Body Off Built Corvette Sting Ray Roadster Pro Touring EFI LS7 V8 6 Speed A/C

SUMMARY

Watching factory-correct, investment grade Corvettes roll through the RK Motors Charlotte showroom never gets old. But when we get a custom that's constructed around a cohesive theme, we ALWAYS take the time to appreciate every aspect of its build. After all, it's not like we're talking about some horribly named, extravagantly colored paint and body package. We're talking about a car that was planned, researched, tweaked and detailed to be 100% true to concept. Quite possibly the ultimate culmination of three generations of America's sports car, this cool roadster is a great example of what happens when top-notch technique meets first-rate componentry. And if you're a discerning buyer who's ready to go big or go home, it's just the classic you've been dreaming of!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Fully sorted and ready to scorch the pavement, this stunning Sting Ray was professionally restored by seasoned enthusiasts who wanted to capitalize on timeless beauty and decades of improved mechanicals. During its ground-up rebuild, the car was fully disassembled and carefully massaged to a better-than-factory appearance. Once that appearance was finely tweaked, bright red 2-stage was highlighted with a traditional Stinger Stripe and buffed to a wet looking shine. And today, this striking Vette is one red-hot road warrior that's sure to turn heads at any gathering its new owner chooses to attend.

Aggressive styling wrapped in aggressive paint is one thing. But, in order for this Chevy to really drop jaws, the restorers added a full roster of fresh, handpicked details. The car opens with traditional 'razor blade' bumpers, which center a stainless-trimmed 'egg crate' grille between amber parking lamps. Above that grille, a requisite cross-flag emblem leads the eye to a familiar Stinger Hood, which founds polished wipers, factory glass and polished pillar trim beneath fresh canvas. At the sides of that hood, a sculpted profile hangs chrome door handles and a polished mirror above traditional rocker guards. And at the back of that profile, a Corvette-branded decklid centers an ornate fuel filler above monochromatic taillights, polished exhaust tips and two more 'razor blade' bumpers.

ENGINE

Tilt the car's "427" stamped hood and you'll find 427 cubic inches of LS V8 that is, hands down, some of the hottest motor your money can buy! Twisting 505 SAE-certified horsepower into 470 lb./ft. of torque, the lightweight LS7 rumbling between the car's fenders is a 21st century testament to the bowtie division's enduring small block. Founded in GM's very successful Corvette racing program, the brutal mill utilizes a forged crank, titanium rods and hypereutectic pistons to flat out whip pretty much anything with four wheels. A perfect amount of oxygen flows from a GM Performance Parts filter element through a Gloss Black air tube to a factory-spec throttle body. That wind mixes with fuel in a composite intake and progresses to CNC-ported cylinder heads that are built with lightweight titanium valves. Those valves get bumped by a GM hydraulic roller cam that, thanks to quality Aeromotive fuel components, helps create stout 11 to 1 compression. Immediately following combustion, spent gases roar through stainless, long-tube headers. Charge comes courtesy of a fresh alternator that, like the car's Sanden AC compressor and direct-fit steering pump, spins a modern accessory drive. GM electronics combine with standard-issue AC Delco plug wires to light the fires. Items like a Be Cool radiator, a fresh PBR brake booster and dual electric puller fans ensure earth-shattering performance. And, naturally, bright red fuel rail covers enhance minimalist, track-ready aesthetics.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Park this roadster on a lift and you'll find a full custom chassis that's been dipped in Gloss Black pigment and bolted to clean, Satin Black floor tubs. Behind the stout small block, a requisite hydraulic clutch engages a tough Tremec T56 6-speed, which twists torque to what appears to be a Dana 44 differential. That first-class drivetrain rides a fourth generation Corvette independent suspension, which backs fresh aluminum componentry with quality Bilstein shocks and fiberglass Vette Brakes & Products monoleafs. Turns come courtesy of modern power rack-and-pinion steering. Smooth and solid stops are provided by two GM calipers, two Baer calipers and four drilled and slotted rotors. Exhaust rolls from the previously mentioned headers to polished Magnaflow mufflers via stainless, Mandrel-bent pipes. And power meets the pavement through coated C6 Z06-style wheels, which spin 275/40ZR17 Nitto NT555 Extreme ZRs in front of 275/40R17 Nitto NT555R Extreme Drags.

INTERIOR

Inside this Chevy you'll find a nostalgic red interior that's been tastefully updated to enhance the car's usability. Tight leather seats, under-sized for the passenger, frame a rolled and color-keyed armrest. In front of those mitts, a 2-tone dash plants an AM/FM radio beneath Classic Instruments white-face gauges and knobs for the car's Vintage Air climate control. Under that dash, a small console centers a booted shifter between piped and color-keyed floor mats. Opposite that island, good-looking door panels trace pliable armrests with clean chrome handles and bright stainless trim. And in front of the driver, a polished Flaming River steering wheel spins a thick wood rim around a tilting Flaming River column.

If you're looking for a razor-sharp sports car that offers vintage style and top-notch performance, your search is officially over! Not only is this awesome Sting Ray faster than 95% of what's on the road, it has killer handling, it's durable, it's comfortable, and heck, it even gets good gas mileage! Why buy a finicky showboat when you can pick up this fully sorted pro-tourer and enjoy the road without worry?