SCRAP BOOK

This section is devoted to DRM customers and their precious machines.
As you will see, there are just as many variations of cars as there are car owners.
Here at DRM we will custom build the car that's right for you!
Click here for information on how you can have your car here.

Michael J. Corbin From Medford, MN. 2006 C6 Corvette
"Blue Thunder" is Michael's name for the car. We installed a A and A supercharger kit in the summer of 2007. This normal A6 Corvette has become a very fun street car with the modifications that we have done. The car has Vortech super charger, huge front mount intercooler, billet brackets, and billet blow off valve. The car has 450+ RWHP in 90 degree heat, on our chassis dyno.

Scott Miller from Maplewood, Minnesota. 1998 Camaro "SS"

All modifications have been made by DRM since I bought the car new in 1998. I currently have a DRM "top end" installed along with Hooker Jet-Hot Coated long tube headers and Y-pipe, B&B exhaust, LS6 intake manifold, ZO6 MAF, Ported throttle body, Air-lid, Harlan 2-step,Yank PT-4000 Stall Converter, 3.73 rear end gears, Hurst line lock, Random Tech torque arm, and full Hotchkis suspension pieces, QA-1 "R" shocks and springs & Bogart Drag-Star Rims. The car was recently dynoed in Sept. of ’03 at 402 horsepower to the rear wheels with Doug doing the LS1-edit programming.

The car is setup for drag racing and is driven to and from the race track weekly where it runs very consistent low 11.80’s with an all time best of 11.73 at 117 mph. More DRM modifications are planned for the future to go even faster.

Tim Oliver,Fisherville, Kentucky. I purchased my 98 in the fall of 1997, the new wore off and I needed more POWER! I was weighing my options when my friend Ronald Sonnie recommended DRM. I wanted a powerful street car that would perform with the technological advances that automobile producers have made. My DRM Top End package does just that. I couldn’t have asked for better customer service or a cleaner installation than Doug Rippie Motorsports has done for me. My car was recently put on a dyno and pulled an impressive 356RWHP and 339RWTQ. It was in need of a tune up and should pull around 370RWHP. I ran a traction limited 13.00, at 115mph. DRM cars are truly a work of art! Thanks Doug!

Douglas Barton from Apple Valley, MN 1999 Corvette Hardtop. I first had Doug do a Top End conversion to my "duece coupe" along with the rear spoiler and heat extracting hood. Then, in 2002 I traded my engine in on a new 382 "stroker race" that Doug built for me putting out over 500HP and 500ft.lbs. of torque - the car is a monster performer; and coupled with a Corsa Indy exhaust system and cross-over pipe puts out a sound reminiscent of a Winston Cup car in "full bloom"! The car also has many interior/exterior cosmetic mods which help make it a car show favorite - many "Firsts" and "Seconds" including one "Best of Show".

Rick Ellis from Hoffman Estates, IL. 1992 Corvette Coupe. I had Doug do the DRM 400, 383 c.i. LT1, Xtragrip suspension and Wilwood brakes. I also had the single mass flywheel, Centerforce clutch and B&M Ripper Shifter. This is the first C4 with the high capacity radiator with integral oil cooler. Doug said this is the best LT1 they have ever done; 486 hp and 480 lb. ft. of torque. The car is a dream to drive on the street . On the track the car is like a rocket and it inspires confidence in the driver with incredible handling. Thanks to Doug and the whole crew at DRM

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David Sklover 1999 FRC. I'm extremely pleased with the performance and stock drivability of my 99 FRC. Rippie components: heads, cam, ceramic coated long tube headers and block oil plug. Also PCM reprogramming and Centerforce clutch install. DRM also installed an ASP underdrive pulley. Also purchased parts: 3 quart electric accusump, oil cooler, remote oil filter, billet stock oil filter replacement adapter and lines and fittings, transmission cooler with pump, differential cooler with pump. The net change is very dramatic. On the road course my oil stays cool and doesn't starve out in the turns. The pull is excellent, I'm often mistaken for a 383!

Todd Kolber from Upland, California. 2000 Corvette Coupe DRMC500/RSR. I bought a new 2000 Corvette coupe sight unseen and had it shipped directly to DRM's shop. I researched several builders and I chose the DRM C500/RSR because of DRM's reputation with suspensions which is tops in the business. The C500/RSR is the fastest, best handling street car they build. The hood is absolutely gorgeous that comes with the package, it really makes the car stand out. The transaction and delivery to DRM went very smooth, and I arrived at DRM a week after the car. The first view I had of my brand new Corvette was a shell, no suspension, engine, transmission or rear end. People told me I was crazy when they saw the pictures. When the car was finally delivered, it was everything I had hoped it would be. I had a race car for the street that even passed California Emissions. It is definitely the fastest and best handling car I have ever owned. I haven't raced it yet, but it sure got a lot of looks driving down Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu and through Beverly Hills on Sunset Boulevard. I have had people drive past me and chase me down so they could check it out. It's more attention than I like, but what else should I expect driving a race car on the street. Thanks DRM, for my dream C5.

Julio Menendez from Miami, Florida. 1990 ZR-1 coupe, 650hp LT-5. This car has been modified with DRM prom, heads, intake, exhaust ETC. The NOS kit is my own icing on the cake. This car made with Nitrous 650 HP at the rear wheels. The car ran 11.80 at 121 MPH on the motor. The NOS is a two stage system set up for 300 HP!. I have recently been able to get a good pass with the bottle and tick off a 10.54 pass. Click here to see my time slip. I limit myself to run TOP END, (from 70 mph to 180 mph) and down here in this type of race I'm the KING! Click here to see a picture of my engine.

Brad and Karen Allan from Eagan, Minnesota. 1999 Black Roadster (automatic). DRM did a top end LS1 kit plus headers and rear axle change to 3.42. With traction control she burns 'em in 1st, 2nd and even chirps them in 3rd. In the spring I will be adding DRM's Heat Extractor Hood and the Pro Torque Converter. Doug and his staff were absolutely wonderful during the conversion. I would do it all over again except bigger and badder! Doug told me initially that he would give me back my car when "He was satisfied". Well, in my opinion he must have been ecstatic. Thanks for making a great car an awesome car!

Joe Blass from Saugerties New York, 1995 Corvette Coupe. DRM built me a 383cu in LT-1 with 480hp. They put full length headers, Borla 2-3/4" exhaust, new chip, XtraGrip Coil-over suspension, Wilwood brakes, stiffer chassis bar, six point harness, Dymag magnesium wheels fitted with Goodyear GSC 315-35-17 in the rear and 285-40-17 in front. When drag racing I use BFG drag radials on the rear. DRM rebuilt the automatic transmission in order to support the additional ponies. DRM also installed 3.73 gear. Shortly there after I replaced the original rear with a Dana 44. Other add on's include March underdrive pulleys, Cold air induction, Air Blaster, Heavy duty Aluminum Radiator, and nothing but Red Line products. The car has run a best quarter mile time of 11.74 @ 116.75 on drag radials. I had made it to the final round at Lebenon Valley Dragway (located in upstate NY) in 1997 but broke out. In 1999 at Englishtown (NJ) I won first place in the C-8 class at 12.48@112.10. I would like to thank Peter Sikkila at DRM for his expertise and always returning my calls, God only knows I called him enough.

Alan Benjamin from Detroit Michigan, 1999 Corvette Hardtop. My dream was to someday have a super fast Corvette that would leave all my buddies in the dust. Doug and his marvelous mechanics fulfilled my dream! I had them do the 383 cu in LS-1 conversion with the big radiator, oil cooler and street headers. I saw 399.8 horsepower to the rear wheels on Doug's Dyno which Doug says in roughly 475 hp at the crank, WOW! I am one happy customer.

Ron Wright from Minneapolis MN. 1998 Corvette Convertible. I enjoy autocrossing my Corvette and wanted to increase power in small steps. Doug installed a new computer and intake system then chassis dynoed my car before and after. The power and torque increased with a seat of the pants feel and best of all my car is still basically stock. I will be looking forward to the 383 cu. in. package in the near future.

Kev Derderian from Lake Forest, IL. 1998 Pace Car convertible. I have more fun with this car than anything I own. I had DRM do the 465hp "Stroker" motor with the ExtraGrip CoilOver suspension. This is the car that BFGoodrich used to achieve 1.06g's on the skid pad with their street KD tires and was pictured in their advertising. I have many years of autocrossing experience and this car handles better than anything I have ever driven. Good job DRM!

Dr. & Mrs. James Williams from Nashville TN. 1998 Corvette coupe. I met Doug for the first time at the 1999 C5 Birthday Bash in Bowling Green KY. Doug gave me a ride in a DRM C500/RSR and I was SOLD! I wanted the power of that car but did not want the race setup since it will be a daily driver. I handed him the keys to my car and he personally drove it up to Minnesota, what service!. I picked up the car at his shop and drove it back home. I LOVE THIS CAR!! It has 465hp, a 3.42 gear with a high perf torque converter and Fikse wheels.

Kevin Rose from Buffalo Grove, IL. 1998 Indy Pace Car. When I was considering modifying my car for some more getup-n-go all my friends said my car is too valuable to give to some unknown tuner. But all agreed that DRM does good work with no compromises and delivers the power they advertise. I am very happy with the power after a top end kit gave me 425hp. And the best part is that now I'm driving a "Rippie Car" which I believe will only add value to my baby. Thanks DRM.

Steve Deshler from Chicago Illinois. 1992 ZR-1 This Bright Aqua Metallic/Light Beige Callaway Supernatural ZR-1 Aerobody was the very first one built. Under the hood breaths a DRM 368c.i. 510HP conversion with Centerforce Clutch, headers, free flowing cats, Borla 3" exhaust and XR-1 mufflers and a high capacity radiator. To keep things under control I installed a CoilOver suspension, Brembo rotors/calipers. OZ 18" wheels, Michelin Pilot SX tires and a custom built 4-Point roll-bar. Click here to check out under the hood.

Frank from Indiana. 1993 ZR-1 Black Widow #4. This car has the Black 475hp DRZ500 LT-5 engine which was produced in a cooperative effort between DRM, Mercruiser and Lotus. This was all done with the blessing and supervision of Chevrolet. Only 8 were made. This is ZR-1 serial number 153. It has race cams, ported and polished plenum, Borla exhaust, CoilOver Suspension. 30mm front sway bar, HD clutch, 4.09 gear, MSD ignition, remote fans, Fikse wheels and only has 7000 miles on the odometer. My car has been featured in "Heart of the Beast", "Corvette Milestones" and in "Motor Trend" Click here to see the Black Engine

Brian Van Doren from Albany, Oregon. 1985 Corvette. This picture was taken at PIR (Portland International Raceway) with me at the wheel. This is what I spend most of the time doing with my Vette, running laps at PIR. I have performed many modifications to increase the performance for the race track. Modifications from DRM include: 13" PBR front brakes, custom valved Bilstein shocks, 3.75 rear gear and full urethane suspension bushings. This year I added Heim joint sway bar end links, AFR cylinder heads, TPIS mini ram intake, cam shaft, chip, Flow Master mufflers, K&N filter charger, external oil cooler and BFG g-force R-1 tires. To date personal best at PIR is 1:22, no times yet for 1999 with new mods. For comparisons a fellow Vette driver at PIR is capable of 1:20 with a 1996 LT4 with BFG R-1 tires, and a Porsche driver with a 1998 911 with BFG R-1 tires runs 1:22.

Roger Vincent from Russellville, Kentucky. 1994 Corvette Roadster, 383ci 450hp. I purchased this car from a young man in Bowling Green, Monty Jones, who was the original owner and he had DRM modify the engine, suspension, brakes. Later Monty changed the rear end to a 4.10 ratio for drag racing and added a Power Effects exhaust system. He was able to run the 1/4 mile in 12.2 seconds. The top speed on the car is about 180 mph. With the stock rear end, it was about 190 - 195 according to DRM. Monty and his wife are expecting a child so he sold the car to me about six months ago. I have enjoyed the car very, very much. It is the fasted car I have ever owned, and I have had my share over the years (currently Porsche 930, and others such as Ferrari 308 GTSi). No trouble with it at all, it has about 12,000 miles on the engine and 42,000 miles on the car. Look out competition, DRM is on the move!

Bob Hann from Grand Rapids Michigan. 1992 Corvette Coupe. 430hp 383 cubic inch LT1. DRM did the full DRM-400 package (engine, Wilwood brakes, XtraGrip suspension). In 1998 DRM replaced the automatic transmission with a ZF 6 speed and a single mass clutch. With over 30,000 miles and 70 track days on the conversion the car has had few problems and is just as much fun to drive today as it was on day 1. On the track this car can be driven very fast with a significant margin of safety. I have had several Vipers go completely through their brakes trying to keep up with me. My DRM-400 is also driven on the street. (Photo by Edmund)

Steve Metzler from Aurora Illinois. 1995 Corvette Z07 383cu in 450hp LT1. I had DRM do a full Xtragrip coilover suspension conversion with Wilwood 6-piston calipers and a roll bar. I do10-15 road course events a season and never had any major problems. This car is bullet proof! I love the massive torque. I still use this car as a daily driver. This picture was taken at Gingerman Raceway in South Haven Michigan.

Steve Melnick from Buffalo Grove Illinois. 1992 Corvette Coupe. 450hp 383 cubic inch LT1. Although I don't own this car anymore ('99 in the works at DRM), it was the most powerful Corvette I have ever owned. It was fully set up for road racing with Chassis bar, full suspension upgrades, Brembo brakes and oil cooler. At the track, it was like it was on rails. On the street is was a blast to drive! (Photo by Edmund)

Doug Rippie from Buffalo, Minnesota. WORLD CHALLENGE CORVETTE RACE CAR. 540hp LT4. This is a fully prepared tube frame race car for the serious racer. This was the 1998 season opener pole sitter and race winner at Heartland Park, KS. One ride in this 2750 lb. car with 540hp will send your neck a'snapin. This is the nicest and lightest C4 track time car available anywhere. This car was built with a no compromise budge.
Click here for more pictures of the race car