USCG

I am about to order a new C7 8spd automatic convertible (not Z51 or Z06) and have several questions about the myriad options. Presently, I am thinking the 2LT or 3LT package, but am curious about the various seat inserts (no insert, sueded microfiber (344 v. 346), or napa.

Other options are the wrapped steering wheel, interior leather trim options (IL1 - IL6), and whether the "remote power top" (CM8) is standard on all convertibles, or they have a power top that is not remote.

Been to several dealers and some salespeople are a bit more knowledgeable than others, but as a group are basically clueless. I'd like to get feedback from current owners regarding the options they're glad they purchased, and which options would be considered "less impressive" or waste of money.

If anyone has the complete option code list, that would be very helpful. I presently have a build sheet with codes for a Z06 automatic along with employee pricing if anyone is interested.

sdk

Get the performance exhaust!!

Larry/car

The 2LT package has all the creature comforts (power heated/cooled seats, HUD, top line audio, better leather, other extras). The power top has remote down as standard convertible equipment (love the totally power top). Navigation with the PDR is another option I recommend. These will give you a nice cruise car that is more capable than the 2013 Grand Sport. Some like the performance exhaust (NPP), ok but not needed and I did not get it. I purchased the base Stingray convertible, totally satisfied. I also went with the 7 speed manual.

meyerweb

To each his own. What's important to me, or anyone else, might not matter at all to you. Real leather on the dash didn't matter to me, might be just what you want. That said:

I felt the 2LT package added functionality, not just style. 3LT is mostly about interior appearance and better leather, which I didn't care about that much. The one 3LT feature (Nav / PDR) that is functional is available as an option on other trim levels.

I got the fake suede seat inserts because there were multiple people, including my salesmen (Mike Furman at Criswell) saying they're definitely cooler in hot weather.

I think all convertibles have the remote top operations from the fob. I know the 2LT does.

For me, the 2LT has most everything I wanted. I paid for the suede seat inserts, the NPP exhaust (the sound is just too sweet to pass it by), the carbon flash badging (looks much better against my DSOM paint), and the DOSM paint. None of the other options really mattered to me.

I specifically did NOT want the lower profile Z51 wheels. The roads around here are bad enough that I prefer the somewhat better ride of the taller sidewalls. I prefer the look without a rear spoiler, others wouldn't buy the car without one.

If money were no object at all, I probably would have taken the 3LT package. The interior is nicer, but not enough nicer to justify the extra cost, to me.

MHO, YMMV, buy what YOU like. The online order guide, which should list all available options, can be found here:

http://eogld.cloud.gm.com/NASApp/dom...D=18483&type=0

mpuzach

A few answers for you:

• All C7 convertibles come with a power top.
• The convertible top can be lowered from the remote fob.
• 2LT vs. 3LT is not an easy choice (at least it wasn't for me). Starting with the seats, as hard as I've tried I can't tell the difference between the 2LT's Mulan leather and the 3LT's Napa. What's easier to tell is the difference between the 3LT's leather-covered upper dash and door panels vs. the 2LT's "naugahide" coverings. The leather used on the 3LT's upper dash and door panels is very smooth (almost completely without grain) and very rich in look and feel. The manmade material used on the 2LT has a bit more grain and is not quite as rich in look or feel. Having said that, it's my opinion that the 2LT's dash and door panels are still of very high quality. Those areas are covered with material that is stitched together the same way as the 3LT's. If you haven't already done so, I suggest that you look at one of each in person and decide which you prefer.
• Another thing to consider is color distribution in 2LT vs. 3LT. With a Jet Black interior, the whole interior is black regardless of trim level. With most other colors, the color (Adrenaline Red, Gray, Kalahari) will be limited to the center console and doors with 2LT but will be added to the upper dash with 3LT. This different color distribution changes the overall interior appearance quite a lot. FYI, Brownstone, Spice Red, and Blue are available only with 3LT.
• The microsuede seat inserts are a matter of personal taste. Keep in mind that if you order them AND the competition seats, you'll also get a microsuede-covered steering wheel. (Standard GT seats with microsuede inserts come with a leather-covered wheel.)
• Optional red or yellow stitching are available but only with Jet Black 3LT.
• 3LT also includes microsuede trim on the interior headliner, visors, trim above windshield and rear window, A-pillar trim and area around quarter window; on 2LT cars these areas are covered in a high-quality fabric but not microsuede.
• Navigation and Performance Data Recorder are standard with 3LT and optional with 2LT ($1,725).

Since you asked, here are my thoughts on what to order:

• As nice as the 3LT is (and it's VERY nice), I wasn't able to justify its extra cost vs. 2LT with navigation. If you're going with the Jet Black interior, you owe it to yourself to look at a 2LT and a 3LT to see if you like the 3LT several thousand dollars better. If you're going with any other color, a photo will probably do because the determining factor should really be the distribution of the secondary color.
• I personally don't care for the microsuede seat inserts.
• Depending upon exterior color, if you go with the Jet Black interior I recommend getting the red interior stitching. (Had I been able to, I definitely would have ordered blue stitching in my Laguna Blue coupe.)
• Whether you go 2LT or 3LT, get the carbon fiber dash trim. It's genuine carbon fiber and it dresses up the interior very nicely.
• If you go 2LT, get the navigation system / PDR. They work great and help to make the car "complete".
• Since you're not going with Z51, order the FE2 Magnetic Selective Ride Control. It works very well and will provide you with a more enjoyable driving experience regardless of pavement quality.
• IMO the NPP performance exhaust system is a must.
• Check out photos of the various stripes (hood stinger and full body) to see if you like them.
• Finally, depending on your choices of colors and wheels, you may want to switch out the chrome exterior badging with the optional carbon flash (which is just GM's name for metallic black).

There you have it - lots to think about. BTW, I'm not only a Stingray owner, I'm also member of the "basically clueless" group of people who sell them for a living.

nmvettec7

Totally....you will want that awesome sound.

Woodson

That is a nearly universal opinion except for those that want aftermarket exhaust. And Larry.

meyerweb

Only your second bullet, and already dead wrong. My MT7 key fob remotely lowers the top just fine. This feature works regardless of the transmission. The remote START only works on automatics, but that's not what the OP asked.

To the OP: As far as the Nav system, read the forum posts regarding this. A great many people feel it's pretty much worthless. A $99 Garmin, or your smartphone, is easier to use and more accurate, and you get free map updates. The only real advantage of the factory Nav is the big screen and integration with the DIC and HUD. The PDR is really a track feature, and since you're buying a 'vert I'm guessing you don't plan to track it. It's a cool dash cam, but pretty pricey for what it gives you on the street.

The Magnetic SRC only comes with the 19/20" Z51 wheels, which may or may not be something you want. I find the ride on the base suspension to be very good. Only if I were planning to track the car would I feel that option worth the cost, but cost matters more to some than others.

WesC7

with the others on here. You want the Performance exhaust!!

mpuzach

My mistake, post corrected. You're right - I was thinking of remote start.

Corgidog1

NPP is a must. With that said I will add-get at least the 2LT, for a lot of the extra conveniences that it offers, including the HUD which I think is fantastic. While the 1LT is far from "bare bones", why skimp of some really nice extras if you can afford it.

Larry/car

For me the standard exhaust is good enough. It is not Buick quiet, the engine noise increases proportionally to power output. I also like the look of the exhaust outlets of the stock system. Option costs add up fast with little or no return when you sell or trade.

meyerweb

While I certainly agree with your last sentence, I buy what I want to drive, not what I think will increase (or not) the value years down the road. And you're right, the base exhaust sounds nice. The NPP on sport or track just sounds Sooo much nicer! And factored over 3 or 4 years of payments, at today's interest rates, it's a trivial expense.

To each his own, though. It's a great car either way.

ratman6161

Also, the way I think about it is that the Corvette is something I'm going to keep for a long, long time. Had my C5 for 14 years. On a car that I'm going to keep that long, I tend to go more up scale. I also really like my Brownstone interior which I think is the perfect match for the Lime Rock Green (no longer available ) exterior.

Counter point though on things like Navigation. I've got it (2014 Z51 3LT). As I've commented in other threads on the subject, when I'm still driving this car 10 years from now I will have upgraded my phone five times (on a 2 year contract cycle) where the GM Nav will be the same as it was in 2014 other than map updates which I have to pay for. So the techno gadgets are a double edged sword.

whl3

Enough has been said about accessories and all are good points. Your budget comes first and after that, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder!

I don't mean to be disrespectful but you mentioned that you are talking to several dealers some of which are more C7 knowledgeable than others. In all likelihood, those with the least knowledge about the C7's are also those dealers with the smaller allocations. If you are unaware of Chevrolet's order number "status" system and the terms product "constraints" and dealer "consensus", educate yourself with "sticky" threads found on this forum as well as others regarding ordering a new Corvette. Too many people have been lead astray by dealers making delivery promises that can't be kept based on their allocation and Chevrolet C7 constraints. Make sure the dealer that you purchase from will be completely transparent with his current C7 backlog of orders and his (generally) weekly C7 consensus (allocation) from Chevrolet. The (generally) weekly (Thursday) C7 list of constraints can be found on this and other forums.

Getting from an 1100 order status to 2000, is everything. If your custom order Corvette has any constraint options and the dealer has a small allocation, you can languish in his order bank at 1100 for months. Once at 2000 and the order is only then accepted by Chevrolet, delivery to your dealer (6000) will take anywhere from six to nine weeks depending on Bowling Green production and the transportation time to your selling dealer.

AnthonyTyler

You can try the Corsa exhaust. I've been using it for more then a year. Corsa C5 Corvette Exhaust Systems are top shelf systems with many options for tips and sound levels. They have Classic, 3.5 inch and 4 inch four tip exhaust systems. You can have almost any tip on any sound level. The only exception is the 4 inch only comes in the Extreme sound level.

USCG

Working thru the option list is only the first step. Understanding the ordering procedure/ minefield takes this car to a whole new level of "buying experience".

My search has taken me to the large volume dealers and the small. The knowledge base of the salespeople is hit-or-miss (one could not even open the hood at Autonation). I just go straight to the sales manager and ask for a specialist, or walk out in disgust. I've had 2 sales managers tell me bluntly "we don't discount Corvettes; they sell at MSRP", only to find 5-8% discounts on my computer from exactly the same guys. Granted, the internet discount is probably a "come on", but the hypocrisy is annoying.

There were many great comments from forum members...especially things I didn't think to ask or consider. I thank all for the ideas and opinions and hope this thread is helpful for others as well as myself. If I am successful with this purchase, I'll come back and give a summary of what I learned along the way.

rcooper

This is why he said that he is a member of the "basically clueless" group who see them.
Other than the small boo-boo, what mpuzach wrote is a very good guide for you to consider.

Zymurgy

Check out the Online Order/Reference Guide - it will give you more information than almost any salesperson (some of our forum dealers excluded).

USCG

Already have...it's my Bible. Picked up on that from an earlier reply in this thread.

Interesting thing came up about the remote start and the remote Convertible Top Up/Down.

Apparently the remote start will work off a smart phone app regardless of distance (key fob not required to be within certain physical distance of car). Does the Convertible Top also work off the smartphone? Is there a way of checking on the status of the car from the smartphone (similar to the home security features we see advertised on TV)?