Recently, Gordon and his father traveled to the Corvette Performance Build Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he spent a full day assembling the twin-turbo 5.5L LT7 V8 that will power his 2026 Corvette ZR1X. The experience is part of Chevrolet’s revived Build Your Own Engine program, giving select Z06, ZR1, and ZR1X owners the chance to work side-by-side with a master engine builder.
The day began at 9:39 a.m. and unfolded like a dream for any Corvette enthusiast. Gordon helped assemble the short block, watched the engine undergo a precision “cold test” to verify its operation, and finished by installing the distinctive blue intake manifold and twin turbochargers. Just before 3 p.m., he placed his personalized builder’s plaque on the engine, and a moment later, he simply described it as, “That’s pretty cool.”
The program itself costs $9,995, but for enthusiasts, it’s something money alone can’t buy, the pride of knowing the engine behind you was assembled by your own hands.
Because at its core, Corvette has always been about more than speed. It’s about passion. Craftsmanship. And the connection between driver and machine.
Win this 2026 Corvette ZR1 with ZTK!
The Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation is offering a chance to win a brand new 2026 Corvette ZR1 Coupe with the ZTK Performance Package. The non-profit organization recently awarded Jim Stevenson from Columbus, Ohio, a new 2026 Corvette ZR1, and the CMAF called it the best response ever to a CMAF sweepstakes, prompting President Lance Miller to “do a ZR1 all over again!”
This giveaway offers Corvette Mike’s Thundering Thursday Subscribers the opportunity to win a 2026 Corvette ZR1 in Competition Yellow! The ZR1 Coupe will also be outfitted with the Carbon Fiber aero package and the ZTK Performance Package. This stunning King of the Hill will be given away next October, so start collecting your tickets today. Our loyal subscribers get 50% More Entries with ticket packages starting at $25 by Clicking Here.
This Week’s Owner’s Corner
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Troy@CorvetteMike.Com
Andy K’s 15 Corvettes
Andy K’s 15 Corvettes
I have been in love with Corvettes from their beginning. “Back in the Day” my first was a 1968 roadster, followed by a 1968 coupe and finally, a 1966 mid-year roadster, then our 3 boys came along.
25 years later, I began my quest to get back into a mid-year. My plan was to find one Corvette at a time that I would like for myself, make it look and run great, and put it up for sale. When sold, I would keep repeating the process until I could find a 1963-1967 that I could afford.
My dream was to find a red roadster with black trim and side exhausts, which I fortunately did! After 5 fun years with my 65, the phrase “so many Corvettes and so little time” brought me to decide to move into a car that my wife and I could travel comfortably with and hopefully drive part or all of the famous Route 66. Enter the beautiful Black 99 Roadster Automatic, which led me to a sweet 2002 Electron Blue 6-Speed Coupe. Then the 2015 Z51 came into my life. All along the idea of owning a new mid-engine Stingray kept popping into my head. Last year, my dream came true and took delivery of my 2023 C8.
Along the way, I have met so many wonderful and interesting individuals who have the same passion for Corvettes. Their continued friendship has been the most rewarding part of my journey.
About 40 years ago, I realized that one of my fellow teachers, Dave DiEugenio, was also a Corvette owner. We started taking rides together and gradually met new friends along the way. Our group grew to become the “Corvette Buddies”. We meet every Friday for breakfast at a local diner. We don’t have an actual club, just good friends. Each week we also get together for a “Hot Dog Run”, which is a cruise in our Corvettes to a designated event, a park or just a ride through the South Jersey Pine Barrens, then we stop along the way for lunch and lots of laughs.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Andy K.
Corvette Mike’s
Private Collection!
A Rare Gem: Mike’s 1969 Corvette L89
Among the most desirable Corvettes of the muscle car era, the 1969 L89 represents the pinnacle of factory big-block performance and rarity. Based on the legendary 427/435hp L71, the L89 option replaced the standard cast-iron cylinder heads with lightweight aluminum units, improving heat dissipation and reducing front-end weight. Because this expensive upgrade offered little visual difference, very few buyers selected it, making genuine L89 Corvettes exceptionally rare today.
What makes this particular example even more significant is its remarkable level of preservation. Showing just 12,547 original miles, it remains an authentic snapshot of how a high-performance Corvette left the factory. Equipped with factory-side exhaust, F41 heavy-duty suspension, and supported by its original tank sticker and Protect-O-Plate, the car retains the documentation and configuration that make it one of Corvette Mike’s special-collection cars.
Unlike many big-block Corvettes that were raced, modified, or fully restored, this example has been carefully preserved. Its original finishes, interior, and components remain intact, offering a true reference for factory craftsmanship.
Its importance has been recognized with an extraordinary list of honors, including NCRS Top Flight, Bloomington Gold, Bloomington Survivor, Benchmark, Triple Diamond, and CCAS validation.
Nearly six decades after it was built, this 1969 L89 stands as more than a collectible; it is a rare and authentic piece of Corvette history, preserved exactly as it came from the factory.
This Week’s Premier Selection
2015 Z06 ZO7 Convertible
Awesome 3K-Mile Z06 Z07 Convertible!
Black w/Adrenaline Red Interior, 8-Speed Paddle-Shift Automatic
The legendary Z06 returned for 2015 in explosive fashion, bringing 650 supercharged horsepower, the most powerful engine ever offered in a Corvette at the time. The result was nothing short of a rocket ship.
This stunning Z06 Convertible shows under 3,000 miles and is loaded with top-tier options, including the highly desirable Z07 Ultimate Performance Package and 3LZ Premium Equipment Group. Additional highlights include extensive carbon-fiber exterior and interior packages, Competition Sport Seats, Carbon Flash dual racing stripes, Shark Gray exterior vents, Z06 black aluminum wheels, Corvette custom-fitted luggage, and much more.
Well-preserved and beautifully optioned, this example includes books, manuals, key fobs,
and the original window sticker.
A low-mileage, fully optioned Z06 Z07 Convertible, an exceptional opportunity to own one of the most formidable Corvettes of its era.
The window sticker shows it was built with almost every single factory option available at the time, with an MSRP of $116,245.
Experience the Corvette Mike Difference
In the ever-evolving vintage car market, uncertainty is part of the game. While online auctions might appear convenient, they often leave both buyers and sellers at the mercy of chance. For almost 44 years, Corvette Mike has set the standard with unmatched, personalized service—making every transaction as enjoyable as it is successful.
No matter where you are in the world, if you own a remarkable vintage car and are considering selling, let Corvette Mike handle it with care and expertise. Our dedicated approach guarantees a smooth and satisfying experience. And for those on the lookout for that elusive classic, we provide expert guidance to help you make informed decisions while savoring the excitement of the hunt.
Reach out by phone (714-630-0700) or email (Troy@CorvetteMike.Com) today, and discover how a seasoned veteran of the vintage car scene can transform your buying or selling journey into a truly memorable adventure.
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