Mod Fever -- Z06 Rear Brake Cooling Ducts

[ArmyVette]

Just got new Z06 chromies with Michelin Pilot A/S ZPs; should be installed later this week.

But, alas, Mod Fever strikes again! [:D] [:((] [:D]

Want to install the Z06 Rear Brake Cooling Ducts I've been drooling over for so long. Many of the Corvette Forum vendors sell the kit so they're pretty easy to obtain.

Here's the pinch: Any of you expert modders ever installed a set of these? I know you have to cut into the rocker panel and that it's pretty much a "one shot" deal. Screw this up and you get to replace the rocker panel. BTW, can the rocker panels be removed easily and then reinstalled? (I've found the installation instructions with pics on another website but still would prefer experienced guidance.)

Now I know I don't need this mod because I'm not autocrossing and such. But I absolutely love the styling from the Z06 but don't want to compromise with the "fake" kit that some are selling.

Sounds like a good job to do on "Shop Day"???? [:D] [:D]

[Black396]

I've never had the opportunity to work on a C5 yet, so not much help there.

I would agree that this is probably a good job for a 'shop day'. There will be no end to the amount of 'input' you will receive <grin> and you might even get some good help.

[C5inWV]

One of the available kits replaces the entire rocker panel. It is already cut. It may be an easier install that allows you to retain your original parts. I don't remember the price being too much higher, except the new panels will need to be painted.

Post some pics on how it turns out.[B-)]

[ArmyVette]

Haven't seen that kit. Any idea who sells it?

That might be the best way to go as I curb rashed my right side rocker panel a couple of months ago and would need to get that fixed as well.

BTW, can the rocker panels be removed easily or do you need special tools and training to do that?

[EbVette]

I really would think twice before cutting into the panels of the C5. I know its very tempting to put the brake ducts in, but think of resale of the car. Many vette owners have issues with people trying to make their cars look lik the Z06. I get flak from people just because I put on the front screens over the fog lights and the brake ducts on the front. This is functional as it protects the fog lights from getting hit by road debris. It costs around $500 to replace the fog light, as the lense does not come off and just about the whole front needs to be removed to get to the fog lights.

I know its very tempting, but again consider the fact you are cutting into the panels of your car. If you are not exact you will have to replace the panel, and with Mag Red its not the easiest color to match.

If I did not know how, I think I would leave it to a body shop to do.

Good luck with your choice....

[C5inWV]

I looked in the catalogues for the replacement rocker panels. The one I was thinking of looks good, but it isn't exactly like the Z06 ducts.
I saw them in Eckler's, Corvette Central, and MidAmerica catalogues, with MA being the least expensive. They are called rocker enhancements or short rocker kits.

I would make the car appear the way you want it. Enjoy it, you've paid for it. I agree that mods can lower the value of the vehicle, even if it looks and runs better. You'll probably never get out of it what you put into it in terms of dollars. But in terms of fun, you should reap the dividends in smiles.[:D]

[ArmyVette]

Posed this question on Corvette Forum: "Mods reduce resale value?" The question is actually from a series of conversations I had with NVCC members and other Vette friends.

If you haven't seen it, check out that thread. Got some very interesting responses.

Mods reduce resale value?? (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=779035)

Most agreed that modding doesn't add value and that you are lucky to get 25 cents on the dollar for a return on investment, only then from a person to person sell (vice a dealer sell).

Many suggested that modding should be viewed as a hobby. Guess that means that any money you put in to mods is gone but the fun you get out is probably greater than the $$ you put in. [B-)] [B-)]

[:D]

[Black396]

I couldn't agree more about mods in most cases devaluing the car.

...and the .25 cents on the $ dollar is probably pretty accurate. Look at the price of a vette that has been turned into a full race vehicle. Purchase prices normally run $15K - $20K for a full race C4.

Cost to set one up ~$45K:
initial car: $15,000 - $19,000
full cage, seats & belts: $3200
wheels & tires: $3000
6 piston brakes: $4500
motor: $10,000
suspension: $2500+
then the small things like fuel cells, brake lines... $3K

[EbVette]

Taking the money value away, you are left with the simple fact you limit you sale of the car. By this I mean, you have to find a buyer who likes the mods that you have done. Remember mods are subjective to the person doing them. Doing a mod that cannot be put back to stock easily, does limit the people who would buy the car on resale.

Remember what's one person's treasure is another person will consider junk/////

So you do limit the buyers when you mod something such as hood, paint, spoilers etc....just the thought of the day.