Thinking about another one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,079
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From: DFW, Tejas!
C5 to C6 is kind of like the opposite of C6 to C7.
C5 to C6 made a big engine upgrade (345? hp to 400/435) but the rest of the car didn't change much.
C6 to C7 didn't do much to upgrade the engine* (435 to 460) but wow the chassis, suspension, interior, etc upgrades.
C5 to C6 made a big engine upgrade (345? hp to 400/435) but the rest of the car didn't change much.
C6 to C7 didn't do much to upgrade the engine* (435 to 460) but wow the chassis, suspension, interior, etc upgrades.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
Likes: 3,501
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
Before I purchased my Corvette 2 years ago I was looking at a good used C6. I test drove a couple and really liked them. Great cars and I think their design is timeless. Doesn't look outdated to me.
Then my wife suggested I buy new because she knew I liked the looks of C7 better than the C6. I test drove a C7 and I couldn't go back to looking for a C6. I was hooked. Everything to do with it seemed significantly better. And for the price difference it was a no brainer. The only thing of it now is I wish I had bought a Z06. Yes. My friend had a Z06 and I made the "mistake" of driving it and fell in love with the extra power, and especially the torque. But my Stingray is great and I absolutely love it.
Then my wife suggested I buy new because she knew I liked the looks of C7 better than the C6. I test drove a C7 and I couldn't go back to looking for a C6. I was hooked. Everything to do with it seemed significantly better. And for the price difference it was a no brainer. The only thing of it now is I wish I had bought a Z06. Yes. My friend had a Z06 and I made the "mistake" of driving it and fell in love with the extra power, and especially the torque. But my Stingray is great and I absolutely love it.
Last edited by joemessman; Dec 29, 2017 at 11:45 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 939
From: Bonney Lake Washington
Though they were convertibles
I had a 2012 GS Conv 6 sp manual for about two years and took the plunge and bought a '14 Z51 conv 7 sp manual; in brief the C6 felt like a cruiser, the C7 a sports car, they feel that different.....haven't driven the C7 GS but it sounds like it may be even more of a difference....
CF Senior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 686
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From: Chicago IL
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 997
Likes: 210
From: Schaumburg IL
I have been out looking at 2lt corvettes and I was looking at the seven speed manual transmission it just seams like a lot of shifting but I figure with the gearing as close as it is skipping a gear hear and there is not an issue.
What are your opinions on the manual transmission?
Z51 package?
Right now I am looking at the following all coup's
2017 2lt New manual
2017 2lt/z51 Used under 5K miles manual
2018 2lt/z51 automatic new
I am not in a hurry, I often buy toys out of season.
Jack
What are your opinions on the manual transmission?
Z51 package?
Right now I am looking at the following all coup's
2017 2lt New manual
2017 2lt/z51 Used under 5K miles manual
2018 2lt/z51 automatic new
I am not in a hurry, I often buy toys out of season.
Jack
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
Likes: 3,501
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
^^^I'm going with the manual on my next one. I have the A8 now and it has been terrific. But I believe the manual will be more fun and the car will be less boring to drive. I just want to be more involved in the driving experience.
The car has so much torque that skipping a few gears won't be an issue, at least on the Z06 a friend of mine has that I drive occasionally. His pretty much sold me on going to a manual.
The car has so much torque that skipping a few gears won't be an issue, at least on the Z06 a friend of mine has that I drive occasionally. His pretty much sold me on going to a manual.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 22,709
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From: Hillsborough NC
NC Events Coordinator
I have the LT1 and for street driving it has everything I want. I find myself on freeway on-ramps doing 70+ in third and I just slip into 5th as I'm already going the speed of traffic. Similarly I go from second to fourth all the time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,800
Likes: 2,653
From: Down south in Dixie
I sold my '72 Roadster, and bought a C6. Owned two of those, and both were great cars. I then went to the C7. Jack, get the C7. You will not be disappointed.
As far as a manual vs. an auto. If possible drive one of each. Your gut will tell you which one to buy. Good luck on your decision. Either way you go, you will be happy, happy, happy.
As far as a manual vs. an auto. If possible drive one of each. Your gut will tell you which one to buy. Good luck on your decision. Either way you go, you will be happy, happy, happy.
Last edited by Rebel Yell; Jan 4, 2018 at 03:17 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 997
Likes: 210
From: Schaumburg IL
Test Drive
So I did a test drive today, actually three of them.
Used 2017 Z06 manual - I could hurt myself in this car, right now to much car for what I am looking for.
Used 2017 GS 2lt - I love the look of the wide body it was a rougher ride than the base stingray which is expected how much of it was due to the cold tires I am not sure.
Used 2017 2lt corvette - nice car nice ride
So now I am thinking GS or not GS.
Jack
Used 2017 Z06 manual - I could hurt myself in this car, right now to much car for what I am looking for.
Used 2017 GS 2lt - I love the look of the wide body it was a rougher ride than the base stingray which is expected how much of it was due to the cold tires I am not sure.
Used 2017 2lt corvette - nice car nice ride
So now I am thinking GS or not GS.
Jack
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 32,042
Likes: 4,610
2017
Base engine C7
3LT trim top of the line
Convertible
M7 Manual 7-speed - I wouldn't ever own an auto trans Corvette again.
MSRC Magnetic Selective Ride Control
'Z51 look'
Unless you're a Street Racer or a Track denizen, no need/desire for the Z51 or GS.
Base engine C7
3LT trim top of the line
Convertible
M7 Manual 7-speed - I wouldn't ever own an auto trans Corvette again.
MSRC Magnetic Selective Ride Control
'Z51 look'
Unless you're a Street Racer or a Track denizen, no need/desire for the Z51 or GS.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 192
Likes: 25
Let us know what you select Jack. You're making the right decision on the C7. There was no GS when I bought my Z51. Very happy with my purchase and the pricing was great. The aero features on the GS are nice and if I had a choice now with relatively the same price as a Z51, I would do the GS for the aero. I'm not looking to change though and am completely happy with my 3LT Z51.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,800
Likes: 2,653
From: Down south in Dixie
Another tough decision Jack. I'm kinda glad the GS wasn't an option when I bought. Mine was Z51, or base. I drove a Z51 (without the mag ride) that I imagine has a ride close to the GS. It was a bit stiffer than the base ride. We decided to go with the base because we enjoy doing long road trips in our Vettes. The base has a great, and smooth ride on long distances. And, it still has much more handling ability than I'll ever need. I guess it boils down to how you will use the car will have a bearing on your decision between the two.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 8,133
Likes: 144
From: Ex-SF Bay Area; now happily Denver area
I have both a C6 Z51 and a 2016 C7 Z51. The C6 is really nice but the C7 is so much more advanced. Due to a medical condition I switched to an A8 in the C7 and actually like it a lot. My friend also has a 2016 C7 but with an M7. However, after driving my auto from Idaho to California he is now considering a C7 Z06 with an auto.
Bottomline, get what you like most, but I'd recommend the C7 with at least the 2 LT trim.
Bottomline, get what you like most, but I'd recommend the C7 with at least the 2 LT trim.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 997
Likes: 210
From: Schaumburg IL
I bought a 2014 2lt Z51 7M with under $2,000.00 miles on the car at a price where I could just pay for it.
Here are a couple of pictures, she is wet.
I am picking her up next week she is getting detailed now.
Jack
Here are a couple of pictures, she is wet.
I am picking her up next week she is getting detailed now.
Jack
Last edited by Jack605; Jan 13, 2018 at 09:08 AM. Reason: manual trans
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Obviously the 2017 will be a higher purchase price and have the latest and greatest from GM. There really is nothing wrong with the 2011 GS - it’s a nice car with good performance. Your best bet is to just drive both cars and see which one fits your needs, including budget.