Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Well after lusting after a white fixed roof coupe since 2008 and missing 2 local options throughout those years (both were 2001 Z06 actually) I finally pulled the trigger on the car I've wanted since I sold my blue stealth.

Two weeks ago I got a notification from craiglist that a new corvette was available within the price range filter I had. I looked at the add and realized it was a 1999 Corvette FRC in my favorite color, Arctic White. Granted it is in the middle of winter so I looked at the add, but figured that since the Miata is in storage I am going to sit on the idea.

A week goes by and I can't stop thinking about the car. I figured if it is on my mind that much I should probably go look at it. Perhaps it is a piece of shit and doesn't meet my expectations (as it was fairly priced). So I talk to Ryan, who wasn't traveling for once, and we go check it out on Tuesday the 17th. It was on the showfloor at a local dealership and without the sales guy there (he was off), Ryan and I spent a good 30 minutes go over every inch on the vehicle. For the price, age, and mileage; it was a well kept car. Carfax checked out, so I figured I'll toss the Miata on craigslist and see what happens. Snapped this picture when I left:

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...1d&oe=5919954D

Well I got a flood of interest on the Miata. Between Tuesday at 10pm and Thursday at 4pm I had 5 calls, 15 texts, and 6 emails. Had a nice young gentleman ask to meet me at the storage locker Thursday night with his buddies to look at it.
He ended up buying the Miata the following morning.

So then its time to wheel and deal on the corvette. Went down there around 3:30pm on Friday, January 27th, and did the most sacrilege thing ever. Drove a minty Corvette in the middle of winter on a test drive. Upon start up I was immediately grinning as it has aftermarket exhaust on it. Test drive went great, so I bought the car.
https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...24&oe=58FF388E

History lesson:

Chevrolet only made the Fixed Roof Coupe or Hardtop for 2 years, 1999 and 2000. It was designed as a "stripped" C5 with minimal options and designed for those wanting to track and race the vehicles.

The particular car was born on Friday January 6th, 1999 (Day 5 of production for 1999 model year vehicles in 1999). This car was car number #71 off the line that day. As the 1999 model year started June 16th, 1998, this was considered a "mid year" 1999 vehicle. In fact it is 17,012th 1999 C5 produced that model year.

Fun facts:
33,270 1999 Corvettes produced of which
4,031 Hardtops (Fixed Roof Coupes) were produced of which
311 Hardtops were produced in Arctic White (2nd most rare color, only beat out by Nassau Blue Metallic)

Effectively making this 1 of 311 made. Less than 1% of the 1999 corvettes are in this configuration, 7.7% of the Hardtops made were white.

2000 Productions:
33,682 Corvettes of which
2,941 Hardtops were produced of which
315 were White.

When you factor across all FRC's, it is still 1 of 626 White FRC's ever made (8.9% made were white).

Ok enough about why I really wanted a White one (rare and I love white)...back to the story....

By the time it was all done I was driving back to the storage locker in the evening, so I could use the crappy lights. Stopped and filled it up with gas:

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...64&oe=5910A0ED

and tucked it away.
https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...2f&oe=5914B1CC

After initial test drive I realized that:

• The stock shifter is garbage
• The headlights are worthless
• I can't stand the replica Chrome Wheels

So the research started. I've always been a fan of the Z06 Speedline wheels, so I found a set locally in Mankato. Picked them on on Saturday and snapped a few pictures with the car. The wheels were in impeccable shape. I also picked up a set of 2003 Z06 shocks he took off his car with, 5,000 miles on them. For the price I paid; may as well toss those on while I determine what I am doing for suspension.

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...bc&oe=590BF78A

Trying to see how they fit:

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...7d&oe=594C4E86

Car came with a few fun things. Corsa Indy 3.5" Pro Series axle back exhaust.
https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...0b&oe=590416F6

The underside is clean on this car:

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...cc&oe=590E0E4E

The car also came with a blackwing intake:
https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...d0&oe=590129DA

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...3f&oe=5904F2D1

And a few other subtle things that just confirm the owner took care of the vehicle.

Since Saturday I have been busy formatting the plan...

...to be continued....

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

....The Plan....

Most of you know me and know that I can't leave cars alone and really like my stuff looking nice. This car will be no different. I want something I can autocross in, come out to the MAP time attack stuff with, do a few HPDE events, and street drive/cruise. Once all that is done, I'll see what I and the car excel in and make tweaks from there; but for now the idea is to improve everything 105% without sacrificing something else. Easy to turn everything to volume 11, beyond that you have to start making sacrifices.

Stage 1: Getting the car up to snuff and ready to teach me.

Let's face it. This car is no joke. I know my limitations and understand that this car absolutely does not need any more power to teach me anything. I need seat time, and lots of it. Thus I am planning to get it ready for track use and see where the chips fall.

5 easy steps for this:

1) Get the Z06 wheels on there with new rubber setup for Auto-X, Street, and HPDE duty. Currently researching tires, but thinking I'll be in the STU class for autox so will stay under a 285 series tire. I've ordered brand new TPMS sensors so I can sell the chrome replica wheels with tires and sensors installed. Tires are TBA, going to noodle that idea for a month or so.
2) Fix the headlights. I've ordered a bunch of parts to make it better; including 9011/9012 bulbs, Hi-4 relay for all of them to be on at the same time, new corner lights, DRL switchbacks, All exterior LED's (except rear tail light bulbs). Also a few other dress up things; maybe I can actually get into cars and coffee with something this year!
3) Make it shift. The stock shifter is garbage. It is more vague than most vaguebook posts I see on my news feed.
Thus I have coming:

http://www.mtiracing.com/mti-racing-...t-shifter.html

This shifter SHOULD be awesome. I plan on writing an honest review with my installation when all the parts come. While the car is in storage I will probably go nuts and get down there in a month to get some interior work done.

4) Switch out fluids and old rubber. For this I've ordered SS brake lines (STU legal for autox) and Dot 4 fluid, new oil filter, new fuel filter, oil, coolant, thermostat, etc. I have those 03 Z06 shocks so I'll throw those on when I am doing lines and fluid. Brakes appear okay for now, but if they are beyond 50% worn I'll upgrade those when I am there.

5) Round it out for power and alignment. Car will go to Jeff when it is ready. For power, I ordered an upgraded air bridge to "complete" the intake and already pulled the tune out of it with HP Tuners. I'll throw it on the dyno this spring before the madness begins, I figure it'll make somewhere between 285-320 hp/ depending the engine health, weather, etc. It'll make what it makes but I'll know it is 100%. Eventually I'll add longtubes and a mid pipe, eventually a cam potentially head work down the road. Right now I want consistent and clean power.



After some more driving I'll make decisions as to what is next. Eyeballing C6 Z51 swaybars, but I want to experience the stock stuff first.

Stay tuned, this will be fun!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Looks nice, congrats!

Btw, are the stock low beam projectors? I'd do a 4300k hid/xenon conversation if so. I've done a bunch on family cars the last few years and have been happy so far.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

No, not projectors at all, otherwise I would. I looked at some of the projector kits out there and unless I am spending $600+ I am getting serious shortcomings. The new "HIR" bulbs should throw significant light and are worth a try for $25 for low beams. High beam HIR bulbs were an additional $25 and the "all on" prewired relay is $25. I'd rather give it a run for $75 and see if it is "enough" than DIY for a few hundred.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Amazing cars for the money. Can't wait to see how yours turns out.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Awesome man, and as you already know, you picked the best color for Corvettes out there! :D

The C5 and C6 shocks and swaybars are all interchangeable, but my personal opinion would be to match the swaybars with the shocks you got (C5 Z06). I would guess they will be cheap and easy to come by since the majority of C5 owners jump to the C6 Z06 shocks/swaybars and pass up the C5 stuff (and the C6 Z51 stuff for that matter, so your idea would also be a relatively cheap and readily available option). Just a thought though!

The underside of that car looks impeccable, especially considering the age and miles. WOW.

I look forward to your review of the shifter. I've looked at/considered a few including that one, the Callaway, and the MGW (C5-7 all share stock shifter assemblies). For the time being, I am very content with my shifter setup. It's actually not all that different vs. what we did with the 1G shifters (Symborski kit + fluid).

Zip bushings: http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/...7-shifter.html

Redline fluid: http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/...d-service.html

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Vettestyle! Nice and clean, should be a fun whip!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

I feel like I should get another one, although I'm partial to a certain C3. :D

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Very cool man! Car looks mint!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Switched out all the lights as the stock ones were garbage. Also got in some base pulls today.

Car feels strong and flat, virtual dyno logs confirm.

Now to wait for the rest of the parts to come and the snow to go away, I am curious to see what I can get out of it. Ideally another 10-15hp, will see what the tune unlocks and the upgraded power duct I have sitting here.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Should definitely be some power on the table. I put a plug in tuner I bought from Kracka on the Tahoe and I actually felt a difference. The LS rocks.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Handhelds FTW!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Car looks great, but I'm confused on that dyno chart. That was a virtual dyno sheet, yet it stamps it as being from a dynojet?

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

It's basically saying that it's reading equivalent to a Dynojet, in theory.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

I see the virual stamp in the upper left now.

Otherwise I was going to say, seems like a gateway for any kid with a laptop now to make their own fake dyno graphs and passing them off as actual ones.

"FS: 800hp Camaro, dynojet sheet provided!!!" (**but actually on a virtual dyno with car weight set to 8000lbs and 25" wheels**)

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

It already runs rampant on the Evo forums. People claim huge numbers using these fake, easily manipulated, "dyno" charts. There is one remote t00ner in particular that is notorious for this. He'll ask people what their goal is before he starts tuning them and at the end makes sure the chart exceeds the customer's expectations. The best is when said customers then go to a real dyno for a dyno day or whatever and get all bent out of shape when they're down on power by about 150whp :)

It's a decent tool when setup and used properly. The weight of the car + driver has to be entered accurately (which it appears Swanny did), along with a few other parameters, and making sure the road is perfectly flat without any strong winds. It's best to use the same road each time to create a legit comparison.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Easy to fudge numbers on this software or a real dyno for that matter. It's a tuning tool and as accurate as the end user. I've actually worked with Brad a little bit on some development of car information and have used this software since 2011 I think?

I weighed the car and if I were to throw it on a dynojet I'd expect it to belt out 300/300. Hoping I can get it to 325, time will tell.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Agree if you have good inputs you can get good/useful outputs, not denying that at all. And also agree you can fudge numbers on an actual dyno too. But not every kid has access to a dyno and access to tweak it. And those who have invested in / purchased an actual dyno I'd imagine are less likely to throw garbage info around like everyone does daily on the internet. Every swinging dick has a laptop though, guess I didn't know it was already a prevalent issue in the Evo community. Guess I need to start looking at these charts closer lol!

Anyway, sorry didn't mean to redirect your post here lol. I'm sure you're using it properly and as a tool. Car looks great man!!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

No worries man! I always like a good discussion, this is as good as a place as any.

It's a solid tool for the diy crowd. Ideally it is used at a drag strip so the diy individual is being safe and repeatable. Plus you'll see the change in mph to validate any inputs.
I've tested this on cars from 300-900whp, numbers always check out if your inputs are spot on.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

^Thanks for that!
I'll have to add this to my laptop come race time.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

The numbers look pretty much spot on. From what I have seen stock ish c5s make. Air density can play a big role in numbers too. At less from I have seen with my bike at the track. I can gain almost 5 to 6 mph depend on the air. Anyways. Love the car and hope to own one some day. Been looking for wrecked ones and hard to find ones that ain't a total loss.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

My shift knob finally showed up as well as my custom leather bits from RedlineGoods.

Maybe I can get them in.

2008 C6 Z06 Shift Knob
Redline Goods Custom Shift Boot (as well as e-brake boot and e-brake handle)
MTI Racing six shooter short throw shifter.

I decided to pull the stock black threads out of the OEM shift knob and color match the boot. $0.39 investment. It's all about the little things.

Oh and my widebands showed up. Trying out some 14point7 widebands. A separate review to come on those.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Oh fuck. tscompusa and the other hacks like him are what make me so glad we have a lot of good tuners for our small area.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Ding ding ding we have a winner! :lol:

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

I hope everyone has been enjoying the unseasonably warm weather here in Minnesota.

Saturday I was able to install my MTI Racing Six Shooter shifter. http://www.mtiracing.com/mti-racing-...t-shifter.html

I topped it off with a 2008 Z06 Shifter that I re-threaded with the same color thread as I had done on my boots.


At the same time I installed my Redline Goods shift boot, e-brake boot, and e-brake handle.
http://www.redlinegoods.com/

Before:
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...c3&oe=5900DADC

After:
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...8a&oe=58FD9D6D

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...7f&oe=5932CA79
Shifter comparison:
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...fe&oe=59499759
Overall I am happy with products from both vendors and would recommend them both with the few conditions.

MTI Racing Six Shooter Review
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...2e&oe=5935663E
Pros:

• Shorter shift throws
• accepts C5, C6, C7, and universal threaded shift knobs. Thus if I wanted to cell this shifter I can sell it to a C5-C7 corvette owner.
• Lighter than OEM
• more precise shifting
• "Firm" feeling when shifting

Cons:

• Reverse is harder to get into.
• 1st gear now requires a stop at 2nd first to line up syncros. I will bleed my clutch tomorrow and hope that helps.
• My return spring on the T-56 transmission sucks compared to Ryan's Z06. Return to center isn't the greatest. The shifter is really demonstrating this issue now.

This is a high quality piece and anytime you deviate from OEM you are trading one thing for another. In this case I traded exactly what I expected I would, a bit of comfort and ease of operation for more precision and shorter throws. Simple physics tells you that a shorter throw means you'll have less mechanical leverage. Very happy with this shifter overall and I can fix a few things on the car that'll make it perfect.

RedlineGoods
Pros:

• High quality leather utilized
• Customization in many colors of leather and thread and patterns
• Fast shipping

Cons:

• Not 100% bolt in, requires some modifications to stock parts to install
• The E-brake handle cover isn't the greatest. Better than stock, but the fitment could be better around the top
• Not all the threading is consistent. In both cases on my products the ends trailed off crookedly, nothing that is visible; but I am very anal retentive on my stuff.

Modifying e-brake bracket to fit with new boot.
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...d8&oe=592E92B1

Overall these products are well constructed and much better than others I've used in the past. Rich leather and double stitching is used. Easy to customize and they have a ton of vehicles they sell stuff for, I'd recommend you checking them out.

Higher Res pictures:
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...b8&oe=5926EE0C
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...dc&oe=59384F68

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Very nice work!
One thing that I noticed really improved shifting in my c6 was urethane motor and transmission mounts. It was pretty sloppy with the stock mounts but really really nice with the z06 shifter assembly (solid bushings) and poly mounts, made a world of difference.

Edit: I used the hinson mounts, fairly cheap for the package of 4 mounts. My stock fluid motor mounts were falling apart. It didn't add that much vibration either.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Swapped out my airbridge this past week. Car felt a smidgen stronger up top, virtual dyno confirms; +4 hp, +4 tq.
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...01&oe=59729F32
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...32&oe=59355384

Also swapped out my 12 disc changer for a single din cd player. I didn't get any good pictures, will throw those up when I pull it back out of storage. Overall down about 9 lbs out of the car of dead weight.

Next round will add a bit more power; here is a picture of prep work:
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...d5&oe=592A86DF
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...01&oe=5926FD56

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Progress!!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Next on deck.
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...c6&oe=593B8E77
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...e4&oe=59424356

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...82&oe=593834C9
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...4f&oe=59330446
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...fe&oe=592AE278

XS Power (SS Autocrome) longtubes. These are designed for the 1997-2004 (universal) and will require me to have the passenger side air tube moved over a runner to ensure they will bolt up. Good reviews for fit and finish and these are a 3rd revision. Came with all hardware and metal gaskets. For $925 shipped WITH cats I couldn't go wrong (running a sale with discount code). Total weight is 56 lbs 8.20 oz, the stock stuff weighs 68-72 lbs.

1-7/8" primaries to 3" collectors and true 3" all the way back.

Can't wait to get these on, probably won't do that until after March as the Vette is back in storage.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

I'm surprised they didn't kick you off CorvetteForum for buying those! :lol:

But seriously, did you look into Texas Speed at all? Their headers are Chinese made, but at least designed with full R&D in central Texas, they just outsource the production to undercut the big American made brands like LG, ARH, Pfadt, and Kooks.

A few years ago I won a set of AFE/Pfadt Tri-Y headers (which were beyond beautiful) but ended up selling them to stick with my ported/coated manifold + Borla X-pipe setup which retains the primary cats for emissions and warranty reasons.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Any reviews on the gaskets that come with the kit? I bought some headers and y pipe for my maxima and the gasket didn't last long at all. I think they made it about 100 miles until started leaking. Bought some cheap ones at oreilly and they worked just great. Car is looking good. Can't wait to see what it does with exhaust on it. Post some video of before and after of the exhaust.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

These are american crafted, Chinese metal. The vendor, Huronspeed, is actually a CorvetteForum sponsor, lol. I've found out the domestic stuff is made here. Welds look solid but I am having my friend Jamie give them a good look over as well.

No warranty here but I want to maintain Autocross class legality and emissions compliance in-case I move south in a few years.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

They are a metal gasket; triple layer for the header. The air pipe connections are single layer metal. Grade 8 hardware and a lap style band clamp to connect the extension pipes. I'll have to pick up hardware to connect to my aftermarket rear exhaust I believe, unless that has bolts in there (haven't looked).

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Sitting in the Caribbean (Island of Grenada) with my girlfriend, figured I'd update this post while we wait for dinner.

Last Sunday with the help of two friends we managed to install:

XS Power Longtubes with catted x-pipes
14Point7 Widebands
MSD Plug wires
NGK Plugs
Plug wire boots
C6 Z51 swaybars with metal end links (drilled front bar for adjustments)
C5 Z06 Shocks all around
New coolant (Dexcool + distilled water + water wetter)
New diff fluid (Mobil 1 75w-90LS)
New Transmission fluid (GM OEM)
Oil Change (Mobil 1 0w40 with Wix filter)
New Gates belts (main and a/c)
New idler pullies (main and a/c)
Also swapped out the oil cap for a little car show bling.

All that is left is to install tires (just ordered Bridgestone RE-71R's 245/40/17 front, 275/35/18 rear which should up my effective ratio from 3.42 to 3.55 when you look at 4th gear pulls, while keeping the balance between front/rear similar to OEM to avoid upsetting active handling)

I also have brakes all around to do when I come back stateside end of March/Early April.

Then corner weight/alignment and I am set for STU autocross and street duty. Headers feel good and the car will need some dyno time. I'd like to see 325+rwhp and 350+ tq, but it'll make what it makes. This season is about driver mod.


https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...69&oe=5972B5E4
https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...ab&oe=59729E4D
https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...2e&oe=5924D114

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Great update, you're making good progress for winter!

Why did you go for the Mobil 1 in the rear diff, but OEM (Dexron III/GM MTF) in the tranny? I'm just curious. I went for OEM in the rear diff and Redline in my tranny.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

P.S. Does your g/f live down there?

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Very cool, looking good man! Nice on the 0W-40, just picked up a jug myself. Did you make sure to get the Mobil rebate?

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

No I forgot about the mobil rebate.

Kayla lives down here during the school year. She comes back in May and back down August-December. Then she's back for good.

I went with the mobil 1 in the rear diff as it has the friction modifier. This transmission is a "paper syncro" transmission so the OEM stuff seems to be the most recommended.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Well check out the Oil Rebate thread! The rebate is in the thread, just fill it out and send it in with your receipt if you still have it!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

The current ACDelco 75W-90 comes with the LSD additive pre-mixed as well.