2018 North Central NCRS Newsletter (Jan-Mar)

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

January to March 2018 EDITION NorthCentralNCRS.com

NCRS at 2018 World of Wheels

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

State of The Chapter When I woke up the morning of March 20, the first day of Spring with a fresh inch of snow on the ground I had to ask myself will Winter ever end? But I am sure that warm bright sunny days are just around the corner and we can again enjoy those days of summer.

Here’s a recap of the club events and activities during the past three months.

• Board Meetings: The board met on January 4, February 1, and March 1 at Davanni’s in Bloomington to conduct the club business, including board member reports, old and new business. Several club members joined us during the meetings and are always welcome.

• Technical Sessions: On January 13, Mark Kravik had his 1963 Corvette 327-300HP motor dynoed at Competition Engine. On January 20, Bill Kohl hosted a session to remove his rear differential on his 1978 Corvette.

On February 17, Elko Perchyshyn hosted a session to install carpeting on his 1966 Corvette. On March 17, Joe Galindo hosted a session to install a TREMEC transmission on a 350-375HP crate engine for a 1962 Corvette.

• Social Activities: On February 24, twenty members attended the Winter Social at Mancini’s Char House in St. Paul.

• World of Wheels: On March 23-25, we displayed seven generations of Corvette’s: C1-Alden Miles, C2-Jerome Lardy, C3-Mike Meirovitz, C4-Wally Grivna, C5-John Wessel (Classic Corvettes), C6-Lyn Miles, C7-Dave Zirbes (Roseville Chevrolet).

• Club Survey’s: On January 13, we sent out a short survey to determine interest in Technical Sessions, Judging Events and Social Activities with thirty-six members responding. The results will be presented at our next Board Meeting.

We continue to look for suggestions from our club members on how to improve our club events and increase membership participation. I would like to see new faces and I would like to do new things that are of interest to our club members, but that’s up to you the membership. Let’s make 2018 the best year ever!!!

Please feel free to contact me with your ideas.

Regards, - Alden Miles, North Central NCRS President 612-387-2869 / armiles1226@yahoo.com

President Alden Miles

Activities

Don O’Grady

Vice President Paul Burski

Membership Tech Director Judging Chair Jerome Lardy Bob Lund Chris Enstrom

Secretary Treasurer Website/newsletter At-Large Dave Murphy Roger Carlson Nick Kornder Kevin Sullivan

2

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

North Central Chapter to Host 2020 REGIONAL Regional Judging Event – Rochester, Minnesota – June 11-13, 2020 For those of you that haven’t heard by now, the North Central Chapter is hosting one of the six Regional Judging Events in 2020. The event is set for Thursday-Saturday, June 11-13, 2020 in Rochester, Minnesota. If you are interested in seeing some great Corvettes, learning more about the NCRS Flight Judging system, and meeting people from around the country, we would love to have to come to Rochester! The event starts on Thursday with the event check in and Operations Judging. The cars then proceed inside the Graham Center Arena. The evening wraps up with a 1 point Judging School put on by the National Judging Chairman, David Brigham and a Welcome Reception. Friday will see a full day of Flight Judging and a 3 point Advanced Judging School. Saturday will see the remainder of Flight Judging and a second 3 point Advanced Judging School.

Saturday evening is the awards banquet and we’re done!

Here are the different ways you can participate at the Regional.

• Increase your judging knowledge by attending three different judging schools (receive a maximum of 7 judging points • Participate as an Observer Judge and assess some really great Corvettes as they go through the judging process • Volunteer to be a tabulator • Volunteer for tasks that need doing to help the Regional be the best event it can be • Bring your car down and have it judged • Drive your car down and enjoy the event If you have any questions at all, please reach out to me. Below are some photos from our 2016 Regional.

Chris Enstrom North Central Chapter Judging Chairman

2016

3

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

2018 Calendar of Local Events January Thurs.

4 6:30 PM Sat 20 9 AM February Thurs.

1 6:30 PM Sat. 17 9 AM Sat. 24 6 PM March Thurs.

1 6:30 PM Sat. 17 9 AM Sat. 31 April Thurs.

5 6:30 PM Sat. 14 9 AM Sat. 21 5 PM May Thurs.

3 6:30 PM Sat. 12 8 AM June Thurs.

7 6:30 PM Sat. 16 9 AM Sat. 30 July Thurs.

5 6:30 PM Sun/Thur 15-20 August Thurs.

2 6:30 PM Sat. 18 8 AM Sat. 19 9 AM Sat. 25 September Thurs.

6 6:30 PM Sat. 16 9 AM Sun. 30 October Thurs.

4 6:30 PM Sat 20 9 AM

November Thurs.

1 6:30 PM December Sat 15 9 AM Sat. 31

Board meeting - Davanni’s in Bloomington* Tech Session or Judging School Board Meeting - Davanni’s in Bloomington* Tech Session or Judging School Holiday Social at Mancinis’ Board Meeting - Davanni’s in Bloomington* Tech Session or Judging School Deadline for Crossed Flags articles – forward to Nick Kornder Board Meeting - Davanni’s in Woodbury Tech Session - Twin City Tire in Bloomington* Spring Social Dinner – Cowboy Jacks Board Meeting - Davanni’s in Woodbury Chapter Spring Judging Meet Board Meeting - Davanni’s in Woodbury Tech Session or Judging School Deadline for Crossed Flags articles – forward to Nick Kornder Board Meeting NCRS NATIONAL CONVENTION Board Meeting Chapter Judging Meet – Long Lake,MN Tech Session or Judging School Summer BBQ Board Meeting Tech Session or Judging School Deadline for Crossed Flags articles – forward to Nick Kornder Board & Chapter Meeting, ANNUAL ELECTION Tech Session or Judging School Fall Color Run Board Meeting

Tech Session or Judging School Deadline for Crossed Flags articles – forward to Nick Kornder ALL DATES & TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE * New Monthly Board of Directors Meeting Location Announced At the November board meeting the Chapter’s Board of Directors voted to change the location of monthly board meetings for 2018. All chapter members are welcome at these meetings. We hope to see you at one.

4

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Calendar of National Events 2018 Regional and National Events January 10-13 Florida Regional Lakeland, Fla. April 12-14 Carolina’s Chapter Regional Greenville, S.C. May 16-19 Arizona Regional Scottsdale, Ariz.

June 7-9 Michigan Regional Dearborn, Mich.

July 15-20 2018 NCRS National Convention Las Vegas, Nev. September 20-22 Mid Atlantic Regional Altoona, Pa. October 25-27 Lone Star Regional Frisco, Texas 2019 Regional and National Events January TBA Florida Regional Lakeland, Fla. April 11-13 Queen City Chapter Regional Sharonville, Ohio May 16-18 New England Regional Boston, Mass.

July 14-19 2019 NCRS National Convention Greenville, S.C. September 19-21 Northern California Regional Lake Tahoe, Calif.

October 24-26 Lone Star Regional Frisco, Texas 2020 Regional and National Events June 11-13 North Central Regional July 19-24 2020 National Convention

Rochester, Minn.

French Lick Springs, Ind.

Paragon Rewards Program continues in 2018 The North Central Chapter’s financial award for products purchased during 2017 was $390.00. The chapter decided to get thirteen $30.00 gift certificates to be used as door prizes, raffle prizes, etc. at upcoming 2018 chapter events such as tech sessions, judging meets, and social functions.

The chapter currently has 30 members participating in the Rewards Program. We owe a great big thank you to these 30 members for purchasing Corvette parts from Paragon Corvette. THANK YOU!!I If you’re not sure whether you are participating or would like to join those members participating just email Roger Carlson at RogerPCarlson@gmail.com. There is no need to have purchased from Paragon Corvette in the past. Every little bit helps the chapter.

5

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Membership Update Welcome to another fun season of Corvette related activities. We started out the year with 118 members and have added 3 so far to bring us up to 121.

Current Members

Wally Grivna rejoined our chapter with coaxing from his dear friend Alden Miles. They were high school classmates who kept trying to outdo one another with the next best car. Not sure who won that battle but they both claim that they did. Wally has an ’84 Corvette that he purchased new. This was the first year of the C4 so it was something very special. Wally brought this beautiful Corvette to the World of Wheels Auto Show where it won an award. You can see pictures on our chapter Facebook page. Wally also has a 2014 which was either the first or one of the first C7’s in the Twin Cities. Wally lives in Shoreview, MN with his wife Lori.

Jeff Norton resides in Andover, MN and is currently looking for a C2. I met Jeff at our March tech session and saw pictures of two Corvettes that he is interested in.

One belongs to his brother so that should be a deal made in Corvette heaven.

Jeff heard about us through Mike Lyddy and Bob Lund.

Ken Gerebi resides in Falcon Heights, MN and recently joined the NCRS. We welcome our new members and look forward to seeing them throughout the year at our chapter functions.

- Jerome Lardy, North Central NCRS Membership Chair

About the North Central NCRS

Formed in 1974, the National Corvette Restorers Society is a non-profit hobby group of 15,800+ families dedicated to the restoration, preservation, history and enjoyment of Corvettes.

Founded in 1988 the North Central Chapter is chartered by the NCRS National to support and organize Corvette hobby activities in the Upper Midwest to further the NCRS National philosophy of preservation and restoration of Corvettes.

The NCRS North Central Chapter is based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota metro area with the majority of membership spanning throughout Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and Canada.

6

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Chapter Happenings

NORTH CENTRAL CHAPTER ANNUAL SPRING SOCIAL

Please join us for an evening of socializing with friends on SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018 Social Hour at 5 p.m.

COWBOY JACKS 1690 Woodlane Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 - Don O’Grady, North Central NCRS Activities Director

IMPRESS YOUR FRIEND WITH THIS FUN FACT...The maker of T-3 headlights for Corvettes labeled them T-3 to signify that they should be pointed 3 degrees down and 3 degrees inward.

7

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Chapter Happenings

NORTH CENTRAL CHAPTER ANNUAL WINTER SOCIAL On February 24, twenty members attended the Winter Social at Mancini’s Char House in St. Paul.

- Don O’Grady, North Central NCRS Activities Director

Did you know? c4 The 1984 Corvette had the steepest windshield rake angle of any previous American production automobile at 64 degrees. A single transverse plastic front and rear spring first made it’s appearance on the 1984 Corvette.

8

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Chapter Happenings

NORTH CENTRAL CHAPTER AT WORLD OF WHEELS On March 23-25, the North Central NCRS displayed seven generations of Corvette’s C1-Alden Miles, C2-Jerome Lardy, C3-Mike Meirovitz, C4-Wally Grivna, C5-John Wessel (Classic Corvettes), C6-Lyn Miles, C7-Dave Zirbes (Roseville Chevrolet) at World of Wheels.

Click For More Photos

9

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Chapter Judging

We are always looking for Judges The NCRS North Central Chapter will hold two “Chapter Events” during 2018 and multiple “Judging Schools”. We are always looking for judges to volunteer at these events, regardless of experience. If you are interested in learning more please contact Chris Enstrom for more details.

Got an IDEA?

If you have a suggestion for a topic for an upcoming Judging School, - Chris Enstrom, North Central NCRS Judging Chair please contact Chris Enstrom 651-503-4165.

NCRS Judging is recognized around the world as THE STANDARD in determining originality.

The Judging System is designed to educate each owner about their car as well as providing recognition for excellence in the areas of restoration, performance, or preservation. You can learn to judge through participation. Start out as an observer judge and work your way to Master Judge through the Judges Recognition Program.

JUDGE NCRS Judges are volunteer members who offer their time and knowledge to Judge Members Cars under the guidance of the NCRS Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide.

Master Judge NCRS Master Judges are volunteer members who have been recognized by the organization and membership for accumulating a minimum of 100 points in our judging recognition program by Judging at events, attending Judging Schools at Chapter Meets, Regional Meets and National Meets. Many have also attended National or Regional Judging Seminars that last for one or two days of intensive instruction and hands on participation.

Did you know? c3 Pontiac almost beat Chevrolet to the Coke bottle design body, with their 1965 Banshee, a two seater convertible sports car that would have been hefty competition for the Corvette. GM stopped it, and then Pontiac president John DeLorean later became president of Chevrolet.

10

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Chapter Tech Sessions

Tech Session - January - Dyno On Saturday January 13 the chapter headed to Randy’s at Competition Engine and ran the dyno with Mark Kraviks’s 1963 Corvette 327 300HP motor.

- Bob Lund, North Central NCRS Tech Director

Click For More Photos

Did you know? C2 The famous “split” rear window for the new Corvette almost never came to be. It seems that Bill Mitchell and Zora Arkus-Duntov argued over the design. Bill Mitchell won out for the 1963 Model, but it was removed for 1964 never to be seen again.

11

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Chapter Tech Sessions

Tech Session - January - C3 Rear End

The tech session started out as a differential removal and turned into a complete rear suspension removal. I had excessive movement in the stub shafts of the differential. In order to exchange the stub shafts, the differential has to be removed. Once the leaf spring was removed, I started on removing the lower shock mount, while pushing on the shock mount it was observed the passenger trailing arm was moving forward and back. We ended up removing the TA and found the bushing at the pivot point was destroyed. The bushing will have to be replace. At this time it only made sense to remove the driver TA and also change the bushing. We opened the diff and both snap rings were in place, however we did see damage on the driver side shaft. Next project is to make these repairs and install the rear suspension. This may be another tech session. I’d like to thank all the members that participated, with your help you made the job a lot easier and faster. Bill Kohl

Click For More Photos

Did you know? c1 On Tuesday, June 30, 1953 Corvette #1 Serial Number E53F001001 rolled off the assembly line, and Corvette production began.

12

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Chapter Tech Sessions

Tech Session - February - C2 Carpet Install On February 17 Elko Perchyshyn hosted a session to install carpeting on his 1966 Corvette.

- Bob Lund, North Central NCRS Tech Director

Click For More Photos

Did you know? C2 - Aluminum knock off wheels only cost $322 for a set of 5 in 1964.

- Only the driver’s side vent on the 1964 Corvette is functional.

- Side mounted exhaust systems first appeared in 1965.

13

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Chapter Tech Sessions

Tech Session - March - C1 Tranny Install On March 17, Joe Galindo hosted a session to install a TREMEC transmission on a 350375HP crate engine for a 1962 Corvette.

- Bob Lund, North Central NCRS Tech Director

Click For More Photos

Did you know? C2 The 1963 Grand Sports, while originally looking much like the production coupes, had no body parts in common. The fiberglass body panels were roughly half the thickness of production panels to save weight.

14

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

MessageS for the Kids

\

What Makes us NCRS

NCRS Members benefit from mountains of technical information that they can rely on. When you join the NCRS, you access the combined knowledge of thousands of previous members.

A group of 19 Technical Advisors, who are recognized as the authorities in their fields, are also just a letter or e-mail away. Whatever problems that you might run into has been solved in past years by other NCRS members.

At the chapter level we are always looking for Tech Session ideas. This is NOT the chapter coming to work on your Corvette. It is the chapter coming to HELP YOU work on your Corvette as you learn more about your piece of American History. If you are currently working on your Vette and would be interested in hosting a tech session, please contact Tech Director Bob Lund or Asst. Tech Director Paul Burski.

The North Central Chapter of the NCRS has received NCRS Chapter Top Flight Award for SIX straight yearS! (2012 to 2017) Did you know?

William Durant, the founder of GM, said a wallpaper pattern he saw in a Paris hotel in 1908 inspired the bow tie logo. Supposedly, he ripped off a small piece of it and brought it back to Detroit.

15

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Member of the Month

January - Alan Loosbrock

North Central Chapter: I joined in January of 2015. It was Kevin Sullivan that encouraged me to join. Kevin and I go way back to our high school days. We both worked at the restaurant mentioned above and together we both admired the 1963 Corvette coupe sitting inside the building at the car lot next door. I believe Kevin was one of my 1st passengers in the Corvette. He credits me for helping him become interested in Corvettes. I now have to credit Kevin for helping get the spark back in me to keep plugging away on the car.

My work schedule doesn’t allow me to attend as many activities as I would like but since I am in the restoration phase of my Corvette, I really enjoy the tech sessions. I like learning from the sessions and also talking and listening to other club members. Being involved in the chapter gives me the interest and hope of completing my little red Corvette.

Corvette(s): 1963 Coupe, non-original 327, 4-speed, Riverside red.

History of Your Corvette: Purchased in the summer of 1979 after high school graduation from a local used car lot.

Corvette Project: I’ve always have had a love for Corvettes since I was in my early teens. Prior to purchasing my Corvette I had worked at a restaurant right next door to the used car lot and remember walking over to the lot and admiring the car. Shortly after, I had just started working a new and better paying job and somehow got my mother to co-sign a loan to buy the Corvette. I would eventually call it my basket case.

The car was raced sometime prior to my ownership. The sales person mentioned this but was also evident by the roll bar that was installed in the car (with an attached fire extinguisher) as well as the engine frame crossmember being hammered down to fit, I’m assuming, a big block.

In addition, the wheel wells were flared. Unfortunately the car (prior to me owning it) was taken apart, butchered and Frankensteined back together with many non-original parts.

There were parts that were missing and some parts even homemade.

I drove the car for only a couple years before I got the bug of bringing the car back to original, or at least as close to original as possible. I didn’t realize the nightmare I was getting myself into.

I worked on it for not quite a year and then life happened…

Marriage, kids, no time, no money, no garage, mortgage, no money, moving, divorce, no money, etc. Oh, did I mention no money? So, with all of that and the frustration of the car needing so much work and parts, the car sat for decades and just collected dust. (Speaking of parts, if you have any ’63 parts you want to unload, let me know!)

It has only been in the last few years that I have started to work on it again. Lately my time has been spent stripping everything from the car. I am attempting a nut and bolt restoration.

I do have the body ready to remove from the frame. Maybe a tech session this spring/summer?

February - Joe Galindo

I think the first Corvette I ever saw was a new 1954 Corvette at a Chevy showroom in southern Minnesota. I was with my grandmother as she was buying a new Bel Air four-door. I guess that thrill has never left me. I always wanted one but was told by my insurance agent to forget it.

Finally in 1987 the stars and planets aligned and I bought a 1960 Corvette. After hiring people to work on the car and not being totally satisfied, I decided to try my hand at restoration. A year later I found another 1960 Corvette that was originally a fuelie. With help from Classic Corvette members and a pile of money, I was able to complete the project and get a Bloomington Gold and NCRS Top Flight.

I believe it was in 1989 or 1990 that the North Central Chapter was started and I was a charter member along with Jim Fenske, Dale Crosby, Mark Swanson and Ken Esther and others.

I was an electrician for 50 years and retired at 65. I’ve since added on to my shop and have made 56 to 67 Corvette restoration my 2nd career.

16

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Member of the Month I’ve been a car guy since high school at Hopkins Eisenhower in the early ‘70s. Every Friday and Saturday night I’d cruise the main drag in Hopkins with 300 to 400 other cars. I still have the ’70 Firebird Esprit that was my first car (my Mom bought it new) but it’s since been updated with a 600hp 454 CID small block Chevy built

by Bill Mitchell racing, a Ford 9 inch with 4.11s, a Tremec 5-speed and big discs all around. Clearly not a restoration project!

At this time I have a 57, 62 and 63 projects in the shop. I presently have (2) 1959 Corvettes – one with late model Corvette LS running gear and one with an early GM Crate engine.

As far as the future of NCRS, I see more people wanting the looks of classic corvettes but want the reliability, and price of crate motors and transmission. These people want disk brakes, better handling, power steering and radial tires. I think the future challenges of the Club will be to get the cars restored at a more affordable price. Lately my son and grandsons have been helping me in the shop, so maybe there is hope for the future of Corvette restoration.

My first Corvette was a Panama yellow ’58. I bought it 12+ years ago. Fun car, turned heads, but was like riding in a buckboard!

I sold it to buy the ’63 which I consider a truly beautiful and revolutionary car. My Split Window came out of Washington state and the paint and body was damaged during transit. Insurance covered the repairs and a full repaint and we decided to change the black interior back to its original red while the car was being worked on by Tim. The gauges had been redone. I had the radio rebuilt and Tim installed the carpet and stained the dash. I’ve owned it since 2007. Annika has already staked claim to it (Clare wants the Firebird). I’ve told them both that A.) I’m not planning on going anywhere anytime soon, and B.) they both need to learn to drive a stick first.

March - Hans Skalle My name is Hans Skalle. I’ve been married to my wife, Sara for 25 years. We have two daughters, Clare and Annika plus 3 dogs, 5 tanks of fish, 1 snake and a horse (and at least one red squirrel in the attic).

I’m the lucky owner of a black on red SWC fuelie. It’s a November ’62 car with power windows and a 4-speed. The paint and interior are finished and look great (thanks Tim Cossette!). My next project is lifting the body and restoring the chassis and drivetrain.

I like ‘60s cars and I also own a ’62 T-bird Sports Roadster (another car with classic lines) and have also owned a white ’64 and black ’69 442, both were cool cars.

I’m actually not sure when I found and joined the NCRS and the North Central Chapter but I’m guessing it was 7 or 8 years ago. I’ve had a busy work schedule that’s involved a lot of travel so I’ve not been as active as I’d like to be (and I switched jobs a year ago and have become even busier which, I guess, is a good thing as I near retirement).

I really appreciate and enjoy the tech sessions that I’ve been able to attend – the knowledge and experience of our members and their willingness to help me and each other is really amazing!

Having this support network in place really makes me feel a lot better about lifting the body and getting to work on my chassis which I plan to do this spring!

I’m both happy and grateful to be a member of the North Central Chapter of the NCRS! Thanks for featuring me as the member of the month for March 2018!

17

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Chapter Board Minutes

January, 2018

Board Members Present: Alden Miles, Jerome Lardy, Bob Lund, Roger Carlson, Don O’Grady , Dave Murphy, Paul Burski, Nick Kornder, Kevin Sullivan, Chris Enstrom Board Members Absent: None Members present: Greg Burton Location: Davannis 8605 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington,MN Approval of Minutes Meeting Minutes from the Nov 2, 2017 meeting – Motion to approve by Don O’Grady, seconded by Paul Burski. Motion passed.

President’s Report Alden will be sending out an email to the chapter looking for members who have an interest in displaying their Corvettes at this years’ World of Wheels. The show dates are March 23-25. We need one example of each Corvette generation C1 -C7. We want to use different Corvettes than the ones displayed last year.

Vice President’s Report Paul is going to look into ways our chapter can participate in other Corvette Club activities so they can get to know us.

The hope is to encourage Corvette owners to join the NCRS in addition to the club they currently belong to.

We have many members that belong to several Corvette Clubs and we would like to grow that number.

Possible activities could be the chili cook off, Corvettes shows, Vettes for Vets etc.

Treasurer’s Report.

Chapter’s financial books are balanced and all revenue and expenses are accounted for. In addition, the board agreed to the 2018 proposed budget. The Paragon rewards program is moving forward for another year and certificates from 2017 should be here shortly. The year- end report to our NCRS Regional Director is completed and I am waiting to complete our 2017 tax return as soon as the IRS opens up the web site.

Judging Report The first of two Judging events will occur May 12 at Gilbys Street Dept, 580 South Wasson Lane, River Falls,WI. An email blast will go out to the members and the pricing will remain, $50 Flight, $25 Sportsman. The 2020 Regional was discussed and if we can get ahead of the other chapters to request a May date in Rochester prior to the National at French Lick, Indiana, most felt we should proceed. Alden will approach Bill Braun.

Membership Report No new members with our count at 130 and the possibility of a few discontinuing. Dues are needed from 50 members. The 4th Qtr Report was just submitted and the Annual report will go in shortly. Jerome mentioned that we get a report from National of who just joined in our area and he typically sends them a welcome note. Alden suggested as President, he send them that welcoming note and try to not only share info about us but also to learn something about these new National members. Jerome also mentioned as he was going through the list of NCRS members he noted that Russ Steinhaus has moved back and is now in Spicer,MN. Tech Report Elko’s Tech Session and combined Silent Auction was a success in December and the new year gives us new opportunities to do more Tech Sessions. Alden had received a call from Bill Kohl who has a need for some help with his 78’s rear end. It was decided we would go to his house on January 20th. We can go to Paul Burski’s on Feb 17th for a gas gauge and rear axle seal. As we move forward, we want to focus our attention on members cars rather than those of the board so we may use Pauls car when we have no member cars to do. Chris suggested we contact the members purchasing parts from Paragon. Maybe we can offer a Paragon certificate to someone who needs a tech session. Or even a Tech Session for new members to understand their car including safety aspects. Paul showed a survey he would like to conduct with members to determine for need amongst the members for Tech Sessions. This was supported and he and Nick will find the best way to gather info from members via a survey monkey approach.

Possibly completing survey makes you eligible for a Paragon certificate. Bob wrapped up with possible alignment tech sessions and a return to Elkos.

Activities Report Don reported that sign ups for Mancinis was going slow and encouraged the board to sign up. $200 in prize money had been approved and Alden was asked to bring hats. The spring event at Cowboy Jacks was on target and Don asked about the club piggy backing on Kiss’s Casino Car Show in Sept. Kiss had moved to Hampton after his lease was not renewed so more discussion will be held to finalize this event.

Website Report The site continues to attract readers.

Newsletter Report The newsletter went out and was well received. Nick commented that getting other newsletters from other chapters gave him some 18

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Chapter Board Minutes new ideas. Jerome asked about being able to see the other Newsletter and Nick commented on what he is trying to do to make that happen. Nick asked Bob to get him a current business card he could put in. Alden mentioned that he wanted to understand the advertising policy in the newsletter and the fees and asked Nick to see what he could find at national or in our history. Nick mentioned the old club rates to be free to members for parts, etc and business ads to be $12.50 for business cards, $25 for half page, $50 for full page. Alden then brought up the Kennedy Transmission info that was put in our Newsletter many years ago to thank Steve Hendrickson for hosting our August Judging. None of those sites know about our connection to Steve as our sponsor so maybe that confuses new members.

Alden opened up the discussion further and the board discussed approaching sponsors for support in kind or for dollars for advertising. The board asked about what other clubs do and could we find out what they found to be successful. That would include both NCRS and other car clubs. The club needs to make a decision and Alden will bring a proposal to the next meeting.

Member-at-Large Report With the transition from Paul to Kevin, this is a work in progress.

Old Business Article 10 clarification was discussed with no complete conclusion. Fund Raising was discussed in November with further talk about how to tie it in to an event rather than wait until the end of the year. It was suggested we identify who to give the money to so that we can announce to our members in a plan to engage more members. This will get discussed in February.

New Business None Members Comments or Concerns.

We welcomed Craig Burton who shared his experiences so far which included enjoying the newsletter, the attention he got from Bob on reviewing his car. He was asked if it would be beneficial if more of the members came to the board meetings to make them social gatherings like at other clubs. He said that would be a good idea. The more we spoke with him, the more he affirmed that he had a whole different appreciation for NCRS after Bob reviewed his car.

MEETING ADJOURNED

NEED TOOLS?

Below is a listing of Chapter Tools, that may be checked out from the North Central Chapter Board.

NCRS North Central Chapter Tool List Contact – Don O’Grady Dial Indicator set Bearing Race Seal Tools Spindle shims misc Spindle Spacers Spring Compressor Spindle Remover Press Harmonic Remover Contact Alden Miles Club Display C1 Body Lift 19

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

February, 2018

Board Members Present: Alden Miles, Jerome Lardy, Bob Lund, Don O’Grady, Dave Murphy, Paul Burski, Nick Kornder.

Board Members Absent: Kevin Sullivan, Chris Enstrom, Roger Carlson Members present: Steve and Juli Hudak, Bill Kohl.

Location: Davannis 8605 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington,MN Approval of Minutes Meeting Minutes from the Jan 4, 2018 meeting were approved. Motion by Jerome Lardy, seconded by Nick Kornder. Motion passed.

President’s Report Alden submitted request to host 2020 NCRS Regional to Bill Braun. Regarding World of Wheels Show, only three members have contacted Alden to bring cars. They are Steve Hudak, C7,Bob Schroeder C3 and Steve Chelti C2. We would like Seven (7) cars and the owners would receive free passes to attend and be with their cars. Alden is concerned about the lack of participation and asked the Board what he should do, Cancel or try some other way to get participation. The Board would like us to be at the Show because of its exposure and discussed who we might contact and how we could get their cars there. When Bob arrived, he re-opened the discussion to get his input. Alden will take the comments under advisement.

Vice President’s Report Paul is continuing to look at car Shows where we could participate and will wait until next month when more are planned to discuss further.

Treasurer’s Report.

Roger sent a report and the 2017 Year End checking account was positive. The 2018 Net revenue less expenses was a plus. Savings account and Paypal transfer checking account are unchanged. I have received thirteen $30 gift certificates from Paragon. Don has requested two for the upcoming dinner which I will bring. As the board decides how to use them, just let me know and I will get them to you.

Judging Report Chris sent in his information on the upcoming Judging event. This is a recap from our last meeting. The first of two Judging events will occur May 12 at Gilbys Street Dept, 580 South Wasson Lane, River Falls,WI. An email blast will go out to the members and the pricing will remain, $50 Flight, $25 Sportsman. We will have three cars.

Membership Report Third notice will go out shortly to renew membership and three checks came in today. We have 129 members and am waiting on 31 to renew. Will send a personalized invite to those members that don’t renew on the third notice. Wally Grivna came back with his C4 and C7.

Jerome and Alden get a report from National on new members in the area. Alden would like to invite new members to join us and if interested offer them a year of membership to try us out. Jerome will continue to send them an awareness letter and Alden will send a personal note. Alden made a motion to that affect and Dave M seconded. All approved.

Tech Report Twelve people attended Mark Kravicks dyno session and nine were at Bill Kohl’s session on removing his car’s rear end. Bob would like to go back in March and April to some more work. On Feb 17, we will return to Elko’s for another Tech Session on carpeting.

Bob has a number of members for Tech Sessions coming up including headlight buckets in a midyear, a Body Off and some other items. We can look at the recent survey to see what people want.

Activities Report Don reported that 16 people signed up for Mancinis which put us behind the normal count. We typically get 31 members. Both Paul Burski and Steve Hudak signed up tonight which gave us another four. As a reminder $200 in prize money had been approved and Alden was asked to bring hats. The spring event at Cowboy Jacks is on target for April 22nd in Woodbury. The Fall Color Run could be to Kiss’s Classic car Show in September.

Newsletter Report Need Bill Kohl’s write up, Membership and the Presidents Corner to get the newsletter ready.

Website Report The site continues to attract readers. All is Well, a famous quote from the blind watchman is often quoted.

Did you know? C5

The first 200 production C5 Corvettes were painted red, not the traditional white color for the first production run. The 1997 Corvette is the first one designed from the ground up as a Corvette, with very little borrowing of parts from other cars. One of the few “Off the Shelf” parts are the exterior door handles which are the same ones used on the Oldsmobile Aurora.

20

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Member-at-Large Report Kevin sent in his report that Joe Galindo is the member at large for February and Hans Skalle will be the March member at large. All is going good in Kevins world and he asked to remind Bob Lund that Joe Galindo would like a tech session third week February.

Old Business No old business New Business National Convention went live. Also, Jeff Wilhelm reminded the board that he would like to do something for the club. Paul Burski can contact him for followup.

Members Comments or Concerns Steve Hudak asked if the board would like to pursue the scholarship idea he had proposed at an earlier meeting. The discussion included what type of scholarship, who would be eligible and if a fund raiser might be considered. Don O’Grady mentioned a car detailing raffle. Alden asked Steve and Don to discuss and come back with details.

Bill Kohl asked why we don’t consider Duluth for our next Regional as it has more to see than Rochester. The merits and issues were discussed briefly and Bill was thanked for his comments.

Alden asked if there was a motion to adjourn. Nick made a motion which Paul seconded. Motion passed.

MEETING ADJOURNED

The NCRS Membership in the North Central NCRS is open to person interested in the restoration, preservation, and history of the Corvette produced by the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors Corporation from 1953 thought 1999. NCRS is not affiliated with Chevrolet or General Motors.

Membership in the North Central Chapter of the NCRS is open to all members of the NCRS National organization. Dues payable to the North Central Chapter are $25.00 per years. All editorial materials should be sent to Nick Kornder, Editor, (Kornder@NorthernSun.org). Advertising in the North Central Newsletter is free to all active members for personal items. Commercial advertising rates for the newsletter are: $12.50 per year for a business card; $25.00 per year for a half page ad and $50 per year for a full page ad.

Deadlines for articles and advertising are: March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year.

The NCRS Judging Process The NCRS has compiled and is constantly updating highly detailed judging standards and rules for each basic model division from 1953 through 1999. The guidelines in these NCRS Technical Information Manuals are recognized throughout the hobby as THE STANDARD in determining originality.

The judging system is designed to educate each owner about their car as well as providing recognition for excellence in the areas of restoration, performance, or preservation. It is not a “cleanliness contest” like other events, nor do you compete against your friends’ Corvettes. Judging is not done by some secret group of “experts”.

You can learn to judge, or you can have your Corvette evaluated by other NCRS members. 10,516 members are currently recognized for their judging expertise. They have created 27,871 NCRS judging records through NCRS events internationally to date.

New Item Added NCRS has recently announced the addition of an Award Confirmation Document Service.

This service will provide a confirmation document with a complete listing from the NCRS database of the available award statistics for a specific Corvette. The presence of this confirmation document will assure the owner of the NCRS judging history on a Corvette.

Did you know? C5

The first use of a transaxle in a production Corvette occurred in the ‘97. However, the first plans for one were in the Q-Corvette in 1958, planned for the 1960 model. Transaxles showed up in Corvette prototypes in the mid ‘60s in running models.

21

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

March, 2018

Board Members Present: Alden Miles, Jerome Lardy, Bob Lund, Don O’Grady , Dave Murphy, Paul Burski, Kevin Sullivan, Chris Enstrom, Roger Carlson Board Members Absent: Nick Kornder Members present: None Location: Davannis 8605 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington,MN Approval of Minutes Meeting Minutes from the Feb 1, 2018 meeting were approved. Motion to approve by Jerome Lardy, seconded by Bob Lund. Motion passed.

President’s Report Alden updated us on World of Wheels show March 23-25. He will bring the chassis with engine of his car if he can’t get another C1.

Vice President’s Report Paul is continuing to look at car Shows where we could participate and identified the following: • April 28- Swap Meet – Thermo King parking lot • May 19- Revelation Crosspoint Church, park at Normandale College.

• May 20- Village Chev Plastic Fantastic 11-2:30 • June 3- All GM Show- State Fairgrounds.

• June ?- Hastings Cruise In • June 20-22- O’Reilly Faigrounds Show • June 22-24 Back to the 50’s State Fairgrounds • Aug 5 – Norms Tire GTO Show • Aug 18 – St. Croix Valley Car Show • Aug 19 – Vettes for Vets Savage American Legion 8:30 -2.

• Sept 30- Midwest Fall Swap Meet – State Fairgrounds Paul also said he had gotten 36 responses from his Tech Session survey and he will cross reference who sent those in with those who attend our Tech Sessions. That data along with refining the answers from the survey as well as who participates in the paragon rewards cross referenced against the survey list and the list of tech session attendees may prove fruitful to encourage new tech sessions and more participation from the membership.

Treasurer’s Report.

Roger added another member to the Paragon list which now contains 30 members. The financials of the club were reviewed and after the expenses for the board meetings, World of Wheels and Mancinis, we are still positive.

Judging Report Chris mentioned the upcoming Judging Meet to occur May 12 at Gilbys Street Dept, 580 South Wasson Lane, River Falls,WI. Some judges have signed up.

NCRS is still reviewing the Concourse Judging but did announce it will add 2000-2001 cars to its regular judging after the National Convention in Las Vegas. The final regional before National will be June 7-9 in Detroit and it is very worthwhile to attend. We submitted our request to conduct a Regional in 2020 and should hear back from National in a few weeks.

Membership Report We will have 119 members when three members complete the process of sending in their dues.

Tech Report Good Tech Session at Elko’s with 18 to 20 members present. Will be talking to the alignment team to schedule a time in April. There may be a Tech Session March 17 to be determined.

Activities Report Don reported that 20 people attended the dinner at Mancinis which put us behind the normal count. We typically get 30 members.

Three door prizes and two Paragon certificates were given away. The spring event at Cowboy Jacks is on target for April 21st in Woodbury. The Fall Color Run is planned to be a drive to Kiss’s Classic car Show in September.

Newsletter / Website Report All is well.

Member-at-Large Report Hans Skalle will be the March Member of the Month Old Business Roger discussed a Fund Raiser whereby Certificates from vendors could be acquired and raffled off, thus getting all the members, regardless of geography the chance to participate. Jerome will check with National to see if there would be any concerns.

New Business Alden asked if we could get a list of the clubs members flight judging status. Chris will check with National. Alden also asked if the board would be willing to call 12 members each to gather information about skill sets and other pertinent info of our members. Dave made the motion, Paul seconded it and the motion carried. Alden will prepare a list of questions for us to review at next meeting.

Members Comments or Concerns None Alden asked if there was a motion to adjourn. Roger made a motion which Don seconded. Motion passed.

MEETING ADJOURNED 22

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

MAKING JUDGING SHEET REFERENCES BASED ON THE C-D-C-I-F As the NCRS judging system is based on 5 different descriptions for ORIGINALITY, with each having a value of 20%, it is most helpful to the owner, that we use the same descriptions for the comments on the sheets, when we judge their cars.

C = CONFIGURATION D = DATE C = COMPLETENESS i = INSTALLATION F = FINISH The use of words like “Service Replacement”, “Reproduction” or “Restoration” are very little to no help to the owner, since they do not describe WHAT the difference to original is.

Since we judge the APPEARANCE of ORIGINALITY, we do not care where the particular judged part comes from (Original GM, Restoration Parts House or Neighbors Shed).

BAD WORDS:

iNStEAD USE:

“Wrong”

“Not Typical”

“Incorrect”

“Not Typical”

Certain parts, which do not reflect any Originality based on the CDCIF (Full Deduction) are not listed on our Standard Deduction Sheet. Such parts may be described as: SiGNiFiCANtLY DiSSiMiLAR. A good example is the typical parts-house (AutoZone, O’Riley etc.) Cooling Fan Clutch.

Judging Example: One of the most often “non-original” parts encountered on the chassis are the shock absorbers. They are a single line item and have a value of 5 points. Based on the CDCIF we can make the following determination: Configuration: Check nuances on the shock absorber body (may be different print, “Made in Mexico” etc.)

Date: Check for presence of date. (Not necessary, if a non-typical configuration has been detected) Completeness: Are any factions missing??

Installation: Are the bolts, washers at their intended places and orientation (or reversed)??

Finish: Is the shock painted in a typical finish (lower bushings free of paint etc)??

Conclusion: A shock absorber with “Made In Mexico,” finished and installed in a typical manner would differ in the Configuration (1 Point) as well as the Date (1 point) since we know that a shock with such configuration was manufactured later than the car. Total deduction would be 2 points.

OUR COMMENtS ON tHE SHEEt WOULD BE: Configuration (No Pliacell Script / Delco Part Number), Date Provided by Marco Hartner 23

Issue Number 17 * July - September 2017

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

For Sale C1 Parts / Corvettes None C2 Parts / Corvettes 1965 COUPE I have agonized over this for several months, and have finally come to the conclusion to sell my 1965 coupe. Below is a copy of the ad I will be placing in the May/June issue of NCRS Driveline magazine. I’d like to let the chapter members know now in case anyone in the chapter is interested. Please call me if you are seriously interested as I have a complete parts list, ownership history, plus so much more to share with potential buyers. Roger Carlson 715-808-0123 194375S107003 coupe, 327/300HP, Rally Red/black vinyl, numbers matching, PG. PS, PB, PW, AM/FM, tinted windows, Tele and Teak steering wheel, Comfort & Convenience Group, correct right down to the dots in the wiper inserts, Non DOT spare and correct jack, POP and documentation, 4 owner California car, complete documented owner history, multiple Top Flight Awards $79,900 or make offer email RogerPCarlson@gmail.com, or call 715-808-0123 Member #58701 C3 Parts / Corvettes - Set of stainless steel sleeved brake calipers. Fits 65-82, correct for73-82. $200 plus shipping. email: rrenfandt@min.midco.net C4 Parts / Corvettes None C5 Parts / Corvettes None C6 Parts / Corvettes None C7 Parts / Corvettes None

https://www.facebook.com/NorthCentralNCRS/

Did you know? c6 The base engine for the 2005 Corvette was the 400 HP LS2, only 5 HP less than the LS6 engine of the previous year’s high performance Z06 model. 2005 was also the first year for keyless access and start.

24

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

Bob’s Stingray Service

Corvette Repair Mechanical & Electrial Repair and Restoratiosn ‘63-67’ Specialized Repair * Up to 1982 Body Off Restorations Experienced Workmanship Many Parts in Stock Member of NCRS Bob Lund 9319 Riverview Avenue S - Bloomington, MN 55425 612-309-0344 - bobsstingray@yahoo.com

25

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

65 years of bow-tied brutes: 7 of the best Corvettes of all time

BY BRIAN LEON, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS - Friday, May 19, 2017

America has changed quite a bit in the last 65 years, and fittingly, it’s longest-running sports car has too. While there are rumors of the next Corvette ditching a front engine design to go mid-engine and take the fight right to Europe, we still have plenty of Corvette history to look back on, and (almost) all of them have V8s right up front.

With the debut of the Carbon 65 edition, Chevrolet is celebrating 65 years of the Corvette with the 2018 model year, so we thought we’d take a look back at our favorite models of each generation over the last half century plus.

The Chevrolet Corvette debuted in 1953 as a hand-built, “polo white” convertible with a “sportsman red” interior, and as sports cars go, it was a bit of a dog. With styling that could easily turn heads, the ‘Vette lacked the guts to back up its looks, with an underpowered 235 cubic inch inline 6-cylinder under the hood.

But true to the American spirit, there are few car-based problems that a big V8 and lots of horsepower can’t fix, and the Corvette has followed that timeless formula ever since, much to the joy of car fans from sea to shining sea.

Join us as we celebrate the introduction of the biggest and baddest ‘Vette ever with 7 of the best Corvettes of all time.

1955 Corvette V8

The original Corvette from 1953 remains an American icon, but it really came into its own with a V-8 under the hood, offered at last in 1955. While the Corvette did debut two years earlier, many claim that it became a true sports car legend with a V8 under the hood, and we’d agree. For 1955, Chevy offered their now iconic fiberglass-bodied sports car with a 265-cubic-inch engine as an option in 1955, proving that the ‘Vette could handle the best the world had to offer. Equipped with the three-speed manual transmission, 0-60 time improved from 11-seconds with the inline-6 to 8.5 with the V8.

This upgrade in performance likely saved the Corvette from being axed from the Chevy stable, and we’re more than thankful for that.

1963 Corvette Stingray Split Window Coupe

Offered for only one year in 1963, the split rear window Corvette coupe is one of the most collectible American cars of all time, and one of the best looking.

There are some that argue that the second generation of the Corvette is one of the best looking cars of all time, and judging by our experience with one last summer, we’d have a hard time disagreeing. The famous split window coupe is the holy grail of C2 ‘Vettes, and for a very good reason. This was the first Corvette coupe in history, and the split window design was dropped after only one year because of visibility issues.

Powered by a 327-cubic-inch V8, the 1963 Stingray boasted 360-horsepower or more when ordered with optional fuel injection, and handled better too, thanks to an all-new independent rear suspension.

26

NORTH CENTRAL C

H

A

P

T

E

R

North Central Chapter Crossed Flags Newsletter NATIONAL CORVETTE RESTORERS SOCIETY

1970 Corvette Stingray LT-1

Love it or hate it, the curvy C3 Corvette is one of the automotive style icons of the 1970s.

Based on the famous Mako Shark concept, the C3 unfortunately fell victim to the oil crisis of 1972, which forced automakers into downsizing engines and power figures for the sake of fuel economy. Luckily, the C3 had a few years to stretch its legs before the downsizing began, and one of the best Corvettes to come out of this generation was the LT-1. Powered by a 350-cubic-inch small block V-8, the LT-1 ran the quarter mile in 14.36 seconds at 101.69-mph, and remains one of the most desirable Corvette trims ever made.

1990 Corvette ZR-1

With 125 more horsepower than the base model, the C4 ZR1 was one of the fastest performance cars of the day, boasting a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds. The C4 Corvette, with its unashamedly 80s angles and digital dashboard, is largely credited for saving the Corvette brand after a dismal stretch in the 70s and 80s for the underpowered C3s. While they dropped in value for a while, buyers are snatching up perfectly restored C4s at rapidly increasing prices.

The ZR-1 is the king of 80s American performance cars, featuring a Lotus-designed and Mercury-Marine-built aluminum 5.7-liter V8 making 375-horsepower, a whopping 125 more than the base Corvette. This gave the ZR-1 a 0-60 time of 4.9-seconds, and a quarter mile time of 13.4-seconds. While its performance has since been eclipsed, the ZR-1 remains one of the greatest performance bargains of its time.

2002 Corvette Z06

With a more powerful engine, lightweight components, better suspension, and custom sticky Goodyears, the C5 Z06 was the most track-capable Corvette ever when it was introduced in 2001. The C5 Corvette of the late 90s and early 00s brought the Corvette into the modern era, with smooth styling, a refined interior, and even more go-fast tech. No story of the C5 would be complete without mention of the Z06, a performance bargain that could make even the most discernible of supercar buyers look twice. With an all-new 5.7-liter LS6 V8, the Z06 churned out 385-horsepower in 2002, and 405-horsepower the years afterwards. This was good for a 0-60 time of 3.9-seconds, and with stiffer suspension, sticky custom Goodyear tires, and lightweight technology, the Z06 was no scrub in the corners either.

2009 Corvette ZR-1

Called the “Blue Devil” by those inside GM, the 2009 ZR-1 was the first supercharged Corvette in history, and the fastest at the time! After a 14-year absence, the ZR-1 returned for 2009 as the fastest Corvette of all time, with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 making a whopping 638-horsepower! The LS9 V-8 was the first factory supercharged Corvette engine in history, and put up some insane performance numbers: 0-60 in 3.5-seconds, quarter mile in 11.5-seconds, and a top speed of 205-mph.

This put the ZR-1 in the pantheon of the best supercars of the last decade, and while it couldn’t quite hold up in refinement or build quality, it could certainly hold its own on track.

2017 Corvette Grand Sport

You may be wondering why the absurdly fast, supercharged monster that is the C7 Z06 didn’t make the cut for this list, and frankly, we don’t blame you. With 650 horsepower and a 0-60 time of around 3 seconds, it’s the fastest and baddest Corvette ever. But problems with the supercharger have plagued ‘Vette-zilla, and sometimes too much power is just... well, too much. Thankfully, the Grand Sport takes all of the go-fast goodies and bad ass body cladding of the Z06, adds a couple of achingly cool optional stripes to echo the original model and C4 generation tribute trim, and adds it to the C7 Stingray.

A bump of 5 horsepower brings the total to 460, and with the upgraded suspension and brakes, carbon fiber panels, and Michelin tires, the Grand Sport can pull 1.2 g of cornering force, and hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds with a quarter mile time of 11.8. In fact, it may just be the best-driving Corvette ever. Who needs a supercharger?

27