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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 12:27 AM
  #1  
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From: Sanger Tx
Default Considering a C6

Hi all, this is my first post here. I'm not new to GMs. I have wanted a vette since i was 12 years old (26 now), and In the spring time I will be able to put enough down on a nice 08 or 09. I have some questions or concerns. I have started reading through some of the stickies and what not, but I am just curious about something. I was on the fence if I wanted an 07 or an 08. For how much I am seeing used 08's go for, I think its going to seal the deal. Automatic of course..I am a car guy but don't know how to drive a stick. I never learned.

I currently drive a 2009 G8 GT. Lots of mods..it's actually for sale.

This isnt an attempt to sell, just more about my car.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/?cmd=...ht_1546wt_1167

I am curious about some things. I see lots of people just putting headers on, with the stock exhaust. I know from having the G8, that my cat-back netted me no power, just a sick sound. What's everyones thoughts on that.

Hand held vs dyno tune...worth it on these cars?

What is everyones thoughts on carbon fiber on these cars. CF front lip, spoiler, targa..etc..I'm a huge fan of carbon fiber.

Any other guidance for a newb would be nice

Thanks in advance,

Jeff
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 12:41 AM
  #2  
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St. Jude Donor '11
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Originally Posted by jeffs42885
Hi all, this is my first post here. I'm not new to GMs. I have wanted a vette since i was 12 years old (26 now), and In the spring time I will be able to put enough down on a nice 08 or 09. I have some questions or concerns. I have started reading through some of the stickies and what not, but I am just curious about something. I was on the fence if I wanted an 07 or an 08. For how much I am seeing used 08's go for, I think its going to seal the deal. Automatic of course..I am a car guy but don't know how to drive a stick. I never learned.

I currently drive a 2009 G8 GT. Lots of mods..it's actually for sale.

This isnt an attempt to sell, just more about my car.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/?cmd=...ht_1546wt_1167

I am curious about some things. I see lots of people just putting headers on, with the stock exhaust. I know from having the G8, that my cat-back netted me no power, just a sick sound. What's everyones thoughts on that.

Hand held vs dyno tune...worth it on these cars?

What is everyones thoughts on carbon fiber on these cars. CF front lip, spoiler, targa..etc..I'm a huge fan of carbon fiber.

Any other guidance for a newb would be nice

Thanks in advance,

Jeff
First and foremost, welcome. Headers are a nice mod, if it doesn't up the sound quality to where you want it, you can always get a cat back exhaust later. Catback exhaust is more for the sound and the look...the HP gains are minimal.

08 is an LS3 versus the LS2, minimum 30-36 more hp.

I have a ZR1 and the C/F splitter, side skirts etc really looks good. But even if you just get body color painted ones, it will add to the looks....(others may disagree). Not a fan of handhelds, I always get a pro to tune mine.
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 12:48 AM
  #3  
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From: Sanger Tx
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I'm a big fan of carbon fiber. I'd probably do the front lip, and maybe the sides.

What kind of gains do these cars get from a catback exhaust? I have seen axlebacks, x-pipes, etc. I would imagine that the whole solution would be..

Headers - Cats (optional) I dont have them now - X-pipe - rear.

I would probably start off with headers with high flow cats, since my car is really loud now without...and then do an axleback.
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 12:56 AM
  #4  
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From: Manitoba/San Jose del Cabo
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Originally Posted by jeffs42885
I'm a big fan of carbon fiber. I'd probably do the front lip, and maybe the sides.

What kind of gains do these cars get from a catback exhaust? I have seen axlebacks, x-pipes, etc. I would imagine that the whole solution would be..

Headers - Cats (optional) I dont have them now - X-pipe - rear.

I would probably start off with headers with high flow cats, since my car is really loud now without...and then do an axleback.
Maybe someone has some actual dyno tests....if you believe the advertising it would be gains like this.....

Gain up to an additional 12 HP and 13 ft-lbs of torque vs stock
Average increase of up to 10HP and 11 ft-lbs. of torque
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 02:21 AM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by jeffs42885
...I was on the fence if I wanted an 07 or an 08. For how much I am seeing used 08's go for, I think its going to seal the deal...Automatic of course..I am a car guy but don't know how to drive a stick.
Actually, I looked in this thread to see Racer's latest avatar.

Standard advice: Get the newest C6 you can afford. But only 8,737 coupes were made in 2009, so you'll likely have a better selection from 2008 (20,030) or 2007 (21,484).

About 70% of 07/08 C6's (non-Z06) have the 6-speed automatic, so they should be easy to find.

Here's a list of year-to-year differences (06 to 08):
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1563694469-post5.html

Enjoy your search!
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 02:47 AM
  #6  
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go for the 08 and above.
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 06:16 AM
  #7  
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Hi Jeff,the G8 is a great car I had an 09' GT also,traded it in on my new GS,the difference is night and day,good luck!!
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 08:09 AM
  #8  
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Hey man, congrats on the prospect of purchasing a Vette, I think you'll really enjoy it. Although I must say, my buddy has a G8 GXP and man that is a nice car; with a tune it can do some serious burnouts and that slush box can really be tuned up a lot.

Anyways, as Lightfoot said, I would go with the newest one possible; and if you spend a few grand more on an 08, just hold off on mods for a little bit longer. The LS3 will be worth it in the long run.

The only piece of advice I have for you is really consider a 6-speed. I had a auto '10 Camaro SS before this, and it was fun, but the manual in the vette is so engaging; it makes driving exciting again, even when your driving legally! Find someone out there that will let you figure it out on their old beater or something, but seriously man I was in a similar situation to you, and just dove into it. I'd driven sticks before, but not regular enough to be really proficient so the first week was pretty rough, but now man I'm fluent in it and it is the best thing ever. Rowing through the gears and the control of the clutch is amazing. I'm just saying, you may want to think about it some more.

Lastly, I'm in my early 20's so, welcome to the twenty something's branch of the Corvette family.
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 05:26 PM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by CO Lightfoot
Actually, I looked in this thread to see Racer's latest avatar.
She is so top heavy she can't even sit up.
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 08:36 PM
  #10  
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Not bashing automatics, they are great, but don't limit your transmission choice simply on the fact that you don't already know how to drive a manual. You can always learn the manual if you choose to go that route.
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 10:43 PM
  #11  
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Go for the 08. More hp and more interior trim. Welcome, it's not just a Vette, it's a lifestyle!
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