2001 Chevrolet Corvette - Appetite For Dez-Struction

Exhaust is routed to the twin turbos via a set of Kooks 171/48-inch stainless headers, along with a Kooks mid-pipe, integral X-assembly, and high-flow cats. A stock-shifted T56 six-speed transmission transmits power via a Spec Stage III clutch and billet-steel flywheel. Other than a Dynotech hardened output shaft, the stock 3.42-geared rear differential remains factory fresh.

The suspension is also stock, though it was lowered one inch on each end via the stock bolts. Black Z06 replica wheels measuring 19x9.5-inch in front and 20x11-inch in the rear are shod with super-sticky BFG g-Force KDW tires. Planned upgrades include oversized front and rear racing brakes and road-race-inspired dampening. A set of Corbeau A4 seats is also being installed to keep Dez firmly planted inside the cabin, while a Halltech Stinger hood and an RKSport front spoiler are being prepped to add some flash to the exterior.

"Driving the Z07 is extremely exhilarating," says Dez. "The docile nature of the large-bore 427 allows me to drive around suburbia without fanfare, but as soon as the opportunity to let her loose presents itself, the transformation is astounding. Once the 427 starts building boost, the power is, in a word, assaulting. Much like an errant pass that gets you planted into the turf as you extend to attempt a reception, the boost plants you in the back of the seat, and you have to muster everything you have in order to shift and keep the car pointed straight.

I can't wait to complete the suspension, body, and interior upgrades and go out and dine on a few Porsches and Ferraris. The looks on my teammates' faces when they experience the roar of the twin-turbo 427 receding from their sights should give them cause to calculate the expenditures necessary for the engineers in Stuttgart or Maranello to compete against the Z07. There's nothing like the adrenaline rush of catching a TD pass, unless of course you are peeling off Porsche red paint with good, old American C5 power."

When not playing football or hanging out with his racing buddies, Dez is active in the Atlanta community. He recently teamed up with Kevin King of Year One and Falcons receiver Michael Jenkins to co-host a charity car show for Habitat for Humanity. "It was great working with Kevin and putting on our inaugural car show," Dez says. "With the fantastic support of the community, our goal of eliminating poverty housing and homelessness in the Atlanta area came one step closer. Year two should be even bigger, and Michael and I can't wait to get involved again."