Now that Ed got the handle on that raw, unabashed power he was looking for...what about that small matter of stopping on a dime? For this trifling matter, Wilwood was chosen as the way to slow things down when coming out of those bouts of break-neck speed. And when he's mashing that master cylinder through the pedal assembly-both by Wilwood-you can bet he's doing it in comfort and style. After all, who says your cabin has to be as bare as a NASCAR cup series racer even if you want to race like one. So for this, the interior received an upgrade as opposed to a gutting. For starters, the A/C was left intact-an important option for summer days-and the stereo was replaced with an Autobahn system that can still be heard over the Vette Speed custom-made exhaust. A five-point racing harness replaces the standard-issue three-point restraints, and a rollbar made from 2-inch tubes keeps the occupants out of harms way. This, along with billet aluminum A/C vents and a control panel and a rewrapped steering wheel, tops off the interior mods.
Well, that's two out of three. So, about that rail-like handling? Under the body you'll find Penske coilover shocks with GM Performance Parts front and rear stabilizer bars nearby. Vette Speed stepped in with a custom-made steering column. This combination does a good job of keeping the 3.90:1 rear in line and the Vette pulsing across the lanes with more power than anyone could ever need.
So, the next time you're in the Tennessee area and you see a flash of yellow and a feel a strong breeze, don't ask if it's a bird or a plane. Just know it's something a helluva lot better-Ed McClain's '00 C5.