This month’s customer spotlight is with Eric Barton from Washington, a 2003 C5 Z06 Corvette owner.
We asked Eric a few questions about his Corvette, and this is what he had to say.
Q. Do you have any Corvette Central parts on your Corvette?
A. A few. After looking back, I noticed that I purchased some interior stuff and your wheel mount lug guides.
Q. How long have you been a customer, and do you have any other Corvettes?
A. I have been a customer since 2018 when I purchased my Z06. This is my first and only Corvette. I, like many others, have always wanted a Corvette; however, family financial constraints prevented the acquisition. Now that the kids’ college tuition is paid off as well as their weddings, the Corvette has become my reality.
I purchased this Vette in 2018 from a Chevy dealer with ~30,000 miles on it and virtually completely stock. About a year after purchase, I went to an HPDE event at Pacific Raceways and loved it; therefore, I have slowly modified what I have as limitations/issues became apparent. My focus is cosmetic as well as function. I keep my Vette incredibly clean; however, it performs as good as it looks.
Upgrades completed so far are:
- DRM Bilstein Shocks
- TrackSpec Radiator w/ EOC
- GStream rear spoiler
- MGW Shifter
- AZA Auto Wheel Steering Wheel
- TrackSpec T1 Hood Vent
- CarboTech XP10 pads F&R
- Motul RBF600 Brake Fluid
- AMT Front Splitter
- Elite Engineering Tunnel Plate (1/4”)
- Elite Engineering Oil Catch Can
- Katech Belt Tensioner
- Square 295/35-18 setup
- TrackSpec T1 Sway Bars
The engine remains stock since 405HP is plenty for road course events, plus I won’t run into cooling issues. The installed hood vent became necessary as the C5 hood will start to lift at speeds greater than 120 MPH or so; therefore, this helps with cooling as well as a downforce when on the track. Pacific Raceways is my most convenient track; however, I also enjoy going to the Ridge Motorsports Park. I hope to run a session down at the Oregon Raceway Park this year since I enjoy learning new tracks. This summer, my wife and I will cruise down to Northern California to spend a few days sightseeing along Hwy 1 north of San Francisco with my brother and other car enthusiasts; it should be a blast!
