Wow, it's happened again. Yet another year has slipped away from us. Seems like Team VETTE's just wrote one of these last month. And while we didn't miss a beat throughout the year, on the off chance you did -- don't fret. All you have to do is get in touch with our Back Issues Department at P.O. Box 6930, Fullerton, CA 92834. You can also call (866) 601-5199 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. PST), send and e-mail to backissues-mailorder@mcmullenargus.com, or visit www.vetteweb.com. See you next year!
January 2003
JANUARY 2003
FANTASTIC FEATURE VETTES
18 The Imagination Grabber
What could be better than a red rocket that mixes mid-year looks, C4 handling, and LS1 power?
22 The Best Part of the Bargain This "nice cruiser" carries rare options, and turned out to be Top Flight worthy, too.
60 Retroactive! Z06 performance meets '53 style in a best-of-both-worlds, one-of-a-kind Corvette.
EVENTS
36 Concours Collection
Rare and one-off Vettes highlight the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance.
Corvette Celebration on the Coast
America's Sports Car was the center of attention for a weeklong bash in Monterey.
66 Rocky Mountain Majesties
The Corvettes came to play in the rarefied air of Colorado.
SPECIAL FEATURES
26 VETTE's 2002 Year in Review
Your guide to the past year's stories, tech, and special features.
65 Get Your Kicks...
...and a slice of nostalgia at the Route 66 Classic Grill.
74 Doing it Bracket-style
We check out the new West Coast Corvette Challenge drag
racing series.
TECH
30 Something on the Side
Side pipes and headers on a Stingray look great--better yet, they increase horsepower.
51 Silence is Golden
Brake squeal driving you nuts? Here's how to eliminate those nuisance noises.
56 Re-tiring a C5
Fitting a C5 with '96 Grand Sport wheels yields Z06-like results.
70 Hello Dolly
Save your back with a set of car dollies for that non-running project car.
February 2003
FEBRUARY
TERRIFIC TUNER VETTES
18 Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution
Once upon a time, John Greenwood brought track-bred ideas to street-going Corvettes.
38 Just What the Doctor Ordered
A Guldstrand Grand Sport 90 is a rare find--this one is better than new.
46 Beastly Beauty
Doug Rippie's C5s combine Corvette refinement with Viper-stomping performance.
62 Street Racer Deluxe
Callaway Cars built a single ZR-1-based LM; here it is in its carbon-fiber glory.
EVENTS
22 A Sure Thing
You always know what you'll get from Corvettes at Carlisle--a great time!
66 Shark Infestation
Third-Gens take center stage at the NCM's 8th annual Labor Day Celebration.
70 On Route
The streets of San Bernardino were overflowing at the Route 66 Rendezvous.
SPECIAL FEATURES
36 Smacked Back
C5-R pilot Andy Pilgrim seeks to settle the "car vs. bike" debate once and for all.
42 From Right to Left
What better way to celebrate a new Z06 than with a coast-to-coast drive home?
59 The Touring Challenge for Corvettes
This racing series is for Vette pilots who lack GM-sized pocketbooks.
TECH
28 Into the Void: Part II
Vacuum Systems 101 continues as we rehab a Shark's headlight assemblies.
51 From the Side to the Rear
Our newly side pipe-wearing Stingray gets a new rear filler panel to match.
54 Of a Greater Magna-tude
Magnuson's unique C5 blower adds 100-plus hp with a powerband you can use.
74 Magnetic Personality
We take a look at the '03 Vette's Magnetic Selective Ride Control system.
March 2003
MARCH
STREET HEAT
18 Coming of Age
He lost his first Vette to youthful exuberance--now he's got a street and track C4 pair.
36 The Need for McSpeed
This Stingray was all but a goner before becoming a big-block brute.
40 Evolution
It just goes to show you, even a mid-year fuelie can improve over time.
60 The Shipbuilder's Special
Yacht-like luxury and a speedboat-fast powertrain converge in this unique '54.
73 Who's Afraid of the Big Black Vette?
It may look like basic black, but it packs 422 cubes and runs 9-second quarters.
EVENTS
22 Star Spangled Fun(fest)
America--and America's Sports Car--were celebrated at Mid America's summer bash.
44 Cruisin' for a Cure
Southern California enthusiasts get together to have fun--and to save lives.
66 Get Out and Drive That Thing
The Hot Rod Power Tour provides tons of on-the-road fun.
TECHINICALITIES
28 Into the Void: Part III
Vacuum Systems 101 wraps up with a look at Third-Gen wiper door systems
48 Just Push Play
Bring your Corvette's cassette player into the computer age with the Digisette.
51 An Exhausting Situation
Replacing a solid-axle exhaust system is easy when you know how.
56 It Takes Bronze...and More
Putting the teeth back into early C4 headlight motors.
68 AN A-TRAC-ACTIVE PROPOSITION
The TracActive Controller lets the driver take charge of C5 Traction Control.
April 2003
APRIL
Up Close and Personal
18 The Warship
This personalized '86 takes its cues from the other Corvette.
36 Vogue Vette
Design Specialties' full-custom C5 has style and flash to spare.
40 On Cloud (Sixty) Nine
A Gen III heart transplant led to one man's perfect Stingray.
44 Cruisin'
What can make paradise even better? How about a blown solid-axle Vette?
EVENTS
22 Return to the Cape
Eckler's throws open its doors for its 23rd Annual Reunion.
59 SEMA 2002
Straight from Vegas, here's a host of Corvette goodies from this year's aftermarket showcase.
TECH
26 Dirt is the Enemy
A clean Corvette throttle body is a happy Corvette throttle body.
30 Ram Air Rhapsody
What happens when you force-feed a C5? More hp and lower e.t.'s, that's what!
50 Rochester Rx, Part One
We delve into the mysteries of the Rochester mechanical fuel injection system.
56 Spring has Sprung
It's easy to improve your Third-Gen's ride with a composite front leaf spring.
64 Interior Decorating, Part One
Black may be basic, but custom two-tone seat covers and accents add pizzaz to a C5's interior.
May 2003
MAY
SPECIAL FEATURES
44 VETTE's 2003 Guide to Corvette Prices
The economy may be weak, but the Vette market is going strong.
73 Manufacturers' Product Showcase
You'll find a plethora of Corvette products right here.
FEATURES
18 (Bench)mark of Excellence
It's an original, unrestored solid-axle; and it's just about perfect.
22 Special Collectable
This time-capsule split-window has logged less than 5,500 miles in 30 years.
40 Deja Vu
Losing a beloved Vette is tough, but finding a Survivor replacement is nice consolation.
EVENT
36 "Z" Bad Boys Bash
Aficionados of Chevy's Super-Vette come to play in Bowling Green.
TECH
27 It's Not Just Hot Air
Installing and testing ATI's air-to-air intercooled ProCharger for C5s.
56 An Open and Shut Case
Opening your late Shark's hood may be a major project, but repairing it is a do-it-yourself affair.
60 Interior Decorating, Part 2
Our Fifth-Gen interior completes the transition from basic-black to eye-catcher.
June 2003
JUNE
SPECIAL FEATURES
18 Bigger--and Wider--is Better
The FIA Wide Body package allows C5s to sport C5-R-size rubber.
22 50 The Fast Way
Dick Guldstrand celebrates Corvette's 50th Anniversary with 427 ci and 500 hp.
SEEING
36 Boil, Boil, Toil and Trouble
One "Tricky Nicky" conjured up a wicked, extra-potent Z06 convertible.
42 Very Fast, Very Loud, and Very Red
A Rocky Mountain Shark that's race-prepped, street legal, and full of attitude.
64 Amazing Grace
This solid-axle was rescued from oblivion and reborn with more power and better handling.
EVENTS
60 Coming Home
Midwest Corvettes meet at their spiritual fountainhead, the GM Tech Center.
62 Everyone's a Winner
Corvetters help make the Marine Corp's Toys For Tots program a rousing success.
TECH
28 Rochester Rx, Part Two
Our exploration of the Rochester mechanical fuel injection takes us into the world of air and vacuum.
48 From Ratty to Natty, Part One
The first step in installing a new early C4 interior is to tear out the old--literally.
54 Feeling Flush
Specter Werks C5-R replica lights improve a Fifth-Gen's aerodynamics and night-driving capabilities.
July 2003
JULY
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY
17 Hooray for the Red, White & Blue
A '53, a '54, and a '55--all immaculately restored, all sporting the right colors.
40 Stars and Stripes Forever
This Big Sky C4 carries a hot motor and a heartfelt tribute to fallen firefighters.
62 Living the American Dream
Three different mid-year convertibles made three different Corvette dreams come true.
SPECIAL FEATURES
22 Testing to Win
VETTE is on the scene as Rathman Racing prepares its Z06s for the '03 racing season.
44 Still Going Strong
Bob Bondurant celebrates 35 years of teaching with a great party and plenty of track time.
EVENTS
36 Legends of the Fall
The Chevy/Vettefest begins its third decade with a strong Corvette showing.
46 Wings & Wheels Cruz-In
Lots of cool Vettes, lots of amazing planes--it all adds up to a great show.
60 A Sunny-style Corvette Christmas
Corvette Mike's second annual wintertime cruise combines Corvetting and Christmas charity.
TECH
26 From Ratty to Natty, Part Two
Our gutted early C4 starts going back together, getting soundproofed and carpeted.
50 The "X" Files
Less noise? More power? We investigate the benefits of installing a C5 X-pipe.
56 Do You Remember Drum Brakes?
We do--here's how to make sure your Vette's old-school binders can do their job.
76 Little Wrecked Corvette, Part 1
Does "totaled" mean the end, or is it just the beginning?
August 2003
AUGUST
SPECIAL FEATURES
44 VETTE's 2003 Corvette Club Directory
Our newest catalog of Corvette Clubs features groups from around the world.
HOT ROD VETTES
17 They're Both Fast!
These husband-and-wife C5s hit the road with Texas-sized performance.
36 Once a Racer, Always a Racer
Can a track veteran Stingray keep up with newer Vettes? Yes, and then some.
40 Feeding Frenzy
It started out as a restoration, but ended up as one potent, modified '75.
62 What Comes Around, Goes Around
You must have good karma to own a '64 Tanker Fuelie twice.
EVENTS
22 Having Fun in the Florida Sun
The Orlando NCRS Winter Regional celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
60 Winter Wonderland
The American Mid-Year Society meets to enjoy sun and Sting Rays.
TECH
26 Return of the C5 Shark
Our LS1-powered '76 steps back into the VETTE limelight.
30 Rochester Rx, Part Three
We wrap up our series on mechanical fuel injection with a look at the often overlooked.
56 Little Wrecked Corvette, Part TWO
Our attempt to resurrect a wreck continues with a frame and underside exam.
68 Blown Away
A Z06 isn't fast enough for you? Vortech's new supercharger will cure that--and quick.
September 2003
SEPTEMBER
SPECIAL FEATURES
36 The Vette Files Salute To Corvette Ladies
We called and you responded. This month, it's all about the ladies
56 Going Out in Style
The end is near--at least for the C5. GM reveals the '04 Commemorative Edition Corvette.
CORVETTES. WOMEN. WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?
28 Race Car Reincarnation
This one-time racer '58 led a colorful life. Susan Rivas will make sure it does again.
32 Change for the Best
Saving for a rainy day can lead to fun in the sun. Just ask '74 ragtop owner Nancy Schramm.
50 LT4 Heaven!
It's paradise found for Linda Magallanes and her '96 convertible.
71 All in the Family
Tara Para is a vintage-Corvette-racing mama--mama to be, that is.
80 Big Blue
Bernadette Wester's home-cooked, drop-top mid-year is one tasty dish.
SOMETHING'S HAPPENING...
53 Spring has Sprung
The annual Gambler's Classic Poker Run is a sure bet for Corvette fun.
TECH
18 Little Wrecked Corvette, Part Three
The Phoenix continues its return to life, getting a new impact bar.
22 Up in Arms
Bulking up those arms makes for a better handling mid-year or Shark.
58 Building the Perfect Beast, LS1 Style
Here's one that's not for the faint of heart--a 454ci Gen III powerplant.
October 2003
OCTOBER
Out-of-the-Ordinary Vettes
30 A Fine Line
The barrier between street machine and all-out racer has never been blurrier.
38 Heavenly Devotion
Rev. Buddy's religious attention to detail led to this spectacular Shinoda C4.
52 A Straight-Up Gas
This Gasser-style '57 recalls the days when dragsters sat up high and proud.
THINGS ARE HAPPENING
28 A Reunion of the Rarest
All five original Grand Sports come together at the Amelia Island Concours.
34 Take Five
The C5 celebrates its fifth birthday at the National Corvette Museum.
80 Wet Vettes At The Petersen
California's premier automotive museum honors 50 years of Corvettes.
BRAKING IT DOWN
18 Them's The Brakes! Part 1
Just when you think you're ready to rehab a Shark's brake system, think again.
20 Extreme Force
Stainless Steel Brakes' Force 10 calipers and 14-inch rotors give a C5 great stopping potential.
44 Late-Braking News
On the far edge of the lunatic fringe, our Editor samples Wilwood's outrageous C5 Superbrakes.
58 The Baer Necessities
Stops C4s short, and, it won't empty your wallet.
64 Stop Cold
Can old-fashioned drum brakes measure up? Our resident solid-axle owner finds out.
72 (C4 Brake) Service with a Smile
Fourth-Gen. Vettes came with great brake systems--here's how to keep yours properly maintained.
November 2003
NOVEMBER
SPECIAL FEATURES
28 Two Much
A rare pair of red '62s--a race-optioned restoration and a restified cruiser.
40 Shoreline Drive International Raceway
A photographic essay of Trans-Am Corvettes at the Long Beach Grand Prix.
52 Silver (Anniversary) Salute
We look back at the Corvette's first major anniversary.
PERFECTION IN PLASTIC
42 Badness, Personified
With a stroker ZL1 under the hood, how else would you describe it?
48 Blue Thunder From Down Under
Just your average 11-second, righthand drive, show- worthy C4.
79 The Only One!
A silver anniversary edition convertible?
PLACES TO GO
34 The Lone Star Classic 500
Five hundred Corvettes invade the Texas Motor Speedway for three days of fun.
71 Goin' Downtown
Downtown Disney, that is, for a one-of-a-kind salute to "50 Years of Corvette."
THINGS TO DO
18 Them's The Brakes Part Two
Out with the old in with the new!
24 Protect That Paint...
...With an all but invisible wonder-bra for cars.
58 Little Wrecked Corvette, Part Four
When new parts are cheaper than used, you know which to buy.
64 Bringing Up The Rear
Analyzing and rebuilding the '84-96 rear suspension.
68 Bush(Ing) Pilot
How to replace ruined rear suspension bushings in a C4.
December 2003
DECEMBER
SPECIAL FEATURE
40 The Vette Files
Team VETTE--and a lot of you--go hog wild
PERFECTION IN PLASTIC
28 Blasts From The Past
His vintage Vette and Harleys return John Ambrogio to a better time
32 King Of The Road
James Alvarez rules in his '67 Sting Ray or on his Harley
36 Uneasy Rider
Sam Lewis is flying high with Captain America and a C5 drop-top!
80 New Horizons
A hog, horses, and two Corvettes--what a view!
PLACES TO GO
24 Cruzin' To The 50th Anniversary...
...caravan style
56 The Celebration Of A Lifetime
10,000 Corvettes invade Nashville for the 50th Anniversary's grand finale
THINGS TO DO
18 Getting Hitched
How to tow (with) your Corvette
64 Little Wrecked Corvette, Part Five
Cover your rear!