j/k Probably the screen mesh for the front brake ducts, side vents, and rear. You can buy the stuff for a fraction of the price and make it yourself.
Corvette Tax
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Broomfield CO
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster County Pennsylvania
Taillight seals. Got gasket at Lowes. Eight bucks, was enough material for me and leftovers to do another car. Works and looks great. A third the price of advertised ones. Lowe's doesn't charge Corvette tax.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 6
From: Henderson NV
"A" Pillar Carbon Fiber trim pieces. $29.95 for two triangular pieces of Avery CF transfer paper. I can buy a 12" x 15" sheet of it for $10.00! 
Course, I find this out after paying for, and receiving, the "A" Pillar trim pieces.
Mick
Course, I find this out after paying for, and receiving, the "A" Pillar trim pieces.Mick
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
Likes: 886
From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
Worst I've seen -- Tail Light Seals, Rear lowering bolt kits ($20 for a couple of bolts available from Lowes is ridiculous), Flush mount tail light kits all come to mind.
Worst I've paid for?? Headers. I'm sorry, but over $1K for headers is just too much.
Worst I've paid for?? Headers. I'm sorry, but over $1K for headers is just too much.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 2
From: Keystone, I.T.
I'd say pretty much everything in the aftermarket accessory catagory is waaaay overpriced for the Corvette. But it's the old law of supply and demand. Most owners are willing to pay the higher prices. Fortunately I'm a "box stock" kind of guy
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 552
From: St. Peters MO
C7 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2018 C7 of Year Finalist
I recently had to order a stock rear license plate frame (the thin piece that snaps into place) from a Forum vendor. GM list's price for the rear frame is $57.61!!! Vendor price was $35.35 plus $9.95 shipping. 
Oddly, the front license plate frame which is larger, has more plastic and is a more complex shape list's for $23.14 with a vendor price of $14.20.
Makes no sense to me but what are you gonna do? I broke 2 tabs on the rear frame so I had to get a new one (I paint them to match myself). GM has got you by the short hairs and there aren't any other options for the exact same part.
Oddly, the front license plate frame which is larger, has more plastic and is a more complex shape list's for $23.14 with a vendor price of $14.20.
Makes no sense to me but what are you gonna do? I broke 2 tabs on the rear frame so I had to get a new one (I paint them to match myself). GM has got you by the short hairs and there aren't any other options for the exact same part.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 0
From: BROOKLYN PARK MN
I think i got ripped of for the reinforcments for the underspoilers on the lower part of the bumper(side parts). What a rip off, two peices of plastic that could not of cost more that 2-3 dollars to have produced
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 2
From: Palm Desert CA
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
I'd have to say the alternator. The corvette alternator has a unique bolt pattern making it a custom built chassis from most alternator shops. With my truck i was able to get a HO 180 amp alternator (model CS144) for less than $200. I eventually settled on a 200 amp model for my corvette that cost $475 simply because the chassis had to be custom built.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,530
Likes: 24,824
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
The decals are expensive for what the product is. Just about anything on these cars costs more than similar items on other cars.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 0
From: Columbia MO
Hah! I almost bought those myself. Couldn't bring myself to spend the $$$ for a sticker.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 894
Likes: 0
From: Humble The Republic of Texas
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09
[Worst I've paid for?? Headers. I'm sorry, but over $1K for headers is just too much.[/QUOTE]
I know most are Stainless Steel, but come on... I know these companies invest in R&D and engineering, but there has to be enough sold by now to lower the price a bit.
I know most are Stainless Steel, but come on... I know these companies invest in R&D and engineering, but there has to be enough sold by now to lower the price a bit.