Mallett Corvette 2007
01/01/2007
No matter how inspired a vehicle from a major manufacturer may be, it is still subject to the pressures of budget amortization. The awe-inspiring Corvette Z06 is a perfect example. Although considered ideal by most customers, it can still be honed to a finer edge by careful attention paid to details. That is exactly what Ohio-based Mallett Cars does. Concentrating on airflow through the 7.0-liter engine, Mallett reworks the cylinder heads and installs a new camshaft, valve springs and pushrods, along with a freer-flowing exhaust system. The result is an even more potent, 566-hp power train. Upgraded shock absorbers are installed, and the vehicle is lowered by three-quarters of an inch. Subtle graphics identify the conversion’s provenance only to those in the know. Similar conversions are offered for other C6 Corvettes, as is a Z06 engine transplant for C6 convertibles. Each Mallett Corvette is built to order, permitting customers to specify their exact requirements. Individual components are also on sale.PRICE: $70,000 (Z06); $16,500 (conversion only)
ENGINE: 7.0-liter V-8
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
POWER: 566 hp at 6,500 rpm
TORQUE: 515 ft lbs at 5,000 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3,250 pounds
0-60 MPH: 3.4 seconds (est.)
TOP SPEED: 205 mph (est.)
PROS: More performance is always a good thing
CONS: Nothing of concern to those who want one