2004 JBO Magnetic Red Show Vette, C5-350HP Custom Interior with matching painted Calipers.

The fifth-generation Corvette was the most wholly new Corvette since the '53. Not even the engine carried over from the C4, and the entire concept of how the car was built changed.

Unlike every previous Corvette that bolted its transmission directly behind the engine, the 1997 version split the transmission off and placed it in the back of the car between the rear wheels where its weight could be used to offset that of the engine in the front. This transaxle arrangement had been used before on cars like the Porsche 928, but it was a radical departure for the Corvette. The suspension itself still used aluminum links and transverse leaf springs, but the wheels and tires were now 18-inchers in the back and 17s up front and there was no provision for a spare tire since all tires would be of run-flat design.

The new frame used large, hydroformed rails and a thick backbone for extra strength, while relying on engineered wood products to make up part of the floor. The hatchback coupe body (the only body offered during '97) again evoked styling themes established in the previous two generations of Corvettes, though with reduced front and rear overhangs as the wheels moved out toward the corners of the car. Also, the clamshell hood was gone in favor of a less expensive conventional hood.

The C5's engine was also completely new and unrelated to any previous Corvette V8. While still displacing a nominal 5.7 liters and using a single in-block camshaft to drive the two valves per cylinder via pushrods like the old small block, the C5's "Gen III" "LS-1" was an all-new, all-aluminum design using all the latest production techniques. And its output was a satisfying 345 horsepower. The rear-mounted transmissions were either a version of the Borg-Warner T56 six-speed manual or Chevy's own 4L60-E four-speed automatic in a new case for this application.

With so much power in such a capable chassis, the C5 Corvette was an instant sensation. "As if anyone doesn't know it already, the new Corvette is unfathomably good," wrote Motor Trend in one early comparison test. "Despite being the least expensive car gathered for the Decathlon, its 4.8-second clocking to 60 mph is as quick as the most expensive car's and matches that Ferrari's quarter-mile elapsed time as well. On top of that, it's roomy, easy to get in and out of and forgiving of almost any boneheaded input from the driver. In its 45 years history, the Corvette has never before been so excellent in so many ways relative to its competition. It's a colossal achievement."
http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/corvette/history.html

Whitlow Chevrolet Richmond Virginia, Dons Automotive Hampton Virginia, Zip Corvettes Mechanicsville Virginia,

Stuart Rolf Mufflers Midlothian Virginia, Merchants Tire Midlothian Virginia, Cloverleaf Upholstery Richmond Virginia, Corvette America and Mid America Motorworks

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Below is a pic of the JBO show Vette in the Vetts at Waterside sixth annual show. We had everything completed in time for the show, and the new leather replacement seats, foam, and center console was all installed just prior to the show. The JBO show Vette restoration is now complete, and will be in the Hampton Corvette Show in May, dates will be posted here.

Below are a few pics of the custom quad tips installed and modified by Stuart Rolf Exhaust located in Chesterfield Virginia. The original resonators were left on for now. These tips were installed before the JBO Miami and Key West trip. She preformed fantastic on her over 3000 mile Keys journey,, making the run from Richmond to Florida in under seven hours. Total trip distance from Hampton VA to Key West and back was over 3350 miles. The only problem we encountered was a slightly dirty fuel injector detected at idle., which will be serviced in Hampton by Dons Automotive.

Next up we have scheduled are new factory leather replacement seats with new foam. The work will be done in Midlothian by an old friend of mines upholstery shop who I worked with at Auto Sound of Virginia over 25 years ago. Phillip does excellent custom upholstery work for not only high performance cars, but boats as well. Complete installation should be completed before the annual Vetts at Waterside show 2007

The JBO show vette has received a work over for the 2007 trade show appearances. She now has a Vortex Rammer cold air system adding over 22HP,and a complete high performance tune up by Zip Corvettes in Richmond. We even have replaced intakes and rear seals on the LT1 engine, and a new vacuum hose to the Optispark. This exceptional engine work was done by Don's Automotive in Hampton Va. The JBO show Vette also had installed by Whitlow Chevrolet in Richmond, a new factory security\remote system. I would like to personally thank Jeffery Turner at Whitlow for providing such great service to us. For the past 10 years, he has helped to keep the 260,000 mile show Suburban and now JBO award winning Vette in top shape. The Vette also received another five coats of wax and interior has been completely detailed. The Show Vette will be driven to the Miami International Boat Show in Feb., then taken down to Key West for a photography shoot and return to Virginia in time for the sixth annual Vetts at Waterside in Norfolk VA as well as the Hampton Corvette Club show. Show dates are located at www.jimbaughoutdoors.com. We would also like to give a big thanks for to Mid America Motorwarks for our rush delivery for door sils and c4cargo liner. They just have excellent customer service! We are also hoping to have time to install the new exhaust system before the Vette show at Waterside-We will let you know!

The C4 was the longest running and most popular production model in Corvette History, and by 1996, innovations had made the C4 one of the best performance sports cars of it's day. The stock C4 automatic came with a LT1 350 cubic inch engine with 300HP. During 1996, a manuel transmission version was offered (ZR1-LT4engine) sporting 330HP. The C4 was manufactured from 1984 threw June 20, 1996. The last C4 Vette ever built was in late June, 1996 at the Flint Michigan Plant. It was artic white LT1 Coupe. (Pic below is actual car)

Bit of Triva- Who was the famous TV talk show host who joked on air about his speeding tickets he used to get in his White Corvette?

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The Jim Baugh Outdoors 1996 C4 show Corvette entered and placed second in the C4 stock division of the sixth annual Hampton Corvette Show. The Vette show was located by Darling Stadium in Hampton Virginia and was sponsored by the Hampton Corvette Club.. There was a wide range of participants with Corvette model years 1969-2006. There were also some new C6 Vetts on hand that really drew a good crowed.. This Corvette show was filmed by Jim Baugh Outdoors and will be included in our 2007 series of programs.

Below are just a few sample pics of the many fine Vetts that were on display at the show. Several of these cars placed in the event, everyone had an awesome time and we look forward to next years show. For more info on the Hampton Corvette Club CLICK HERE

Order Jim Baugh Outdoors DVD's, click here.

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