Mods you thought made "Night and day" difference
09-05-2016, 06:33 PM
#1
Mods you thought made "Night and day" difference
During my research on things to do to my Vette, I've seen a few mods that people described as "night and day" adjustments to their cars. For example, swapping out stock seats for something with better side bolsters allowing certain members to feel far more confident in knowing what their car was doing. Another example, upgrading the shocks in the car has resulted in members raving that the car handled far better in their hands/opinions.
Because of my own experience with solid seats and my poor opinion of the stock seats, I knew exactly what people meant when they commented on having renewed confidence in their car with something as simple as a new set of seats. Because of things I've read on here, I've picked up some Evo 8 recaros seats and I'm waiting on planted mounts to put them in the car. Also ordering DRM bilsteins this week too.
I think these two mods are examples of gm working in their budget to produce an actual supercar at a realistic price point, so compromises (like cheap shocks, and seats that fit overweight people) had to be made. Fortunately, this leaves room in key areas for big improvements.
In an effort to identify cost effective mods that may make me enjoy my own Vette more, I'm curious to hear what mod(s) you guys have been pleased with. In particular, the ones that made you say "oh wow". As someone who has modified many cars I've owned, I know some mods blow you away with satisfaction, while others make you feel like the difference in your day to day enjoyment isn't noticeable. Let's here your mod(s) that blew you away. The ones that didn't result in buyers remorse later or make you wish you spent the money somewhere else.
Because of my own experience with solid seats and my poor opinion of the stock seats, I knew exactly what people meant when they commented on having renewed confidence in their car with something as simple as a new set of seats. Because of things I've read on here, I've picked up some Evo 8 recaros seats and I'm waiting on planted mounts to put them in the car. Also ordering DRM bilsteins this week too.
I think these two mods are examples of gm working in their budget to produce an actual supercar at a realistic price point, so compromises (like cheap shocks, and seats that fit overweight people) had to be made. Fortunately, this leaves room in key areas for big improvements.
In an effort to identify cost effective mods that may make me enjoy my own Vette more, I'm curious to hear what mod(s) you guys have been pleased with. In particular, the ones that made you say "oh wow". As someone who has modified many cars I've owned, I know some mods blow you away with satisfaction, while others make you feel like the difference in your day to day enjoyment isn't noticeable. Let's here your mod(s) that blew you away. The ones that didn't result in buyers remorse later or make you wish you spent the money somewhere else.
Last edited by scubastevedds; 09-05-2016 at 06:36 PM.
09-05-2016, 06:37 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Oct 2005
Location: Left Coast, San Diego
Posts: 6,654
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Vitesse Throttle Controller!
I say WOW every time I use it.
I say WOW every time I use it.
Last edited by Vet Interested; 09-05-2016 at 06:39 PM.
09-05-2016, 06:41 PM
#3
Race Car Tech
Besides the mods that you mentioned, or performance mods, that increases horsepower.
I would think that the Vitesse Controller would rank right up there as one of those night and day mods that really doesn't increase the cars power, but makes it feel that way because of the much better throttle response compared to factory.
One that isn't considered a mod, but has a night and day difference is changing out the GY F1 Supercar tires to anything other brand. Instantly noticed a quieter ride, better wet condition handling, and better thread wear, and the $$ saved.
I would think that the Vitesse Controller would rank right up there as one of those night and day mods that really doesn't increase the cars power, but makes it feel that way because of the much better throttle response compared to factory.
One that isn't considered a mod, but has a night and day difference is changing out the GY F1 Supercar tires to anything other brand. Instantly noticed a quieter ride, better wet condition handling, and better thread wear, and the $$ saved.
Last edited by 4SUMERZ; 09-05-2016 at 06:41 PM.
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Pat7211 (09-05-2016)
09-05-2016, 07:32 PM
#5
Pro
2 mods come to mind for me. First was having the ecm and tcm tuned (A6)! What a very noticable improvement, especially the trans shifting! It really made the car fun to drive! Second would be replacing the boring (to me) stock silver wheels to aftermarket c6 z06 black wheels. It gave the car a much different look and I'm glad I did it!
09-05-2016, 07:47 PM
#6
Team Owner
Member Since: Aug 2006
Posts: 23,070
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C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I agree on the tune. Long tube headers and Corsa Sports with a tune is so much better than my stock 07 was.
As for appearance mods painting the halo and targa black really changed the way it looks.
As for appearance mods painting the halo and targa black really changed the way it looks.
09-05-2016, 09:26 PM
#8
Race Director
Pro Mechanic
Member Since: Apr 2014
Location: Washington Township Michigan
Posts: 14,535
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2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C6 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
On my '07 Coupe I did Michelin Super Sport tires, Borla Exhaust, tune, and Z51 / Z06 Sway Bars & Shocks for performance and handling upgrades, and added Black Chrome Cup Wheels and tinted Eagle Eye LED taillights for appearance upgrades................................ .......................................
then sold it an upgraded to a 427 convertible, which requires no additional "mods"
then sold it an upgraded to a 427 convertible, which requires no additional "mods"
Last edited by rkj427; 09-05-2016 at 09:31 PM.
The following 2 users liked this post by russ472:
Anthony s (09-07-2016),
DOUG @ ECS (09-06-2016)
The following users liked this post:
DOUG @ ECS (09-06-2016)
Great Mod
09-06-2016, 04:13 AM
#16
Throttle remapping, and de-hobbling the motor from what the TM is holding back. Yes, a tune will add some HP, but when the throttle mapping and TM is playing soccer mom special, these tweaks alone will make a great impact than the small gained HP instead.
Next is the shifter, and lets face it, the OEM shifter feels like it belongs on a Ferguson tracker. So Here, MGW shifter makes a huge difference with sharper gate and engagement feel, as well as shorting the throws as well. Hence drag type work, the OEM may be fine, but when you are hard breaking into a corner and changing from 5'th down to 3'rd, you can miss a lot of shifts with the OEM shifter instead.
As for engine mods, again, before you dive deep into the that, start with throttle remapping, and de-hobling the TM to allow you have all the power on tap instantly instead. I bring this up, since some with do a hell of lot of engine mods, but still have the throttle and TM in soccer mom mod, and only seeing increased armchair numbers really isntead.
Hence with a bone stock LS-2 and SS tires with just the throttle mapping and TM tweak, I can spin the tires for three gears from stop light through the intersection before even reaching the other side of the intersection. With 600hp or above and the same tweaks, the back end would break free just sneezing on the throttle for the first 4 gears isntead (read trying to road coarse the car would be a nightmare, since every time you try to push hard out of the corner, the back end is just going to break free to loop the car out instead).
Next is the shifter, and lets face it, the OEM shifter feels like it belongs on a Ferguson tracker. So Here, MGW shifter makes a huge difference with sharper gate and engagement feel, as well as shorting the throws as well. Hence drag type work, the OEM may be fine, but when you are hard breaking into a corner and changing from 5'th down to 3'rd, you can miss a lot of shifts with the OEM shifter instead.
As for engine mods, again, before you dive deep into the that, start with throttle remapping, and de-hobling the TM to allow you have all the power on tap instantly instead. I bring this up, since some with do a hell of lot of engine mods, but still have the throttle and TM in soccer mom mod, and only seeing increased armchair numbers really isntead.
Hence with a bone stock LS-2 and SS tires with just the throttle mapping and TM tweak, I can spin the tires for three gears from stop light through the intersection before even reaching the other side of the intersection. With 600hp or above and the same tweaks, the back end would break free just sneezing on the throttle for the first 4 gears isntead (read trying to road coarse the car would be a nightmare, since every time you try to push hard out of the corner, the back end is just going to break free to loop the car out instead).
09-06-2016, 05:08 AM
#17
Throttle remapping, and de-hobbling the motor from what the TM is holding back. Yes, a tune will add some HP, but when the throttle mapping and TM is playing soccer mom special, these tweaks alone will make a great impact than the small gained HP instead.
Next is the shifter, and lets face it, the OEM shifter feels like it belongs on a Ferguson tracker. So Here, MGW shifter makes a huge difference with sharper gate and engagement feel, as well as shorting the throws as well. Hence drag type work, the OEM may be fine, but when you are hard breaking into a corner and changing from 5'th down to 3'rd, you can miss a lot of shifts with the OEM shifter instead.
As for engine mods, again, before you dive deep into the that, start with throttle remapping, and de-hobling the TM to allow you have all the power on tap instantly instead. I bring this up, since some with do a hell of lot of engine mods, but still have the throttle and TM in soccer mom mod, and only seeing increased armchair numbers really isntead.
Hence with a bone stock LS-2 and SS tires with just the throttle mapping and TM tweak, I can spin the tires for three gears from stop light through the intersection before even reaching the other side of the intersection. With 600hp or above and the same tweaks, the back end would break free just sneezing on the throttle for the first 4 gears isntead (read trying to road coarse the car would be a nightmare, since every time you try to push hard out of the corner, the back end is just going to break free to loop the car out instead).
Next is the shifter, and lets face it, the OEM shifter feels like it belongs on a Ferguson tracker. So Here, MGW shifter makes a huge difference with sharper gate and engagement feel, as well as shorting the throws as well. Hence drag type work, the OEM may be fine, but when you are hard breaking into a corner and changing from 5'th down to 3'rd, you can miss a lot of shifts with the OEM shifter instead.
As for engine mods, again, before you dive deep into the that, start with throttle remapping, and de-hobling the TM to allow you have all the power on tap instantly instead. I bring this up, since some with do a hell of lot of engine mods, but still have the throttle and TM in soccer mom mod, and only seeing increased armchair numbers really isntead.
Hence with a bone stock LS-2 and SS tires with just the throttle mapping and TM tweak, I can spin the tires for three gears from stop light through the intersection before even reaching the other side of the intersection. With 600hp or above and the same tweaks, the back end would break free just sneezing on the throttle for the first 4 gears isntead (read trying to road coarse the car would be a nightmare, since every time you try to push hard out of the corner, the back end is just going to break free to loop the car out instead).
09-06-2016, 07:26 AM
#18
Le Mans Master
For me:
Appearance mods - I ditched the 09 steering wheel and opted for the 12 styling. Every time I get in the car, I am pleased I made that upgrade. Went with old school hurstlike shifter. Thinking about the black halo and roof as everyone I've seen on a Victory red car I like. Black wheels for me, although I have two complete sets and can go back/forth to stock silvers. When the silver wheeled tires (RFs) go, I will redo the wheels to machine gray.
Performance mods - When you have some, seems like you always want more. I am going boosted. I received the A&A kit last week, working through the tune right now. I haven't done the Vitesse controller yet, but it's on the list after I get the FI settled in and stabilized to my satisfaction.
Appearance mods - I ditched the 09 steering wheel and opted for the 12 styling. Every time I get in the car, I am pleased I made that upgrade. Went with old school hurstlike shifter. Thinking about the black halo and roof as everyone I've seen on a Victory red car I like. Black wheels for me, although I have two complete sets and can go back/forth to stock silvers. When the silver wheeled tires (RFs) go, I will redo the wheels to machine gray.
Performance mods - When you have some, seems like you always want more. I am going boosted. I received the A&A kit last week, working through the tune right now. I haven't done the Vitesse controller yet, but it's on the list after I get the FI settled in and stabilized to my satisfaction.
Last edited by BlindSpot; 09-06-2016 at 07:26 AM.
