GS Question...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 979
Likes: 102
From: El Paso Texas
I have the selective ride on a 2011 GS. It is a 2 level dial. I almost never take it off tour. The sport level is very stiff and I think for tracking or very spirited driving. Around town it is not comfortable.
Do NOT get a car without NPP, however.
Do NOT get a car without NPP, however.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 3,975
From: Omaha
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Do you need either option? No. But then you probably really don't need a Corvette. MSRC and NPP are both very worthwhile, and make the car much more livable and fun (especially if you're married or have a girlfriend). Most females will appreciate the more refined ride in Tour, and will definitely prefer the NPP in "closed/normal" mode. Honestly, I typically prefer both in those modes when on road trips. Around town I tend to leave the NPP open, but leave MSRC in Tour, but if I want to hit some corners, it's very easy to flick over to Sport, which does make a noticeable difference. For me, both were must haves since I was buying the car new, but then so was 4LT which many people don't get (and yes, I think 4LT is definitely worth it, much nicer than the regular interior). My advise is get MSRC, NPP and 4LT if you can, but don't let not getting them stop you from buying a GS.
One piece of advise I Strongly agree with is get rid of the stock Goodyears!!! I just upgraded to Cup wheels (1" larger diameter) with Michelins, and it's amazing how much better they are. In less than a mile I could notice the ride quality and noise level were significantly improved and that traction was better. This was with about 5K miles on the Goodyears.
One piece of advise I Strongly agree with is get rid of the stock Goodyears!!! I just upgraded to Cup wheels (1" larger diameter) with Michelins, and it's amazing how much better they are. In less than a mile I could notice the ride quality and noise level were significantly improved and that traction was better. This was with about 5K miles on the Goodyears.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 732
Likes: 2
From: Baxter MN
As I recall, the GS "inherited" the Z51 suspension system and there was no longer a Z51 available as an option from 2010 - 2013. (I won't swear to this, but I believe this was the case.) Car magazines from the 2010 era pretty much concluded that the "base" GS suspension was the way to go. We bought our GS new and because of the very good suspension put into these cars, we specifically did NOT want a car with MSC.
As for the NPP - outstanding. Lots of fun to be able to toggle a switch and be just a bit too loud, or go back the other way and have a pleasent touring car.
Best wishes.
Glen
As for the NPP - outstanding. Lots of fun to be able to toggle a switch and be just a bit too loud, or go back the other way and have a pleasent touring car.
Best wishes.
Glen
16 Vettes and counting…..
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,811
Likes: 1,146
Do you need either option? No. But then you probably really don't need a Corvette. MSRC and NPP are both very worthwhile, and make the car much more livable and fun (especially if you're married or have a girlfriend). Most females will appreciate the more refined ride in Tour, and will definitely prefer the NPP in "closed/normal" mode. Honestly, I typically prefer both in those modes when on road trips. Around town I tend to leave the NPP open, but leave MSRC in Tour, but if I want to hit some corners, it's very easy to flick over to Sport, which does make a noticeable difference. For me, both were must haves since I was buying the car new, but then so was 4LT which many people don't get (and yes, I think 4LT is definitely worth it, much nicer than the regular interior). My advise is get MSRC, NPP and 4LT if you can, but don't let not getting them stop you from buying a GS.
One piece of advise I Strongly agree with is get rid of the stock Goodyears!!! I just upgraded to Cup wheels (1" larger diameter) with Michelins, and it's amazing how much better they are. In less than a mile I could notice the ride quality and noise level were significantly improved and that traction was better. This was with about 5K miles on the Goodyears.
One piece of advise I Strongly agree with is get rid of the stock Goodyears!!! I just upgraded to Cup wheels (1" larger diameter) with Michelins, and it's amazing how much better they are. In less than a mile I could notice the ride quality and noise level were significantly improved and that traction was better. This was with about 5K miles on the Goodyears.
The Goodyears are horrible. I went with Nitto Invos and it's truly like a different car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,576
Likes: 206
From: Mooresville North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18
I have a 2012 GS 3LT with both NPP and magnetic ride select. The NPP is my favorite option. Love it. On the other hand, I personally have not really found the mag ride to be anything I can really detect when I switch between the two settings. Now granted, I am not running road courses either so maybe if I was, I would sing a different tune. Plus this is my first Corvette so I don't know what one that doesn't have it at all would feel like. But if I was to buy one tomorrow, the only option I have that I would question would be whether or not to buy the magnetic ride select. bob..
Totally!...I cannot tell much of a difference between touring and sport...maybe a very slight feeling in the steering but nothing at all in the ride...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,576
Likes: 206
From: Mooresville North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 21
From: Bern Switzerland
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 19,574
Likes: 167
From: Frederick, MD
NPP option can be added on with NPP in a box plus used NPP mufflers or an NPP like system (I think Borla makes one).
MRC cannot be added without great expense so if that is one option you want then you need to find one with it. Those with it will tell you it is a great option, those without it will say it is not. I had two GS C6s, one with it and one without it. I thought I wasn't missing anything without it but it is a great system. It keeps the wife happier which is always a good thing on a long trip. I've had F55 on 2 C6s and no problems with either system.
MRC cannot be added without great expense so if that is one option you want then you need to find one with it. Those with it will tell you it is a great option, those without it will say it is not. I had two GS C6s, one with it and one without it. I thought I wasn't missing anything without it but it is a great system. It keeps the wife happier which is always a good thing on a long trip. I've had F55 on 2 C6s and no problems with either system.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 98
From: York PA
Thank you to a all......! Have appreciated the the input and based upon what I have heard, my choice would be either a 12 or 13 GS and my "must haves" will be a color I like, the 3lt trim and would like the NPP but can mod wth a Borla or Corsa later. I don think the selectable ride will be necessary.....nice but not a deal breaker. Can't wait to get back into the Vette world!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 986
Likes: 150
From: California
Thank you to a all......! Have appreciated the the input and based upon what I have heard, my choice would be either a 12 or 13 GS and my "must haves" will be a color I like, the 3lt trim and would like the NPP but can mod wth a Borla or Corsa later. I don think the selectable ride will be necessary.....nice but not a deal breaker. Can't wait to get back into the Vette world!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 149
From: North Carolina
'11 GS with NPP and without F55. On the stock shocks I can say I probably would have preferred the F55 suspension. I found the car a little too unsettled on rough roads. However I switched to Koni FSD shocks and noticed a significant improvement in both highway ride and handling; particularly on rougher surfaces. I also recently added Pfadt JOC sway bars and feel I'm not missing anything compared to the F55. So, I think the F55 is a great system and worth the money, but there are a lot of options with the standard GS suspension that are very good.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 678
Likes: 14
From: Carlisle KY
I've owned four Corvettes, including a 2011 GS. It didn't have NPP or selective ride.
I had NPP an an 08 coupe and never cared for it much. I preferred the GS's not having it.
I think the GS's suspension is very well tuned. The ride, to me, wasn't especially harsh. My C5 Z06 rides rougher.
I had NPP an an 08 coupe and never cared for it much. I preferred the GS's not having it.
I think the GS's suspension is very well tuned. The ride, to me, wasn't especially harsh. My C5 Z06 rides rougher.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 251
From: Baltimore Maryland
Wow, what an interesting thread for me to read, cause as I posted I have a 13 GS 6-speed manual coupe with both the NPP and the Magnetic ride. Believe it or not, if I could only have one it would surely be the magnetic shocks.
I see the NPP as fun and cool, sort of like a gimmick or a toy. I know there's a few extra hp, but not enough to make a major difference to me. But I feel a definite difference with the two settings of the magnetic shocks, which makes this a much more useful option to me than a slightly louder exhaust.
I guess I am in the minority on this one . . . but luckily I have both options I don't have to choose.
I see the NPP as fun and cool, sort of like a gimmick or a toy. I know there's a few extra hp, but not enough to make a major difference to me. But I feel a definite difference with the two settings of the magnetic shocks, which makes this a much more useful option to me than a slightly louder exhaust.
I guess I am in the minority on this one . . . but luckily I have both options I don't have to choose.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 16,012
Likes: 828
Thank you to a all......! Have appreciated the the input and based upon what I have heard, my choice would be either a 12 or 13 GS and my "must haves" will be a color I like, the 3lt trim and would like the NPP but can mod wth a Borla or Corsa later. I don think the selectable ride will be necessary.....nice but not a deal breaker. Can't wait to get back into the Vette world!
We can’t wait to have you back in the Vette world as well! Let me know if you have any questions and I will be more than happy to help. What color are you thinking? We can’t wait to see it, post pictures for us!
Jennie R.
Chevrolet Customer Care
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 4
From: 34°0′34″N 95°30′53″W Indian Territory
I've got to add about the NPP... When I was at the plant watching my car built that I can only remember seeing a small number of cars *NOT* getting NPP. The very vast majority were getting it. In fact, I can only vividly remember seeing only one or two cars getting the standard exhaust. I did not see every car on the line but the ones I was around and seeing what they were getting had NPP. It's evidently a very popular option. I would also guess that at $1,200 it's a very profitable option for Chevy - how much more could it actually cost over the standard exhaust??? I almost didn't get NPP because I wanted to not spend the money - after many, many people here on the forum urging me to get it I caved in and did. I do not regret it - it's such a cool option. I put on the Exhaust Commander that works from the visor button too - well worth the money. I ride with the valves open most of the time but when I have someone riding with me or am on a long road-trip like ride I'll quieten it up.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 103
Likes: 2
From: Chester New York
I've got to add about the NPP... When I was at the plant watching my car built that I can only remember seeing a small number of cars *NOT* getting NPP. The very vast majority were getting it. In fact, I can only vividly remember seeing only one or two cars getting the standard exhaust. I did not see every car on the line but the ones I was around and seeing what they were getting had NPP. It's evidently a very popular option. I would also guess that at $1,200 it's a very profitable option for Chevy - how much more could it actually cost over the standard exhaust??? I almost didn't get NPP because I wanted to not spend the money - after many, many people here on the forum urging me to get it I caved in and did. I do not regret it - it's such a cool option. I put on the Exhaust Commander that works from the visor button too - well worth the money. I ride with the valves open most of the time but when I have someone riding with me or am on a long road-trip like ride I'll quieten it up.