flynbulldog

I'm about ready to order a new vette. I know some of the option that I want but I'm having a really hard time figuring out which model to choose for my needs.

I really want a Z06 but honestly its probably not the best option for my type of use - let me start with that and maybe some of you will have some good advice for me.

My wife and I want to use our new Corvette as a GT car - or in the old sense a touring car - aside from me using it around town here and there we want to travel the country in it. We actually want to spend months at a time traveling from state to state. So really, even though I'd love to have the power and handling of the z06 we might be better off with a base vette with no z51 option so that the ride is more plush and the narrower tires are not so loud. Or is that really as big of an issue as I think it is?

For a while I though the GS might be the way to go - I could get the body of the z06 with the drive train of the base car - but now I'm second guessing that line of thinking too.

Any help or insight is appreciated which model is right for our needs?

PatternDayTrader

Buy the one you can get the best deal on is my vote.

flynbulldog

money is not the priority in this decision.

dbaker

Sounds like the Base w/2LT would be great for you.

\db2

ExRedRacer

If all you really want is a comfortable cruiser and know that you will never track or race it, then you'll be very satisfied with the basic, non-Z51 Stingray. Opt for the 3LT trim level for the comforts of a comfortable cruiser. You'll still have the LT1 engine with plenty of power and the handling and ride will be very sufficient for your apparent needs.

But be careful. Do not, I repeat, do not test drive a Z06, a GS, or the Z51 optioned Stingray. Once you sample the handling power of the Z51 or GS or feel the get-up-and-go power of the Z06, you might find yourself lusting after one of those bad-boys.

Let us know what you decide on!

Kevin A Jones

Seems for your described "use" the standard Stingray makes most sense, however if you prefer the 'looks' of the wide-body then the Grandsport may be best for you, even though the GS will cost more to operate.
As far as ride quality, I love the feel of a GS even though the standard Stingray may ride a little smoother.

The 1LT is nicely equipped, you get front camera, HUD and a few other tidebits in the 2LT for about $4500, and upgraded leather basically along w/2LT items in the 3LT for about $9800.

Good luck in your choice.

Woodson

z06.

PatternDayTrader

I'm with Woodson. Money no object go w the z06.

joemessman

For you the base car would be more than enough. No need to get a car with racing options. Just look over the option differences in 1LT, 2LT and LT.
The Grand Sport, Z51 Stingray, and Z06 cars ride a little rougher than the Stingray. Even with Magnetic Ride Control set to touring. But, if you don't mind, and money is not an issue? Go for the Z06 and you won't have any regrets. But........you are just going to use it for touring the country? You'll enjoy the Stingray for sure. No need for the Magnetic Ride Control. The Stingray now comes with 19 and 20 inch wheels. So not the difference there used to be with the 18 and 19 inch wheels, but is still apparent.

I know this from experience from when my son went shopping for a Corvette a few months ago and he and I drove all the models.

If I had to do it over again I would have bought the Z06, but this was my first Vette and I didn't know at that time I like to slam the throttle a lot and the rougher ride is Ok with both my wife and me. I thought I was just a cruiser, but found out I really love to drive the bajeezus out of it! I won't make that mistake on the next one. So think it over very carefully before you make your decision.
PS. Another thing seriously consider is Automatic, or manual. Of course this is another personal preference.

zergi06

Skid Row Joe

I would recommend a base engine model with MSRC, 3LT, & NPP options. You won't even be needing the Z51 option, for your planned usage.

dvilin

I think the base Stingray with the 2lt option package would meet all your needs.

flynbulldog

Thanks for all the responses so far guys. A couple of options I know that I want are manual trans, GT seats, at least 2lt trim level, and museum delivery.

I did drive a GS and a z06 and both cars felt fine to me. I thought the Z06 was a little over the top in power because it would go sideways with just a small bit of enthusiasm in my right foot. As much as I think that would be a whole lotta fun it probably isnt the right option for touring.

But If I felt fine in those cars would the base non z51 be even better? I didnt drive a stingray.

Bill Baird

The Z06 is a bit over the top for touring. For your purposes, I would suggest a 2LT Stingray. If you are on the road and have trouble with a rear tire or wheel on a GS or Z06, the replacements can take more time to obtain, and could impact your travel schedule (if you have one). Plus, I'm not convinced that the extra wide rear rims on the GS or Z06 are truly up to the rigors of real-world road use.



Bill B.

Skid Row Joe

Yes, because it doesn't have all that racing crap you won't be using anyway.

Be certain to order the 3LT trim level. That way you get the works on convenience groups. The whole enchilada with the leather upgrade.

Frosty

ZO6, GS and Z-51 option on the base are track oriented so the ride will be stiffer and the brake dust a PIA.

JoesC5

I would recommend a non Z51 Stingray for a long distance cruiser. A friend of mine has a 2016 Z51 with mag ride and he was complaining the other day about the rough ride, even in touring mode. He said it was worst than the ride in his old C6 Grand Sport.

I do have a C6 Z06 without mag ride and it's not to firm for me(and I'm 75), but to some, it's uncomfortable. I drive it on long road trips.


You didn't ask, but I would also recommend a coupe over the convertible. Lots more room for 'stuff' in the back of a coupe.

PS- Someday in the future and you get bored with 460 HP, and the warranty is about to expire, you can add a Edelbrock E-Force supercharger with around 625 HP.

UsernameProtected

Check if there is availability for all-season runflats in the GS/Z06 sizes...unless you plan on just touring during the Summer, or in the South.

The wider tires of the GS/Z06 will be more prone to hydroplaning. I couldn't drive my C6Z safely above 50 m.p.h. at times on the highway in moderate or greater intensity rain. I have yet to hydroplane in the C7 Stingray (Z51 equipped).

jimmbbo

The base 2LT Stingray was my choice for similar touring application with an infrequent trip to the track for giggles 'n' grins. After a 2500 mile road trip, I believe I made the right choice for handling, comfort, performance and fuel economy.
Many Spring Mountain graduates indicate that the upscale "Z-vette" capabilities are only unleashed on the track, and you can pay a LOT of money for performance you'll seldom, if ever, use. IMO the standard 'vette is plenty wide, and am unsure where the additional width of a GS would be a benefit in GT driving.
FIMO for a GT car that you plan to really drive a lot, simpler is better, and adding the Z-vette goodies adds complexity and more things to break. If you don't have a supercharger, it can't fail.

flynbulldog

We talked about coupe or convert and we both think the coupe with a lift off top gives us the benefit of both. security in the hotel parking lots - lots of luggage space and a removable top for when the weather is just right.