Base Stingray to Grand Sport - Initial impressions
#21
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Thanks for the unbiased assessment of the differences between the base car and wide bodied Grand Sport.
Congrats. on getting your convertible, very sharp looking!
Congrats. on getting your convertible, very sharp looking!
#22
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Installing the Z51 front and rear sway bars is a really popular suspension mod for folks with base cars since for like $300 you will feel a noticeable change in handling. Plus, there is some psychological satisfaction in seeing the empty space filled up where the rear sway bar is supposed to be installed.
#24
Le Mans Master
Great looking GS Vert! Best with it! Also great assessment of the addition of the Z51 sway bars on the base Stingray suspension. First thing I did to mine even before taking delivery. Makes a huge difference in handling and feel... for not a lot of money!
Last edited by Supersonic 427; 10-23-2018 at 11:58 AM.
#25
Melting Slicks
I have a similar history going from a 2015 base FE1 A8 to a 2017 GS FE6 M7, both coupes.
My GS had the pre-upgrade suspension at first and found it a tad firmer than my 2015 base. A friend has a 2016 base FE3 (MRC) and we took back-to-back rides before my MRC upgrade to compare the ride. He didn't notice any difference but I would say the GS is a notch firmer--not harsher, just more "planted" as you noted. After the MRC upgrade earlier this year the ride is more compliant and IMO a worthwhile effort. I rarely move from Tour/Eco mode.
After much deliberation and research I added only a Z51 rear sway bar on the Stingray, which was a meaningful upgrade. No oversteer was ever experienced by keeping the base front base and adding the Z51 rear bar, as the difference between the two front bars is minimal.
Yes, that's a very noticeable quality that even with the added weight the GS feels stronger without the nannies holding it back. Magazine road tests back up this notion.
OTOH, I found the dust to be a major negative, so i installed Z26 pads. Problem fixed with no side effects in street use. I wash mine once per month just to remove what little dust is present and even that's more than I would like. Washing cars is not one of my most fun activities even though I like looking a clean car when finished.
NPP is the best option available for a C7, IMO. My C6 didn't have it and I now wouldn't be without it. I like Sport mode, which is a perfect blend for me, as track had too much popping on decel.
I, OTOH, would prefer the taller gearing for the street, as the base car had plenty of performance for my taste. Had there been an option I would've taken it, as highway gas mileage isn't quite as good in the GS with the 15% shorter gearing. I confess that mileage isn't something I want to reduce without a good trade-off.
It does when you park next to a Stingray, but I don't think most people would notice without the direct comparison, as both are striking designs as you point out. I don't get any more attention with the GS than I did with the Stingray. That said, I agree that the wide-bodies are more aggressive looking and I'm not in the least bit sorry I opted for the GS. For me it is near-perfect, and I share the opinion of more than one car mag that the GS is the "sweet spot" for the C7.
After much deliberation and research I added only a Z51 rear sway bar on the Stingray, which was a meaningful upgrade. No oversteer was ever experienced by keeping the base front base and adding the Z51 rear bar, as the difference between the two front bars is minimal.
...you can also feel the additional traction with the extra width of the GS tires and wheels. I felt like my base Stingray was always fighting for traction.
Braking - The negative is all the extra brake dust but I wash my car once a week so it doesn't really bother me too much.
Exhaust - I am enjoying the NPP exhaust.
M7 Performance Gear Ratios - One of the things that annoyed me a little bit in the base Stingray were the tall M7 gear ratios.
Styling - ...just has a lot more presence than a standard Stingray.
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falcon5619 (10-24-2018)
#27
Team Owner
Good review and great looking GS.
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falcon5619 (10-24-2018)
#28
I don't street race, so I haven't experienced any suspension shortcomings on my base Stingray with MSRC.
That said, I will definitely keep the Z51 sway bar upgrade(s) front & rear, in mind. I know that Supersonic427, swears by the sway bar upgrade.
Now, I know what to look for if cornering becomes squirrely.
That said, I will definitely keep the Z51 sway bar upgrade(s) front & rear, in mind. I know that Supersonic427, swears by the sway bar upgrade.
Now, I know what to look for if cornering becomes squirrely.
Last edited by Skid Row Joe; 10-25-2018 at 04:37 AM.
#30
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St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'10, '14
hey bud,
For the Z51, the rears are are the same 1718’s, but the fronts are different (1474a’s for a Z51).
herr is the link —> https://www.powerstop.com/product/po...Brake%20Rotors
For the Z51, the rears are are the same 1718’s, but the fronts are different (1474a’s for a Z51).
herr is the link —> https://www.powerstop.com/product/po...Brake%20Rotors
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MrMik001 (10-25-2018)
#31
Nice write up - good luck with your new beauty - hard to tell if you have the front gm extended mud flaps if not get them asap or you will be repainting your rear quarter panels - I know first hand since installing them no chips anymore
I did all of them but fronts are mandatory - promise
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-2019-C...6:pf:0&vxp=mtr
I did all of them but fronts are mandatory - promise
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-2019-C...6:pf:0&vxp=mtr
#32
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
No. each mudflap has a little screw on the bottom that you remove and then you just carefully pry them off. Pop the new on in place and reinstall the screw. Takes about 10-15 minutes total even if you are tak8ng your time.
#33
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Great review and congrats on the purchase of your GS. It is a beautiful car.
#34
Le Mans Master
#35
Nice write up - good luck with your new beauty - hard to tell if you have the front gm extended mud flaps if not get them asap or you will be repainting your rear quarter panels - I know first hand since installing them no chips anymore
I did all of them but fronts are mandatory - promise
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-2019-C...6:pf:0&vxp=mtr
I did all of them but fronts are mandatory - promise
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-2019-C...6:pf:0&vxp=mtr
#36
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
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Skid Row Joe (10-25-2018)