There is something raw and elegant about the design of the Chevy Corvette C5. Its muscular curves, giant hood, and predatory front end with pop-up headlights resemble the design of both C3 and C4 generations. Despite being designed in the mid-90s under the influence of the popular-then new edge styling, the car preserved the original proportions and styling cures of the previous Corvette models.
Thanks to the unmistakable design, serious performance, current pricing on the market of the used car, and, probably the pop-up headlights, loved so much by car enthusiasts around the world, the C5 is experiencing a second reborn. It’s safe to say that it’s aging nicely, and slowly moving to the category of modern classics, which makes the car even more desirable today.
“it’s aging nicely, and slowly moving to the category of modern classics”
“You don’t need much to outline the performance nature of a C5. Get a set of propper wheels, matched with the right suspension height, add a pair or two exterior add-ons, and your stock Corvette is ready to steal any show.”
If you are a lucky owner of a C5 or looking to get one anytime soon, it’s always nice to make up a kind of blueprint of the future build in your head to prioritize your goals and spend money on mods wisely. But which parts should you consider foremost and what things to start with? No one will give you better advice than an owner of a C5 who has already completed his own modifications project (if such projects ever get to be completed). That’s why we decided to get in touch with Edgar Q. Stockton from California, who was kind enough to talk with us about the mods and upgrades done to his car.
How did you get into the muscle car scene?
– Family always owned muscle cars, so I guess you can say it’s in the family haha.
Why did you choose a Chevy Corvette C5?
– Always liked the flip up headlights and corvettes, so best of both worlds.
What inspired you to choose this modification style?
– Self motivation, always wanted to build an all motor car for myself.
What challenges did you face while putting it together?
– Choosing the right specs so that everything could function properly.
What do you love about your car?
– Sleepy headlights conversion, if you don’t know the stock headlights on these cars are not that good and can barely see at night. These new headlight are very bright so really love them.
Is it your daily or a weekend ride?
– Was my daily for a bit but now it’s more of a weekend car.
Do you take it to local car shows or a race track?
– I try to make it to as many car show as I can. Only taken it to the drag strip once when it was cam only.
2003 Chevy Corvette Z06 Specs
Performance modifications
- 103mm MSD Atomic intake manifold
- 102mm Nick Williams throttle body
- Halltech systems Killer Bee Cold Air Intake
- MSD coil packs
- MSD 2-step
- 42 lbs injectors
- Speed Engineering long tubes and x-pipe
- Borla Performance Exhaust (straight axle back)
- Texas Speed MS3 cam
Suspension
- Stage 4 competition clutch
- 3.90 differential gears
- BC Racing Coilovers
Wheels
- OEM C6 Z06 Spyders
Exterior mods
- C5R carbon fiber lip
- ZR carbon fiber side skirts
- Race edition carbon fiber spoiler
- Tracspec motorsports hood vents
- Halltech systems front plate vent
What are your future plans for this car?
– Will soon be getting new wheels, probably going with Forgestars F14s.
Anything else you would like to share about your car or about modifying cars in general?
– This is a passion and we keep doing it as long as we can. Hopefully, my next build will be a C4 corvette so stay tuned!
Watch the progress and find out more about this Chevy Corvette Z06 project by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner: @stock_ls6!
Related Parts & Mods🛒
– Inspired by this clean Vette build and looking to modify your own C5 in a similar way? You may want to check out the following parts selected by our team and bull park the cost of such project:
Exterior
Interior
Brakes
- Power Stop K1560 Front and Rear Z23 Carbon Fiber Brake Pads with Drilled & Slotted Rotors – Factory Replacement Kit
- Wilwood Road Race Front Disk Brake Kit – For performance builds
Suspension
Air Intake
- BBK 1726 Cold Air Intake 1997-2004
- Airaid Cold Air Intake 2001-2024
Exhaust
ECU Tuner / Performance Programmer
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