5 MUST-DO Modifications For a C5 Corvette

[@CZ-kz7ug]

Your videos were definitely a major factor in me getting a c5 z06. Your right abou the tune and long tube headers adding alot of power. Sounds so good with cat delete, and borla mufler delete. Very easy and fun car to drive. Only problems after two years was a window regulator (watched your video), and a reverse lockout solenoid.

[@andrewescobar434]

I'm about to do American racing headers with hooker straight pipes. How loud is your car? How's the cabin noise?

[@gavinsprague1177]

c5 zo6 is one of the best bargins out there

[@tunerdadtunerdad7927]

Barely a bargain soon. The prices are steadily climbing.

[@handyishrandyish334]

Went from 17k for a nice lower mile one to 22k plus

[@stanceswitch6419]

*Was*

[@chandlergardner6655]

over 5k more for 50hp and some suspension ??? Not worth it get a c5 spend another 5k and you gonna shit on c6 z06’s

[@Solemolester001]

ive been looking them up. no less than $30k...

[@mikehillman3144]

Fantastic looking car and stance! Just picked up an 02 Z06 same color with 28k miles. Just ordered a Corsa extreme axle back until I decide which headers to go with.

[@sethh8892]

How much HP did you gain from the work you did? Headers + intake tube. Sounded like you spent upwards of $2k or more for it all said and done.

[@JamalsGarage]

Spent about $1700 on the intake, headers, and tune all said and done. I also did a cam (not calculated into the $1700) at the same time, but if I had to guess, you're probably lookin at a 30whp gain

[@sethh8892]

@@JamalsGarage eeeeek. Idk if I could drop so much for only 30hp... Is there a more cost effective way to gain power? (Other than forced induction)

[@JamalsGarage]

You could always add Nitrous LOL

[@AE-ki3rw]

Damn! What is that color called?

[@JamalsGarage]

Electron Blue. it's a stock color

[@jamesbarrick3403]

Good tips except lowering. There is more engineering in the suspension and wheel and tire selection that you will ever understand. Lowering any vehicle thinking you are gaining performance is just plain silly. Its about aesthetics and attitude... and to be honest its immature, makes the car less safe and diminishes performance.

[@2640Busa]

Heavily modified…… 470wheel I guess lol

[@joels6736]

Everyone complains about the stock shifter but I love it.. yeah it's a bit of a long throw but its smooth movement and direct feel. Seats are a huge must unless you're a master of the "jam your left knee into the door speaker" technique. Not sure why so many guys are putting R-rated drag tires only on the rear of these cars when they handle so good. Your really not taking full advantage of what the car is designed for, so definitely go with a full set of road racing tires. Even if your not much of a corner guy, who doesn't like have a car the grips corners at godlike levels.

[@CrossWindsPat]

I have 1000% become the master of "jam your knee into the corner" and it sucks royal ass... Im scared to do seats because im 6'2" 240lbs and if I put in seats I dont like, im not gonna want to drive the car. The stock seats suck ass, but they are cushy AF.

[@gregHames-u6n]

Skip shift is was my 1st. change. Found a controller for electric fans. Replaced harmonic balancer, removed condenser and radiator to clean them . Just put new front tires on. I'm happy. City driving is above 21 mpg. Hway is real close to 30mpg. I'm just going to enjoy it. It'll rip!

[@vtwinpower1903]

I got a 2001 zo6, supercharged and meth injected, headers exhaust etc. She made 661 RWHP 10.01 140mph et. Now I want her into the high 8s, BACK TO THE SHOP FOR BIGGER BLOWER NEXT YR!🥳😎 these Teslas r getting way to fast, I refuse to let one of these beat me!..😡✌

[@ThatTurboZoh]

Jamal’s C5Z is such a tasteful build. Simple, effective, elegant. Love seeing it at southlake

[@babypuppy9614]

Hell yeah

[@jaystrongsgarage3913]

My must do was the led headlight bulbs, stock bulbs/ lighting are trash.

[@JamalsGarage]

I was going to include that as an honorable mention! The stock halogens are terrible

[@jaystrongsgarage3913]

@@JamalsGarage definitely was my 1st upgrade after the 1st night of driving.

[@matthewmcdonald9107]

Very nice C5 Z06. I loved the C5 for a long time, but at this point it really is starting to show its age vs choosing a C6. C6 seems like a better value vs all the mods that would be necessary to modernize a C5 into current times.

[@petercarey6883]

The first mod you noted of going with a C6 shifter is excellent. FWIW I upgraded my C6 GS to an MGW shifter. IMO MGW is best upgrade short-throw shifter on the market. I've actually upgraded from their Gen 1 to their Gen 2 with flat stick rod. I don't know what they did, but their Gen 2 is even better. You might consider it down the road. MGW is worth every penny! As to tires, one can actually have "new" tires if you will, that virtually have no miles but are beyond 5 years of age. Tires that are five years old or older is my turning point to replace them. Maybe not on daily drivers, but on a Vette? Absolutely! As to stance, first off yours looks great! I've gone the after-market lowering bolts and was not pleased with them. Ultimately, coil-overs are the way to go. But that is a very costly upgrade, plus the cost of getting all four corners aligned. But if you're really into road course racing, it's the only way to go. This was a great informative upload Jamal. But I've got Mod #6 for you. Well, technically it's not a mod, but because your Vette looks soooo good, you really need to replace your hood insulation.😉 Save the Wave👋

[@JamalsGarage]

Nailed it, Peter! And yes, I do need to replace that hood insulation haha

[@petercarey5074]

I'll be watching for the insulation replacement by your next upload. I'm nothing if not a detail guy, aka anal!😉 Stay the course with your videos. I'm not only looking forward to your next one, but now I'm going to start watching your previous ones. Save the Wave👋 P.S. I see you're knocking at the 5K subscriber mark. Let me offer my pre-congrats on obtaining same.

[@BasinMotorsports]

I took mine on a 900 mile road trip last weekend, and I have more basic items to do before jumping into performance mods. LED headlights absolutely as someone else commented. More sound deadening. Some covers for the trunk areas over the recessed wells. I also need to do the LMC5 security bypass and the 1 to 4 shift elimination. Mine is pretty stock at 61k miles, but does have a B&M shifter. Definitely agree with you on good tires too.

[@JamalsGarage]

Wow your car is super stock, not even having a skip shift eliminator! That's a great find

[@BasinMotorsports]

@@JamalsGarage unmodified and well maintained are out there. You just have to be ready to buy when they hit the market. There is an '03 locally with 16k miles. Original tires too!

[@kylesmith5347]

I know a one owner with less than 7,000 miles, 2002 Z06 factory car, no modifications. Just clean… Great video, keep up the great work.

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

FYI lots of C5 owners rave about Speed Engineering longtube headers. Only $400. And you can get a mail-order tune from ECS since it's a pretty standard/predictable mod.

[@JamalsGarage]

Yes I have heard that those are pretty popular, as well!

[@MDW893]

Only problem with them is volume. Unless you run stock backboxes it's guna be crazy loud

[@614XJ]

@@MDW893 That’s what you should want. Real Loud!!

[@ogrelordmalfoy202]

@@MDW893 thats a bad thing? Lol

[@CrossWindsPat]

I hate to be that person, but I cant trust a header that is THAT cheap. No fucking way that doesn't come with a catch. You get what you pay for in life.

[@0Heeroyuy01]

1 shifter 2 seats 3 tires 4 lower the car 5 long tube headers #1 is idk probably a good idea if you have a stick #2 is a mehh, iv daily drove the absolute shit out of mine since i got it 2 years ago with 145K mils and the bolster on the stock seats is fine. #3 good idea #4 seems pointless unless its a track only car, i say this b/c my buddy has a C5z and its lowered and he hates it b/c he has to dodge so many things on the road all the time, and be even more aware of angles then i do. #5 you could have also said intake as the factory intake chokes the car compared to literally anything, even taking the factory filter off turning it around and doing the old Zip TIE mod is better then leaving the intake stoke

[@wi1dcard192]

The c5 is back! Your build is so much like my dream car that these vids have let me enjoy it vicariously through you 😭 C5 z06’s have doubled in price over the course of the pandemic and it’s just out of my price range now, another reason to hate covid

[@JamalsGarage]

Thank you! And yup....my dreams of owning a C6 ZR1 are getting farther and farther away :(

[@poejuleo]

Love it. I have the same exact car with American racing headers and cold air intake/tune. Keep it up brotha

[@danwon88]

Ur mods not exactly on points For c5 vararam intake cat delete wheel and seat r best bang for buck mods

[@CrossWindsPat]

I would replace lowering with a new head unit (radio) since you can go low enough to scrape speed bumps with the stock suspension. A new head unit with (9" display I went a bit crazy with a Sony head unit that I had to modify to work lol but it doesnt cover the AC vents or anything) Apple car play and navigation is fucking tits to have in your 90's Corvette. Plus it makes the stock speakers sound SO MUCH BETTER!

[@CPAJayhawk]

Tires for sure is the first thing you should do unless you buy one with a new set

[@mach5m]

Boring question but: how do mods likec CAI Long tube headers & cat back exhausts affect smog checks? im in Cali with high epa standards its a concern i have a 2003 c5

[@YoJoe-s4b]

Bahahahaha! Heavily modified? Not so much. Basic mall troller BS.

[@skeletongang]

this specific c5 corvette is so fucking clean. im actually in love

[@kevinobrien4155]

the c5's are getting cheap here in Australia because you can register a left hand drive car after its 25 years old. its very tempting for a weekender

[@TheGreatOne2922]

Love your Z06 bro....I hope one day to buy one....probably going to fashion it similar to yours.

[@Austin.44]

Corbeau is not a certified seat. Good seats, no safety certifications though.

[@skouria3135]

texas speed headers are great only altering i had to do was cut out the cats but i ended up running pml highflow cats after the headers titanium out axlebacks and it sounds absolutely perfect. EVERYONE loves the sound lol.

[@crazyc5z]

They may look pretty high from factory but they are definitely a pain to get a jack under them

[@Audfile]

I cant wait to get one of these, build it, and go hunting.

[@DesertZo6]

Love my mgw shifter

[@01ZO6TT]

Beautiful color bro! Your mods are tastefully done. Mine was lowered when I got it. I went with the MGW shifter with the race knob. I highly recommend M/T ET Streets. The Nitto 555Rs are good also but, the M/T are in a different class. My car will now hook in 1st. The Nittos would fight for traction in third. Props on the Z.

[@retrobear9367]

I see you to suffer from radio bezel panel gap

[@thedannyg684]

What is that braided line that comes out of the driver side engine cover?

[@JamalsGarage]

Fuel line that goes to the fuel rail that eventually feeds into the injectors

[@tortuga34]

Very clean and tasteful mods on your C5Z!

[@irishpride5987]

Love the channel, have done alot of my own work on my Z just by watching and following your vids.

[@JamalsGarage]

Thanks Shane!

[@ogrelordmalfoy202]

Gonna be a new owner soon for sure!

[@KaleiChandler]

Before I tell you mine I have an 02 base coupe with kooks headers into an x-pipe and slp hyperflow tip and a veraram intake. Now must do before exhaust for cheap would be interior lighting. Get 194 LEDs and do the foot wells and trunk so you can see getting in and out at night. I did everything in mine green as I plan on doing a dark green wrap eventually cause millennium yellow is more like "Please follow me officer" yellow. Which I did everything except the hvac and radio cause I may replace them. I even soldered green and white LEDs on the mirror light. My brother has that dark blue almost c5 and did ice blue on the foot wells, trunk, license place, and the door controls after seeing mine and I would tell anyone with that color to go with ice blue LEDs for looks partially but ultimately being able to see if they are left on and you don't accidentally drain your battery like when I first bought it. One must do before tuning, even for the headers, is a wideband period. Tires is definitely a must do as the single owner before me Mr. Murray put Kumhos on which I called Kum Hos.

[@babypuppy9614]

Love it. Exactly what id do to a c5/zo6 if i had one. Things probably a beast just to drive around and fun around the track too! Dope

[@TraydonDunkheel]

Great video. Just wondering if you have beefier tires on the car I like more sidewall than usual. What tires do you have?

[@JamalsGarage]

Yes sir I do. Downsized to a 17 inch wheel in the rear with a 315/35/17 tire

[@TraydonDunkheel]

@@JamalsGarage thanks Jamal. It looks great!

[@josephforcino6399]

I already have Texas long tube headers, x pipe , borla attack exhaust and a tune all I want to do now is go with c6 shifter.or mgw.

[@billmea5593]

“These mods can all be applicable to ANY C5”. First mod, talking about the shifter on a standard, mines an automatic.

[@shanks0307]

What are some good tire and wheel size good for track and road use. I want them to be able to handle the power and stick but i like to corner💀 i dont want to try to turn but i go straight

[@joshstane5926]

The only thing that says modified about your car is the wheels and tires... it's lower to the keen eye. Everything looks stock lol BUT these things are so beautiful nothing else needs done to them so I respect that

[@Ken-op7sg]

Well for me I did it easy modification and it made a noticeable difference I put ZO6 sway bars on my 50th anniversary

[@mach1yell66]

My 02, lg long tubes and 3" exhaust Henson shifter, corbeau a4 seats, procharger. I need tires!

[@GregorioLonewolf]

I just ran across your video and nice job of explaining. I have a 2000 Z51 6 speed Vette that I bought 2 1/2 years ago from the original owner with 87,000+ miles. My 1st mod was removing the air filter cover to expose the air filter to allow more air. I do now have a cold air intake. All maintenance as prescribed by GM has been done on time and even more so I have done Preventive Maintenance. This is my 5th Corvette since 1971 ( 1970, 1973, 1987 & 1995). Other than some cosmetic enhancements I haven't gone as far as I plan to. Baby steps and cost of course. The past few months I have replaced all the brakes with new slotted and drilled rotors, new red calipers and pads with steel barided brake lines. New C6 Z06 shocks on all 4 corners. Full coolant change & flush. Clutch fluid changed along with an oil change. new spark plugs, coil packs and plug wires. Long tube header's and a tune is my next project. Later on a stage 3 cam, lifter's etc etc and another tune. Some place along the line I will lower my car as well. Very Happy for now.

[@Corsavette02]

Nice ride bud....you and I have a very close mod list....except ive got trash tires lol. Just got my dyno tune back and pulled 452 hp and 428 ftlb on a mustang dyno...these things definitley MOVE at 3200 ish lbs. Nice ride man.

[@scottmcbride2237]

Beautiful car. Im getting ready to buy my first vette. But one other very important mod that i would do if I had your car is either replace or paint the heat pad under the hood. That looks nasty. But other then that, Beautiful.

[@markwarren7959]

I agree with your first mod on the shifter. The stock shifter feels like an upside-down hoof. The stock C6 shifter goes well in the C5.

[@markcrisp7315]

It depends how far you wanna go my c5 is all modified too & now I am looking at A&A supercharger or maybe just do a fast 92 intake I already did heads cam exhaust stall converter ceramic coated yea anyway nice car Jamal I see you on iG 💯🇺🇸⛄️😊✌️

[@genej501]

Very good video. Lots of good information. Bought my 04 back in 2015. 24-hour at Lemans edition. Automatic trans. Convertible. The only thing I did was ditch the bus steering wheel. At the time of that 90,000 miles on it. The tires were dry-rotted from a dealer. Put on the set of bridgestones run flats. Now it's time to change them because of their 7 years old. Thanks again for all your good information.

[@franciscoramon4966]

Nice car bro. I dig the video. Recently got my tranny beefed up and a stall converter installed. Need to change out my harmonic balancer but once I’m done with that I think my first mod will be exhaust followed by headers and tune. It’ll be expensive but worth it. I gave you a follow my guy look forward to more c5 content. 👍🏻

[@Saltysailor83]

I was wondering about headers on my’03 Z, but was told about more heat from them. And in New Mexico summers, don’t need more heat.

[@JamalsGarage]

Just put some header wrap on them or get a thicker tunnel plate if you are worried about heat in the car

[@trlprk]

Skip shift eliminator should be first along with the shifter

[@mrdashin8323]

My c5 must do, tires, intake, full exhaust, tune, and suspension.

[@geoffreymckenzie5561]

Great video!!!! I went with the RSD shifter and love it. Its basically a modified c6 shifter.

[@biggerdogthor2991]

Great analysis but I would add that you'd upgrade the brakes.

[@krisyoung447]

Your next mod should be a new hood insulator:).

[@cmarchione1]

Your Z is prob my fav C5 on KZbin man. Love the car.

[@jmaud1233]

I have a 2001 z06 with cam/intake/exhaust, ported/polished heads with 5 angle valve job plus a tune. Only made 449rwhp. How did you get to 470?

[@JamalsGarage]

I also have a FAST 92 with LS2 TB

[@bdavis072]

How much did you pay for your c5 at 135k miles if you don't mind

[@JamalsGarage]

I believe it was 14000-14500

[@bdavis072]

@@JamalsGarage how long ago n thx 4 reply in considering buying one just have having 2 cars

[@JamalsGarage]

@@bdavis072 I got it back in February of 2016

[@jagunn1972]

I had no issues putting on my Texas Speed headers !

[@CrossWindsPat]

Mod #1 are those wheels brother. 🤌🤌🤌 My car came with the MGW shifter and its the main reason I bought the car probably. I only test drove one car (dumb I know) but I knew I needed to have it and the price was too good to pass up anyways. I got a 2004 Z06 with 59k miles for 17k. It has Penske shocks, Aldman swaybars and MGW shifter so its clear it has been abused in its past, but the thing is just a solid lump steel and plastic lol. Been rock solid for 3 years and I just finished installing long tubes, intake and a tune and im in love with her all over again!

[@AlexGomez-dr1ng]

@kenblock needs to watch this video 🏁😂

[@joshhadley9445]

Just picked up a 2000 6sp conv. with low miles. Is super charging it going to kill the reliability?

[@JamalsGarage]

Absolutely not, A&A and ECS make great kits and if you get a decent tune, it will have great street manners

[@audiwankenobi361]

Alls you need to do is cut down/eliminate your use of "uh and um" while talking to level up!

[@JamalsGarage]

I know! I really struggle with this 🤦‍♂️

[@abiamiamab9677]

Lucky.lol

[@Workin247]

Is that a ls2 throttlebody? What fast intake do you have, 92mm? Does it rub? Car looks great Jamal. Wish mine was as clean as yours.

[@JamalsGarage]

LS2 Silver Blade TB, FAST 92mm Intake, and no rubbing! Thank you, Carl!

[@Fitteds4dayz]

Keep up the content on your corvette bro love your ride ,!!

[@daren9721]

Love your content, l did a lot of things to my z06 from your vids. But now she's gettin supercharged. Thanks for your vids

[@JamalsGarage]

Hell yea, Daren!

[@bobbythomas5016]

Great looking Zo6 Jamal keep up the great work

[@georgebrooks58]

What wheels are those?

[@JamalsGarage]

CCW Classics 17x10 +51 275/40/17 Nitto NT555 G2 17x11 +57 315/35/17 Nitto NT05R

[@colemcmeans7809]

agreed. the only thing i would add is a steering wheel, the added spacing toward the driver makes for a better arm relief and clears the knees nicely. pretty much a race car at that point, hahaha.

[@JamalsGarage]

Yes! I need a smaller diameter wheel for sure!

[@PNW_Car_Mods]

I generally can't stand CCWs mostly just because I remember when they were nothing but trend especially on 04-06 GTOs. That being said there is something special about the classics on a C5 especially when they are coated or even just the centers coated. Great Video Jamal.

[@JamalsGarage]

Thanks brother!

[@justinkrizenesky]

07 GTO??

[@PNW_Car_Mods]

@@justinkrizenesky fixed. lol. That was a fat finger.

[@DukenGoose]

What wheels are those ?

[@JamalsGarage]

CCW Classics 17x10 +51 275/40/17 17x11 +57 315/35/17

[@greglondoff7307]

Great value for decent power

[@MANNELLA126]

Excellent, thank you!

[@ajcates9136]

Thanks for the content love my c5

[@dominicvasquez5275]

Love your build bro! I just got a 2001 c5 ! Did you work your rear end ?

[@JamalsGarage]

Thanks bro! What do you mean? Haven't touched anything on the rear end...

[@mikeanddebboyers6822]

Repaint or replace that hood mat!

[@zunySSBM]

What tires are those?

[@JamalsGarage]

Nitto NT555 G2 on the front Nitto NT05 R on the rear

[@jcloud96]

my favorite corvette build

[@unknownstudd69]

Wait how about CAMS?

[@jasongraham5648]

I’m in the market for a C5 Z06. I’ve been told not to worry about a car with high mileage. You said yours had 135000 on it when you bought it. How did you decide to pull the trigger on a high mileage car?

[@JamalsGarage]

The biggest factor on mine was the fact that it was a 1-owner car. It was too clean to pass up

[@ryanhansen3344]

135k on my 2001 and was driven on freeway for almost it's entire life. Still feels strong even though it is completely stock.

[@twiceonsundays]

Holy crap that's a sweet Vette!

[@jivadaya6439]

My fronts were '04 LOL

[@Debosway77]

Car looks amazing bro!

[@SMonti1985]

How much power did those upgrades give you?

[@JamalsGarage]

With just the mods in the video (only power adders: Long tubes, CAI, and tune), a C5Z will make around 380ish wheel horsepower. Usually see about 30-40 whp gain over stock

[@Oversight85]

When you lower it, how do you get it off the ground? It's tricky enough to jack these things up stock...

[@JamalsGarage]

Sometimes I have to drive it up onto 2x4’s to get a jack underneath it 😂😅

[@Oversight85]

@@JamalsGarage makes sense, I use 2x12's at stock height 😅

[@DanielRamirez-nm3sy]

What are the wheel specs? Love the stance and fitment.

[@JamalsGarage]

Thanks man F: 17x10 +51 R: 17x11 +57

[@sleeperproductions98]

ive been watching your vids for a long time great video clean build great car! my 5 must have mods were A&A supercharger , headers xpipe , exhaust, after market steering wheel , r888 toyo tires !

[@JamalsGarage]

Right on! I think I'm going to try r888r's next

[@sleeperproductions98]

@@JamalsGarage i ordered mine in the beginning of this month and shipping date is 12/17/21 so not sure if ima wait

[@JamalsGarage]

Holy shit! LOL

[@DtownJ]

Great video!

[@ulisesgarfias9487]

what kind of wheels do you have on the c5

[@JamalsGarage]

CCW Classics

[@koltwinebarger9958]

How much where ur wheels

[@JamalsGarage]

I bought them used. After I had them refinished and rebuilt, they were almost $2k

[@Scottygroves]

@@JamalsGarage I'll give you $2500 for them.

[@BenFreedmanRacing]

Love the videos. I’m starting to make C5 videos now that I have one. At 7:38 you mention the ride will become more harsh if it is lowered. Unless you changed to a shorter damper, The ride height on your C5 is probably harsh because you are hitting the bump stops on your dampers(most likely rear) because the car is too low. When the car is on the ground put your hand up near the top of the rear damper feel the space between the top of the damper housing and top hat that’s connected to the frame and you will be able to feel that you only have about 1/2” of shock travel in the rear with that ride height. These cars need proper shock travel to handle predictably. I had to raise my car quiet a bit from a similar ride height before bringing it to the track for the first time so the car would handle properly.

[@JamalsGarage]

This is exactly what is happening LOL I think I will eventually move to coil overs with a shorter damper to improve the ride

[@BenFreedmanRacing]

@@JamalsGarage very cool I’m thinking I will too, keep up the good work

[@powerrod1657]

I don't understand why people change the exhaust in these cars ...it's titanium from the factory...anything else is garbage..changing the exhaust manifolds with a set of Shorty headers is the only exhaust mod that makes sense

[@cryptocarsandcoffee7854]

470hp!!?!? I think my mountain bike has that much, let me go check…………yup 483.

[@davidterceira7451]

Jamal, it kind of bothered me seeing the back of seat vibrating as you shifted rather easily into 2nd gear. It seems like it is not supported so well. I am a big guy looking to upgrade. Thank you!

[@chocolat3603]

bro said my cars heavilly modified it makes 470 horsepower lmfao thats not a big increase big gangster.