Send high-res, digital photos, and a description of your high-tech performer to: scott.parker@sourceinterlink.com or mail to GM High-Tech Performance, 365 West Passaic Street, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662. All photos are presumed to be for publication, and GMHTP reserves the right to edit accompanying descriptions.
Sharp-Dressed Euro
One of our loyal readers from the United Kingdom, Dave Sharp, credits Smokey and the Bandit, among other classic American films, for his love of musclecars. After trading an inline six-cylinder-equipped '74 Trans Am for a '78 that he restored and added a 400 to, Dave decided it was time for something a little more modern, but every bit as fast. A European-spec six-speed 1997 TA definitely fit the bill, which he picked up in 2003. Sharp has sharpened his LT1 since then with mid-length headers and a Borla cat-back to aid combustion. A Richmond 3.73 gear gets the LT1 into its powerband. So far, Dave uses Torque Thrust II 17x9 wheels with sticky Kumho tires for improved handling, but plans to add Strano Performance suspension. A 383 may also be in the cards if the current $2.30-a-liter (roughly $8.70-a-gallon) gas price doesn't put too much of a strain on the bank account.
Strong Island Brawler
Vincent Wong of Long Island, New York, is happy to show off his 2002 ZO6. He replaced his previous 2000 FRC six years ago with the brand-new 405-horse frontrunner of the C5 stable. The incredibly efficient 5.7L needed only a set of American Racing headers, X-pipe, VaraRam cold-air intake, 160-degree thermostat, and custom tune from Corvettes of Westchester to make a whopping 385 rwhp and 375 lb-ft of torque-a far cry from his previous FRC or the '96 Grand Sport before it. The ZO6 has been lowered, bringing the fenders closer to a set of C6 ZO6 18-inch hyperblack wheels with Michelin PS2 rubber. C6 ZO6 brakes adorn the front and rear as well.
Rocky Mountain High
Colorado-native Aaron Barnell flies high in his 1999 Corvette. The rare Fixed Roof Coupe C5 is equipped with 18-inch Fikse FM518 wheels that make room for C6 ZO6 six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes. FLP long-tube headers and a Borla XR1 cat-back take advantage of the LS1's enhanced top end. Stage 3-ported LS6 heads with a Breathless Performance cold-air intake and a Comp 228/232-duration (0.588/0.591-inch lift, 113 LSA) cam make up an impressive naturally aspirated combination. A Nitrous Express wet kit is also used to add a little unnatural aspiration.
Dream Come True
67-year-old Robert Castillo, who hails from Mesa, Arizona, had always dreamed of owning a Syclone since he first saw one in the showroom. In 2007 he finally had the opportunity to pick up a mint Sy and hasn't looked back. His cherry currently sports a Borla cat-back exhaust, cold-air intake, custom chip, three-bar MAP sensor, high-flow intercooler pump, adjustable fuel pressure regulator, and Walbro fuel pump to boost the turbocharged 4.3L's output. A heavy-duty prop shaft and a shift-kit upgrade the driveline. Meanwhile, the rest of the chassis is secured by polyurethane bushings throughout, Rancho adjustable shocks, and Baer disc brakes at all four corners.