1997 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
The world of aftermarket parts and performance add ons is driven by groups of enthusiasts who want to customize their rides. There's probably no easier and more popular "mod" than adding exhaust that flows better, sounds better, and may even add a few ponies to the dyno. The companies that produce these products set up at major events and create working examples, mules if you will, to demonstrate their products in real application. Ever wonder what happens to those mules?
For consignment, a 1997 Corvette that was used as a display car for Corsa Performance to highlight their first titanium exhaust system. But exhaust systems are mostly hidden under the car so to attract more attention, some custom exterior and interior cosmetic changes were made so that it stood out from mere mortal '97 Corvette coupes. And stand out, it does.
Exterior
The car is Torch Red. Nothing unusual there so let's get into the uniqueness. According to our consignor, the hood has a one of a kind air intake in a sweeping cowl and the nose has a decidedly aggressive look with road racing style intake ducts. As per our consignor's notes, the rear brake ducts are prototypes for what would become a standard C5 Z06 feature. The rear of the car is quite dramatic with a high, integrated ducktail wing that tops wider overall dimensions versus a standard vette. Gone are reverse lights that flank the plate and in their place are European style taillights with integrated reverse lights over a smooth valance. The HRE wheels were custom made for Corsa and are two-piece wheels which were freshened up by HRE in 2016. The front wheels are 17-inch, and the rear are 18-inch. Overall, the paint is in great condition. We note some scrapes under the front chin and the nose is a shade darker of the Torch Red.
Interior
The black door panels have been dressed up with faux carbon fiber panels and a red leather door pull, but are otherwise standard C5. The black leather seats include a red leather insert and embroidered cross flag emblems appear on the seats, armrest, and doors. The steering wheel is wrapped in black and red leather which goes well with the half red half black leather shifter boot. Standard gauge cluster with all the essentials and the stock AM/FM/CD radio is in the center stack along with the heat and AC controls. More faux carbon trim lines the dash panels and those on the center console where we find a Hurst short throw shifter. The low pile black carpet is in good condition and topped with bright red carpeted mats emblazoned with the Corvette flag logo. The headliner and visors are in good condition. The privacy curtain and carpet of the rear hatch look great.
Drivetrain
A 5.7 liter LS1 V8 is under that special hood, fuel injected and factory rated at 345 horsepower. It's connected to a Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear 3.42 gears in a limited slip differential. The engine bay is quite the show with a number of preproduction carbon fiber covers replacing the stock plastic pieces. There's a Donaldson Blackwing air intake and the headers are said to be a one of a kind design created for Corsa to tie into the titanium exhaust. Power disc brakes are found at each wheel and include Baer Eradi-Speed rotors.
Undercarriage
The star of the show is best viewed from the very back where chrome exhaust tips come off titanium tailpipes extruded from titanium mufflers. Underneath, the exhaust trails back to a pair of catalytic converters and then connect to the headers. The rest of the underside is clean and dry and dominated by smooth belly pans which aid in aerodynamics. Complex independent suspension features aluminum controls arms with transverse monoleaf springs.
Drive-Ability
We've driven hundreds of Vettes at this point. It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it. And if there's one thing that really wakes up previous generation Corvettes, it's an upgraded exhaust system. Even in the prototype phase, the car sounds fantastic, certainly more guttural than stock. The ride itself is that of a typical LS1 Corvette, fast, fun, and like a train on rails around turns. Great acceleration and we imagine when this car drove on the Autobahn at speed, it was likely quite stable. All of the bells and whistles work as intended and the brakes elicit our final check off as we bring it back under cover.
In an ocean of Corvettes, this one is going to stand out. And oh, the stories you can tell at the local meet as this is really a one off example. It's been around the world and back and represents the early days of Corsa, which now offers exhaust components for a variety of vehicles. This was their foray into the performance car world and this mule has plenty of kick left in her!
1G1YY22G2V5102324
1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
YY-Corvette
2-Coupe
2-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
G-5.7 Liter LS1 V8 345hp
2-Check Digit
V-1997
5-Bowling Green, KY Assy Plant
102324-Sequential Unit Number
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