Glennm27

If you have paint cracking and chipping off the bumper covers this car has been repaired and repainted (poorly). That will not happen with a GM paint job.

LuisZ51

It's actually a common issue with the GM paint job on these cars. So much so that there's a TSB for it.
Like I said before, I would settle for having the clutch issues fixed. But they can't seem to figure out what it is. And I know it's not going to get better.

falcon5619

What issue are you having with the clutch? Noise, vibration, slipping?

I find the clutch on the C7 to be much better than the C4, C5 and C6s I have owned. In the C7s they went with a twin disc for better clamping power but the pedal effort is still nice and smooth. In My c5 Z06 I had issues with the clutch getting stuck under high power/hard shifts and they also would rattle pretty bad when not engaged. The C7 clutch is much better from an NVH perspective.

Even if you had to replace the entire clutch it would probably be less expensive than dumping the C7 and paying more for the ZL1. Just a thought.

LuisZ51

From a stop when releasing the clutch it makes this noise like a whining knocking combination. It also vibrates when doing this. It will sometimes do this on a downshift as well.
There is a thread going right now with a video demonstrating this noise a couple times.

falcon5619

Vibration from a stop especially when the clutch is not warmed up yet it normal. When it is cold you have to give a little more gas and slip it just a little in order to avoid the chatter of a high performance clutch. Once it warms up though you should not really get the chatter. Now the whining sound like a throw-out bearing. How many miles on the car? Did your buddy know how to drive a manual? Did he ride the clutch a lot? Drag racing, track work, etc.?

LuisZ51

I've driven other Corvettes that don't do this. Mine didn't do it either until a few weeks back. It is definitely not normal at all. Car has 20k miles. He seems to know how to drive stick pretty well. All his cars have been Manual so far. The car has never seen a track or drag strip as far as I know. It was a daily driver for him.
like I said, there's other people with the issue so I doubt they are all related to not knowing how to drive the car.

speed4tu

That ZL1 looks great. I'd head on over and take that test drive. Im willing to bet after that you will be sold and everyones opinoin here will be out the window. For 5k difference there's no way I would keep that Corvette. ESP with all the issues.

speed4tu

You must not have taken a good look at a GM paint job in several years. They had to build a whole new facility last year bc it was so bad.

Big Lebowski

This is soooo not true Glenn. Both my front and rear "factory painted" bumpers on my 2017 Z06 had to be removed and the seams repainted. I am the first owner and it has never been repainted prior. All done under warranty, but my neighbor who owns a 2017 Black Rose Metallic GS has the same issue, but it is less noticeable vs. my Torch Red.

falcon5619

I hear you and understand how it takes away the fun from owning a car you highly desired. Keep in mind that you can easily flip to another used C7 as well or better yet have you even entertained a new one? The prices on new C7s on dealers lots are priced great right now plus since you already own a Corvette you qualify for the $3000 Loyalty rebate. If you can get a 2019 with the options you like in the upper $40s to low $50s, full warranty, peace of mind, etc...

Before my GS, I bought a brand new 2017 base Stingray M7 1LT coupe with NPP and machined faced wheels for $47k.

Look online at Kerbeck, they are offering 1LT Coupes for $44,800 with M7s.

LuisZ51

If I could find a new one in 2LT Z51 package like I have now with the M7 in the high 40s I would be all over it. But sadly I'm seeing used 2016s for that much.
Just checked their inventory and came up short on Z51 packages.

falcon5619

Yeah, the Grand Sport has really taken that spot in the lineup for a lot of folks that are purchasing new. It is roughly the same money and gets you the wide body, side skirts, front lip spoiler, nicer rear spoiler, bigger 6 piston brakes and larger rotors, wider wheels and tires and mag ride is standard.

LuisZ51

This is the exact problem I'm having with mine right now!

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ut-clutch.html

patentcad

Profoundly so.

LuisZ51

Not sure what I was thinking on this one guys! I went to drive the ZL1 yesterday. It is a total beast of a car. The power is there, the handling is on point, but . . . . It ain't no Vette! It just doesn't give you that feeling when you sit in it.
I have made an appointment for Wednesday at a different dealer in another town for my clutch issue. If they blow me off too then I will be getting rid of the car. But I won't be getting a Camaro. I will just sit back for a while before buying anything. Thank you all who gave your input and opinions.

65fastback

My exact same thoughts! HAHA!!

Before i went from a base C7 to my current Z51 i drove a BUNCH of cars including a Zl1 and for my money there is no other domestic car out there right now that does it for me. That includes all the blown high HP cars too.

Also sounds like your possibly considering something other than another C7?

thrilled

Trade for a Camaro!What are you smoking?If you had said for a 2019 ZR1 I would do it in a New York second.

LuisZ51

No, not at the moment. After owning the C7 it's hard to go to anything else. The only thing I would consider is a Z06 C7. If they ever get to mid/low 50s I'll consider one.

falcon5619

It is a good thing you were able to test drive it. I was wondering if the extra power of the ZL1 would be enough for you to overlook all the other things you like more about the Corvettes.

Arso Martinera

Hello !
Around a track I'd say the Z51 will win. The ZL1 is not heavy for what it is and what it has. It isn't lightweight like the C8 is but it certainly ain't 4200 pounds (LOL)!! It has the HP advantage and after 60 MPH I think it will accelerate better thanks to forced induction and all those gears the A10 has...it'll constantly be in boost and in it's power range. However the C8 with the ME design should be able to corner much better. I think the C8 will walk away from this one the victor. Against the ZLE tho I'm not sure how it will do.

I think a good amount of ZL1 owners are switching over to the C8. I know a handful are. If not in the first year then for sure in the 2nd or 3rd year. And if not for a Z51 then for sure they'll get a Z06. However the ZL1 will still have it's appeal among those who need the extra seats, storage capacity, or those who want forced induction or those who want to mod a car and not have to wait for the aftermarket. Also there will be plenty of people who will be able to afford a used ZL1 but not a new C8 with similar options. So the used ZL1 market should creep up. dafontshowboxadam4adam