I will not put on a supercharger. When I can go
60+MPH in 1st Gear (in less than 5 seconds), and go 115 MPH in a 1/4 mile, that is plenty of performance for me. The first car I have had with such performance. I have lots of fun w/o modding my engine, that can achieve 186 MPH, as it comes from the factory. There is no place in my state where 186 MPH can be achieved (even on an oval track or drag strip). I don't live in a western state where I can drive safely @ 100+ MPH for any worth while distance, before slowing for other traffic. So I personally see no reason to modify the performance of my C6, which can blow away 99% of the cars, on the road without any modifications.
It is the owners choice of how much they modify their Vette. If a owner wants to doll-up the appearance of their Vette... good for them.
If they want a race car sound, by all means do it. Bullets exhaust pipes really sound cool, BTW. Want more horsepower... make your mods, brother. But for the reasons I listed above, my modifications will be very minor. My C6 can be returned to factory stock condition, in five minutes and no extra cost. I'm happy with my C6 and I love all Vettes. Love to look at other Vette drivers modifications. It is up to the owner how much or little to modify. We all love Corvettes in our own special way.
Best Wishes,
Gburg
"Preserve the Wave"
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by jklarkpimp
its fun to mod your car! my 1st upgrade were Z06 badges
your car has personality, i like to add my sense of style to the ride
.....just dont want mine to look like the all the others.....the car is fast but, i have the a4 auto, i need more torque
goin in for gears 3.90 at the end of the month no christmas presents for anyone just me
your car has personality, i like to add my sense of style to the ride .....just dont want mine to look like the all the others.....the car is fast but, i have the a4 auto, i need more torque goin in for gears 3.90 at the end of the month no christmas presents for anyone just meI don't understand why you would put Z06 badge if its not a Z06?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
I personally like working on my vette. I’ve made several mods such as after market wheels, Corsa exhaust and powder coated calipers. I enjoyed doing most of the work and having my car personalized. I’m now considering headers and a few other engine modifications. One of the main reasons I bought the car was to do exactly what I’m doing with it. It’s not a question of resale value etc. I bought it to have fun with and mods are part of the fun for me. I really like the wide body look that quite a few owners have done. It looks great and something I’ll eventually consider. Bottom line lots of us enjoy doing the mods on our cars. If stock is what someone likes that’s great! Besides we need to support these after market guys or they’ll all starve…. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 956
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite Nevada
I've 'modded' every car and truck I've ever owned ... why, for serveral reasons:
1) To make it uniquely mine/set it appart from other's of the same make and model
2) To improve performance
3) Because I can
If you want to keep your Vette stock; more power to you and enjoy. However, to call my vette and those of others who modified them 'bastardized' is a little on the rude side. If everyone thought the same and all drove the same stock vehicles, this world would be a pretty boring place.
Congrats on the retirment and enjoy the new ride
1) To make it uniquely mine/set it appart from other's of the same make and model
2) To improve performance
3) Because I can
If you want to keep your Vette stock; more power to you and enjoy. However, to call my vette and those of others who modified them 'bastardized' is a little on the rude side. If everyone thought the same and all drove the same stock vehicles, this world would be a pretty boring place.
Congrats on the retirment and enjoy the new ride
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,218
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by Gburg
Not a very charitable or constructive response, to a newby poster. The original poster asked a honest question, trying to understand why he should think about modifing HIS Vette. He was not criticizing you for modifing YOUR Vette. Honest questions should be answered in a way that will encourage the newby to come back and learn more. To feel welcome in the diverse Corvette community.
The original poster asked a honest question, trying to understand why he should think about modifing HIS Vette. He was not criticizing you for modifing YOUR Vette. Honest questions should be answered in a way that will encourage the newby to come back and learn more. To feel welcome in the diverse Corvette community.If you want to welcome this newbie with kindness after he calls modified vettes an anonymous bastardization, then knock yourself out. In my opinion this guy is better suited driving a V6 Camry.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: frisco texas
Originally Posted by G Morse
I finally got my dream car, a 2002 C6 Coupe, as a retirement present to myself during September of this year. Except for a minor problem with the shifter switch, the car has been everything I thought it would be. I don't understand some of the threads I have been reading in the forum. Why would someone spend over $50K for a sports car and immediately have all kinds of modifications done to change it into something all together different? To me once you significantly change the car, it is no longer a genuine Corvette, but some kind of bastardized car with no real identity. Do owners of other sports cars such as Porche or BMW screw around with their cars in the same manner? I doubt it. Anyway, I would like to hear some responses.
Thanks
Thanks
We modify them because it makes them more fun. Why else would we "bastardize" our cars. Its not like we are putting on body kits, giant aluminum spoilers, neons, and 24 inch rims. And yes sportscars such as BMW's and porsches are also modded quite extensively. Go buy a crown vic
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Apalachin NY
The guy expressed his opinion and then asked for responses to it.
Some of the responses sure could have been kinder. If you disagree then do so but you can do so with a little more class.
I construed his comment as a compliment to what a great car a Corvette is stock and therefore why mod it. He invited responses to his opinion.
Modding a car to add a Z06 tag (when the car is a base Vette) kind of supports his position.
Last, give me a break on being a "newbie." Many of us "newbies" have owned more cars and have had more experience with these cars than many of the senior members. My point is, judge the person on their comments and not how long they have been a member of the forum.
Most in this forum have disagreed without ridiculing when they disagree. Actually I thought that it was one of the forum rules.
Some of the responses sure could have been kinder. If you disagree then do so but you can do so with a little more class.
I construed his comment as a compliment to what a great car a Corvette is stock and therefore why mod it. He invited responses to his opinion.
Modding a car to add a Z06 tag (when the car is a base Vette) kind of supports his position.
Last, give me a break on being a "newbie." Many of us "newbies" have owned more cars and have had more experience with these cars than many of the senior members. My point is, judge the person on their comments and not how long they have been a member of the forum.
Most in this forum have disagreed without ridiculing when they disagree. Actually I thought that it was one of the forum rules.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7,838
Likes: 1
From: Valencia '32 Ford 3 window with 615 HP!!!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'09
Originally Posted by Brianapal
The guy expressed his opinion and then asked for responses to it.
Some of the responses sure could have been kinder. If you disagree then do so but you can do so with a little more class.
I construed his comment as a compliment to what a great car a Corvette is stock and therefore why mod it. He invited responses to his opinion.
Modding a car to add a Z06 tag (when the car is a base Vette) kind of supports his position.
Last, give me a break on being a "newbie." Many of us "newbies" have owned more cars and have had more experience with these cars than many of the senior members. My point is, judge the person on their comments and not how long they have been a member of the forum.
Most in this forum have disagreed without ridiculing when they disagree. Actually I thought that it was one of the forum rules.
Some of the responses sure could have been kinder. If you disagree then do so but you can do so with a little more class.
I construed his comment as a compliment to what a great car a Corvette is stock and therefore why mod it. He invited responses to his opinion.
Modding a car to add a Z06 tag (when the car is a base Vette) kind of supports his position.
Last, give me a break on being a "newbie." Many of us "newbies" have owned more cars and have had more experience with these cars than many of the senior members. My point is, judge the person on their comments and not how long they have been a member of the forum.
Most in this forum have disagreed without ridiculing when they disagree. Actually I thought that it was one of the forum rules.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
Likes: 35
Originally Posted by KMK454
It's pretty ballsy for a newbie to come to a board, say anyone with a modded 'vette has a "bastardized" car with no real identity, and then ask for our opinion. He came out full steam and insulted many people, and handed over the table, so I gave him a response in like. I'll take my bastardized C6 with no identity and he can think what he wants about it.
If you want to welcome this newbie with kindness after he calls modified vettes an anonymous bastardization, then knock yourself out. In my opinion this guy is better suited driving a V6 Camry.
If you want to welcome this newbie with kindness after he calls modified vettes an anonymous bastardization, then knock yourself out. In my opinion this guy is better suited driving a V6 Camry.
Originally Posted by G Morse
.........To me once you significantly change the car, it is no longer a genuine Corvette, but some kind of bastardized car with no real identity. Do owners of other sports cars such as Porche or BMW screw around with their cars in the same manner? I doubt it. Anyway, I would like to hear some responses.
Thanks
Thanks
Last edited by '06 Quicksilver Z06; Dec 12, 2006 at 12:34 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,864
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida. Black Sheep Squadron Member. 465 rwhp & 477 rwtq
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Good thing he didn't post his first one in OT. Those guys destroy and eat n00bs like a ****.
To the OP welcome & congrats.
To the OP welcome & congrats.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Santa Margarita CA
Originally Posted by KMK454
Dear God.
I thought I would only hear this crap on the Volvo forums...
YOU, sir, are not a car enthusiast as far as I'm concerned.
I thought I would only hear this crap on the Volvo forums...
YOU, sir, are not a car enthusiast as far as I'm concerned.