C5 Corvette Z06 Body And Exterior Makeover - Extreme Makeover C5 Edition

To finish off the interior, cast-aluminum accelerator and dead pedals are available, with or without a C5 logo.

CDC's carbon-fiber hood arrived back from the paint shop after we had to leave for our next assignment, so we weren't there to document its installation, but we're told it's an uncomplicated job. The lightweight hood incorporates a distinctive shape reminiscent of the '68 big-block Corvettes.

The coil covers are removed because we need to undo the four bolts securing the fuel-rail/injector assembly to install the carbon-fiber intake cover. This minor step is the most technically challenging procedure in the whole carbon-fiber dress-up kit, and CDC's instructions are quite explicit.

Unlike the rest of the engine dress-up kit, the intake cover uses no Velcro, and simply bolts in place using the factory fasteners that secure the fuel rails.

CDC technician Jeff Carroll found it easiest to reattach the factory coil covers, then add the carbon-fiber covers. In all cases, the parts to which the kit's Velcro strips are attached should be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol to remove any grease.

We don't have room to detail installation of the rest of the carbon-fiber underhood components, but trust us when we say it's a simple process requiring only a few handtools and the ability to peel and stick Velcro. The kit also includes decals for the coil and intake covers to provide a little contrasting color. It all makes for a nice look.

Next, we turn our attention to swapping the rear fascia, in preparation for which the muffler/tailpipe assembly must be unbolted. Our subject 427-inch Z06 had a whopping 3-inch-diameter system to support its 492 rwhp. Removal of the fascia can start with undoing four pushpins (three are shown here with arrows) just above the tailpipes. Topside, along the rear edge of the trunk/hatch opening, a number of screws must be removed.

To get at some of the fascia attachment hardware, the rear wheels and plastic wheelwell liners must come off. Naturally, we don't have room here for every step, but this is necessary to get at some bolts and/or studs securing the fascia to the rear quarter-panel, and to get to the side-marker-light sockets that must be unplugged as part of the process of freeing the fascia's side marker/taillight/backup-light wiring harness that will be transferred to the new fascia.

In this shot looking up at the left rear corner of the fascia, some of this attachment hardware is visible along with the side marker light. The metal retainer ring (arrow) on each side of the fascia must be removed and fitted to the new fascia. These retainers contain locating studs, which help align the fascia with the rear quarter-panels.