Now that the checklist was almost complete, Sikora set his sights on a transmission. While rowing a standard set gears in this boat may seem the logical way to go, Kurt selected a Richmond six-speed without even giving the slushbox another look. As the proud owner told us, "I choose the six-speed because I was running 26-inch tires, and I didn't want the car revving out of its mind. In theory, the car is geared to go 212 mph at 6,600 rpm in Sixth gear, but I haven't verified that yet." While some may think that Kurt has his head in the clouds with talk of theory, we assure you his feet are firmly planted on the ground when he cruises comfortably at 60 mph while running at a low 2,000 rpm. But at a moments notice, he's ready to prove a point thanks to a Centerforce clutch and pressure plate that transfers all his Vette can give back to a stout 3.73-geared rearend. The suspension was kept stock; staying with the F41 suspension components seemed like the right thing to do, but Kurt did mount the rear suspension using offset trailing arms. With the increased backspacing this combination had to offer, Sikora was able to keep the 315/35R17s Kumhos wrapped around 17-inch Billet Specilities Streamline wheels tucked neatly in the fenderwells. But all this would be for naught if the frame tied itself into a knot thanks to all that torque. To keep this from happening, Kurt boxed in and encapsulated the side rails from the door to the rear wheel. With the get-up-and-go sorted out, it was time to figure out how to sit-down-and-stop. Using the stock system along with a set of GT rotors gave him all the stopping power he need to keep things from getting hairy.
And, even though Kurt isn't into collecting trophies, this three-and-a-half-year project won him a First in Class award at the 2001 Chicago World of Wheels. And, soon he'll be hitting the Chicago tracks hoping to get somewhere in the 10s. We figure with Kurt's ability to pick an engine, he should also be able to pick a number. So, if you're in the Chicago-land area and happen to hear a loud roar followed by a blur, Kurt Sikora probably just waved to you.