Corvette Blog

Wow.  When we came across the breakdown of the LS9 engine that our friends at Jalopnik did, we had to share it with all of you.

They have done a fantastic job of breaking down the engine into each different piece and part and laid it out in an easy to understand (and beautiful to look at) image on their site.

Click the picture or the link below to check out the large version.

[ Jalopnik ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Parts , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

The plant that makes the parts for the Corvette Convertible has decided to relocate.  The plant, currently located in Horry County, South Carolina is moving to Ludington, Michigan.

The news is big for those of us in Michigan looking to add jobs to our economy, but for those in South Carolina, the news is unwelcome.  The plant currently employs 94 workers and also makes sunroof parts for the BMW X5.

The reasons being given for the plant's move is because of the high transportation costs heading north to Kentucky and problems getting enough power to the plant.  They also say the weather in SC is not ideal for production, and trust us, SC weather is nothing like Michigan - so heat and humidity shouldn't be a problem for them anymore.

[ WCSC Live 5 ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Parts , Corvette Production | 0 Comments Permalink

If the sound of your Corvette is important to you, and if you would appreciate a few more ponies, you might want to consider what is generally known as a "cat-back" exhaust system.  Not only does such a system increase power, but it enhances the way the vehicle sounds -- or in the case of the newest systems from Corsa Performance, the way it doesn't sound.

Corsa has been doing exhaust enhancement for Corvette since 1998, and their patented Reflective Sound Canceling (RSC) technology has been welcomed by many Corvette enthusiasts.  Corsa shows up at all of the big Corvette shows (like Bloomington Gold, Corvettes at Carlisle, Corvette Funfest) to demonstrate the improvements and to do installations on the spot.

Larry Edsall's report on the Corsa system is covered in yesterday Detroit News, but the best source of additional information would be Corsa Performance itself.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Parts , Corvette Performance | 0 Comments Permalink

GM has announced a recall for certain 2008 Corvettes.  On certain 2008 models, the keyless access system may become inoperative at times.  The doors may not automatically lock or unlock, and the vehicle may not start.  The Driver Information Center (DIC) will also display a "No Fobs Detected" message.

If this occurs to you, you can lock or unlock the doors by pushing the buttons on the keyless access transmitter.  The vehicle can be started by placing the transmitter in the glove box transmitter pocket with the buttons facing towards the passenger's side.  Then, with the vehicle in Park for an Automatic, press the brake pedal and the vehicle start button.  If you have a manual transmission, press the clutch and start button.

The following VIN breaks (last 8 of the VIN) are affected:  85105302 to 85106987.

Schedule a repair with your dealer, do not just take your vehicle in - just in case they do not have the part available for your repair, because this will not be a quick repair.  GM is estimating that it will take over an hour to repair the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) which is what is at fault.

If you have any questions, please contact your dealer or us at CorvetteBlog.

Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Parts , Corvette Safety , Corvette Service | 5 Comments Permalink

Our complete coverage of the UAW strike against GM continues 24 hours a day.  We will keep all of our readers updated on the status of negotiations down the street here in Detroit.

The strike will have an impact for current Corvette owners in terms of Parts and Service availability.  Because of the strike, no parts are being delivered by GM, meaning that your Corvette may not be able to be repaired if the dealer repairing it cannot locate the part either in their inventory or in a local dealer's parts inventory.  That said, they are working out a system right now for overnight orders to try and get those out to dealers as quickly as possible.

All GM dealers received a letter today from the VP of GM Service and Parts Operations, Doug Herberger.  To see all that was included in that letter, click the link below.

Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Parts | 0 Comments Permalink

What do you call a man who eats, sleeps, and vacations with Corvette parts?  One such man is Terry, and he confesses to a Corvette addiction.

Since as a youth he started bringing parts car after parts car to his parent's home, the evidence of addiction has been clear.  When others would go to the lake house, or the shore, or Disney World, Terry would go to cars shows, looking to hawk Corvette fuel injector kits or wheel covers.

Terry's niche is Corvettes and other Chevies from the 50's through the 70's.  If you need parts related to 1957-1965 Corvette fuel injection, if you're looking for RPO 276 Corvette wheel covers from that same era, or thermostat housings, you need to call Terry.  Thermostat housings?  Don't get him started!  He calls himself the thermostat "housing authority".

Does humility play a part in his expertise for "early, hard to find" Corvette parts?  A favorite saying: "I don't know it all, but I want to.  Teach me.  I'm all ears."

Sadly, he has no website.  Call Terry at 586/996-1967.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Parts , Corvette Restoration | 0 Comments Permalink

To whom would you turn for fiberglass or rolled composite panels to repair your Corvette?

Gary Everett from American Custom Industries in Sylvania, Ohio was present with an extensive display at the Corvettes at the Summit event this past Saturday.  ACI specializes in hoods, fenders, and other fiberglass / molded composite panels for 1963 - 2008 Corvettes.

Gary made a point that their fabrication technique is "hand laid" rather than "press molded" so the quality is enhanced.  ACI is likely the company you need!  Visit their website for all the helpful details if you are in need or repair or restoration.

[ Related Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Events , Corvette Parts , Michigan | 0 Comments Permalink

In researching this morning's blog, I discovered an interesting website that shows photography of almost all current GM transmissions.

Included are the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transaxle and the Tremec T56 six-speed manual overdrive transmission used in the current Chevrolet Corvettes.

The Hydra-Matic is shown at the top.

The Tremec is below.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Parts | 3 Comments Permalink

Another of the hundreds of suppliers to classic Corvette enthusiasts present at Bloomington Gold was Coffman Corvette.  Coffman's focus is on convertible tops for Corvettes built from 1956 into the 1970's.

Pam and Ernie construct or fabricate all their Corvette parts in Mansfield, Ohio:  frames, tops, weatherstripping, and mounting hardware.  Rhonda was doing a great job running the "just the basics" display "store" and answering questions at Bloomington.

Information on all their offerings, including intake manifolds, radiator supports, and radiator brackets, can be found at their website.

[ Coffman ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Events , Corvette Parts | 0 Comments Permalink

I call it Steve's Corvette Garage.  Yesterday, I was given a first class tour of Advanced Automotive Technologies in Rochester Hills, a couple dozen miles north of the world capital of the automobile, Detroit.  The building's exterior reveals nary a hint of the automotive delights inside!

Gregarious owner Steve Pasteiner piloted me through an efficient, clean, hands-on operation, with many informative stops along the way.  It's a challenge to delineate all the areas of expertise demonstrated here, but I will give it a try.

I had previously blogged about one of Steve's products, the 50th Commemorative Edition Corvette.  Two of these beauties there were shipping later in the day, and another was nearly completed.  Others were earlier in the process.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Enthusiasts , Corvette Equipment , Corvette Parts , Corvette Restoration | 1 Comments Permalink

Now you can dress up the under-hood of your C5 Corvette in a very simple yet attractive way!  Officially licensed by General Motors and proudly made in Michigan, these engine covers are a direct replacement for your stock 1999-2004 single fuel line Corvette engine cover.  Molded in silver, these heat resistant covers capture the original styling of the Chevrolet small block valve cover with its raised fins, crossed flags, and classic Corvette script.

They are easy to install with no tools need.  Installation takes less than 5 minutes.  These covers are made from all new tooling and are not a Velcro-attached overlay for the existing engine cover!

Advanced Automotive Technologies paints each cover base coat / clear coat, using PPG products.  Covers can be custom ordered to your specifications, or to match the color of your car. Pricing can be as low as $149.00 plus $8.00 S&H.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Parts | 0 Comments Permalink

Historic information is being sought for a unique 1965 Corvette Coupe by Pro-Team Corvette of Napolean, Ohio. This vehicle, with VIN 194375S115982, was built to be shipped to Switzerland, where it became known as the Suisse Racer.

It has a 425hp, 396 cubic inch engine, and all numbers match. The physical description given is: very rare radio delete car, optioned with race prepared big block, aluminum heads, aluminum water pump, side exhaust, teakwood wheel, telescopic, race harnesses, race seats, M-22 transmission, posi, special heavy duty suspension, heavy duty brakes, American racing wheels, and high speed radial tires.

Posted By Bill Connell In Classic Corvettes , Corvette History , Corvette News , Corvette Parts , Corvette Racing , Corvette Recognition | 2 Comments Permalink

Earlier this month AutoBlog showed photographs (see top photo) of the amazing Vipette, which turned out to be a 1985 Corvette with a Viper body.  The vehicle was being sold on eBay and had fetched an offer of $17,000 on May 8.  Final results are unknown.

Today, someone who purchased a Viper body kit to begin the transformation of another Corvette to Vipette stardom is sacrificing the body on another eBay auction.

I don't imagine this is happening too much, but Corvette Blog wants to know: why would anyone value a Corvette more for having a Viper body?

[ AutoBlog ]

[ eBay ]

[ Corvette Blogs on Alternative Bodies ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Parts | 1 Comments Permalink

One Corvette salesperson I know used to ask his customers during the course of his presentation where the spare tire was on a Corvette.  Some would look in the trunk area or under the rear end of the vehicle, and of course, find nothing.  They’d say, “I can’t find it. Where is it?’ He’d say, “At your Chevy dealer!” 

It is an important question, of course, because every C6 Corvette has four unique tires.  The front tires are an inch smaller than those on the back, and all of the tires are unidirectional for safety and speed.  There is simply no place to store four tires in the vehicle.  It would be tough enough to carry them in a pickup truck!

So, what happens when a Corvette tire is damaged?  The owner can call 1-800-CHEV-USA for Roadside Assistance, of course.  But, in addition, run-flat tire technology makes it possible to actually drive that Corvette to service. The concept is that the sidewalls are considerably thicker and can be used for ride stability.  Consumer Reports recently presented a helpful summary of the technology on their website.  Check it out for all the details!

[ Consumer Reports ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Parts | 1 Comments Permalink

A multimillion-dollar expansion of the Toledo GM Powertrain Plant for production of a better-performing six-speed transmission scheduled for use on Corvettes is underway (see photo) and ahead of schedule.

According to Wednesday's Toledo (Ohio) Blade, GM is fast-tracking the facility to provide massive output for a wide range of rear wheel drive GM vehicles, including Corvette.

GM spokesperson Susan Garavaglia said that the automaker plans to have ten variants of the six-speed transmission available for use in its vehicles by 2010, when it will make as many as 1.8 million units a year.

[ Toledo Blade ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette News , Corvette Parts , Corvette Production | 0 Comments Permalink

The BBS USA folks, known for their success in the highest categories of auto racing, have introduced a new product for the C6 Corvette: BBS Gold Line RS-GT Wheels.

According to a Detroit News story yesterday, by Larry Edsall, the BBS Gold wheels have to be good to justify their price -- $900 each for the RS978 front wheels and $1,290 a piece for the RS979 rears.

The new 'Vette wheels not only feature the characteristic BBS aesthetic design, but are two-piece and die-forged and were designed specifically to fit the Corvette -- to provide room for the car's large brake package. "The Corvette is the ideal showcase for BBS engineering expertise because of its amazing acceleration and grip," said Craig Donnelly, director of technical sales for the Braselton, Georgia based company.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette News , Corvette Parts | 6 Comments Permalink

The Corvette Z06 continues to amaze!

High speed, of course, is the product of many factors, not least of which is reduced weight.  Of course, that weight reduction must not be at the cost of strength!  One of the many areas where weight is effectively reduced in the Z06 is in the front fenders.  In fact, the carbon fiber technology that is used is beyond remarkable!

Borrowing an excellent article from High-Performance Composites Magazine, our good friends at the Corvette Action Center include a marvelous illustrated summary on their website of this functionality.  It is worthy of the reader's careful attention.

Sign up at the link to the right for a free subscription to the Corvette Blog.  Then, you won't miss when we soon discuss an aviational design concept Chevrolet uses to keep this car on the ground!

[ Corvette Action Center ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Parts | 0 Comments Permalink

On February 28, the Detroit News announced that the in-car video system called VetteCam will be available for C5 and C6 Corvettes in April, priced at about $995.

This is same equipment we scooped back on November 21!

According to the News, the equipment "provides a view of driver input, the vehicle's dashboard, and the roadway.  In addition to weekend racers, CruiseCam's customers include school district drivers' education vehicles, private investigators, even storm chasers."

[ Detroit News Article ]

[ Corvette Blog Article ]

[ Cruise Cam Int'l ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Parts , Corvette Safety | 1 Comments Permalink

Classic Reflection Coachworks of Lakewood, Washington wants to take your C5 Corvette and customize it to look like a 1962.

The appeal of such cars (beside the fact that you see them more in your dreams than on the street) is the opportunity to blend various styles and design cues together, to put excitement and fun back into the old familiar shapes, to haunt our thoughts with these wide-eyed round headlights and muscle-car curves once again.

Their handiwork is remarkable.  In the words of CRC: "This new automotive conversion transforms your C5 Corvette Roadster into a modern legend. It takes you back in time to a classic looking car, yet it has the safety, comfort and performance of America’s most desired sports car."

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Fun , Corvette News , Corvette Parts , Corvette Pictures , Corvette Restoration | 2 Comments Permalink

Thanks to a helpful story on the “Latest News” tab at Corvette Action Center today, it was learned that the National Corvette Museum is selling parts on eBay to raise additional funds for the operation of the Museum.

In my visit to the eBay link, it appears that the majority of the parts are for Vettes, but there are goodies for some other GM products, too. Take a look!  For example, that replacement tail light assembly for your 1970-71 Corvette may be waiting there for you!

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Museum , Corvette Parts , Corvette Restoration | 1 Comments Permalink