One week, 1900 miles - I LOVE IT!
12-15-2013, 07:18 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
One week, 1900 miles - I LOVE IT!
I picked up my Z51 at the Museum on Monday and drove it home to PHX, leaving Monday at noon and getting home Wednesday at noon.
I put on 1,740 miles, including a self-imposed break-in period where I changed speeds and gears regularly to allow the rings and valves to seat. After that I drove between 80 and 85 mph. Weather was very cold (ranging from 35 to -3), but I only ran into rain around Little Rock, AZ. There was ice on the shoulders and the streets, but the Interstates were clear and - for the most part - dry.
This is my fifth Museum Delivery since September 2001, so I'm used to the drive. All that said . . . I LOVE THIS CAR. While the C6 was a minor improvement over the C5, this is a totally new car. The only thing that was familiar about the vehicle was the door latches, the HUD, the over the hood view and the clutch / transmission. The 7 speed feels very much like the 6 speed. But I feel like an idiot - I keep trying to back up by putting it in 7th. IT DOESN'T WORK.
What do I LOVE about the C7. A whole lot, primarily:
1. The TIGHTNESS. It goes over bumps more like an MB or Range Rover than a Corvette. No body flex, squeaks or rattles. For the first time in over 40 years, I don't feel like I have to slow down for railroad tracks.
2. The instrument panel. You have so many choices, and you can customize the gauges and information to your personal needs.
3. The driving mode control. You can drive in TOUR around town to reduce ride harshness, to ECON on the freeway to take advantage of the better fuel economy from cylinder deactivation, etc. Plus, I strongly prefer the steering quickness & precision in the SPORT mode, so I specify it under all conditions. Similarly, I can lock the NPP exhaust on the open position at all times, to enjoy the sound of the engine.
4. I was concerned about visibility with the small third quarter windows, but they are adequate if you use them in conjunction with the mirrors.
5. Driving in unfamiliar areas, it's easy to miss a speed limit sign. But with NAV, there's a toggle on the IP that allows me to scroll down to a SPEED LIMIT SIGN. You can also check tire pressures and more things than you'll ever care about. And you can customize all of these features to your own personal needs and driving priorities.
IN SUM, IT'S AN AMAZING VEHICLE. Tadge and his team have done something incredible - especially when you consider that they did it while GM was IN BANKRUPtCY and there were doubts that another generation would even be built. If ever there were evidence that racing improves the breed, it's this car!
If you're on the fence - GO FOR IT. It's an awesome car, built by a great crew in the Bowling Green Assembly Plant. YOU WILL LOVE IT.
I put on 1,740 miles, including a self-imposed break-in period where I changed speeds and gears regularly to allow the rings and valves to seat. After that I drove between 80 and 85 mph. Weather was very cold (ranging from 35 to -3), but I only ran into rain around Little Rock, AZ. There was ice on the shoulders and the streets, but the Interstates were clear and - for the most part - dry.
This is my fifth Museum Delivery since September 2001, so I'm used to the drive. All that said . . . I LOVE THIS CAR. While the C6 was a minor improvement over the C5, this is a totally new car. The only thing that was familiar about the vehicle was the door latches, the HUD, the over the hood view and the clutch / transmission. The 7 speed feels very much like the 6 speed. But I feel like an idiot - I keep trying to back up by putting it in 7th. IT DOESN'T WORK.
What do I LOVE about the C7. A whole lot, primarily:
1. The TIGHTNESS. It goes over bumps more like an MB or Range Rover than a Corvette. No body flex, squeaks or rattles. For the first time in over 40 years, I don't feel like I have to slow down for railroad tracks.
2. The instrument panel. You have so many choices, and you can customize the gauges and information to your personal needs.
3. The driving mode control. You can drive in TOUR around town to reduce ride harshness, to ECON on the freeway to take advantage of the better fuel economy from cylinder deactivation, etc. Plus, I strongly prefer the steering quickness & precision in the SPORT mode, so I specify it under all conditions. Similarly, I can lock the NPP exhaust on the open position at all times, to enjoy the sound of the engine.
4. I was concerned about visibility with the small third quarter windows, but they are adequate if you use them in conjunction with the mirrors.
5. Driving in unfamiliar areas, it's easy to miss a speed limit sign. But with NAV, there's a toggle on the IP that allows me to scroll down to a SPEED LIMIT SIGN. You can also check tire pressures and more things than you'll ever care about. And you can customize all of these features to your own personal needs and driving priorities.
IN SUM, IT'S AN AMAZING VEHICLE. Tadge and his team have done something incredible - especially when you consider that they did it while GM was IN BANKRUPtCY and there were doubts that another generation would even be built. If ever there were evidence that racing improves the breed, it's this car!
If you're on the fence - GO FOR IT. It's an awesome car, built by a great crew in the Bowling Green Assembly Plant. YOU WILL LOVE IT.
Last edited by loyalsince72; 12-15-2013 at 10:49 PM. Reason: respacing
12-15-2013, 07:45 PM
#5
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Member Since: Apr 2013
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2020 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I hope to be doing the same heading to Vegas in Feb. Hope it doesn't snow!
12-15-2013, 08:08 PM
#7
Safety Car
Member Since: Dec 2011
Location: New Rochelle N.Y. 2013 Grand Sport
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I picked up my Z51 at the Museum on Monday and drove it home to PHX, leaving Monday at noon and getting home Wednesday at noon.
I put on 1,740 miles, including a self-imposed break-in period where I changed speeds and gears regularly to allow the rings and valves to seat. After that I drove between 80 and 85 mph. Weather was very cold (ranging from 35 to -3), but I only ran into rain around Little Rock, AZ. There was ice on the shoulders and the streets, but the Interstates were clear and - for the most part - dry.
This is my fifth Museum Delivery since September 2001, so I'm used to the drive. All that said . . . I LOVE THIS CAR. While the C6 was a minor improvement over the C5, this is a totally new car. The only thing that was familiar about the vehicle was the door latches, the HUD, the over the hood view and the clutch / transmission. The 7 speed feels very much like the 6 speed. But I feel like an idiot - I keep trying to back up by putting it in 7th. IT DOESN'T WORK.
What do I LOVE about the C7. A whole lot, primarily:
1. The TIGHTNESS. It goes over bumps more like an MB or Range Rover than a Corvette. No body flex, squeaks or rattles. For the first time in over 40 years, I don't feel like I have to slow down for railroad tracks.
2. The instrument panel. You have so many choices, and you can customize the gauges and information to your personal needs.
3. The driving mode control. You can drive in TOUR around town to reduce ride harshness, to ECON on the freeway to take advantage of the better fuel economy from cylinder deactivation, etc. Plus, I strongly prefer the steering quickness & precision in the SPORT mode, so I specify it under all conditions. Similarly, I can lock the NPP exhaust on the open position at all times, to enjoy the sound of the engine.
4. I was concerned about visibility with the small third quarter windows, but they are adequate if you use them in conjunction with the mirrors.
5. Driving in unfamiliar areas, it's easy to miss a speed limit sign. But with NAV, there's a toggle on the IP that allows me to scroll down to a SPEED LIMIT SIGN. You can also check tire pressures and more things than you'll ever care about. And you can customize all of these features to your own personal needs and driving priorities.
IN SUM, IT'S AN AMAZING VEHICLE. Tadge and his team have done something incredible - especially when you consider that they did it while GM was IN BANKRUPtCY and there were doubts that another generation would even be built. If ever there were evidence that racing improves the breed, it's this car!
If you're on the fence - GO FOR IT. It's an awesome car, built by a great crew in the Bowling Green Assembly Plant. YOU WILL LOVE IT.
I put on 1,740 miles, including a self-imposed break-in period where I changed speeds and gears regularly to allow the rings and valves to seat. After that I drove between 80 and 85 mph. Weather was very cold (ranging from 35 to -3), but I only ran into rain around Little Rock, AZ. There was ice on the shoulders and the streets, but the Interstates were clear and - for the most part - dry.
This is my fifth Museum Delivery since September 2001, so I'm used to the drive. All that said . . . I LOVE THIS CAR. While the C6 was a minor improvement over the C5, this is a totally new car. The only thing that was familiar about the vehicle was the door latches, the HUD, the over the hood view and the clutch / transmission. The 7 speed feels very much like the 6 speed. But I feel like an idiot - I keep trying to back up by putting it in 7th. IT DOESN'T WORK.
What do I LOVE about the C7. A whole lot, primarily:
1. The TIGHTNESS. It goes over bumps more like an MB or Range Rover than a Corvette. No body flex, squeaks or rattles. For the first time in over 40 years, I don't feel like I have to slow down for railroad tracks.
2. The instrument panel. You have so many choices, and you can customize the gauges and information to your personal needs.
3. The driving mode control. You can drive in TOUR around town to reduce ride harshness, to ECON on the freeway to take advantage of the better fuel economy from cylinder deactivation, etc. Plus, I strongly prefer the steering quickness & precision in the SPORT mode, so I specify it under all conditions. Similarly, I can lock the NPP exhaust on the open position at all times, to enjoy the sound of the engine.
4. I was concerned about visibility with the small third quarter windows, but they are adequate if you use them in conjunction with the mirrors.
5. Driving in unfamiliar areas, it's easy to miss a speed limit sign. But with NAV, there's a toggle on the IP that allows me to scroll down to a SPEED LIMIT SIGN. You can also check tire pressures and more things than you'll ever care about. And you can customize all of these features to your own personal needs and driving priorities.
IN SUM, IT'S AN AMAZING VEHICLE. Tadge and his team have done something incredible - especially when you consider that they did it while GM was IN BANKRUPtCY and there were doubts that another generation would even be built. If ever there were evidence that racing improves the breed, it's this car!
If you're on the fence - GO FOR IT. It's an awesome car, built by a great crew in the Bowling Green Assembly Plant. YOU WILL LOVE IT.
12-15-2013, 08:14 PM
#9
Racer
Thread Starter
12-15-2013, 08:16 PM
#10
Racer
Thread Starter
12-15-2013, 10:23 PM
#13
Racer
Thread Starter
I noticed that, with the a/c off, there was a point where the system went from fresh air to heat, and that point varied with outside temperature. I started out in the 30s and that point was around 70. As it got colder outside, that point dropped - to 64 degrees when the outside air was in the mid-20s. Kind of puzzled me, but maybe I should have left the auto temp control on.
12-15-2013, 10:28 PM
#14
Racer
Thread Starter
I was disappointed with the fuel economy, but I think it had something to do with the outside temperature. Outside temps ranged from 35 to -3 (in Rio Muerto, NM), and I averaged 24.2 with the cylinder deactivation shut off. I got 26.3 coming back in my 08 with the 6A trans, and 27.6 in my 07 with the six speed manual.
Yet, once I got down into the valley and temperatures hit the 60s, my mileage significantly improved. I saw 40 mpg on the instant and my "best 50 miles" jumped from 26.8 to 32.2
