Hello all!

I just sold one of my dream cars, and am now actively looking into purchasing my other dream car, a C5 corvette.

I am a previous 2 time shop owner and know my way around cars, especially high-strung forced induction and import motors. 1 cam and push-rods are foreign to me, but I always enjoy learning knew things. Coming from tuning many import vehicles, I have limited domestic experience. I do own HP Tuners and have done a little ls1/lt1 tuning, but I mostly used it for cobalts I have a lot of speed density and maf/mas based tuning experience and am very excited to get a new car to tinker with.

Previous ride was a 720awhp Dodge stealth which mucked a best mph of 11.45 135.76mph @ 3780lbs, @620awhp. Car had SERIOUS traction issues, only pulling 97mph in the 1/8. I understand big power with awd, but have longed for another rwd car after having my great handling 1st gen rx7 many years ago. I figure a corvette is the next logical step.

I am a noob to the ls1 platform and am actively learning. After doing some research it appears the 2000+ engines are a premium due to potential rod bolt stretching and oil pump failures in 1998-1999 cars. Also it appears the heads in the 1998 cars flow a few less cfm. Getting all the packages for the corvettes seperate is a bit confusing, and I am a few months out from purchasing one. I would enjoy getting a ls6 powered vehicle, but I belive the premium for the z06 + the fact that I can't leave anything alone for too long, makes me think a C5 coupe is the best option. The FRC is a great looking car, but I really like the idea of having a targa.
I won't be caging the car, that is what ruined the stealth for me (8.50NHRA tagged car, 10 points aren't fun for street cars).

Thinking LT headers, maybe zo6 catback, and a h/c/i package over the years. Maybe something small like a 100shot, and i'd be MORE than happy with the potential performance of the vehicle. I would really like to keep the stock ls1 as long as possible (shorty obviously), but the rod bolt/oil pump concerns make me worry about the 98-99 models. Do the corvettes share the same ecu with the f-bodies in 1998?

Great site here guys, with good info. I am looking foreward to becoming a contributing member!

my usual callsign is "niterydr" but that is taken here

 

Welcome. You seem to have a really good knowledge already. Check out the stickies

 

Wecome. I can't believe your name is already used.

 

I know! I checked the memberlist to make sure it wasn't me..the owner only has 1 post, i wonder if they would sell the name to me, lol.


Thanks for the welcome guys!

 

Welcome to the dark side

 

Welcome to the LSX world.

 

welcome and prepare to break factory stuff!!!!

 

Welcome: I too owned a TT stealth (although more than a little shy of 720awhp lol), and the switch is a fun one. The minute differences between the older and newer c5s are not enough to make an impact. If you have driven 720 rwhp cars, then it won't stay on stock heads for too long. The rod bolts hold up fine until you do a cam, or H/C preferably, and can be replaced (along with new bearings) via the oil pan. If you like traction issues though, get ready for the IRS. They don't hook either. IMO, the vette will outhandle the stealth with the right driver, but that AWD is best for novice/beginer road racers. I have a TA (which handles similar to a 747) so maybe one of the vette guys can give you a better comparision.

 

welcome aboard!!

 

yes, we got another. welcome

 

Welcome Brother! Come down to the Corvette Performance section, lots of good info there. Have you thought about getting a C5Z06 instead of just a coupe?

 

well if i could do it again, id wouldnt buy an LS car before 01 and ive driven a regular c5, c5 z06, and c6 and dont think its possible to make my TA handle like they do stock. So, welcome.

 

I think a Corvette was the best choice you could have made coming from a Japanese Sports Car background. Although I love my muscle car, a sports car is much better for an overall car... the Vette's handling capabilities are defiantly closer to what you'd be used to more so than our F-Bodies at the very least.