Enter AJ Mehta and his 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. AJ has this nack for turning out mind-blowing rides, his Corvette being one of the best he's turned out. From bikes to cars, even a Suburban, this guy loves to modify anything in his garage. This Corvette is the total package with the track record, show trophies, and driveability to prove it. This car has been down the drag-strip, around the road course at Brainerd International, entered in numerous shows, featured in magazines, and driven all over the state of MN. So, what's so special about this pewter 'vert? Read along and find out.
We'll jump right to the good stuff; the motor. Like I said, this 'Vette isn't all show, packing the bite to match its bark. Underneath the carbon hood lies a Doug Rippie Motorsports (DRM) built 427ci LSX based on a C5R block. The fully-forged motor has been accessorized with an array of other go-fast bits including a Fast 90mm intake, Kooks 1 7/8" headers, 3" Kooks x-pipe and mid-section, 3" QTP cut-outs, and a B&B exhaust. Engine eye-candy is enhanced with carbon-fiber covers everywhere, but the real icing on the cake is the TNT/Nitrous Outlet NANO kit. This is a full, direct-port nano-nitrous kit using a 92mm plate, with a 15lb bottle and 4500psi Nano kit. Nano-based kits keep the bottle at a constant pressure at all times ensuring the safest, and most consistent use. In nitrous terms, this is the best out there and for serious bottle-heads.
Of course this monster motor setup needs a drive-train to handle it all. The 4L65e Level 5 built trans was built by Chuck at FLT, who is one of the best in the business. The rear differential has been cryo treated and fitted with 3.73 gears placed inside a Getrag housing with a DTE brace. The trans shifts hard, but is completely streetable, the converter tight. It drives around like a regular, auto Corvette, just with more than double the power. The suspension features QA1 12-way adjustable shocks and Hotchkis sway bars to help the already agile Corvette attack the corners while CCW Classics, sized 18x10 and 18x11 out back with 285f and 335r tires, keep it stuck to the tarmac and looking good. Function and form working together, who would have thought.
Speaking of form, this 'Vette has a look that is all its own. It might not be Hellaflush worthy, but this C5 has an absolutely menacing stance; low and wide with a killer set of wheels done right. The SW C5R replica headlights certainly stand out from the waves of pop-up 'Vettes, adding a stream-lined look to the car and drastically changing the front end. The ACI front lip and VIS carbon hood also complete the cars gorgeous front-end, but the rear is where this car really shines. Simply put, its got a fat ass! The 18x11 rears with 335 tires, coupled with the custom made rear bumper with integrated diffuser just make the rear-end a site to behold. Speaking of the rear-end, a lot of cars have seen it. Like I said, this Corvette is no slouch, running a best of 10.51 @ 133mph on motor. With the spray turned on, this car should hit single-digit quarter times.
The interior is finished off with quality matching the rest of the car. Ultra-plush and ultra-comfortable Caravaggio seats wrapped in black leather with red stitching hold the driver and passenger in place. Much like under the hood, almost every piece on the interior has been given the carbon fiber treatment. Other accessories such as the door-cards, shifter boot, center console, and other goodies have been wrapped in matching black leather with red stitching to match the seats. A DSV steering wheel provides the driver input while a removable 6-point roll cage with Simpson 5-point harnesses keep the occupants safe when piloting the car at the drag strip or the road course.
AJ certainly did a fine job building the ultimate street car; a car that can drive to the track, run 10s, go to the road course and eat up Porsches and other high-end cars, and still be able to take out to that special dinner and the fancy restaurant, leaving the valets and on-lookers drooling. Not many cars can hold a candle to a car of this caliber because this is a complete car, a car that touches in all areas, not just focusing on one. It's great to see cars like this out there in the scene, but the big surprise is that it is for sale. AJ has his sights on something bigger and better, and you better believe we'll get our hands on it here at projectSPARTAN.
Gallery: Photos by Kaien
