Elliot Burkett 2008 Corvette C6 LT1
There’s no doubt the Chevrolet Corvette is a nameplate famous worldwide. It’s an iconic model adored by car enthusiasts and respected even by those indifferent to cars. From its introduction in 1953 to now, in 2024, this car continues to raise the bar for its competitors and set the standard for what an iconic American sports car is supposed to be.
Lower zoomed angle of Elliot Burkett's 2008 C6 Corvette LT1 passenger side headlight from bumper center.
The Famous Freedom Fiberglass
In 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette was introduced to the market by GM designer Harley Earl. From the beginning, these cars featured a sleek and aerodynamic fiberglass body for weight reduction. It took a few years for these cars to establish themselves in the market, and in 1955, they fitted a small-block V8 engine under the hood.
The introduction of their V8 was an important founding moment for these cars. Under the hood was a 4.3L, 265 ci Chevrolet V8 which produced up to 180 horsepower at 4,600 RPM and 257 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 RPM. It was a carbureted overhead valve engine with hydraulic lifters, made of a cast iron engine block and head.
As for the fiberglass body, after World War II, steel and other metals were in high demand, and fiberglass was an untraveled path in auto manufacturing. Combined with their goal to make an affordable, lightweight sports car, fiberglass was a fantastic decision on the engineers' part. It had many benefits compared to steel as well. Prior to its usage in the Chevrolet Corvette C1, it was used in other small-scale applications, especially boats. Aside from being lightweight, fiberglass also had other benefits, such as being easier to mold into complex shapes and completely rust-resistant.
Elevated angle of Elliot Burkett's 2008 C6 Corvette LT1 rear hatch from driver door.
52 Years and 5 Generations Later…
Half a decade after the turn of the century, in 2005, Chevrolet decided to take the Corvette legacy to new heights. This model perfectly embodied what the Corvette stood for. Continuing their half-century tradition of using fiberglass, this car showcased the sleek design ethos they envisioned. A refined evolution of the previous C5 generation, the C6 discarded the pop-up style headlights and opted for a shorter overall body length while making it slightly wider. These changes improved aerodynamics and reduced weight. It retained many Corvette trademarks, such as long hoods, shortened rear decks, and circular-style tail lights.
In 2008, the base model and other trims came standard with the Chevrolet LS3 engine. This 6.2L, 376 ci V8 engine produced an impressive 430 horsepower at 5,900 RPM and 424 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 RPM. This V8 features an overhead valve setup with two valves per cylinder and hydraulic lifters, with an aluminum block and heads contributing to its lightweight legacy.
This formidable car was capable of a top speed of 190 MPH (over 300 KM/H) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds with a manual transmission. It was offered with either an MM6 6-speed manual transmission or an MX0 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The front brakes were 12.8” ventilated disc brakes with two-piston calipers, and the rear brakes were 12” ventilated disc brakes with single-piston calipers.
Close zoomed photo of Elliot Burkett's 2008 C6 Corvette LT1 passenger side mirror at eye level.
1/127 E. Burkett LT1
Elliot Burkett brought us a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette LT1. This car has been owned in Illinois its entire life and even retains the original window sticker. Burkett acquired this car through a friend at a dealership he frequently collaborates with. It is speculated that this vehicle is one of only 127 2008 Chevrolet Corvettes featuring the 83U Atomic Orange exterior, a manual transmission, and a coupe body style. According to the window sticker, this car was assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with the engine manufactured in the United States and the transmission in Mexico.
Upper angle side shot of Elliot Burkett's 2008 C6 Corvette LT1.
The Birds and the LS3’s
As previously mentioned, the 2008 C6 LT1 Corvette is equipped with an LS3 V8 engine. This 6.2L powerhouse has been enhanced for greater power with long tube headers, an X-pipe exhaust, an SLP intake, and an ECU tune. Besides these modifications, it remains relatively stock, as these cars don’t require much to impress. It features a 6-speed manual MM6 transmission that drives the rear wheels. The factory brakes consist of two-piston calipers attached to 12.8” disc brakes in the front and single-piston 12” disc brakes in the rear. The suspension system includes a four-corner independent setup with double wishbone configuration, composite leaf springs, and monotube shock absorbers.
Close up centered shot of Elliot Burkett's 2008 C6 Corvette LT1 hood badge.
The Bumpers and the Bees
This Corvette's fiberglass body is painted in Chevrolet’s 83U Atomic Orange and complemented by an Ebony interior. The original body sports dealership 5-spoke chrome aluminum wheels in a staggered setup with larger 19” rear wheels and 18” front wheels, equipped with 245/40Z front tires and 285/35Z rear tires. Some lights have been modified, including blacked-out rear side bumper lights and aftermarket blacked-out tail lights. The interior remains unmodified.
Upper centered rear shot of Elliot Burkett's 2008 C6 Corvette LT1.
Future Plans
Burkett appreciates this car for its OEM+ aesthetic and continues to maintain that style. With minimal modifications, it has been slightly enhanced for power, aesthetics, and sound. The ride is both enthusiastic and enjoyable.
