According to Clinton Township-based Katech Performance, taking weight (and making some other modifications) to the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 can result in dramatically improved lap times around a racetrack. Katech has just released its ClubSport package for the Z06. The Katech Z06 ClubSport is available only from the Les Stanford Chevrolet dealership in Dearborn. 'The Z06 is already wonderfully light weight,' said Katech's Jason Harding. But, he added, just like Lamborghini with the Gallardo Superleggera, Ferrari with the F430 Scuderia and Dodge with the Viper ACR, 'we knew that we could improve the power-to-weight ratio with several select modifications.' The Z06 weighs 3,180 pounds as it rolls out of the Bowling Green (Ky.) assembly plant. Katech's modifications reduce that to 2,915 pounds -- or even to 2,825 pounds for a 'fully optimized' version, which includes the removal of air conditioning, audio equipment and carpeting, replacement of the standard seats with Caravaggio leather racing seats, and installation of a rollbar or harness bar and six-point harnesses, as well as bolting an ARE dry sump engine oiling system. All Katech ClubSport Z06s also get: • Brembo Gran Turismo brake kit that includes 14-inch, two-piece and cross-drilled front rotors gripped by six-piston monoblock calipers with 13.6-inch rear rotors and four-piston calipers. • Moton Clubsport suspension with double-adjustable coil-overs with special tuning for the Z06 ClubSport done by SCCA racer Andy Pilgrim. • Katech Performance ClubSport wheels, 18 inches by 9.5 inches in front and 19 inches by 12 inches in the rear; the gray powder-coated wheels are one-piece forged aluminum with a 15-spoke design. • Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, 285/30 in front and 325/30 at the rear (the tires are also used by Chevrolet as standard equipment on the new ZR-1 ultra-Corvette. • Halltech Killer Bee carbon fiber air intake and Katech valve covers. • Katech Performance exhaust with Corsa quad tips. • Exedy twin-disc clutch. • Braille battery. • Katech Performance appearance package that includes carbon fiber front splitter and rear spoiler, SCCA World Challenge-style life-off hood vents, and racing stripe on the front fenders and rear fascia. The Katech Performance Z06 ClubSport has a $109,000 base price, 12-month/12,000-mile warranty and is anticipated to be 50-state emissions compliant. For information, call Les Stanford Chevrolet at (800) 699-VETT or visit www.lesstanford.com. People who already own a 2006-9 Z06 and want similar modifications can contact Katech at (866) KATECH1 or visit www.katechengines.com. Larry Edsall is a Phoenix-based freelance writer. You can reach him at [email protected].