SuprChrgdC7

need debate solved....I have a good friend asking if its worth buying a cheaper C7 Stingray and then having a shop install the GS widebody kit afterwards or just shoot for a newer GrandSport. He's a big HP guy and wants the wider rear wheels for traction, etc. Claims buying a used car close to $40k and then bodywork is another $10k, he still saves almost $10k on a GS. The balance he can use for a supercharger, etc. I say just on the GS from the start and avoid headaches. What's ur thougths?

roadbike56

Because he's going to mod the engine, the warranty will be void on a new car so that's not a plus in this instance. If the $$$numbers are correct, it might actually be worth it to widen the 2014. Keep in mind the GS has different wheels/tires and bigger brakes. Village Idiot just bought a GS and traded in his Stingray. He can post the advantages of the GS. If he doesn't post here, send him a PM.

CharLT

I think there are additional differences beyond just wider wheels and body such as additional engine/transmission cooling, magnetic ride suspension, Z06 brakes, etc. I've read that the actual cost difference between similarly spec'd Z51 and Grand Sport is about $5k which gets you widebody, Z06 brakes, splitter, spoiler, wider wheels/tires, Z06 vents, etc.

If none of that matters because he's going to fully build it anyway, then maybe it makes sense to start with the cheapest platform.

The_Chief

It'll definitely be cheaper if all he wants is tires and a wide body kit, but not by much.

There are a lot of supercharged stingrays with wide body kits out there. I'm willing to bet the total costs rival that of a brand new GS. The trade off is hp for handling.

JerryU

Buy a used Z06 and get an engine designed for the extra power, a hood that fits the GM supercharger with the software maps that have the correct air/fuel ratio, brakes that will stop it and the HD suspension that includes the rear sway bar, stiff springs and matching shocks the base C7 does not. Also the base C7 does not have a dry sump or eLSD which the extra power needs, or the needed dif cooler a trans cooler (a std shift C7 base car does not have one.)

Oh yea, you also get the rear fenders and wide tires!

Davids65

What good is HP if it doesn't handle?
As for value I think any money you put in to the car would not only NOT INCREASE the value but DECREASE due to someone not wanting a modded car! If the plan is to keep it and drive it till death do you part well then that is a choice only you can make.
I like to keep my cars stock therefore I bought a GS 2lt with everything just the way I liked it.

proexpert

Get the Z06.

jimmie jam

If you are committed to keeping the car for 6+ years or more (and drive the hell out of it) then buy one and mod the crap out of it to make it special for YOU. If not, then buy a used Z and be happy.

Big Lebowski

Grand Sport hands down.

davepl

Stingray + bodykit + supercharger == Z06 (but without professional engineering)

DAFFYDRUNK

I also say Z06 in this application. Unless the guy is a serious DIY, he'd be 5k away after wide body and supercharger upgrades.

ya3coub

Unless there is an official proper OEM way for the rear I'm not interested.

I really need the rear to be wider & have proper concave on the wheels.

I'm still not sure, how.


+ I'm into stingray or a Grandsport with supercharge & some proper moods & You're way beyond the Z06 with loads of parts/ options availability for future upgrades

DickieDoo

There was a forum member here who did it, i believe he said it wasn't worth all the effort. Just buy a GS
Search for thread.

SuprChrgdC7

i agree with everyone, time for his factory GS.

...as far as a Z06, Im in the market for that! plenty of power & reliability from the factory for me.

Johnp94

I'm lucky to have all the parts for wide body conversion. But GS were around 60k off the lot over the winter. Maybe you can get a used one for $50,000 this winter. This is a good plan except for the torque converter worries. Because of this reason I'm going with 2014 Z51 then wide body conversion.

village idiot

There are a lot of little things with a grand sport.
There are the big ones- mag ride, wheels, tires, brakes, rotors, fenders, etc but there little things like the duct work, spoiler, the extra engine oil cooler, etc. The rear fenders are no small task to swap either.