In a nutshell, why get a GS?
03-01-2017, 10:50 AM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
In a nutshell, why get a GS?
As the thread title asks, why get a GS over a Z06? It seems like the GS is the same car less the added HP. I read a few things in the suspension were tweaked for the GS but I doubt it was tweaked to be an improvement over the current Flagship model.
I've seen some GS prices within a few thousand of a Z06 so it makes me wonder why anyone wouldn't want the extra HP on tap.
I've seen some GS prices within a few thousand of a Z06 so it makes me wonder why anyone wouldn't want the extra HP on tap.
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03-01-2017, 11:14 AM
Le Mans Master
It is not the same car as a base Stingray. Different tires, brakes, shocks, sway bars, GS comes with magnetic ride control, different gearing, more cooling for engine and transmission, aero bits, etc, etc.
03-01-2017, 11:00 AM
#2
Le Mans Master
Price, insurance, gas, you don't need the extra HP. The GS might actually be the better track car as it does not seem to have the heating issues the Z06 had (unless they fixed this).
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03-01-2017, 11:06 AM
#3
Race Director
I am surprised at the desirability of the Grand Sport. Other than the body work it is the same car as the Stingray. Most if not all of the bodywork is not to my liking.
Last edited by Larry/car; 03-01-2017 at 11:06 AM.
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03-01-2017, 11:14 AM
#6
Le Mans Master
It is not the same car as a base Stingray. Different tires, brakes, shocks, sway bars, GS comes with magnetic ride control, different gearing, more cooling for engine and transmission, aero bits, etc, etc.
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03-01-2017, 11:16 AM
#7
Race Director
^^^ Those options are all available on the Stingray.
Last edited by Steve Garrett; 03-01-2017 at 10:34 PM. Reason: No need to re-quote the previous post, especially if you're the next person posting.
03-01-2017, 11:25 AM
#8
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
I was not factoring cost as I have seen some GS priced within 10k of a Z06. With a GS that close, I'm opting for the HP/Torque of a Z06.
Insurance? A valid point but how much could this amount to really if my Z06 is only $900 a year.
Gas? This made me chuckle. I'll take the Volt when there is a gas shortage or better yet, the Tesla Model 3 I have on order if I don't just get an S.
You got me with the heat-soak issue. I forgot about that...but is it really something that can't be overcome? There are forum members with a Callaway Vette (modified Z06) that haven't ever said if they have heat issues at the track. I'm curious of the Callaway modifications address this.
Also, what would a Chevy dealers response be to a Z06 owner that brings their "in warranty" Z06 because it overheated at an HPDE event.
03-01-2017, 11:27 AM
#9
Le Mans Master
Not true. You cant add the carbon ceramic brakes to the base Corvette from the factory. Not sure you can add the Cup2 tires either.
Also by the time you add all this stuff to a base Corvette at what point do you buy a GS?
Also by the time you add all this stuff to a base Corvette at what point do you buy a GS?
03-01-2017, 11:33 AM
#10
Team Owner
Tough decision and a fair question. I do like the wide body look, but myself I would love the power of the Z06. I would not purchase a GS mainly because I desire the HP more than what the GS offers in addition to the wide body.
03-01-2017, 11:37 AM
#11
Le Mans Master
I would never chose a GS over a Z06. Yes the car performs well and looks amazing. So does the Z06 and you get an additional 185hp!!! The drivability of the Z06 is identical to that of any other corvette when taking a leisurely drive but when you stomp on that throttle it's truly a surreal amount of power. For an extra few grand I can't think of any reason to get a grand sport over a Z06.
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03-01-2017, 11:44 AM
#12
Le Mans Master
^^^ Base Z06 with no options is $80,445.
Base GS with no options is $66,445.
That's a lot more than a few thousand dollars. It's $14K. And the discounts are better on the GS along with lower taxes, insurance, etc.
Base GS with no options is $66,445.
That's a lot more than a few thousand dollars. It's $14K. And the discounts are better on the GS along with lower taxes, insurance, etc.
Last edited by Steve Garrett; 03-01-2017 at 10:34 PM. Reason: No need to re-quote the previous post, especially if you're the next person posting.
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03-01-2017, 11:45 AM
#13
Burning Brakes
If you are truly a track rat then you already know the answer.
If not, then it probably comes down to whether you like the look.
For the $$ question, I think it is obvious that anybody (most anybody) would opt for the Z06 if money was not part of the equation.
I have a z51 which has track related gear that I know for sure will go to waste since I do not plan on tracking it. The extra cooling and tires and dry sump all are not needed for a road car. Nor is the elsd. I guess I can brag about these items though (again, because I do not plan on tracking this car).
But, what can I say, it was a good deal and I liked the looks of it a lot.
Looks wise I think the GS looks OK, but each time I think about this I tell myself that I would regret paying so much for a GS and did not go that extra bit to get a Z06 instead.
Good job GM, you have made it a difficult call.
If not, then it probably comes down to whether you like the look.
For the $$ question, I think it is obvious that anybody (most anybody) would opt for the Z06 if money was not part of the equation.
I have a z51 which has track related gear that I know for sure will go to waste since I do not plan on tracking it. The extra cooling and tires and dry sump all are not needed for a road car. Nor is the elsd. I guess I can brag about these items though (again, because I do not plan on tracking this car).
But, what can I say, it was a good deal and I liked the looks of it a lot.
Looks wise I think the GS looks OK, but each time I think about this I tell myself that I would regret paying so much for a GS and did not go that extra bit to get a Z06 instead.
Good job GM, you have made it a difficult call.
03-01-2017, 11:46 AM
#14
Le Mans Master
Very simply put there is no comparing the exhilarating feeling you get in a Z. Your not going to enjoy a grand sport and more than you will a z51 stingray when in the car. It will look nicer than a z51 but won't do much else. If you can afford a GS chances are you can afford a Z as well. Spend the extra $$$ and get a supercar, not one dressed up as one.
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03-01-2017, 11:47 AM
#15
Le Mans Master
If you are truly a track rat then you already know the answer.
If not, then it probably comes down to whether you like the look.
For the $$ question, I think it is obvious that anybody (most anybody) would opt for the Z06 if money was not part of the equation.
I have a z51 which has track related gear that I know for sure will go to waste since I do not plan on tracking it. The extra cooling and tires and dry sump all are not needed for a road car. Nor is the elsd. I guess I can brag about these items though (again, because I do not plan on tracking this car).
But, what can I say, it was a good deal and I liked the looks of it a lot.
Looks wise I think the GS looks OK, but each time I think about this I tell myself that I would regret paying so much for a GS and did not go that extra bit to get a Z06 instead.
Good job GM, you have made it a difficult call.
If not, then it probably comes down to whether you like the look.
For the $$ question, I think it is obvious that anybody (most anybody) would opt for the Z06 if money was not part of the equation.
I have a z51 which has track related gear that I know for sure will go to waste since I do not plan on tracking it. The extra cooling and tires and dry sump all are not needed for a road car. Nor is the elsd. I guess I can brag about these items though (again, because I do not plan on tracking this car).
But, what can I say, it was a good deal and I liked the looks of it a lot.
Looks wise I think the GS looks OK, but each time I think about this I tell myself that I would regret paying so much for a GS and did not go that extra bit to get a Z06 instead.
Good job GM, you have made it a difficult call.
03-01-2017, 11:49 AM
#16
Instructor
interesting twist. the base Z06 comes standard with HUD, mag ride, performance exhaust? which I believes requires you to go to a 2lt on the GS if you want to match those options.
03-01-2017, 11:52 AM
#17
Le Mans Master
03-01-2017, 11:56 AM
#18
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
So far, the heat soak issue remains the ONLY viable point for considering the GS over a Z06 and only for those that track heavily.
Me...I'd explore ways of mitigating the heat issue.
It has to be possible...
03-01-2017, 12:00 PM
#20
Le Mans Master
Look I like the idea of a Z06, but for me it would be complete overkill. How often can you actually exploit all that extra power? It really comes down to that. If you think the extra power is worth the extra money.
Last edited by thill444; 03-01-2017 at 12:01 PM.