3 Cheap Mods for your C5

Cheap and easy mods for your C5 Corvette.
1. Exhaust Bypass
2. Fog light shroud removal
3. Aftermarket air filter
Music provided royalty-free by shutterstock.com

[@markcrawford8876]

Better airflow and improved rain and road grime induction to motor, brilliant!

[@Cookie-yp5qg]

Adding some mesh would probably help

[@josebaez947]

Push the traction control button 2x then hold until it shows "Competitive Mode" on the odometer. You're welcome!!

[@hdpug22]

None of that overcomplicated crap on the C5. Just push button it’s off push again it’s on.

[@melrobinson6919]

Actually, you just press that button and hold for a few seconds to get to Competitive Driving as shown in the DIC, or at least that's the way my '03 Z06 works. Pressing the reset button for an instant then clears that message but retains the driving mode. Pushing and releasing immediately turns off ALL the nannies.

[@DuBstep115]

@@melrobinson6919 You just press it once, and all goes away.

[@foxgdsmck]

good video, but thee worst exhaust tips i've ever seen

[@MDW893]

They are hideous aren't they

[@b.d4710]

A lot of people do that mod to the exhaust but I've only seen it done on the z06 which already has a titanium exhaust. The titanium exhaust sounds great and with that mod it still sounds great. But if I didnt have the z06 I would for sure put a corsa on a base c5

[@DanielRichards644]

@@b.d4710 Chris is talking about the ACTUAL D shaped exhaust tips that are ugly as fuck, not the bypass mod.

[@jeremywinters1461]

Been driving mine forever and never thought about the fog light covers! Great idea👍

[@nemesis11fp20]

Nice car! Ugly exhaust tips.

[@wheelwells6318]

They're getting replaced as we speak. I couldn't stand them either.

[@mickelion6198]

Hell yeah bypass sounds great

[@trevorcolin755]

Now you should lift your filter up a smidge so half of it isn't resting flush on the shroud. (Tape a longitudinal hose on each side to raise it up)

[@domenicdesantis9847]

Nice video, thanks for one great info, gonna do each one except the black wing filter, I'm gonna just take off the restrictive air box and leave the stock filter with the soon to be more air flow from your suggestion,, excited!

[@Frbo1988]

Hi man! Nice video and thanks for the advice:) also hope your car problems work out fine and that you keep us updated:) From Fredrik Sweden (just bought my self a c5 ;) but it’s winter here now 😭 so can’t drive it for a while hehe :) have a nice day!

[@wheelwells6318]

One great thing about the southern U.S. is that we don't get much snow. We can drive around on summer tires year-round. Hopefully my videos can help pass the time until it warms back up in Sweden!

[@EL3IMAGERY]

I just did a muffler delete and have straight pipes. Sounds great and I dropped about 60 pounds.

[@mattrohr1266]

Stock mufflers with attached pipes weigh 47 pounds a pair

[@kennonsavage]

Thanks man it works i did it too my C5 corvette.....💯💯💪💨💨💨💨

[@smithsean4169]

Those shrouds actually direct air to your hub assembly for brake cooling

[@autotrimmers6353]

Dope video bro I’m thinking of getting one too

[@kelvinmejia8384]

Insane car for the money now a days. I’d just do the nsx open head light conversion. Those flip headlights mess w the air flow of the car.

[@jeffreymccarty1388]

Oh no No c5 for you!

[@corvetteandcarscorvetteand624]

Good video man I'm a new channel too I own a 01 c5 I'm doing a massive build on it presently

[@astrotrash5897]

Wat did u do?

[@sadiestupid]

Thx for great video. The front shroud removal to increase cool air flow sounds like a no-brainer, but any issues with highway driving in the rain, and soaking everything including the electrics? Pls advise, and thx again for the good stuff.

[@billwalling8101]

Water will not hurt the radiator.

[@kleinbottled79]

The zo6 has grates there instead of a panels, so I reckon it can't be that big of an issue.

[@Rico_Suave-bk8le]

Nice video bro. I have a 2002 Silver C5

[@wheelwells6318]

Awesome to hear from others that can relate to ownership. Such fun cars!

[@jessemess7598]

Rico_Suave1851 my mom has a 1998 black coupe c5

[@toodanderson351]

When it comes time to get a new air filter, you should get an Airraid cai. I have one on my c5z, and I can fit my arm through the air bridge.

[@toodanderson351]

salvatore DeAngelo you have a c5z?

[@toodanderson351]

salvatore DeAngelo Me too, I have corsa extreme with an xpipe on my 03z

[@toodanderson351]

salvatore DeAngelo I went with the airaid as it has oe, certification so I can pass the strict smog here in cali

[@jackgainey315]

Actually that grill makes the air less turbulent, so it’s really better to leave them in.

[@marksherman5239]

Maybe could you tell me exactly how to take out those front shroud pieces. I have a 2001 with stock air box and aftermarket filter and I really can see how it needs to breath better. I just am having a hard time figuring out how to get to them and remove with out damaging or cutting them out. I totally se how it needs to get more air flow from the front of the vehicle as there is absolutely none. thanks

[@gordonfranklin3232]

Thanks for the video, As far as the bypass goes, could almost any shop do it or is it pretty specialized?

[@b.d4710]

Most exhaust shops can do it as long as it's not a z06 model. The z06 is titanium and you need a certain welder to do it.

[@mikeh.8155]

sorry, that exhaust is ugly, get the Z06 mufflers/tips and be done with it. Did you replace them??

[@plcc07777]

I have a C5 and I want to do that exhaust mod. Is that a kit or did you have a muffler shop fabricate and install it?

[@tommycastro7357]

Hi, ur exhaust tips look different than mine are these stock mufflers they did the bypass to because I've been thinking of doing that to mine

[@Caalifrna]

#C5community

[@jkitts7470]

Any problems with rain or debris messing with the fog lights or other components after taking the plastic shrouds out ?

[@wheelwells6318]

j kitts no problems. You can buy grilles to put there like what the c5z06 has, but I have not experienced any issues.

[@lightningvolt1273]

How did you change the sound on the exhaust?? I’m thinking of buying a 2000 C5 so I want to as much as possible about these cars. Thanks👍🏼👍🏼

[@NathanShepard14]

If you watch the first minute, it is explained

[@marcusperez5825]

good job

[@theintake8961]

Good video thanks for the mods👍

[@h0ngus]

GooooooooooD Job

[@charlesvillanueva9085]

Next video: “I Blew Up My Corvette!?”

[@stevedouglas5443]

Bypass sounded great! What about 40 series mufflers?

[@KillSwitchNY]

The best mod any car guy in California can do is move out of California. P.S. New York is not much better.

[@fredlamprey8824]

That's a big hell yeah! The crazy part is, a lot of the mods that are illegal out here in Kalifornia, actually make the car run better and cleaner.

[@EL3IMAGERY]

Florida bro!

[@Dubz0408]

Mississippi doesnt add points to your license when you get a ticket. Im in north MS just outside of memphis, Tn and theyre is an enormous growth spurt going on here. Juss sayin!

[@CODEXAMBROSIUS]

Texas.

[@rorodollars]

@@CODEXAMBROSIUS Texas is the answer. Can have mostly any gun you want along with almost any mod on a car you want. All while having a super cheap cost of living LOL

[@panzerwaffen2873]

Nice video and yes the exhaust sound very different with that bypass ... About the fog light plastic... Are you runing colder now?

[@wheelwells6318]

I didn't recheck the IAT's after i took out the shrouds, but the power difference was obvious and that tells me that the intake temps dropped and allowed the timing to improve and, therefore, more power.

[@panzerwaffen2873]

Wheel Wells excellent... Thanks for responding man...

[@bigjoeduncan1945]

I jist dremmeled out a big oval in the front plate area of my c5 z06. Lines up perfectly with my blackwing and its like a ram air. Seat of the pants improvement😊

[@melrobinson6919]

So you must be in a no front license plate state(?). Out here in Commiefornia, they are required :-( .

[@CorvetteReport]

Good video, Wheel Wells! One question. Does the exhaust bypass cause engine exhaust drone when on the road cruising?

[@wheelwells6318]

Not at all. I've never had any drone. Keep in mind I didn't take out my cats, not sure if that would make it drone or not.

[@enigma6482]

Aren't those shrouds used to cool the brakes?

[@tskipwadoo3447]

The only problem it’s illegal to modify the exhaust.

[@michaeljaskiewicz7318]

Just wondering if you installed a hood seal in the front to help keep water out of the air filter??

[@skouria3135]

I haven’t had any problems with water on my air filter. Not saying it doesn’t exist but I haven’t had that problem

[@corvettels9]

3 cheap mods for the C5 and you didn't mention the ziptie mod? For shame! You have an aftermarket intake, but for stock airbox guys, the ziptie mod is where it's at.

[@little78d]

That’s what I done, with a K&N filter and two nice long zip ties.

[@gregpruitt1647]

Did you tune the car via a Dyno or ECM tune?

[@wheelwells6318]

I had it tuned on the street and then I went a dyno later just to satisfy my curiosity. 376whp with cam, headers, air filter, exhaust, and tune.

[@DutchZombieSlaya]

Was that bypass the only mod you did? Becase your car sounds like it has a Cam mod!

[@wheelwells6318]

It does have a cam, but the cam was installed in the before video as well and you can tell it was still quiet. You can really hear the cam now that the bypass opened up the exhaust. Cam is a ligenfelter gt12 cam.

[@Duwop77]

@@wheelwells6318 hello, car sounds amazing. I was curious do you have a cam? Or that's the original sound with a bypass? Thanks😁👍

[@NathanShepard14]

@@Duwop77 check out the response right above you.

[@KaliLife619]

Hi guys I'm going to be getting a c5 soon. Thinking black on black or red on black wheels. Any thoughts on what year I should try to get or what I should avoid? Manual or auto? Mileage? Much appreciated. I plan on only doing ecu and basic boltons.

[@nkchoate]

02 and 03 are the golden years I believe. Get a manny, auto gets boring, Ive heard the 01's had lots of problems, never really looked into what those problems might be.

[@youngestson6537]

Great inexpensive mods.

[@CaptEricS]

You do not have clue as to the C5 intake filter air flow path. The stock system is perfect, you just ignore the air flow. Why?

[@theyhatehimbecausehetoldth7576]

What is the exhaust system on this car?

[@wheelwells6318]

It's an older flowmaster setup that was on it when I purchased it, not sure exactly which mufflers.

[@ZachGoPokes88]

Was the bypass add to the stock exhaust?

[@wheelwells6318]

Mine already had a flowmaster catback system, but many people bypass the original exhaust as well. It's more frequently done on the c5 zo6 titanium exhaust, but you can still do it on stock mufflers.

[@ZachGoPokes88]

I went ahead and did it to my stock C5. I was impressed with the sound it add. Not too much but enough to make it sound like a Vet now. Thanks for your video. It saved me a $1000!

[@DuBstep115]

@@ZachGoPokes88 You can get a custom or decent axel back for 300-400 bucks

[@DikeLover]

How did you take them out rn I have a 02 c5. Red with long tubes.zip tie mod,x pipe,2step,ls6 heads and tune

[@wheelwells6318]

Go undue the shroud under the front bumper. It's a pain, but only a few screws. Wiggling them out around the fog light is the hardest part, but not too bad. Just have to bend the plastic shroud to pull it out.

[@arthurfelix8836]

Should i get a c5 for my first car, are the reliable? Is 100k to many miles?

[@wheelwells6318]

Great question. First, check out my video on why the c5 is a perfect first sports car. To answer your question, the c5 is typically very reliable because it uses the ls1 engine that Chevrolet used in nearly everything that they put a v8 in. This also means parts are relatively inexpensive. It also is pretty comfortable and roomy. However, because it is a sports car, you have to expect things are bound to break. It probably wouldn't be my first choice for a first car if it's your only vehicle, but it's not the worst for sure. There are many c5's over 100k miles, but if you plan on pushing it a lot further over 100k miles like you would a honda, I'd reconsider. If you've seen any videos I did after this you'll see that I recently had a oil pump failure which is resulting in the need for an entire engine rebuild, but that can happen with any car.

[@arthurfelix8836]

Thanks man! yeah i wanted to daily it about 20 miles per day

[@panzerwaffen2873]

Arthur Felix 100k miles thats a brand new engine ....if you keep it with the right oil... An ls1 can hit over 400k miles check here on youtube 2000 corvette with 700k miles... Right now that vette is on corvette museum

[@panzerwaffen2873]

Arthur Felix reliable? 100000000000 porcent... I drove my 97 from tucson az to my home here in miami fl ...i just stopped for gas and coffee... Really difficult to break a c5 corvette just be sure it has a good battery cause electrical issues are super common in this generation dirty grounds and connections cause also sevaral issues other than that... Go for it do you like c5 corvette? Get it drive it take care of her and she won't disappoint you... Mine is my only car my daily driver.... For the only one i would trade is for my favorite a c6

[@wildazme2006]

I bought a 2001 corvette 2 years ago and love the car. Paid 11grand for it with 30000 miles on it. Had to change 2 abs wires and car has been good since. There a little hard to get in and out of if your a bigger guy but it's great to drive. On another note instead of removing the fog light shroud you can drill some holes in it and have the same effect.

[@carlosorozco945]

What type of cold air is that please advise?

[@C5Cse7en]

looks like a Donaldson Blackwing

[@autotrimmers6353]

Hey is c5 cheap to maintain?

[@7gerez]

Auto Trimmers yes and no

[@MrVegas-vm2kp]

Hi... 2001 C-5 question.... It runs rough for the 1st 45 sec to 1 min... Then smooths out and runs like a scalded cat... Florida heat too.. Anyone ? Anyone ? Bueller ? Last time I did a plug & wire change was Mmmm 6 yrs ago.. But, keeping up on everything else 😸✌ Uhhh Also... 189 k miles

[@stephenlacher5460]

Does the 'bypass' make it louder inside?

[@DONUTK1LLAR]

Depending on how large the bypass yes, my c5 is by passed and is pretty loud inside

[@mwctexas2001]

Fog light shroud removal?..Looks like Chevy got it wrong. NOT!

[@markcruze8301]

Hi

[@malcolmshvac6692]

Does it effect emissions bypass

[@chronovation97]

I don't think so, all the exhaust has already traveled through your catalytic converters by the time it hits the tips

[@richysoto6332]

Music ever sound shit! But nice vid....

[@jerlaine1638]

Volume up all the way and i can barely hear you...

[@jeremywinters1461]

Instead of the side pipe, if you want a real rumble and to not be able to hear your passenger, get this: www.amazon.com/Borla-12649-Stainless-Section-Exhaust/dp/B000ECS8UI 100% straight pipes 😂

[@butlerpep]

does it drone with the exhaust mod? (esp. on the highway?)

[@wheelwells6318]

I've never had an issue with drone. It's surprisingly quiet until you get on it and then it opens up.

[@bluecollarnobody4217]

The word cheap and corvette do not belong in the same sentence its not like customizing a honda or an economy car if you own a vette the aftermarket companies know you have money to burn trust me i know i own a 87 c4 and a 98 c5

[@ajh8864]

This idea that the removing the fog light shroud will increase the oxygen content is BS. Even though oxygen content density varies inversely with temperature according to P/RT = n/V the temperature difference is so small it does make a change until you get to the second decimal. (assuming 5 degree F change). what is being done on both sides of the engine is to reduce restriction (increases volumetric efficiency) thus creating a more efficient motor / pump (oh and louder too). GM spends millions of dollars developing these cars and I think they would have found another 5 hp if possible. I think if you add some stickers it will add 10 more hp....

[@johncipolletti6139]

As a previous owner, the C 5 was one of the best Vettes. To own one today would be an honor. Of course, idiots like this person has to crap up this perfect car. Save your money and don't modify. You will need the cash just for repairs and searching for regular parts.

[@johnmanos5121]

Where do you get bypass done at

[@DanielRichards644]

any muffler shop anywhere.

[@youngpolli8876]

Dam that exhaust is fuckin hideous

[@nonya5475]

Dude.... seriously you made me car sick with all that camera movement. Get a clue.

[@ronsteitz4535]

Too noisy at idle, can’t imagine drone noise at highway speed. Forget hearing your stereo .👎