By Chris Petris
Headlight buckets on 1963-1967 Corvettes can be rather difficult to install properly. Ill-fitting assemblies and incorrect installations are common finds . We’ll provide some tips and tricks to do the job properly. Read more on “C2 Headlight Bucket Assembly” »
By Chris Petris
While plastic certainly has its merits in our modern society, it can be problematic when it is used extensively in automotive interiors. Temperature extremes, excessively bumpy roads, and improper removal/reinstallation are the biggest factors that can cause annoying interior component squeaks. 1984-1989 Corvettes are arguably the worst affected, with later C4s, C5s, and C6s being less susceptible to squeaks and rattles barring improper removal and/or reinstallation techniques.
As far as the first two culprits go, there isn’t much you can do other than try to keep your Corvette cool and shaded as much as possible in extreme heat and inside the garage when the temperature dips too low. Road conditions are also beyond your control, so the most you can do is avoid potholes and poorly maintained roads as much as possible. Read more on “C4, C5, and C6 Interior Squeaks” »
As of this edit, the last of the C6 Corvettes have been produced in Bowling Green, KY. The C6 was introduced in 2005, and was another all-new design, just like the preceding C5 was all-new compared to the C4. The C6 continues the Corvette Team’s mission to improve on the previous generation in every category. The resulting base model Corvette for 2005 boasted numbers like a 4.3 second sprint to 60 miles per hour, a 186 MPH top speed, and fuel economy ratings of 18 city/28 highway for manual equipped versions (15/25 with the 4L65-E Hydra Matic automatic). Somehow, the team managed to undercut the cost of the base 2004 Corvette by $300. Pretty impressive!
Since it’s 2005 introduction, the base Corvette received a new 436 HP LS3 engine, providing supercar levels of performance. The well-sorted chassis prompted Corvette engineers to develop enhanced Corvette models, including the 505 HP Z06 (2006), 635 HP ZR1 (2009) Grand Sport (2010), and 427 convertible (2013) models. Speaking of the Grand Sport, Chevrolet produced more of these in 2010 than the base model coupes and convertibles.
| Model Year | Coupe | Convertible | Z06 | ZR1 | Grand Sport Coupe | Grand Sport Convertible | 427 Convertible | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 26728 | 10644 | 37372 | |||||
| 2006 | 16598 | 11151 | 6272 | 34021 | ||||
| 2007 | 21484 | 10918 | 8159 | 40561 | ||||
| 2008 | 20030 | 7549 | 7731 | 35310 | ||||
| 2009 | 8737 | 3343 | 3461 | 1415 | 16956 | |||
| 2010 | 3054 | 1003 | 518 | 1577 | 3707 | 2335 | 12194 | |
| 2011 | 3112 | 780 | 906 | 806 | 5212 | 2782 | 13598 | |
| 2012 | 2820 | 621 | 478 | 404 | 5056 | 2268 | 11647 | |
| 2013 | 2597 | 720 | 471 | 482 | 4908 | 1736 | 2552 | 13466 |
| TOTAL | 215,125 | |||||||
By Chris Petris
Tools needed:
Phillips head screwdriver
small flat head screwdriver
small plastic wedge (from auto glass shop)
socket wrench
7mm socket
10mm socket
9/32″ socket
custom tool from heavy gauge wire (see below)
Have your turn signals stopped working? Do you want to replace your factory stereo or add an auxiliary input? Are you having trouble with your A/C control panel or electronic door actuators? These tasks and several others require the dash to be removed (or pretty close). Here is a guide to removing the dash safely without breaking any key components or attaching points. Read more on “1997-2004 Corvette Dash Removal” »
By Chris Petris
Spring is just around the corner and as the temperature rises, so does our desire for an A/C system that performs at optimal levels. Although it is still chilly in many areas, now is the time to tackle any pesky A/C issues your C5 may have before the toasty warmth of summer returns.
The four most common A/C problems C5 Corvettes experience (aside from low Freon levels) are air delivery problems, temperature control issues, malfunctioning A/C control panels, and compressor failure. Read more on “1997-04 Corvette Air Conditioning Issues” »
Story and photos by Chris Petris
Tools needed:
If you are fond of putting miles on your C5, you will likely need to replace your skid plate/radiator support at some point. The support literally takes a beating. Even the most careful owner can unintentionally come into contact with a parking bumper or bottom out on a speed bump. Read more on “1997-04 Corvette Skid Plate/Radiator Support Replacement” »
For your convenience, below is the complete 2013 schedule for the Corvette Racing team.
| DATE | VENUE | Media |
|---|---|---|
| March 16 | 61th Anniversary Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Sebring, FL |
|
| April 20 | Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach Long Beach, CA |
ABC 4/21 |
| May 11 | American Le Mans Series Monterey Salinas, CA |
ESPN2 5/12 |
| June 22-23 | 24 Heures du Mans Le Mans, France |
Speed Channel |
| July 6 | American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix Lakeville, CT |
ESPN2 |
| July 21 | Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada |
ESPN2 |
| August 11 | Road Race Showcase Elkhart Lake, WI |
ABC |
| August 31 | Grand Prix of Baltimore Baltimore, MD |
ABC 9/1 |
| September 21 | Circuit of the Americas Austin, TX |
ESPN2 9/22 |
| October 5 | ALMS at VIR Alton, VA |
ESPN2 10/6 |
| October 19 | Petit Le Mans Braselton, GA |
Written by Jay Heath. Reprinted with permission from Source Interlink, publisher of Vette Magazine.
Original article link: http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_1303_corvette_central_deluxe_gas_tank_kit/
Time may heal all wounds, but it’s hellishly hard on automobiles. These depredations tend to fall into two categories: those arising from the inevitable effects of the aging process, and those inflicted—whether intentionally or not—by one or more of the vehicle’s owners over the course of its life. While the Corvette’s fiberglass skin confers some measure of immunity to the former, the vintage-Vette market is rife with cars still suffering the effects of poorly executed body modifications and other “custom” work performed throughout the years.
All of which brings us, in admittedly roundabout fashion, to the ’58 model depicted in the accompanying photos. Though outwardly appealing, with a recently re-sprayed Signet Red paintjob and a mostly intact interior, the car bore the unmistakable signs of what might be charitably be described as a “colorful” past. Most notable was the rear suspension, most of whose factory parts had been jettisoned at some point in favor of a kludged-together ladder-bar setup and a nine-inch Detroit Locker rear that shuddered in tight turns like a Kardashian at a geography bee. Read more on “Corvette Central Deluxe C1 Gas Tank Kit Installation” »