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So, I ordered a C8 Coupe early last year and have kept it stock, except for wheels. I’ve really enjoyed it, as is, and currently have no plans to make further modifications to her (Ruby). But, I have been thinking it would be fun to have a C8 Project Car.
Well the opportunity has just presented itself. I became aware (thanks @TD20 ) of the possibility of an available allocation on Monday (3/20). I confirmed the availability, went by the dealership, and placed the MSRP Order that afternoon. All of the Options that I wanted were available. 3LT Coupe, Z51, MagRide, etc.
Now the waiting begins; but that allows more time for investigating the various Power Adder solutions as well an exterior color change. Since I don’t yet have the Performance or Color change options nailed down, I’m calling her Pandora. Time will tell on what pops out of Pandora’s Box.
At a high level, either a Twin Turbo or Supercharger for power and likely a dark metallic Racing Green wrap. Wheels and tires will definitely be a component, but there’s plenty of time for that.
I’ve gone with the Museum delivery so I can take my time and break her in while driving back to Houston. Shorty thereafter it will be time to add power, followed by appearance mods. I’m not looking to set any drag strip records or best lap times at local tracks, but I do want a nice seat of the pants improvement in 0-60 and 60-130 times - maybe 700, or so, WHP. And, of course no CELs or reduction in reliability.
I’ve been following the posts on the C8 Performance and Forced Induction Forums, and I’ve been in touch with several Performance Shops, so I have some ideas on options, possibilities, and current limitations. However, I’m always open to hearing what others might have to suggest along these lines.
Power adders are still in a fluid space with some OEM PCM tuning options now being deployed (Superchargers), and more (TwinTurbos) in the works. But, Piggyback solutions have been around for some time now and while many of those builds were built to set records, some have been used as daily drivers - but primarily as Shop Cars developed to prove up reliability.
This is going to be FUN. I’ll keep you all posted as things progress. For now, it’s me and the chevrolet.com Bot exchanging comments on my current Order Status.
I’m already on the waiting list for the Lingenfelter supercharger….it may a while as it must be CARB certified (Kommiefornia). If it gets two years out then I’ll get it in Utah when I move.
I was on my facebook C8 group on Monday and someone said there were 2 available C8 allocations at this dealership in Houston. MSRP too! I told a couple people about it and @RUFAST? got it that same day. How crazy!
I cant wait to see the build! Please put some carbon fiber on it. haha
It's been several months since my first post on my Project Car, so I thought I'd provide an update.
First, in some of the previous posts you'll see references to CF member RUFAST?. RUFAST? was my previous username; now known as INTRUDR (reference to the Grumman A-6 INTRUDER.
I ordered a new 23 Z51 Coupe in March. I picked her up at the NCM in July and drove it back to Houston. She was built in June, but other commitments resulted in the delivery sliding to July.
Delivery time included adding some (Track Armour - Amazon) and a Novistretch Bra (NCM installation).
More Track Tape - Not pretty, but effective.
I took my time on the first two days of driving and stayed off of highways. Made an early morning drive through the Tail Of The Dragon on Day 2:
After getting her home, I spent quite a bit of time searching for "just the right" wheels. Changed my mind many times, but finally decided on a set of modular wheels from BC Forged: 19 x 8.5 (stock size) up front and 19 x 11.5 on the rears. Michelin Sport Cup 2s front and rear.
From this:
To This:
Now, for the POWER upgrades:
I decided to go with a Twin Turbo solution developed and installed by Petiz Performance Tunes, in Tomball Texas. It is their Bravo Plus C8 Package (info available on their website), but with the addition of a Cam, Head work, auxiliary fuel upgrade, HP Tuner based tune and Special Sauce.
Alex did a Baseline pull on his Mustang Dyno, which fell well within the normal stock range for C8s, and has since dropped the drivetrain and disassembled the various bits and sent them out for upgrades.
Drivetrain dropped:
Alex Peitz has been great to work with and I look forward to seeing the build take place (likely 3-5 weeks away) and then tuned.
In the meantime, I've finally decided on the automotive Wrap Vinyl and Detail/Film shop to install it. More on that later, but this is the color/finish that will be applied after the Performance mods are completed. The example is on a McLaren that was originally yellow, but is now a deep rich British Racing Green color. I think it will be perfect (for me) on my project car.
My build is all about building my vision for a Fun, Fast, and Mean Green Machine. It won't be the fastest C8 and it won't have the priciest appearance options, but, for me - it will be "just right". I plan to: enjoy driving it, taking it to some car shows (if it ever cools off here in Houston), and meeting up with others that enjoy club based spirited driving events.
I'll provide additional updates as the project moves forward....
It's been a while since I've provided an update because the project has basically been on hold, while waiting on parts: Dodson has been behind schedule on providing clutch materials to Cicio, who currently is THE sole provider of Dodson clutch upgrades to the U.S. C8 market. Cicio waiting on Dodson, and Peitz waiting on Cicio...
I've had my heads CNC ported (Hoopersheads), but again waiting on parts (REV hollow stem intake valves). The short block is back from LME and is with Peitz, as well as the unlocked ECU/PCM, TS Cam, aux. fuel system, direct port methanol kit and methanol tank, GForce axles, Precision turbos and associated components. But, the heads are needed so the engine can be built, and the clutch pack needed before the engine/trans can be mated, etc., etc.
Looks like I'm a week or two out before the actual "build" process can be initiated. Meanwhile, I continue to provide date availability estimates to the Auto shop (Auto Films Specialists) that will be adding the Vinyl Wrap once I have the car and have determined that it will be a dependable ride.
@INTRUDR Getting close Rob! Please show us wannabes some of the latest updates here!
Hey Brian, I don't think she'll be done by Christmas, but progress is being made:
Short block forged and balanced bottom end built by LME, headwork done by Hoopers Heads, REV valves & CNC port, Texas Speed Cam, Assembly by Peitz Performance:
Well, after a looong wait for a Sportsman Clutch and then another wait for a new GM Clutch Core, progress was made:
Clutches installed:
Putting it back together:
Closer - Turbos mounted
Closer
New Axles:
Plumbing
So, she's coming together, but with holidays coming up, and the time that will be needed for installation back into the car, Pro Meth installation, start up, HP tune, break-in, and road testing, it might be mid Jan. before she's ready to come home. Shortly after that, she'll be gone again for a week or so for a color change. All assuming no additional Gotchas.... Close, but no cigar - yet.
The Pandora Project:
