This demonstrator Speedster enjoys a 50-percent increase in power output thanks to installation of a Carroll/Vortech supercharger, the forced aspiration endowing the powerplant with enough added urge to satisfy even the most demanding speed freaks.
A Flowmaster aftermarket exhaust system offers optimum efficiency venting spent gases-the noxious fumes being expelled through a quartet of oversized, chromed, round muffler tips.
With the car being no slouch in the performance department, Avelate strongly recommends brake upgrading should a customer bring in their own C5 for a conversion package including the extra-cost blower addition. The Brembo setup includes 14-inch cross-drilled rotors and four-piston calipers, though there's also a Baer six-piston caliper option.
Surprisingly, the ultra-low windscreen does offer a degree of protection from adverse elements. Avelate's Eddie Harris regaled me with tales of spirited driving in the Evergreen State with rain lashing down and very little entering the open cockpit thanks to the body aerodynamics. Just don't get stuck at a red signal, I guess...
The House of Kolor Candy Apple Red pearl-painted '02 convertible may not have quite the in-your-face appeal of the outrageous Speedster, but in terms of practicality, it has an edge. Being able to raise the top whenever required offers peace of mind when motoring in fickle climes, as well as a degree of protection in the urban parking jungle.
In the car capital of the universe, Los Angeles, California, the Avelate conversion would arguably endow proverbial dream machine status on the popular C5, offering a macho combination of both retro and contemporary styling together with pertinent performance attributes. Small wonder the trick twosome attracted more attention in the City of Angels than a Hollywood movie location shoot.
The level of detail is high and the price is commensurate, but for anyone desirous of sampling life in the limelight, the rebodied Corvettes could fulfil your fantasies with aplomb.