Base to Z06 conversion
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Base to Z06 conversion
I have a 2008 base corvette. My front bumper is busted under neath the bottom and I want to replace it. My question is can I use a Z06 bumper without changing anything else? Do the fenders need to be replaced as well? And if I can only change the front bumper what recommendations do you guys have on aftermarket parts? Thanks
Popular Reply
Dec 17, 2019, 08:18 AM
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
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From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Best option (and the cheapest in the long run) ...
Sell the base model and buy a similar year Z06
Sell the base model and buy a similar year Z06
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 1,606
From: Edmond Oklahoma
A friend of mine had the same thing happen to him at a gas station. To make a long story short, $20+K later he had converted the car to aa full Z-06 body including the brakes. Looks really nice, it's just how far you want to go with things.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 411
From: Mt. Sinai NY
I have a 2008 base corvette. My front bumper is busted under neath the bottom and I want to replace it. My question is can I use a Z06 bumper without changing anything else? Do the fenders need to be replaced as well? And if I can only change the front bumper what recommendations do you guys have on aftermarket parts? Thanks
C
if
Burning Brakes
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From: Fort Worth Texas
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 354
Likes: 5
From: Winter Springs, Fl
Z06 bumper
Don’t want to step on any vendor toes, but l know who makes a z06 bumper that could be use with non-z06 fenders.
Last edited by Armyboy79; Dec 17, 2019 at 10:08 AM. Reason: Misspelling
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
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From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Another option would be a GS ... same wide fenders, front bumper cover and brakes / wheels that the Z06 has.
Put a supercharger on it if you really want to go fast ... and the LS3 don't have the inherent valve / head problems the LS7 has.
Put a supercharger on it if you really want to go fast ... and the LS3 don't have the inherent valve / head problems the LS7 has.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 532
Likes: 249
From: Winter Springs, Florida
I have a 2008 base corvette. My front bumper is busted under neath the bottom and I want to replace it. My question is can I use a Z06 bumper without changing anything else? Do the fenders need to be replaced as well? And if I can only change the front bumper what recommendations do you guys have on aftermarket parts? Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 779
not sure why people end up spending $10/$15/$20k on wide body conversion kits, I mean I can see it if you’ve owned the car a while and have thousands in the engine, sure pay for the kit. If not just get the real deal either Z or GS, or end up chasing your tail trying to make it look like what it’s not.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 337
Likes: 67
From: Charlotte NC
My total cost on a base to widebody conversion was under $3,000, I'm not sure where you guys are getting gouged from. This was buying the fenders/bumpers/fasteners from a Chevy dealer and all the body panels bolt on with T-15 screws so it's not like you even have to pay a body shop to do it. The most expensive part of a widebody conversion is painting it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 779
My total cost on a base to widebody conversion was under $3,000, I'm not sure where you guys are getting gouged from. This was buying the fenders/bumpers/fasteners from a Chevy dealer and all the body panels bolt on with T-15 screws so it's not like you even have to pay a body shop to do it. The most expensive part of a widebody conversion is painting it.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 1,606
From: Edmond Oklahoma
My total cost on a base to widebody conversion was under $3,000, I'm not sure where you guys are getting gouged from. This was buying the fenders/bumpers/fasteners from a Chevy dealer and all the body panels bolt on with T-15 screws so it's not like you even have to pay a body shop to do it. The most expensive part of a widebody conversion is painting it.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 337
Likes: 67
From: Charlotte NC
If you include wheels/tires and a Z06 Brake conversion (using new GM parts again) I'd say my total cost was just at $5,000. I bought my base for $18,000 3 years ago, at the time the cheapest GS I could find was $35,000 and Z06's were pulling mid 40's. That gap isn't as wide today but even if you factor in the $10,000 or so I invested in my twin turbo setup I still made out better.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 30,317
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From: Reading PA
One of our Forum venders Cultrag GM parts, offers both front and rear complete conversion parts kits for the C-6. Go to the Cultrag website and price out the front and rear kits. They come with all the panels, push pins, screws, clips that you will need for the conversion. After you have the parts in hand ask a good local body shop on what the paint work will cost before assembly. At the minimum you will then need new wheels and tires to fill up those new fenders. the best advise is to sell your car and go fine a GS or Z-06 in your favorite color and be done with it.