Advice please...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 98
From: York PA
Advice please...
Hi guys…. I was one of the original C6 section founders back in 04 when some of us started ordering our 2005 Vettes…..left when I sold out in 07. BUTTT……am considering a return and am looking at a 12 GS with 4500 miles on the meter. Interested in knowing what one item you might suggest I look for or lookout for …… or "need to know" item? Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
St. Jude Donor '14
Nothing I can think of off the top of my head: get a carfax, make sure everything's legitimate.
Outside of that, the usual small foibles you'd be looking at with any used car you'll want to inspect on the 'vette. I don't know of anything significant on the '12 GS though that you'd want to keep an eye out for.
Make sure you take it for a test drive and have it inspected by a mechanic you trust.
Outside of that, the usual small foibles you'd be looking at with any used car you'll want to inspect on the 'vette. I don't know of anything significant on the '12 GS though that you'd want to keep an eye out for.
Make sure you take it for a test drive and have it inspected by a mechanic you trust.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 12,391
Likes: 4,192
From: Huskerland
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Welcome back to Corvette world.....I don't think there is a lot to be concerned with on the GS line as far as glitches. The only thing I can think of is be aware that the exhaust systems were changed in 12 and 13 to include a pair of catalytic converters under the console. The heat they generate can be enough that some folks are bothered by it and some aren't.
Good luck in your search the Grand Sport is a great car......I love my 2010.....
Good luck in your search the Grand Sport is a great car......I love my 2010.....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 387
From: Fort Worth TX
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
The early production '12's had a recall for a rear hing (deck lid) replacement....no big deal, was replaced free of charge. As a '12 GS owner with 35K on the clock, just flatten out the front & rear alignment to .05 degree camber max and .100 toe in Max. and have fun driving. 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 98
From: York PA
The early production '12's had a recall for a rear hing (deck lid) replacement....no big deal, was replaced free of charge. As a '12 GS owner with 35K on the clock, just flatten out the front & rear alignment to .05 degree camber max and .100 toe in Max. and have fun driving.
I seem to have been picking up on the alignment issue as I have been lurking here…… thanks for the advice! …..also the brake dust. I don't remember the brake dust issue on my 05. I am assuming the alignment adjust will help with some of the tire wear i have also been reading about?
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 98
From: York PA
Ok…..appreciate all the info! Amazing…. I can remember when I knew "everything" about a C6 (05 version!) 
Anyway…. how about the "performance exhaust" feature…..is that standard on the GS or was that an option that may or may not be on the vehicle?
Anyway…. how about the "performance exhaust" feature…..is that standard on the GS or was that an option that may or may not be on the vehicle?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,004
Likes: 2,705
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Automatically goes to straight pipes about 3500 rpm, or you can get a Mild to Wild switch and open it any time you want. I like the foot switch, some have a separate clicker, and the Exhaust Commander programs it through the DIC buttons. All are great!
F55 magnestic suspension is available on the 2011 (?) and later GS, you can have a relatively soft ride for cruising but stiff for twisties or track use.
F55 magnestic suspension is available on the 2011 (?) and later GS, you can have a relatively soft ride for cruising but stiff for twisties or track use.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
St. Jude Donor '14
Automatically goes to straight pipes about 3500 rpm, or you can get a Mild to Wild switch and open it any time you want. I like the foot switch, some have a separate clicker, and the Exhaust Commander programs it through the DIC buttons. All are great!
F55 magnestic suspension is available on the 2011 (?) and later GS, you can have a relatively soft ride for cruising but stiff for twisties or track use.
F55 magnestic suspension is available on the 2011 (?) and later GS, you can have a relatively soft ride for cruising but stiff for twisties or track use.
The F55 suspension is.. Hit or miss. If you don't have it, don't worry about it. I've read more than a few comparison/reviews and people tend to lean towards the Z51 (GS in our case) suspension over the F55 due to a slightly loose feel to the suspension. I can't honestly comment though, as I don't have any experience with it. But I do know that F55 shocks are expensive as .... to replace.
You said a 12 GS but I forgot to ask, what interior code? 1/2/3/4LT? If it's 3 or above look for Bose speakers and the heads up display. If he says it's 3LT or 4LT and you don't have a HUD, he's lying. Then again, a carfax of the VIN will tell you all you need to know on that. Good luck again!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 98
From: York PA
Kind of.. Butterfly valves in the two inboard exhaust pipes open under certain conditions. 3500rpm, and certain gear variable speeds if I remember properly. You can get a mild-to-wild switch, or just pull the damn fuse (no check engine lights will come on, the fuse is inconsequential) to keep them open all the time.
The F55 suspension is.. Hit or miss. If you don't have it, don't worry about it. I've read more than a few comparison/reviews and people tend to lean towards the Z51 (GS in our case) suspension over the F55 due to a slightly loose feel to the suspension. I can't honestly comment though, as I don't have any experience with it. But I do know that F55 shocks are expensive as .... to replace.
You said a 12 GS but I forgot to ask, what interior code? 1/2/3/4LT? If it's 3 or above look for Bose speakers and the heads up display. If he says it's 3LT or 4LT and you don't have a HUD, he's lying. Then again, a carfax of the VIN will tell you all you need to know on that. Good luck again!
The F55 suspension is.. Hit or miss. If you don't have it, don't worry about it. I've read more than a few comparison/reviews and people tend to lean towards the Z51 (GS in our case) suspension over the F55 due to a slightly loose feel to the suspension. I can't honestly comment though, as I don't have any experience with it. But I do know that F55 shocks are expensive as .... to replace.
You said a 12 GS but I forgot to ask, what interior code? 1/2/3/4LT? If it's 3 or above look for Bose speakers and the heads up display. If he says it's 3LT or 4LT and you don't have a HUD, he's lying. Then again, a carfax of the VIN will tell you all you need to know on that. Good luck again!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I'd get an IVH ck at any GM dealer free to see what tsb's or warranty work has been done, if any. Might also show a block on partial warranty if detected.
Since tires are so expensive, I'd physically look at inner treads on all four.
Since tires are so expensive, I'd physically look at inner treads on all four.
Exactly!! …given this one, for sure!
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,265
Likes: 8,541
From: Rochester, NY
Nothing I can think of off the top of my head: get a carfax, make sure everything's legitimate.
Outside of that, the usual small foibles you'd be looking at with any used car you'll want to inspect on the 'vette. I don't know of anything significant on the '12 GS though that you'd want to keep an eye out for.
Make sure you take it for a test drive and have it inspected by a mechanic you trust.
Outside of that, the usual small foibles you'd be looking at with any used car you'll want to inspect on the 'vette. I don't know of anything significant on the '12 GS though that you'd want to keep an eye out for.
Make sure you take it for a test drive and have it inspected by a mechanic you trust.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: CA
If you are the kinda guy that will put on a custom exhaust I'd look for a car without NPP exhaust..... Otherwise it seems like a good system..... Works well and sounds good! I put a "Man Switch" in the glove box so I can turn it on and off.... It's usually on around town and when the roads demand "spirited" driving and off during long highway episodes. The NPP exhaust does drone a bit at highway speeds... The wiring instructions can be found in the forum with a search.... I think I have it saved somewhere if you need it...
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 12,391
Likes: 4,192
From: Huskerland
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
My early 2010 did not have the NPP exhaust and I don't even know if it was an option then. I put a Corsa Cat back Sport exhaust system on the car and the music it makes is melodious......plus a lot less moving parts....
Big time on the heated seats....I scoffed at those when I first bought the car from the original owner.....but now wouldn't give them up for anything......
Make sure the fuel gauge is working well and make sure you fill it and see that the gauge still works.......those fuel level sensors can get hinkey and there is no easy way to change them out......also use a Tier One fuel like Shell 91 octane in it.....
Also if you can buy any extended warranty on the car before the original warranty wears out.......I didn't and have kicked myself on several occasions.....
Big time on the heated seats....I scoffed at those when I first bought the car from the original owner.....but now wouldn't give them up for anything......
Make sure the fuel gauge is working well and make sure you fill it and see that the gauge still works.......those fuel level sensors can get hinkey and there is no easy way to change them out......also use a Tier One fuel like Shell 91 octane in it.....
Also if you can buy any extended warranty on the car before the original warranty wears out.......I didn't and have kicked myself on several occasions.....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 98
From: York PA
My early 2010 did not have the NPP exhaust and I don't even know if it was an option then. I put a Corsa Cat back Sport exhaust system on the car and the music it makes is melodious......plus a lot less moving parts....
Big time on the heated seats....I scoffed at those when I first bought the car from the original owner.....but now wouldn't give them up for anything......
Make sure the fuel gauge is working well and make sure you fill it and see that the gauge still works.......those fuel level sensors can get hinkey and there is no easy way to change them out......also use a Tier One fuel like Shell 91 octane in it.....
Also if you can buy any extended warranty on the car before the original warranty wears out.......I didn't and have kicked myself on several occasions.....
Big time on the heated seats....I scoffed at those when I first bought the car from the original owner.....but now wouldn't give them up for anything......
Make sure the fuel gauge is working well and make sure you fill it and see that the gauge still works.......those fuel level sensors can get hinkey and there is no easy way to change them out......also use a Tier One fuel like Shell 91 octane in it.....
Also if you can buy any extended warranty on the car before the original warranty wears out.......I didn't and have kicked myself on several occasions.....