C6 vs C7 for comfort
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
C6 vs C7 for comfort
I need some advice on two different topics from C7 owners who have owned a C6. I went directly from a C5 to a new C7 but I got claustrophobia and back aches from the small C7 cockpit due to my height (6"1'). Now that I've sold my C7, I've decided that I might be more comfortable in a 2013 427 Corvette Convertible. A friend who owns one told me that it has a roomier cockpit, is fast, and does not overheat.
What do you guys think about the 2013 427, is it comfortable and reliable? How about creaking and squeaks due to being a convertible?
I've read about some problems with C6 Z06 engines concerning the rods, guides, and so forth. The car has 18,000 miles and as such, has some factory warranty left on the drive train. Cosmo Motors, the dealer in Hickory N.C. is asking $54,000 for a white one with red interior; he claims the car "is as new." He also claims that the car can be registered in California (but didn't seem too certain over the phone). I know from the 2014 model year, all Corvettes are California approved, but I wonder if the 2013 required a California Emissions Certificate, which this car does not have.
Thanks in advance,
Albert
What do you guys think about the 2013 427, is it comfortable and reliable? How about creaking and squeaks due to being a convertible?
I've read about some problems with C6 Z06 engines concerning the rods, guides, and so forth. The car has 18,000 miles and as such, has some factory warranty left on the drive train. Cosmo Motors, the dealer in Hickory N.C. is asking $54,000 for a white one with red interior; he claims the car "is as new." He also claims that the car can be registered in California (but didn't seem too certain over the phone). I know from the 2014 model year, all Corvettes are California approved, but I wonder if the 2013 required a California Emissions Certificate, which this car does not have.
Thanks in advance,
Albert
#2
The Consigliere
Member Since: May 2006
Location: 2023 Z06 & 2010 ZR1
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I can't help with the California registration question, as I've never had to do that.
Am a former C6 Z06 owner, though, and am familiar with the LS7, which is the most fabulous sounding engine this side of Maranello, Italy. Great engine. That said, if you get the car, you really, really need to have the heads worked. Factor in about $3k to get the heads worked. Send them either to West Coast Cylinder Head (aka WCCH) or American Heritage (aka AH), both forum vendors and both recognized experts on fixing the LS7 valve guide/valve issue
The C6 does a bit more room than the C7, and of course it will feel open with a ragtop down.
The 427 convertible is a fairly low production Corvette, and as such a bit more rare than most. It's also a great looker and a strong runner.
Cool vette. If you get it, just be sure to get the heads fixed so you can enjoy it without worry.
Am a former C6 Z06 owner, though, and am familiar with the LS7, which is the most fabulous sounding engine this side of Maranello, Italy. Great engine. That said, if you get the car, you really, really need to have the heads worked. Factor in about $3k to get the heads worked. Send them either to West Coast Cylinder Head (aka WCCH) or American Heritage (aka AH), both forum vendors and both recognized experts on fixing the LS7 valve guide/valve issue
The C6 does a bit more room than the C7, and of course it will feel open with a ragtop down.
The 427 convertible is a fairly low production Corvette, and as such a bit more rare than most. It's also a great looker and a strong runner.
Cool vette. If you get it, just be sure to get the heads fixed so you can enjoy it without worry.
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hifiguy (05-02-2016)
#3
I owned a 2011 C6 and now have a 2015 C7. Both Cp. I am 6.2 and weigh 255lbs. I could get in and out of the C6 better and there seemed to be a bit more room in C6. I do prefer the seat in the C7. FWIW I love the 2013 427 Anniversary car. Probably last of the 427's so it would be a keeper. Almost bought one. My wife can not drive a stick shift. Her $ too so we went for the 2015 3LT and Z51. C7's have their issues with new A8 trans but as I recall some 427's developed a motor issue. Think it was a faulty valve guide. Worth checking out. Good luck.
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hifiguy (05-02-2016)
#4
Tech Contributor
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There is a reason why the C7 has the seats it has. The terrible C5 and C6 seats are that reason.
Bill
Bill
#5
Race Director
It has over 7,500 miles on it so the answer should be yes. It may have a 49 states label but CA requires CA label without jumping through hoops if it has less than 7,500 miles.
Here is some information from the CA DMV website:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1...t_facts/ffvr29
Here is some information from the CA DMV website:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1...t_facts/ffvr29
Last edited by Randy G.; 05-02-2016 at 11:37 PM.
#6
Race Director
I drove and enjoyed a C6 for 4 years. I find my C7 seats more form fitting with all the adjustability and I think they are more comfortable over the long haul.
#8
the OP doesn't like the C7's comfort levels. We all know there are those of you who think it's fantastic. It isn't for him, and it isn't for a lot of people. I'm 6'3 and just LOOKING in the cockpit of a C7 with everything shrunk down (steering wheel, leg room, seat room, etc) felt like I would be sitting in an oompa-loompa car. As far as space goes, the C5 has plenty of it. The C6 less so, but still has more room than the C7.
About 15 years ago they built mustang interiors so small to get into it, I had to have my knees up against my chest. It was ridiculous.
About 15 years ago they built mustang interiors so small to get into it, I had to have my knees up against my chest. It was ridiculous.
Last edited by CriticalmassGT; 05-03-2016 at 09:06 AM.
#9
Instructor
I'm a 6'3", 320 pound ex-football player / gym rat, and my size alone crushed my C5 seat over the years. I went from the C5 to C7, and I am actually comfortable in the seat, and it actually feels plenty sturdy enough to support an oaf like me for years to come.
#11
Drifting
I've owned every generation from C4 - C7.
My C6Z had about 120k miles on it when I traded out to the C7.
When I first started driving the C7, I noticed the seats hurting my left hamstring area a bit, but after 6k miles I guess the seat sort of conformed a bit and I don't notice it now.
IMO, the C7 is by far the most comfortable ride I've had in the vette family. I'm making the trip from West Texas to Orlando and back in mid June and am really looking forward to the roadtrip.
I'm 6'4 and 255.
My C6Z had about 120k miles on it when I traded out to the C7.
When I first started driving the C7, I noticed the seats hurting my left hamstring area a bit, but after 6k miles I guess the seat sort of conformed a bit and I don't notice it now.
IMO, the C7 is by far the most comfortable ride I've had in the vette family. I'm making the trip from West Texas to Orlando and back in mid June and am really looking forward to the roadtrip.
I'm 6'4 and 255.
#12
Drifting
I was surprised 6'1" is an issue for the OP. I am a long waisted 6'1" and fit. Head room is a bit tight but it works for me. I never owned a C6, so I can't compare the two generations.
#13
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jan 2006
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Don't worry about the convertible, it will be fine. I owned 2 C6's, and now a C7 vert. The tops are very quiet. As the seats go, after 10 years owning C6's I say the seats are fine. If you are planning the track the car they will not hold you in place as well as the C7, but day to day I never had a problem with them.
As the mechanical's go I'll let those that know answer those questions. Good luck on your decision.
As the mechanical's go I'll let those that know answer those questions. Good luck on your decision.
#14
C7
I have had a c2, c3, c4, c5, c6Z06 that I sold for the C7 , THE C7 are head and shoulders above any prior year corvette, Im 6:4 240 the seats and interior are finally not the laughing stock of the the industry, can still do better but by far the best most comfortable seats on generation Vette, of course in my opinion.
#15
Le Mans Master
just go read my thread I posted a few months ago...
Summarizes both cars pretty unbiased
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-thoughts.html
Summarizes both cars pretty unbiased
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-thoughts.html
#16
Drifting
The only thing better in my C6 was the seat cushion. It was softer and more pliable.
The C7 seat backs are better than the C6.
The headroom and legroom are the same.
I'm 6'3" and 240.
The C7 seat backs are better than the C6.
The headroom and legroom are the same.
I'm 6'3" and 240.
#17
Melting Slicks
I looked at the 427 in 2013 when they were new, but passed because they have the Z06 motor . . . a really great engine, but with some history of issues. In the C6 forum there are even a few 427's with problems, but I believe they occurred a lot earlier than 18,000 miles. I often wonder if I should have ignored the forum and bought that car.
As far as the seats - any comments here about the C6 seats are pretty useless unless they are specifically about a 2012 or 2013 model, when GM upgraded those seats for the end of the C6 run. Most posts about those specific newer seats were positive . . . not quite a C7 seat but the best of the C6s.
In fact, the 2013's are the last and also probably the best of the C6's, and that special beautiful 427 is the best of the 2013's. That's a damn fast convertible.
Good luck.
As far as the seats - any comments here about the C6 seats are pretty useless unless they are specifically about a 2012 or 2013 model, when GM upgraded those seats for the end of the C6 run. Most posts about those specific newer seats were positive . . . not quite a C7 seat but the best of the C6s.
In fact, the 2013's are the last and also probably the best of the C6's, and that special beautiful 427 is the best of the 2013's. That's a damn fast convertible.
Good luck.
Last edited by csf; 05-03-2016 at 04:52 PM.