Hi guys, I'm about ready to order a GS coupe and thought I'd post here to see if there are things I should look for or know while I build the car I want. any options I should avoid or any must-haves?

Any and all opinions and advice apreciated

Thanks!

 

 

As far as options and mush-haves you will get many varied responses on here. I feel it comes down to what will make you most comfortable in the car. It is yours to drive after all. Build it like you want it, place your order, and never look back.

 

2LT trim level and NPP exhaust and you are all set

 

One of the things I'm wondering about is the tire noise caused by the super wide tires on the GS. We are going to use this car to road-trip, would it make sense to stick with the narrow body and thus smaller tires of the standard Vette?

I have an X5 now with 335 35 20 on the rear and at about 20,000 miles the tire noise became unbearable - and even though the tires still had some life left I had to change them.

 

I didn't see an NPP exhaust option on the GS, I assume its standard?

 

That's correct.

 

Go to your dealer and get in a few and drive one. Will help a lot

 

I have had two 2017 GSs.....Std and Z07

Tire noise never bothered me

 

One of the good things about going with the GS is that a lot of the 'good stuff' comes in the GS package such as NPP exhaust, MRC, the larger Bremo Calipers to name just a few.

You've probably noticed some members here have strong feelings (one to the point it's an obsession) as to which trim/option package is best.
However it's best just look over the components of each (1, 2 and 3LT) vs. price differences and which features you feel you want and/or need and your decision shouldn't be difficult.
The best trim/option package is the one that best suites the individual C7 purchaser's needs.

The museum delivery package, where you take delivery of your new C7 at the National Corvette Museum may be something for you to check into as a lot of new owners have really enjoyed
the experience.

 

Hmm, best take a test drive in either, they are noisy! Had a 2014 Z51 and now a GS. They are both noisy! Louder than my C6 Z51 that had the same width tires as my C7 Z51.

Details:
Thought this current Thread was one of the best I have seen re how to add noise insulation with included improvement dB numbers: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-readings.html

My wife just got a new BMW X5 SUV replacing the 4 year old X5 SUV. It has wider 275/20 front and 315/20 rear run flat tires. It is MUCH quieter than my Z51 and GS! We used the old one and will use this new one for all our long trips. In fact when we go out together locally we use it 95% of the time (I drive-great vehicle!) We can and do listen to what she likes such a Broadway plays, can have a discussion and use the Blue Tooth connected iPhone. It is no way as noisy as my GS or my Z51.

My Vette GS Coupe is very noisy, Verts are quieter (not quiet but less noisy!) I have NPP set to always Track that keeps the exhaust butterflies (cut-outs) open starting at a lower rpm. Also have a low restriction air intake (aFe) that I removed from my Z51 and installed on the GS. It adds to the "performance sound" at WOT. I buy Vettes for performance and all 5 have been standard shifts with HD suspension etc. I seldom have a passenger and have my sound system playing >1000 songs in shuffle mode from a flush mount flash drive when I start the car. It "manages" the tire/road noise with songs like Janis Joplin singing "Cry Baby", Stevie Nicks, etc! Could not hold an effective conversation when they are playing at my normal volume! If I have a buddy in the car they usually want to hear the NPP and aFe intake at WOT. I comply with the sound system off! Rev Match downshift sounds when making even a slow speed turn in town going from 5th to 3rd add to the "performance sound."

I don't have my iPhone connected to Blue Tooth as I don't use it when driving the Vette! In fact have it set so when the car is moving it does not receive calls! I can understand those who say they can't hear to talk on the phone, which IMO is a good thing! I put all my attention in todays driving watching out for distracted drivers! Hope I can continue my almost 60 years of driving without having an accident with another car (looking for wood as that also requires luck!)

I know my method of dealing with the noise is not shared by most but it's fine for me!

Suggest since you already know your BMW X5 sedan was unbearable, you test drive a Vette with someone in the car and try to have a significant conversation. From your comment IF you are still determined to have the GS then be prepared to spend a few days taking the car apart, adding quality noise insulation and probably quieter tires. The link to the noise insulation Thread I provided is a good start if you are willing to do the work. There are many others BUT most, who expend less effort, will show that it was not much help.

Sorry if this sounds like I'm throwing a wet blanket on your "desire" as I love my Grand Sport. Great value for a performance car-but from your "unbearable comment" best going into to it with your eyes open!

PS: The only MUST have options, IMO are get a 2LT (or 3LT) as I would not drive without HUD, memory seats (helps entry/exit and for me I need lumbar support,) a front camera and also very important IMO a rear subwoofer that helps with the noise issue if you are willing to use music to help drown out road and tires noise! My C6 Z51 did not offer a rear subwoofer and I felt it was needed. Although I have added amps and subwoofers etc to other cars, with Bose it is not easy or inexpensive!

Good Luck.

 

The fun of having a Corvette is not only feeling the road, but hearing the road! What's wrong with you guys? Unbelievable.
Let me see? I'm going to buy a car and noise is one of my prime concerns. I think I'll start by shopping for a Corvette. Give me a break.

 

I'm on my 3rd Grand Sport and tire noise has not been an issue ever.


A 3LT base (non Z51) is about the same money as a 1LT GS. Personally I much prefer the wide body look, but that is a decision only you can make.

 

Something to consider is the suede headliner. It is beautiful on the 3LT trim level with a checkerboard pattern on the roof panel. When I ordered my car I didn't know it was available; I wish I had ordered it. I think it is standard on the 3LT but optional on the other trims.

 

My Tar Hell brother, all Corvettes will have some road noise. Some more, some less. But it will be there. My humble suggestion is if you want the softest ride (that still isn't going to be luxury soft), and the quietest tires, go with the narrow body base Vette non-Z51. That's want we have (base convertible), and it has been on several very nice road trips. And, as it's been suggested the 2LT trim level with NPP is a great combo. The Z51, and the Grande sports will have the stiffer ride due to the upgraded suspension. The Convertible is quieter than the Coupe because of the location of the rear tires. Good luck on your decision. The new C7 is the best road Vette I've ever had.

BTW, after awhile you won't be bothered by the road noise. I've had some loud ones in the past. But as it is the C7 is still the best, and I don't even notice the noise. It's just part of the experience.

As far as ordering your car make sure the dealer you talking with has an allocation for the order. If they don't, or won't tell you, it's time to move onto a dealer that will tell you what's up. You don't want to order the car, and the order set forever without any movement.

 

2Lt for me and no Data recorder needed.

 

What is it about the GS coupe/hatchback, that supports the reason/s why you're buying it?

 

I know some like a Vert and that's fine. But this is one key reason all my 5 Vettes were coupes! They have been my DD and hall stuff that would NOT fit in a Vert!

Recently had to buy a lockable mailbox and post for the contractor to install while rebuilding our Lake Dam! (Wife was using the SUV that day!) Measured and could fit a 5 foot 6 inch 4X4 post in the coupe! Went to Lowes and brought the box (to hold all the required DHEC paperwork) and post. I told the contractor when I dropped it off, it was my Grand Sport Pickup! Not a weather day you could have your top down!


Pic of IVER in August 2013 at Laguna Seca. They had ~10 cars, GM execs etc. This fellow drove his IVER from event to event. First C7 I saw in person having ordered one many months before!