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Corvette: Body Modifications

Bring out the beautiful lines of your 'Vette with the endless number of body modifications available today.

By Piyush Kayastha - February 12, 2015

This article applies to the C5, C6 and C7 Corvette (1997-current).

Auto enthusiasts can agree that they admire the simple design put into the sports cars they love so much. But, they also can't deny the remarkable look that some body modifications give their cars. Some styling is more aggressive than others, but some serve subtle touches of function. The difference lies between aesthetics and purpose. Some of the body modifications are purely cosmetic, while others affect how the car performs on the track.

Figure 1. This type of body modification is mostly cosmetic, but some kits do have extra cut-outs allowing more air to cool the brake system and motor.

Wide Body Fenders

DIY Cost – $789 (online)

Professional Cost – $2,000+ excluding the painting

Skill Level – Moderate; requires removal of the original body panels and extensive body work to fit wide body fenders onto the body.

Besides offering some extra cooling ducts for the rear brakes, this upgrade is mostly cosmetic. It is a good combination of form and function. Plus, it is a popular body modification among Corvette enthusiasts.

Front Spoilers and Splitters

DIY Cost – $275-449 (fiberglass or carbon fiber)

Professional Cost – $425-600 (for a bundle)

Skill Level – Easy; requires appropriate fit of spoiler or splitter to the front bumper.

This modification is also cosmetic; however, it does serve a purpose. Spoilers and splitters create "downforce," which enhance grip on the front tires and aid in turning ability during fast corners. Typically, a spoiler doesn't extend past the front bumper whereas a splitter does, which explains the name. Splitters "split" the air that goes over and under the car.

Rear Diffusers

DIY Cost – $249-599 (fiberglass or carbon fiber)

Professional Cost – 1-2 hours labor minus parts

Skill Level – Easy to moderate; fitting a front spoiler or splitter will need to be affixed to the rear bumper. Some consideration will need to be taken depending on the type of exhaust the car has.

This modification is both aesthetic and functional. Like a front spoiler or splitter, it has the ability to create downforce. This can aid the rear end of the car during fast turns on the corners of the track. Depending on whether your car has two or four exhausts, there are a couple of options available.

Side Skirts

DIY Cost – $300-550 (fiberglass or carbon fiber)

Professional Cost – $450-700 (for bundle)

Skill Level – Easy; requires fitting the side skirt to the rocker panel on each side of the vehicle.

While this is mainly an aesthetic modification, the purpose of side skirts is to create an area of low pressure between the car and the track. This generates pressure as the car increases speed, ensuring the vehicle stays grounded.

Spoilers and Wings

DIY Cost – $3,370 (for parts and materials)

Professional Cost – 1 hour labor minus parts

Skill Level – Easy; most applications are stick-on or fastened by screws under the trunk lid.

This body modification doubles up as an aesthetic piece, while still allowing some function as it creates downforce for the rear of the vehicle. There are a couple of options for those who simply want subtle styling. Then, there are different options for those who want something more aggressive and functional for track days.

Hoods

DIY Cost – $1,133 for VIS Carbon Fiber, $850 for RPI Designs, $699 for ACI Fiberglass

Professional Cost – 1-2 hours labor minus parts

Skill Level – Easy to moderate; requires removal of old hood to fit and align the new hood.

This body modification is likely one of the most functional, while it doubles up in aesthetics. Not only does a proper hood create downforce, but it can also provide significant cooling to the motor.

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