WindRestrictor Soon to be Available for C5 Corvette
The Extremely Popular WindRestrictor is coming for C5 Corvette Convertibles
King Penn Industries' incredibly popular LED Lighted WindRestrictor which had previously only been available for C6 Corvettes is coming for C5 drivers as well - (1/19/2012)
Every now and then a product comes along that's so innovative and exciting it takes a consumer market by storm, and that's exactly what King Penn's LED lighted WindRestrictor did last year for the C6 Corvette public. Designed to help minimize wind noise when driving with the top down, wind buffers/screens are nothing new for Corvette drivers. A number of different net versions have been sold over the years, but none have offered the good looks and quality of the WindRestrictor.
Manufactured from incredible clear acrylic materials, the Corvette C5 WindRestrictor provides the functionality of other wind screens with little to no decreased visibility. This visibility is a large plus over other models similar to it, but is by no means the only point of interest on this product. In addition to the incredible construction, the WindRestrictor is also a unique, stylish, and gorgeous custom product. It's available with a number of different etching options--for the Corvette, much any GM licensed Corvette emblem you can imagine is available--and has available LED lighting which shines through the clear WindRestrictor plate for a fantastic glow.
Also setting the WindRestrictor apart, visually and in construction quality, is its mounting system. Many other wind screens for the Corvette convertible use sub-par mounting systems that are bulky and unattractive and require removing the wind screen when the top is up, but the developers over at King Penn Industries realized this basic structural flaw in the standard wind screen construction and developed their WindRestrictor to be able to remain in place with the top both up and down.
Thankfully, this product is finally available for the fifth generation Corvette. It has been one of my favorites for the C6 since it's release, and will certainly be very welcome for the C5 Corvette as well. The quality and style are undeniable, and the design is unlike any other! Of course, this hasn't been officially announced by King Penn Industries yet, so until it is the release of the product is little more than "rumor" I acquired by talking to the right person on the right phone call, but you can trust me that it will certainly be happening. I'd expect to see the C5 Convertible Corvette WindRestrictor start hitting dealer websites within 3-4 weeks time.
2012 Corvette Has Two New Catalytic Converters
2012 C6 Corvette Sports Four Cats Instead of Two
EPA Requirements force Chevrolet to add a second set of catalytic converters to the mid-pipes of the 2012 Corvette
If you were to look under the new 2012 Corvette you might be a little surprised at the exhaust design. The C6 Corvette has, since its release, featured two large catalytic converters on the down-pipes, but in 2012 that had to change due to the increasing stringency of EPA regulations. This has resulted in the installation of a second set of catalytic converters on the stock exhaust's mid-pipe.
Here you can see the new set of cats installed on the 2012 Corvette.
Thankfully, for us Corvette fanatics, these extra environmental helping catalytic converters will not result in a decrease in engine power output, and no drops in HP or Torque numbers will be seen. The extra weight of the cats will be minimal, also, and there shouldn't be any reason to expect the 2012 Corvette's performance to drop down from 2011 at all. Less thankfully, this does mean that aftermarket exhaust systems that were functional for the 2011 may not be functional on the 2012--at least, not road legally.
However, not thankfully, this exhaust change has resulted in some issues in aftermarket exhaust fitment. Already Akrapovic, who are one of the world's leading and finest exhaust system manufacturers, has stated that their cat-back systems for the C6 will not install on the 2012 Corvette, and that their axle-back systems, known as the slip-on system style, has issues with fitment as well. Thankfully, being the consummate professionals that they are, Akrapovic is producing a solution to this issue. However, this news also means that similar catbacks from other companies may have fitment issues on the 2012 Corvette.
The change in pipe lengths which were necessary to accomodate the new set of catalytic converters on the 2012 Corvette has resulted in fitment issues with aftermarket exhaust systems designed for older C6 Corvette models.
So, be aware of the changes to the Corvette stock exhaust between the 2011 and 2012 models and be sure to check with the manufacturer or your retailer when purchasing an exhaust for your Corvette.
GM Produces 100-Millionth Small Block
GM Produces 100-Millionth Small Block Engine
A ZR1 LS9 Engine just produced by Chevrolet was the 100-Millionth manufactured by the company.
In the past 56 years, since Chevrolet began producing small block engines, the bowtie emblazoned automotive company and the small block engine has been synonymous with one another. In that time, every iconic car produced by Chevrolet has been known and linked to their famous small-block engine design in some manner. Most recently, the fifth generation Camaro has become a small block powered icon on both road and track, much like it's LS small block powered big brother, the Corvette.
The sheer number there--100,000,000 for those who like lots of zeroes--really highlights the durability, reputation, and potential of the small block and speaks to the iconic nature of the GM engine. It is fitting then to also consider that the first small block, introduced in 1955, was built for the first generation Corvette and the 100-millionth produced was a hand-crafted work of art LS9 made specifically for the sixth generation Corvette's special edition ZR1--the fastest Corvette ever produced.
Of course, the transition from the first small block to the modern pinnacle LS9 is a long one, filled with numerous exciting and memorable engines. In 1992 Chevrolet first introduced its second-generation Small Block, known as the LT1, in to its Corvette. This engine became an absolute staple on tracks across the globe, and adorned various vehicles from that Corvette, to the F-Body Camaro and Firebird, and the B-Body Impala SS and Caprice Police car. The LT1, which featured a newly developed reverse cooling, is still being used in races all across the globe today.
Following the second generation, Chevrolet then introduced their first LS Engine in 1997. This third generation small block, which was first placed in the C5 Corvette, was an even greater step forward. The LS engines are all-aluminum small blocks, and the first of them, the LS1, was rated a naturally aspirated 350HP and 365 lb ft of torque--numbers that, today, are still incredibly impressive for a naturally aspirated 5.7L engine. The LS engine was then featured, in some form, in numerous different vehicles and even had a more powerful, LS6 version introduced in the C5 Z06 Corvette in 2001. This LS6 featured the same 5.7L displacement as its LS1 brethren, but put out a stomach churning 405HP and 400 lb ft of torque.
Those numbers were fairly mind-shattering for a naturally aspirated engine of the LS6's size and weight, at least, until 2005 when the first of the fourth generation small block was released. In 2005 the Corvette went from its fifth generation vehicle to the now current sixth generation, and with the change in body also came the biggest change: the introduction of the Chevrolet LS2. The LS2 was almost identical to the LS6 engine in performance and displacement, but also featured a much more even Torque curve through-out the RPM range, and had the potential to be modified for incredible gains. It was from this base LS2 that the LS7--the now revered 505HP and 470 lb ft torque monster--was produced and introduced to the 2006 Corvette. Just one year after the update of the small block, this engine seemed to be where everything was building, and the Z06 became the undeniable greatest performance bang for the buck on the globe. Within the year, there were Z06's running against quarter-million dollar European exotics on racetracks all across the globe, and each one came with the distinctive sound and tone that only a Chevrolet small block V8 can deliver through the exhaust.
Of course, Chevrolet wasn't finished there (thankfully, they're dedicated to the production of envelope-pushing performance machines) and we saw such engines as the 430HP LS3 (now outfitting the base-level C6 Corvette and the Chevrolet Camaro SS), the LSA (a 556HP Supercharged monster that can be found in the world's fastest production sedan, the Cadillac CTS-V and will also hit the streets in the body of the new super-Camaro ZL1 this year), and the engine that would be made as number 100,000,000--the LS9.
The LS9 is an absolute marvel worth talking about as well, especially considering that everything before it brought us to this point. The LS9, which can only be found in the top of the line Corvette ZR1, produces an amazing supercharged 6.2L engine based on the LS3 block and putting out a ferocious 638bhp and 604 lb ft of torque. Those numbers, in combination with the Corvette's lightweight body and wide, aggressive stance, have produced a vehicle that runs track times that best it's $250,000+ competitors. Today, the ZR1 is the undeniable greatest bargain on wheels that exists for the performance minded consumer, and, as such, is the only engine fitting to be given the designation as number 100,000,000 of its kind.
Of course, Chevrolet's not stopping at 100,000,000 and the future of the small block engine holds a great deal of excitement. Already, official reports have come out that Chevrolet is updating their engine for the seventh-generation of their Corvette, and we may see the introduction of such features as direct injection and an upgraded combustion chamber design, as well as the improved performance and efficiency numbers to match. GM enthusiasts should expect to see the next small block engine first hit the streets in the C7 Corvette, scheduled for release some time in 2014.
Product Spotlight: Painted Corvette License Plate Frame
Here's a great product I came across that's available at a great price: Painted Aluminum Corvette License Plate Frames. Trying to keep up with a semi-regular product spotlight series, these seemed--based on their quality, great looks, and affordable price--like a logical next product.
The manufacturing for these is really cool, and, SouthernCarParts--who is one of the major retailers for them and a company that I personally enjoy dealing with (I feel like, as far as Corvette products go, they're like my everyday Cheers-esque bar where everyone knows my name)--provides a lot of information for how they're produced. Beginning with a solid brass, heavy cast mold, the base aluminum plate is formed. Each plate is then CNC machine cut for precision, and given a precise, fast machine engraving. The Engravings on these are of the Corvette lettering, with your choice of either Base Corvette C6, Z06, or ZR1 badging emblem to accompany it. Once engraved, the plates are given a multi-coat paint job using actual GM paints. I questioned this, but, was assured that the paint being used is derived from the GM WPA code, and, I'll be damned if the one I received didn't match perfectly. The paint is applied in a multi-coat process, with a final clear coating, for shine and durability and looks just like the stock Corvette paint job.
The last part of the production process is the one that impresses me the most. The Corvette engravings on these plates are actually hand-filled with an acrylic epoxy. Typically, hand-filling means that a product is prohibitively more costly than machine ones, but these are definitely affordable. The quality of the acrylic epoxy is perfect, there are no imperfections, and the plate looks awesome to be finished off with these emblems. These things are absolutely gorgeous.
As with any license plate frame, this is easy to install. The painted screw caps are a nice touch to help keep the whole thing looking uniform, and once installed, the plate really looks like it belongs on the vehicle. All-in-all, I'm really happy with the product, considering that it cost under $115 and adds more Corvette badging with an OEM (or better) quality finish. That can never be a bad thing, can it?
Charger Connection Adapter for the Vette
The "StealthLink" Charger Connection adapter for the Corvette is a genius solution to charging pains. The Charger Connection adapter is a quick and easy fix for the pains of lifting the hood, or popping the hatch to connect to a battery charger. The Charger Connection adapter takes an aviation grade push/pull connector and utilizes this as the connection point of the charger. This unique installation takes place right next to the rear license plate light leaving no point of entry for any critters or any need to have the hatch or hood open for charging. This adapter even allows you to leave the car cover on if you want. The adapter is a creatively quick way for you to keep the battery tended and the car under wraps if you would rather keep it up under the car cover. The charger end comes with either a 72" SAE 2 pin cord, or a 16" Ctek cord.
Inside each kit:
- Custom designed, precision water-jet cut, .125" T6061 aluminum bracket with black anodizing
- Black anodized aluminum spacer
- Aviation grade push/pull connector with a cycle life in excess of 5,000 mating's
- SAE 2 pin cord at 72" / Ctek cord at 16"
- Watertight plug to seal receptacle when not mated
- Inline fuse holder with an appropriately rated fuse
- Custom embroidered "Remove Before Flight" window reminder
- Sized piece of "VentureShield" clear bra for paint protection (for C6 Corvettes)
- Step by step installation instructions with pictures
I'm sure you noticed the "Remove before Flight" window reminder on there, but yep, it's for you. Just in case you happened to hop in one day and get ready to take the beast out for a spin, this reminder is there to keep you in check.
Overall thoughts on this little guy: impressive. A great solution to the common cord and charger issue. This provides a quick and easy access point for your charger and after installation is almost invisible, and a great addition to the car both from an upkeep point of view and a value point of view. Would we recommend it to a friend? Absolutely.
Youtube Greatness Unearthed (again)
I'm sure many of you frequent the virtual domiciles that many of us have come to love known as the forums, but I found this video at Corvette Blogger, and decided it put such a smile on my face it was worth a look-see for the masses as well. This video circulated the forums for a while and was appreciated for what it was, and still should be quite a treat for those who have never seen it.
There is a certain unadulterated draw to loud fast cars that some of us possess much in the same way that a 4 year old possesses excitement for Christmas around the month of December. Seeing how we are adults, we don't have to wait 11 months for the excitement to build, we can usually go out and find what we desire with a fair amount of ease, but then—once in a blue moon, the excitement falls into our laps. The lucky duo in this video happens to be behind a ZR1, with the claimed addition of Kooks headers and a Bassani exhaust in the description. The lucky pair seems to spark a bit of showmanship from the driver of the ZR1.
DISCLAIMER: TURN IT UP. Somewhere around the 0:35 second mark, if there are any small children in the room, they might be asked to leave if noise is a concern, also there is some coarse language at the end of the video that basically sums up what you were thinking anyway, but might not be suitable for all audiences. Enjoy.
We know. Utterly ridiculous, but at the same time, isn't there a $&!% eating grin on your face? It's hard not to after not only hearing the ZR1 and its LS9 completely stomp some pavement out, but the amateur director's reaction is pretty priceless too (and he wasn't even in the car!). We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. This is the original posters comments about the video:
I was driving behind this Corvette Zr1, with Bassani and kooks headers, through my city in Michigan. After a couple miles, the driver must have noticed us filming his car because, he then floors the loud peddle and launches, full throttle down a hill, moving at some incredible speeds. This is the most amazing noise I have ever heard, the loudest Corvette I have ever heard, and also one of the most amazing/ beautiful cars I have ever seen. And yes, I scream out of shock when the car accelerates, its kind of funny but its pretty much a fail!
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup ZP Tires For the New Corvette
At the end of the 2004 racing season, Michelin and the Corvette racing team had had an impressive season with the C5.R in the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. 
This marked the beginning of the Michelin/Chevrolet Corvette pairing, and only the beginning of things to come for Corvette owners. The Corvette ZR1 and Z06 became the guinea pigs for testing the limits of the new creations that Michelin would put out for the road hungry V8's. In 2009 the ZR1 became the only recipient of the Pilot Sport PS2 Zero Pressure (ZP) tire, and the Pilot Sport Cup for the Z06. Selecting the Z07 package on the Z06 or the new PDE performance pack on the ZR1 guarantees the brand-new, Corvette-exclusive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure (ZP) tires, featuring a DOT-approved, street-legal and track-ready design that comes as a direct reflection of the racing experiences and information collected during their events. Lee Willard, tire development engineer for Michelin North America and designer of the Pilot Sport Cup ZP, said, "The tire is the only single element of a car — whether on the track or on the street — that can simultaneously improve braking, acceleration and cornering. It was natural for Corvette to tap Michelin's extensive racing and ultra-high-performance expertise when looking for a track-tuned tire that would improve lap times and still be street legal."
The new tire, as stated above will be Corvette-only, and is slated to put enough rubber and grip on the road to bump up the lateral G measure to 1.1 G's. This is great news for the Corvette community and awesome for a street tire. Not until recently did street tires break the 1.0 lateral G mark on the skid pad. Engineers estimate an 8% gain in lateral acceleration, and an estimated 3 second lower lap time for the Vette on Virginia International Raceway (VIR), due to better grip and later braking capabilities. The trickledown theory of economics plays its part in the tire world too, so if you're not lining up with wallet in hand for the new Corvette, you'll eventually get the advantage of sweet tires in the coming years. "The technology developed from racing expertise and initially used in high-performance tries will make its way into the more mass-market tires produced by Michelin for its passenger car and light truck tires," according to Kip Newton, Michelin's technical category manager for ultra-high performance products.
So, hopefully soon after the Corvette is released with its new sticky beauties, the general populous will be soon to follow.
"Michelin and the Corvette teams are driven by a constant quest to reach higher levels of performance and technology," says Rob Murray, Michelin North America Inc.'s vice president of operations for passenger and light truck original equipment tires. "Michelin tire engineers worked closely with Corvette vehicle engineers to tailor the new tire to enhance the two highest-performing models."
Lingenfelter 2006-2011 Z06 Corvette
For those of us with a heartbeat and even a vague interest in anything Chevy, Lingenfelter has become known as somewhat of an icon in the Corvette world. So, it should come as no surprise that Lingenfelter has come around once again to throw down some serious power down from the Z06, lest anyone forget the powerhouse that emanates from Decatur, Indiana. In their impressive lineup of ridiculously powerful, yet completely street drivable cars, the single staple that we can always count on from Lingenfelter is the Corvette. Coming 
from a company who was founded on the blazing speed and power that came from their original Lingenfelter Corvette, nothing should be discounted on their new endeavors. After all, this is the same company founded by the guy whose 2001 Corvette managed a 1.97 second 0-60mph. Most people on planet earth haven't had the opportunity to accelerate that fast.
The package Lingenfelter Performance Engineering -or simply LPE- put together for the C6 Z06 is a complete teardown and rebuild of the LS7. This means you drop your beauty off (where it will initially be dyno'd for the "before" numbers), to be massaged and reconstructed at the loving hands of the team in Indiana; then pick your beauty back up, with a new snarling beast under the hood. The fellows at LPE first pull your engine, and disassemble it to CNC port and polish your cylinder heads for a better flow, optimized for components soon to be listed. After the porting and polishing, the LS7 gets a multi-angle valve job, and resurfaced for a slight bump up to 11.5:1 compression. Then things begin to get reassembled and prepped to be ready to rock on with some brand new components. Ferrea high performance dual valve springs are chosen, along with titanium retainers and valve locks. A Lingenfelter Z06 GT19 camshaft is implemented, crafted by none other than Competition Cams. To feed the beast, Lingenfelter has designed a high flow induction system coupled with a LPE 4" ID mass air flow sensor. All of this flows into a port-matched LS7 intake manifold controlled by a ported and polished LS7 throttle body. Mating everything together are official GM head gaskets and head bolts. To keep everything running smoothly and coolly- is a 160 degree thermostat. This whole beauty gets assembled by a LPE tech in house, and then tested and tuned. This means, not only is the whole package placed back into your beauty, but then it gets tuned, and tested to perfection by the hands that crafted it, and know it best- inside and out, literally. This team of engineers wrestles- gently but firmly- with your newly tempered beast, to extract somewhere in the neighborhood of 630bhp, and 570 pound feet of American muscle.
This build by the best, comes with a three year/36,000 mile warranty, and a certificate of authenticity. The whole package comes in at $10,146, and overall for the level of work, and the power it outputs is a pretty great deal. The team at Lingenfelter has become 
renowned for maintaining and incredible level of drivability on their builds, while being able to muscle up at the right moment and output tremendous amounts of power. The highway mileage for the Z06 remains the same as it was the day it left Bowling Green, but puts out another 120 hp. Granted, their test car had long tube headers on it by American Racing, which if you're truly looking at putting out this kind of power; it would be silly not to implement the use of long tube headers. The turnaround time for the entire installation is 3-4 weeks with prior notice to LPE.
If you would like more information on the Z06 package by Lingenfelter, give them a ring at 260.724.2552. The crew over at Automobile Magazine also had the chance to drive one of the Z06's LPE has put together and matched it up against a Dodge Viper SRT-10, if you would like to read the article check it out here.
Billy Boat Exhausts for the Corvette C6
Billy Boat Exhaust has established quite a name for themselves over the past two decades as an industry leader when it comes to exhausts. They began in 1989 with the Porsche 911 community and did exceedingly well on the track and established a reputation as a quality company providing parts-namely oil coolers, intercoolers and of course exhausts. They've managed to expand their lineup over the past twenty-two years however to include a number of foreign and domestic vehicles, among them the beloved Corvette- each being designed with the enthusiast in mind
They currently offer four different exhausts for the Corvette C6: the Route 66, the PRT, the most popular (and most aggressive) the Bullet and the Fusion- which is their creation of the NPP Bi-Modal exhaust. The Route 66 is the most mild of these systems in both sound and power gains. The Route 66 system is designed for those who might want a slightly more aggressive tone to their Corvette and a slight power jump. This system is capable of producing 11 horsepower over stock, and produces a muscular tone from the engine but certainly not overbearing, or really all too noticeable from the stock set up. In my honest opinion, if I'm going to spend the money on an exhaust I want to feel it and hear a noticeable difference over stock. But, if you're in the kind of neighborhood where the neighbors complain about excessive noise- this might be the best route to go for a little jump in power and not a lot of difference in db output.
The next option from the masterminds in the workshop is the PRT exhaust. This setup provides increased tone from the engine than the above, but the main difference in the PRT is its ability to maintain a relatively quiet tone during regular cruising (no drone at all), while at wide open throttle it produces a much sportier, raspier tone. This setup is good for 18 hp and 17 foot pounds of torque over stock which is definitely a noticeable jump for a bolt on exhaust. Billy Boat recommends this system for automatics, paddle shift equipped cars and cars already equipped with headers. The sound produced by the Corvette with this exhaust has a great tone, and honestly at wide open throttle is quite pleasing to the ear. The PRT is a kind of stepping stone up to the Bullet however, and if sound is what you're after- you need look no further than the Bullet.
The Bullet is the most aggressive sounding and straight through design that B&B offers. This system is good for just about the same amount of power as the PRT, but has so much more sound. The Bullet is known for a really aggressive muscle-car sound. The major complaint about the Bullet is that there is some cabin drone, but any time you open up a V8 on the back end… it gets louder. So, if cabin drone is a major concern for you, B&B has even come up with a solution for that (see the Fusion). The Bullet however, sounds great at idle and beyond and was designed to give that classic V8 sound. All of the pops and gurgles you would expect from a mostly uncorked V8 are present with this system while maintaining a great round tone. The Bullet has become the industry standard for an aggressive sounding exhaust at a great price.
B&B received a couple of notes from customers regarding cabin drone with the Bullet system. That's when they developed the Fusion exhaust system. What they've done with the issue of drone is develop their own bi-modal exhaust. Everything they've developed in house, and come out with a pretty impressive solution. Basically everything operates the same way that the factory NPP option exhaust would with the mild to wild switch or by using the factory RPM controlled method. This system can be operated with either two ports closed on the exhaust reducing overall output sound (and eliminating, or greatly reducing drone on the highway) or with all ports open for the great Bullet sound. Kind of a best of both worlds and all controlled by the vacuum OEM NPP plumbing already installed (assuming you already have the factory NPP option. If not, you can also get Billy Boats complete Fusion Exhaust Kit that gives you the Fusion exhaust along with a retrofit kit to add the NPP option to your Corvette so you can enjoy the multimode exhaust completely.
All in all if you own a C6 (if you're reading this blog, I assume you do or will be soon) give B&B Exhaust a look and see what they've got to offer for our cars. The C6 needs to breathe better and sounds better than the factory exhaust allows, and Billy Boat does a great job of providing a system for every type of owner taste.
Coverking Satin Stretch Car Cover for the Corvette
Whether you live in Boston or Miami, San Diego or Calgary, when it comes to keeping your Corvette clean, a Corvette Car Cover goes a long way. There are few things more frustrating than washing your car, waxing it, giving it a good chamois job, rolling around for the day, then parking it in the garage only to come out the next morning and find that sometime that afternoon your neighbor's cat decided that your car would make an excellent dance floor. While feline companions make kind of cool house guests, they more often than not, are less welcome on the top of your $XX,000 Corvette.
While most of us prefer to store the beast (the one with wheels, not paws) inside, the garage door might be open from time to time while you're mowing the lawn, or taking in the groceries, or a myriad of other times. Basically the point I'm trying to get across is the fact that whether you know it or not- light, dust, cat hair etc are all contributing to wearing down the finish on your car. The only way to keep that showroom shine on your 'vette, is to keep it covered when it's not in use. Think of it this way- when you were little, Mom kept the "nice dishes" (you know - the ones you weren't allowed to use for hot dogs, cartoon macaroni, and grape drink) for guests in a special cabinet, out of reach from your grubby little fingers, much the same way that your Corvette should be treated.
What the crew at Coverking has done, is make a car cover out of the softest fleece available inside the cover that not only protects your paint and clear coat, but is specifically designed NOT to rub off onto convertible tops. They also implement their own "Fewest Seams" design that limits the amount of seams that the cover has overall-while maintaining their unique contour following car cover style. The material implemented in the construction of the outer shell of the cover is Lycra, the same material used in form fitting lingerie, bathing suits, and other applications where stretching is needed in both directions from the material. Most of the time the covers are limited to only three seams on the entire cover, all the while using the blind stitch on all seams to hide any thread used to bind the panels together.
All in all, the Coverking Satin Stretch car cover is just what the doctor ordered for keeping the beast clean in the garage, all the while protecting it from all the nicks and kitty paws that find their way to our cars like magnets.
Keep it clean,
-CN