Now, to most people, a Corvette Pace Car with such an impressive set of exterior mods, and the power to back them up, is a sufficiently wicked combination. Not surprisingly, John Ottomano wouldn't be among those people. After enjoying the car for two years, the never-ending quest for more power returned, and so the '08 was on its way back to Vette Doctors for even more power. This time, a custom Comp cam and valvetrain were installed, a methanol injection system added, and a pulley change made, bringing the boost up to an even 9 psi. Combined, the new combination was good for 694 rear-wheel horsepower–more than a 25 percent increase.
Ottomano now spends many hours hanging with his Corvette crew out at Captree State Park on Long Island, where he's broadly known as "Johnny Pace." He's also been known to stretch the car's legs from time to time in a non-sanctioned acceleration contest, but has yet to get it to the dragstrip. "I think the car is capable of running low 10s, no problem," he says.
While number-two son Nicky's enthusiasm may have waned slightly, Johnny Jr., who is currently deployed to Afghanistan, is more enthused than ever. "Every time he calls, he's got new ideas of what should be done to the car next. We obviously can't wait for ‘Johnny Pace' Jr. to get back." And when he does, there's little doubt the pace will be lifted yet again.
No flappy paddles here: Ottomano...
No flappy paddles here: Ottomano prefers to choose his gears the old-fashioned way. He says spending time here is the best part of his week.
Impressive Auto Body meticulously...
Impressive Auto Body meticulously modified an original set of Pace Car decals to fit the bulbous Z06 quarter-panels.
CCW’s SP500 wheel has become...
CCW’s SP500 wheel has become a timeless classic that blends perfectly with the C6’s chiseled good looks.
| Spec Sheet: '08 Pace Car Convertible |
| Owners | John Ottomano and sons; Roslyn, NY |
| Block | Stock LS3 aluminum |
| Displacement | 376 ci |
| Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 |
| Heads | Stock LS3 aluminum |
| Valves | Stock 2.165/1.590 |
| Camshaft | Comp hydraulic roller |
| Rocker Arms | Comp roller |
| Pistons | Stock hypereutectic aluminum |
| Crankshaft | Stock nodular iron |
| Rods | Stock powdered metal |
| Intake Manifold | Stock LS3 composite |
| Throttle Body | Stock |
| Fuel Injectors | Vortech 50-lb/hr |
| Fuel Pump | Stock |
| Ignition | Stock coil-on-plug |
| Engine Management | Stock ECM, tuned by Vette Doctors |
| Power Adder | Vortech V-2 supercharger |
| Maximum Boost | 9 psi |
| Intercooler | Vortech |
| Exhaust System | 1 7/8-in American Racing long-tube headers, high-flow cats, stock mufflers |
| Transmission | Stock six-speed manual |
| Clutch | McLeod dual disc |
| Driveshaft | Stock |
| Front Suspension | Stock |
| Rear Suspension | Stock |
| Rearend | Stock with Driveshaft Shop 1,000-hp axles |
| Front Brakes | Stock |
| Rear Brakes | Stock |
| Wheels | CCW SP500; 18x10 (front), 18x13 (rear) |
| Front Tires | Nitto 275/35ZR18 |
| Rear Tires | Mickey Thompson ET Street, 345/45R18 |
| Fuel Octane | 93 + methanol injection |
| Weight | 3,380 lbs with driver |
| Best E.T./MPH | N/A |
| Best 60-ft. Time | N/A |
| Current Mileage | 17,000 |
| Miles Driven Weekly | Approximately 60 |