E3 claims their plugs with...
E3 claims their plugs with Diamond Fire technology deliver more power, better fuel economy, and they last longer. What I like best about them is they don't need to be gapped-they're ready to use right out of the box. The Sidewinder Speed Wrench, available from Corvette Central, makes plug removal and installation a snap. E3 plugs are available at numerous retailers nationwide.
Spark Plug Upgrade
Applicable Years: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6
Difficulty Level: 2
Tools: Spark-plug socket, wrench
Time: 30 minutes
Parts source: Nationwide retailers; Corvette Central
Spark plugs have to be replaced periodically regardless of what year your Corvette is or how often you use it. But the next time you're due to change your plugs, instead of using stock units, why not upgrade to a better spark plug? E3's plugs have a unique multi-surface electrode that produces a bigger, better spark and doesn't degrade with use the way normal plug electrodes do. The company web site, www.e3sparkplugs.com, has a a lot of technical data and test results if you're skeptical about the performance improvements; you can also find which model is right for your Corvette on the site.
If you don't already have one, I recommend using a Sidewinder Speed Wrench available from Corvette Central for making plug removal easier. it makes getting into tight spots (such as a big-block engine bay) a whole lot easier and helps you avoid busted knuckles to boot.
E3 claims their plugs with Diamond Fire technology deliver more power, better fuel economy, and they last longer. What I like best about them is they don't need to be gapped-they're ready to use right out of the box. The Sidewinder Speed Wrench, available from Corvette Central, makes plug removal and installation a snap. E3 plugs are available at numerous retailers nationwide.
Shifter Knob Upgrade
Applicable Years: C5
Difficulty Level: 1
Tools: small flat-blade screwdriver
Time: 30 minutes
Parts source: Mid America Motorworks
While the leather-wrapped shifter knob on my automatic C5 was perfectly utilitarian and looked OK, it lacked that extra panache I wanted, so I decided that upgrading to a brushed-aluminum shifter knob from Mid America Motorworks was just the ticket, and it's a snap to install.
The stock shifter knob is...
The stock shifter knob is held in place with a U-shaped staple. Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to pry the staple from the knob, and then simply lift the knob off.
Place the aftermarket shift...
Place the aftermarket shift knob on the shifting post, press down with the palm of your hand, reinsert the U-shaped staple removed from the stock unit, and push it all the way in-that's all there is to it.
As you can see, this 40-year-old...
As you can see, this 40-year-old original gas door on my '67 has seen better days. I decided to replace it with the beautiful gas door from the '63 Corvette instead.
Midyear Gas Door/Bezel Replacement
Applicable Years: C2 (1963-1967)
Difficulty Level:
Tools: No. 2 Phillips screwdriver
Time: 30 minutes
Parts source: Paragon Reproductions
The fuel-filler door on my '67 coupe was looking a bit ratty, with faded paint, scratches on the chrome, and pitting on the pot-metal crossed-flag emblem. I've always thought the nicest midyear fuel-filler door design was on the '63, so instead of replacing the stock '67 door, I decided to replace it with a '63 fuel-filler door and bezel from Paragon Reproductions.
Two Phillips screws retain...
Two Phillips screws retain the fuel-filler door at the hinge, and these are removed first.
If you decided to replace...
If you decided to replace the bezel, then you'll have to remove the two lower Phillips screws that retain the bezel as well.
Installation of the new bezel...
Installation of the new bezel and gas door is the exact opposite of removal. Here's that pretty, new '63 door and bezel in place.