Vehicle Description
1997 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
"Completely new suspension geometry at both ends has greatly
reduced the C4's tendency to be pummeled by potholes, deflected by
crowned roads, and upset by truck grooves on the road. The new
model seems glued to the road, without transmitting all surface
imperfections to its occupants. As valuable as these improvements
are, however, they would be worthless had they been achieved at the
expense of performance. We're happy to report that in the pursuit
of their kinder and gentler priorities, Dave Hill and his team have
not forgotten that speed is central to the Corvette experience."
Part of Car and Driver's extensive review of the newly release C5
Corvette coupe, February 1997
For consignment, a 1997 Chevrolet Corvette coupe showing 35,447
miles, but the true miles are unknown. For some, 345 horsepower
simply isn't enough, so this car has been fully built with twin
turbos and a boatload of modifications that resulted in a dyno pull
proving 855 horsepower. This car was the cover car for Corvette
Enthusiast magazine in 2006 and featured in Corvette Magazine in
2011. Buckle up, we've got a lot to talk about.
Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by
the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws
to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public
highways in your area.*
Exterior
As if a Corvette isn't attention getting enough, this one has been
painted House of Kolor Tangelo Pearl, a deep hue of orange that is
sure to cause gaper delays wherever it goes and as our consignor
knows, "color choice is everything". A high rise hood and rear lip
spoiler were added for an extra bit of aggressiveness while 19-inch
Forged CCW polished wheels carry staggered tires, 40 series in
front, 30 in back. Side markers have clear lenses for some
customization and the while the dual exhaust conforms to the
opening in the rear valance, with the standard splitter vanes cut
in. The exterior has some custom touches to be sure, but it's tame
compared to what's under the hood. Meanwhile, the paint is
fantastic and we could not find any exterior imperfections.
Interior
It's standard C5 black on the door panels which may be two of the
few pieces not customized in some way, and that customization
begins with the Corbeau A4 racing seats for driver and passenger.
Other upgrades include a Pioneer touchscreen with Apple CarPlay,
speakers with subwoofer and 1000 watt amp, innovate wideband with
boost gauges, Aeroforce interceptor gauge with fuel pressure, MGW
short shifter, AMS 1000 Boost controller with scramble button on
shifter, a reverse camera, 4 point roll bar with harness, and the
cluster and dash from a 2002 with the head's up display added with
a new windshield to properly reflect. Carpeted mats embroidered
with Twin Turbo in orange protect the low pile black carpet below
and the car area is adorned with orange stereo components and
orange padding on the roll cage.
Drivetrain
Starting with a 347ci LS V8, the engine features a stock block &
crank that has been built by CarTech Performance, Manley forged H
beam rods and pistons, an ARP crank bolt, a custom grind Comp Cams
turbo cam, Katech valve covers & plug wires, a 3 bar map sensor,
custom HP Tuners 3 bar operating system on speed density tuning, a
2002 computer, Moroso catch can, new crank, cam, oil pressure, and
coolant sensors, oil pan gasket, dry sump cooler gasket, upgraded
lifters, modified APS twin turbo system, twin Precision 6066 ball
bearing turbos, a modified BOV to atmosphere, an Innovators West
crank pulley, Katech pulley/tensioner, APS intercoolers, Turbowerx
EXA scavenge oil pump, and braided lines. The heads are Cartek
Stage III with titanium/inconel exhaust valves, dual valve springs
good to .660 lift, bronze valve guides, and chromoly pushrods. Fuel
delivery is managed via an E85 tune, Injector Dynamics ID 2000
200lb fuel injectors, polished fuel rails, a stock in tank pump, a
Cartek custom inline external fuel pump, an Aeromotive external
filter along with an Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator, and port
matched intake. The Tremec T56 6-speed manual includes a Spec dual
disc clutch, a Tick slave cylinder and throw out bearing, a new
input shaft, an ECS transmission brace, and is a built RPM Level 5
trans from 2009 with a hardened output shaft. Power is routed to
the modified RPM rear with 3.15 gears, a 30 spline shaft, and new
torque tube bearings. Power disc brakes are found on all four
wheels.
Undercarriage
All clean underneath, and that's where the turbos and their TIAL 36
wastegates reside! There's also a Kooks custom straight pipe 3 inch
exhaust. That's right, no mufflers. After all, if you're going to
put out 855 horsepower, wouldn't you want the world to know! There
are also no catalytic converters. Suspension includes the Corvette
SLA system along with PFADT triple adjustable coil overs and a rear
PFADT sway bar.
Drive-Ability
This amazing build runs on E85, but can be reflashed to run on
gasoline. Oh, and it shouldn't be driven in the rain because the
air intakes are below the oil pan underneath. Racing seats and
gauges on the A-pillar hint that you might be in for a ride and one
probably more thrilling than a ride on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin
rocket. Around the test loop at civilized speeds, this raucous
runner exhibits poised behavior, if you consider a caged tiger
poised. All electronics, lights, and mechanical items operate as
they should on this tangerine dream save for the AC, which was
removed but all components are included with your purchase. While
Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at
the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions
will be working at the time of your purchase.
To be clear, you're likely not driving this one to Wawa for their
free coffee day. This is one you'll reserve for show and represents
a stunning build that likely dipped into six figures and now can be
owned for a fraction of the build cost. But for good measure, the
new owner will receive a binder with most of the history and even
the original build sheet and window sticker. Don't get squeezed out
of the deal, call on this tangerine dream today!
1G1YY22G0V5107120
1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
YY-Corvette
2-Coupe
2-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
G-5.7 Liter LS1 V8 345hp
0-Check Digit
V-1997
5-Bowling Green, KY Assy Plant
107120-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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