The C5 generation Corvette Z06 is celebrated by enthusiasts for its impressive capabilities right off the showroom floor. Even today, it remains a highly capable sports car, especially when owners decide to explore its performance potential through aftermarket modifications. A prime example of this is David Franza‘s 2001 Corvette Z06, recently showcased by Super Chevy, which demonstrates just how much power can be unleashed with the right enhancements.
Photos courtesy of Super Chevy
A Personal Tribute in a Performance Machine
However, Franza’s 2001 Corvette Z06 is more than just a high-horsepower machine built for speed. The number “528” emblazoned on the rear quarter panels is a poignant tribute, marking the month and day of his mother’s passing in 2016.
More Than Just a Car: A Coping Mechanism
This inscription serves as a constant reminder of his mother, transforming the Corvette into a deeply personal project. For Franza, acquiring and modifying this car was a way to navigate the profound loss. He had always dreamed of owning a C5 Corvette since childhood, and the pursuit began shortly after his mother’s passing.
Finding the Perfect 2001 Corvette Z06
After an extensive search lasting several months to find the ideal base car, Franza located this particular 2001 Corvette Z06 model in late 2016. Despite being a few hours away, nothing, not even an unexpected snowstorm on the day of pickup, could deter him. He drove through the challenging conditions to bring his Corvette Z06 home safely.
The Modification Journey Begins
Initially, Franza intended to keep his newly acquired Corvette Z06 in its original factory condition. However, the allure of performance upgrades proved too strong to resist. An attractive deal on performance parts quickly ignited a passion for modification. This enticing package included rebuilt cylinder heads, a performance camshaft, a Vortech V2 supercharger system, and a comprehensive Lingenfelter fuel system upgrade featuring enhanced injectors and a high-performance fuel pump.
Alt text: Rear view of a gloss black 2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 with “528” on the quarter panel and widebody fenders, highlighting the personal tribute and performance modifications.
Unleashing the Power: Supercharger and Fuel System
This initial combination of performance parts immediately demonstrated its potential on the dynamometer, producing an impressive 713 horsepower and 637 lb-ft of torque at 12.5 pounds of boost. However, the limits of the stock clutch were quickly reached, giving way before the full capabilities of this setup could be explored. Franza addressed this limitation with a robust McLeod RXT clutch upgrade.
Escalating Performance Enhancements
As is often the case with automotive modifications, one upgrade led to another, creating a snowball effect of performance enhancements. Franza continued by upgrading the Corvette Z06’s axles to handle the increased power. He then turned his attention to the wheels and tires, selecting 18-inch Rotiform KPS wheels. These were paired with 255/55R18 Achilles ATR Sport tires at the front and significantly wider 335/30R18 Hoosier R7 tires at the rear to maximize traction.
Alt text: Side shot of a black 2001 Corvette Z06 with Rotiform KPS wheels and widebody fenders, illustrating the aggressive stance and aftermarket enhancements.
Widebody Transformation and Aesthetic Refinements
To accommodate the significantly wider rear tires, a set of Lewis Five Motorsports widebody fenders were installed, dramatically altering the stance and appearance of the 2001 Corvette Z06. A carbon fiber hood was also added, further enhancing both the aesthetics and potentially reducing weight. With the body modifications complete, Franza chose a gloss black wrap for the car, with custom graphics applied by A-Plus Auto Styling in Forest Hill, Maryland, giving the car a sinister and personalized look.
Interior and Suspension Upgrades for a Complete Package
Franza didn’t overlook the interior of his Z06. Inside, the modifications contribute to a race-inspired environment, featuring Corbeau Evolution X seats for enhanced support, a Brey-Krause harness bar, RJS harnesses for safety, and an OMP black suede steering wheel for improved driver feel and control. To complement the performance and handling, RS series coilovers were installed, refining the suspension dynamics of the Corvette Z06.
Peak Performance and Modern Relevance
With all the modifications finalized, David Franza’s menacing 2001 Corvette Z06 achieved nearly 800 horsepower at the wheels during a subsequent dynamometer test. This remarkable figure not only showcases the extensive modifications but also reaffirms the enduring relevance and tuning potential of the C5 Corvette platform, even with the arrival of newer generations like the C8 Corvette. This 2001 Z06 proves that the C5 Corvette remains a potent force in the performance car world.
Alt text: Front angle of a black 2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 with carbon fiber hood, emphasizing the aggressive styling and high-performance upgrades.
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