C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Performance modding a Vert

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 14, 2013 | 09:59 AM
  #1  
GCRoberts's Avatar
GCRoberts
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 497
Likes: 15
From: Niagara Falls NY
Default Performance modding a Vert

I was just curious if vert owners mod their engines as much as coupe owners? With the exception of the 2013 427 Vert, the higher performance vettes are always coupes.

If I'm not mistaken, I believe that I have heard that if you track your car, they will often insist you get a roll bar if your times are high. I would think that this would be difficult to do in a vert without it looking horrible.

My current mod plan is air intake and headers....then supercharger in a few years when I'm not making my vette payment anymore. I suspect these mods would make my GS Vert faster than the stock 427 Vert.

I bought my vert because I love to drive with the top down. However, if I could afford a dedicated performance vette, it'd be a coupe.

Just looking for feedback to see if I'm offbase with this thinking.
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2013 | 10:24 AM
  #2  
Joe_G's Avatar
Joe_G
Tech Contributor
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,949
Likes: 263
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

I know lots of modded verts. I take mine on the road course and the drag strip (a lot). It helps to be nice to the folks who run the events.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2014 | 07:51 PM
  #3  
apredvette's Avatar
apredvette
Instructor
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: MA
Default HP is a funny thing

Originally Posted by GCRoberts
I was just curious if vert owners mod their engines as much as coupe owners? With the exception of the 2013 427 Vert, the higher performance vettes are always coupes.

If I'm not mistaken, I believe that I have heard that if you track your car, they will often insist you get a roll bar if your times are high. I would think that this would be difficult to do in a vert without it looking horrible.

My current mod plan is air intake and headers....then supercharger in a few years when I'm not making my vette payment anymore. I suspect these mods would make my GS Vert faster than the stock 427 Vert.

I bought my vert because I love to drive with the top down. However, if I could afford a dedicated performance vette, it'd be a coupe.

Just looking for feedback to see if I'm offbase with this thinking.
I love verts as to me if you're going to have a car that is more hobby than DD - you should go all in. I loved both our C5 vert with LS-1 and 6 spd but we truly love our 427 vert. To date for mods to the 427 I've added a Mamba intake with the air scoop, the smooth power coupler. The exhaust I've only done the mild2wild as the car comes with the NPP factory. I might tune the car next year to optimize the mods but as the car is virtually new, I'm waiting. In truth the estimated 525 I have now is all you need for the street from a practical perspective. That's the problem with HP - practical doesn't play into it and when is enough enough (likely never)
Attached Images  
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2014 | 10:07 PM
  #4  
berk4422's Avatar
berk4422
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 105
From: Southport North Carolina
Default

I've done "a few" mods to my vert. Getting my Fast 102 and LPE GT11 Cam put in next week + Dyno tune. It's been a slow process (years), but I like the incremental steps. I enjoy wrenching and breaking things and re-repairing. Every few months, the car starts to feel "slow" again. I've done road courses and drag strip. I just look for events where verts are allowed.

Airaid, Vmax CNC PTB & Vmax PMfold,Coatd Kooks hdr 1 3/4, coated Cat XPipe,Borla 2012 Touring,EE Catch Can, Mail order Diablew Tune, Z51 Sways, Z51 Brakes Z51 Oil cooler, Z51 Power steering cooler, Koni FSD, Red Pwdr Coat Caliper, B&M trans cooler,SIC MSP Bumper, 09 Spyders, Optima Yellow Top,2tone Armrest,Lloyds Mats, Ask Airbrush Art,Kicker speakers, Kawal Aux Harness, Kinivo Blue Tooth, Red vette ltrs, z06 front brake ducts. still running stock 2.56 gear and stock stall.

Dyno said 358/366, 1/4 from idle on run flats was 12.3 @ 115

Last edited by berk4422; Jul 25, 2014 at 10:14 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 27, 2014 | 11:30 AM
  #5  
red4twenty7's Avatar
red4twenty7
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 521
Likes: 45
From: MN
Default

Originally Posted by GCRoberts
I was just curious if vert owners mod their engines as much as coupe owners? With the exception of the 2013 427 Vert, the higher performance vettes are always coupes.

If I'm not mistaken, I believe that I have heard that if you track your car, they will often insist you get a roll bar if your times are high. I would think that this would be difficult to do in a vert without it looking horrible.

My current mod plan is air intake and headers....then supercharger in a few years when I'm not making my vette payment anymore. I suspect these mods would make my GS Vert faster than the stock 427 Vert.

I bought my vert because I love to drive with the top down. However, if I could afford a dedicated performance vette, it'd be a coupe.

Just looking for feedback to see if I'm offbase with this thinking.
Just not my thing, but to each his own, I guess with so few 427 Verts out there why would you do it.
I have nothing against modifying a car if you want to track it, but seems with way more Coupes out there that would be the direction I would go, and overall I still think they are stiffer with the top on.
Just my opinion, you buy it do what you want!
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2014 | 12:34 PM
  #6  
c6moneypit's Avatar
c6moneypit
Racer
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 381
Likes: 24
Default

Originally Posted by red4twenty7
Just not my thing, but to each his own, I guess with so few 427 Verts out there why would you do it.
I have nothing against modifying a car if you want to track it, but seems with way more Coupes out there that would be the direction I would go, and overall I still think they are stiffer with the top on.
Just my opinion, you buy it do what you want!
Adding horse power is an addiction with no known therapy other than money lol. If not tracking the car (and if you are resisting the urge to street race lol) I would say keep it stock. More hp leads to traction issues and then chasing the weakest link... it's a vicious cycle and you just end up constantly throwing money at it. And it decreases resale value. If you are ok with that then go for it! Modding is definitely fun, just consider the negative aspects and make sure you are willing to accept them. Good luck with your decision!
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2014 | 08:02 PM
  #7  
jerho's Avatar
jerho
Instructor
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 235
Likes: 10
Default









Here is an 05 vert. Pics not gòod. Lsx 335ci, over 1000 hp, f2 pro cog sprag, arh,meth,many more.
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2014 | 08:05 PM
  #8  
TooMch's Avatar
TooMch
Pro
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 632
Likes: 6
From: St. Louis Missouri
Default

I have a C5 vert and have modded it with headers, larger throttle body, cam, Fast 92, LS9 injectors, Exhaust, it's an A4 but with 3.42 rear end.

Makes the car fun. PLus Igo to events where I'm allowed to drive it.

That said, now with the Track at the Museum, I will be thinking about getting a coupe of some sort if I can swing it, so I can enjoy even more events, but if not, I'll keep my vert and have fun.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Dec 1, 2014 | 12:06 PM
  #9  
CMY SIX's Avatar
CMY SIX
Safety Car
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 107
From: Opelika Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by apredvette
I love verts as to me if you're going to have a car that is more hobby than DD - you should go all in. I loved both our C5 vert with LS-1 and 6 spd but we truly love our 427 vert. To date for mods to the 427 I've added a Mamba intake with the air scoop, the smooth power coupler. The exhaust I've only done the mild2wild as the car comes with the NPP factory. I might tune the car next year to optimize the mods but as the car is virtually new, I'm waiting. In truth the estimated 525 I have now is all you need for the street from a practical perspective. That's the problem with HP - practical doesn't play into it and when is enough enough (likely never)
more air in more air out+ tune when you put the intake on, you are now running the car in a "lean condition" not good, hate to burst your bubble but mtw and an intake don't really count as "performance mods IMHO
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2014 | 01:52 PM
  #10  
Justasheet's Avatar
Justasheet
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,286
Likes: 4
Default

Originally Posted by Joe_G
I know lots of modded verts. I take mine on the road course and the drag strip (a lot). It helps to be nice to the folks who run the events.
How's that stock clutch holding up? Still using Pixie dust Joe?
Jeff
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2014 | 02:11 PM
  #11  
Joe_G's Avatar
Joe_G
Tech Contributor
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,949
Likes: 263
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Originally Posted by Justasheet
How's that stock clutch holding up? Still using Pixie dust Joe?
Jeff
Drove it up to PBIR over the weekend, smooth as silk!!
Reply
Old Dec 16, 2014 | 07:12 PM
  #12  
apredvette's Avatar
apredvette
Instructor
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: MA
Default

Originally Posted by CMY SIX
more air in more air out+ tune when you put the intake on, you are now running the car in a "lean condition" not good, hate to burst your bubble but mtw and an intake don't really count as "performance mods IMHO

I don't consider them real performance mods either. As far as the lean condition you mention - according to the manufacturer, the LS-7 doesn't require a tune based on the changes I've made. Also, the car actually runs cooler now and cooler than my buddies cars. To date no codes or issues so I'm not too concerned about the tune being too lean. I may consider buying a "canned" tune or having it done on a dyno to optimize performance of the car. As it is now, I'm not doing anything too heavy while the warranty is intact. I enjoy the CF look as much as the "performance" improvement
Attached Images  
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2014 | 08:42 AM
  #13  
96LT4's Avatar
96LT4
Team Owner
25 Year Member
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 57,132
Likes: 90
From: Kennesaw, GA www.96LT4.com
Former Moderator
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
CI3 Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Default

I'm in the process of "modding" mine now...

2013 427 convertible...going in for headers, Corsas, tune, and an airbox.

Thanks Vengeance Racing!!!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Performance modding a Vert





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:53 AM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE