The team dive in with this C8 Chevy Corvette modification project that includes a long list of upgrades.
West Coast Customs is probably the biggest name in car customization, having worked with everyone from Shaquille O’Neal to Paris Hilton. And any child of the 90s will remember the absolute insanity of MTV’s Pimp My Ride, where the West Coast Customs team brought us such gems as a hot tub in a Ford Econoline, or a fireplace in a Chevy Blazer.
While the projects may be less crazy these days, it doesn’t necessarily make them any more straightforward. In their latest video, the guys from West Coast Customs on YouTube take on a client with a brand new C8 Chevrolet Corvette and a very long wishlist.
A Custom, Lamborghini-Inspired C8 Chevy Corvette
Lorenzo Strong explains that his client originally wanted some modest upgrades to his 2021 C8 Corvette: vertical doors, cool wheels and maybe a wrap. Fast-forward to today and the original request for a custom car special has morphed into a long list of items that will see this Corvette transformed into a sort of Chevrolet-Lamborghini hybrid.
In addition to vertical doors and cool wheels, this Corvette will be getting a wide-body conversion, air-ride suspension, audio upgrade, full wrap, and an exotic, integrated McLaren-style exhaust system. The exhaust system in question comes out above the bumper and is often seen in Lamborghini mods, but not so much in Corvettes. The reason for this is that the engine is in the way, meaning the West Coast Customs team will need to try and route it through the trunk of the car in order to make it work.
Converting The C8 Chevy Corvette At West Coast Customs
With the car fully disassembled it’s time for the famous West Coast Customs modifications team to get to work, starting with the new vertical doors. This is usually a straightforward process that involves disassembling the fenders and door inners and bolting the vertical hinge directly onto the car’s factory hinge point.
However, this sports car is a little different because of the new wide-body kit. They will need to make sure the new fenders don’t interfere with the Lamborghini-inspired doors.
This isn’t the only place where the new wide-body kit is giving problems. The team can see that the wheels are not going to fit with the new setup, so they must mark out and cut the body of the car to suit the new setup.
The new body kit fits well, but it will still go to the body shop for fine-tuning. Any small gaps get filled in, and all parts get sanded for a seamless fit before the car gets its new wrap.
The Final Result For The Chevrolet Corvette Project
The whole car gets wrapped in brushed black with gloss black accents and complimented by a new set of 22” Forgiato wheels, finished in red to match the calipers. The team then install a custom glass window above the engine, like on the Lamborghini Murcielago. With the original OEM hydraulic lift converted by Sal from Air Ride and the tricky new exhaust system installed, this car is ready to go.
The owner, Paul from Savvy Tiger Inc, is clearly very impressed with his new and improved C8 Corvette – a car that he believes would make Batman proud.
