Save the Wave!!!

This page is devoted to my second Corvette, a Nassau Blue 2000 Coupe, third Corvette, a Jetstream Blue Metallic 2009 Coupe.
My first Corvette was a 1981 Dark Blue Metallic Coupe Coupe that I had from 1989-1992.
My second Corvette was a 2000 Nassau Blue Coupe that I had from November of 1999 till October of 2009 (almost 10 years)

The Wave

There is a tradition among Corvette drivers/owners to wave to other Corvette drivers when you see each other on the road. There has been an ongoing effort to preserve this tradition for as long as I can remember as some people either don't know to wave or choose not to wave.

When you see another Corvette,  Wave, Flash your lights, do something to acknowledge them!!!!!

My 2009 Corvette

After months of Heather pestering me I finally bought another Corvette, a 2009 Jetstream Blue Coupe on Tuesday 10/13/09. I bought it from dealer stock at Stonebriar Chevrolet in Frisco. I found the car using JeffHardy.com to search for the options/color combo I wanted. I didn't initially want the NAV package but pickings were getting slim for '09s so I said what the heck. I highly recommend Stonebriar, no screwing around with negotiations, very pleasant buying experience

This Vette is pretty loaded (as most are), with two notable features:

6-speed Paddle shift automatic
This is really really cool, you have a normal 6 speed auto (yes, 6 speed) when in 'D', with an optional 'S' Sport gear selection. The sport setting has much stiffer shift points (like having a shift kit) and the ability to use an up/down selector on the steering wheel to drive it just like a normal manual transmission

Dual Mode Exhaust
This is basically a cat-back exhaust with one spiffy feature. There are two paths out of the muffler, a restrictive side (quite) and an unrestricted side (loud). The loud side has a valve that opens as engine RPMs increase.

purty pitchers

Options:

Specifications for 2009 model Corvette
Features and Options for 2009 model Corvette

Modifications

Well that didn't take long, only had the car 3 days before I ordered my first mod.  It came in and got installed today (10/19/09), I haven't even had the car a week yet   

Remember in the exhaust description above that the loud side opens as RPM increases?

Here is the exhaust at idle;
Here it is when off or really getting in the throttle

The problem is that it is too darned quiet during normal in town or highway driving (80mph is only 1800 RPM), you have to get up to 3000 RPM to get the valve to open which in this car is moving right along.

Enter LEEA Customs inc with their NPP/ZO6 Mild adjustable Control Kit

After installation I'm open about a 1/4" at idle

Wow, what a difference, now the car sounds like it should.  And the best part is the system can be adjusted in seconds to wilder or quieter.

My 2000 Corvette

Ennis Bluebonnet Trails

In early April 2003 Heather and I took the Vette to Ennis to look at the fields of Bluebonnets (State Flower of Texas). Some images from this excursion are below

Slower Traffic Keep Right

It's not just a suggestion or a good idea, in Texas it is the Law.    § 545.051 section b states,

(b) An operator of a vehicle on a roadway moving more slowly than the normal speed of other vehicles at the time and place under the existing conditions shall drive in the right-hand lane available for vehicles, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, unless the operator is:
    (1) passing another vehicle; or
    (2) preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

So the next time someone flashes their lights at you to move from the left lane don't get raged, just slide over, and let them pass you.  If nothing else they might find a traffic officer up the road for you :)
Please see the Highwayman's Website for more Texas driving Tips.

Texas Motor Speedway

In September 2000 many Corvette owners in the DFW area got together for a day of Vettin' and hanging out.  The agenda started by meeting at the Bass Pro Shop near Grapevine Mills Mall, then hopping over to La Hacienda or Railhead for dinner.  After dinner we caravanned out to the Texas Motor Speedway where Speedway Children's Charities was selling laps on the track in Your car..  Some images from this day are below,

Corvettes at Las Colinas

Friday 8/25/2000 we managed to get 8 of the many Corvettes at my work together at one time to bake the owners (it was over 100 degrees that day) and took some pictures.  Your humble host is wearing a black hat and a maroon shirt.

From Left to right, Ken 2000, Ken 1998, Mike 2001 (Z06), Me 2000, Monnie 1999, Raphael 1997, Mike 1999, Jon 1996

Keeping it looking good

Here are some shots of my Corvette after 3 coats of Zaino (I'm up to 5 coats now). If you are not familiar with Zaino it is a show car polish that delivers phenomenal results that have to be seen to be appreciated. The pictures below do not do it justice as it was a VERY sunny day here in Texas and the sun washed out some of the reflections.

Here are two examples of how good Zaino is, note the reflections in the body,

Other assorted shots

Modifications

Sometimes you're just not happy with what you've got so you upgrade. I installed the 394 Kit from Breathless Performance which includes their Vortex Cold Air Rammer, Nylon MAF ends and a new MAT Sensor that is also moved from the stock location. Installation wasn't too bad and was worth the effort. Breathless claims a 49 HP increase from these parts Here are some shots

Images

I finally get MY CAR!! I get in, turn the key, hear the rumble, start to drive out of the dealer's lot and the wife yells "Hang on, Let me get a picture!" I reply with "uhm, can't the pictures wait?" (you can see that she won that battle <g> ) The scan didn't turn out too well, but I've got the biggest grin on my face (which I still have anytime I am near the car)

More details about my Corvette

Ordered 10/6/99
Took delivery 11/24/99
Traded in on 10/13/09

Specifications for 2000 model Corvette

Features and Options for 2000 model Corvette

My 1981 Corvette

Here are some pictures of my 1981 Corvette I had from 1989-1992

My other Cars

All packed for moving