| Current Pictures |
| These are the most current pictures as of December 2002. |
| In these pictures you can see the '82 tail and how deep the paint finish is. The wheels may be a little over the top and make it look a like a Hot Wheels car, but they keep true to the concept of different yet still retro. The body contains several non-original parts. None of these are foreign for the 68-82 Corvettes, just to the 1978. ARE Mantis wheels offer the best fit with 11mm of offset that is used to clear the brake callipers. Don't forget that the Corvette needs 4.5in of backspacing - otherwise you will hit the tie-rods or trailing arms. |
| Modifications / Features- This is a quick overview of what makes up my '78 - Tuned Port Injection - Original dash - 140mph speedometer - Original ancillary gauges - Aeroquip component fuel system - 105 amp '91 alternator - 700R4 Transmission with 2200 stall - Black Leather Interior - 1979 factory seats - Bronze Acrylic T-Tops - 16in wheels with 255/50ZR16 Tires - '69 Style Exhaust - L-88 Hood - Carbon Fiber Rear Monospring - Hallogen H4 lights - Power antenna |
| Here was my solution to poor sound quality from the rear speakers. I purchased two small 6x9 boxes and then cut off the bottom corneres that corresponded to the wheel well. As it worked out, the boxes were nearly dimensionally identical to the original carpet covered grilles - barring the fact that they were four inches deeper. Endstate: a factory looking install with killer sound and plenty of room left for the T-tops. |
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| As part of the conversion to TPI, I decided to use the original "check engine" light provision for the TPI harness' own check engine light The ALDL sits under the steering column in a similar manner to the late model Vettes. The result was a success- the installation looks completey factory now. |
| Here it is with sidepipes, '16s, and lots of black! I still sometimes debate weather or not the hood and front bumper are what I want in the long term- I really like the '80-82 hood and bumper. However, my Vette is unique and different with them. I have heard that the plastic nose was really closer to what Larry Shinoda always wanted. Hmmm..... |
| Black, Black, and more Black! |
| To lower the ride height correctly, you need to use the stiffer, lower big block coil springs for the front and then use longer bolts for the rear leaf spring. I am still undecided as to weather or not I will lower my Vette a 1/4 inch. |