Call me disgusted
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 86
Likes: 45
From: Knoxville, TN
Just had a rear wheel on my 2015 Z51 crack. First off, that shouldn't have happened as the Z51 wheels are forged and I hadn't hit any major potholes, but ok, **** happens. Looked to try and find a new OE replacement, and guess what, they aren't available anymore (black with machined face). So off to local wheel repair shop which was able to fix it for $100, and said they are doing C7 wheels all the time. They had 2 other C7s in besides mine yesterday alone.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 703
Likes: 490
A week after I traded it in someone stole it from the lot and they have not recovered it.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 301
Likes: 156
From: Houston Texas
If straightening them was a permanent fix it would be one thing, but it's only a stop-gap measure until they are bent again. The wheels are FAR too week for real-world use.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 928
From: Garden City New York
NINE weeks and one day and magically my wheel shows up- Install tomorrow took a letter to executive office to get something to happen. When the next wheel goes I now have a contact who told me it will be handled immediately. I am also now getting reimbursed for loss of use. For now the c8 deposit stands we'll see how things progress
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 288
Today marks month 2 of non use- Interesting I got a call from the GM executive office today in regard to the letter I sent below. BTW I sent this to GM executive office,, WSJ, Road and Track, Automobile and Car and Driver magazines. I'm beyond frustrated and will look to see what happens now
The quintessential domestic car, the Corvette, has been something I lusted for since childhood and a dream I was able to fulfill only decades later. I had pangs of patriotism as I finally abandoned European sports cars for the gorgeous Long Beach Red 2019 corvette grand sport that arrived in my driveway in April 2018. It was love at first sight and I get thumbs up on the road from every age group; small children to senior citizens and everyone comments on this car. It is truly an icon of the American dream and you can't dream of anything more American than a red Corvette.
I daily drive my car in metro New York, driving to work from Long Island to the boroughs. Thirteen thousand miles later and this car has never left the tri-state area. About a year ago though I started to get a slow leak in one of my tires. Turns out it was a cracked rear rim. About a month later I had a slow leak from a crack in the other rear rim. Another rim was replaced. On November 6th of this year my front tire went flat. Back to service to find a cracked front rim, but this one won't hold air. My car is incapacitated. A quarter million miles of sports car driving over thirty years and I've never before cracked a rim much less three separately.
Here we are December 26th 7 weeks later. Twenty-two calls to GM customer service and more emails than that, and I still can't use my car. My American dream has been shattered. There has been no guesstimate of when to expect a replacement wheel nor an offer to reimburse for my inability to use the car. I'm being ignored and I'm in limbo.
A quick goggle search reveals that I'm not alone. It seems particular to this model: the large rims, run flat low profile tires and cast aluminium wheels are a triad destined to failure. In fact there is a class action suit initiated by a California owner. Review of the on-line forums and bulletin boards and again many other owners chime in.
I want to like the brand - I really do. In fact some time ago I placed a deposit on an order for the new mid engine c-8 corvette. Can I seriously consider staying with GM when the brand denies an issue and does not back up their product with appropriate customer service? Call me disheartened. If America wants to remain competitive we need to consider the customer as well as back up the products we sell. American products can be great- but that requires the whole package including servicing the customer.
The quintessential domestic car, the Corvette, has been something I lusted for since childhood and a dream I was able to fulfill only decades later. I had pangs of patriotism as I finally abandoned European sports cars for the gorgeous Long Beach Red 2019 corvette grand sport that arrived in my driveway in April 2018. It was love at first sight and I get thumbs up on the road from every age group; small children to senior citizens and everyone comments on this car. It is truly an icon of the American dream and you can't dream of anything more American than a red Corvette.
I daily drive my car in metro New York, driving to work from Long Island to the boroughs. Thirteen thousand miles later and this car has never left the tri-state area. About a year ago though I started to get a slow leak in one of my tires. Turns out it was a cracked rear rim. About a month later I had a slow leak from a crack in the other rear rim. Another rim was replaced. On November 6th of this year my front tire went flat. Back to service to find a cracked front rim, but this one won't hold air. My car is incapacitated. A quarter million miles of sports car driving over thirty years and I've never before cracked a rim much less three separately.
Here we are December 26th 7 weeks later. Twenty-two calls to GM customer service and more emails than that, and I still can't use my car. My American dream has been shattered. There has been no guesstimate of when to expect a replacement wheel nor an offer to reimburse for my inability to use the car. I'm being ignored and I'm in limbo.
A quick goggle search reveals that I'm not alone. It seems particular to this model: the large rims, run flat low profile tires and cast aluminium wheels are a triad destined to failure. In fact there is a class action suit initiated by a California owner. Review of the on-line forums and bulletin boards and again many other owners chime in.
I want to like the brand - I really do. In fact some time ago I placed a deposit on an order for the new mid engine c-8 corvette. Can I seriously consider staying with GM when the brand denies an issue and does not back up their product with appropriate customer service? Call me disheartened. If America wants to remain competitive we need to consider the customer as well as back up the products we sell. American products can be great- but that requires the whole package including servicing the customer.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 703
Likes: 490
NINE weeks and one day and magically my wheel shows up- Install tomorrow took a letter to executive office to get something to happen. When the next wheel goes I now have a contact who told me it will be handled immediately. I am also now getting reimbursed for loss of use. For now the c8 deposit stands we'll see how things progress
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 288
What reason would you have to buy the Grand Sport? I don’t understand why would someone would buy a car that looks like a Z06 with 200 less horsepower? I think it would have been cool to have the Z06 engine in the stingray as a sleeper but not the other way around. Is there a class of racing that puts the Stingray and Grand Sport together? Do you think someone likes the look without the extra power, or is it just the cost?
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,980
Likes: 12,383
From: NE South Carolina
^^^
Hmm, when I got my early 2014 Z5 (built September 2013) was disappointed it had the same tire width as my C6 Z51 with 20 more horses and more important variable cam timing so low end torque was even a greater difference. Sure enough traction limited.
When the 2017 Grand Sport came out bought it for the wider rubber. Still traction limited but less so. The Z06 and ZR1 are traction limited as well. In fact to use the same trans as the Z06 the ZR1 limits applied torque in 1st gear. The Grand Sport has a lower 1st gear than a Z06. In fact the Grand Sport (like the Z51) has a 2.66:1 1st gear, 16% lower (more torque multiplication) than the Z06 which is 2.29:1!
Where do you need more traction, depends on how you drive! If like an "old man" never! I'm 77 and hopefully never get that old!
At the end of my street is a 4 lane highway with traffic traveling at 65 to 70 mph and I have to merge into the flow. In the summer and now even more months, the traffic coming and going to Myrtle Beach is a PIA. I often accelerate to merge between packs of cars. I drive my Grand Sport in Sport and the nannies still come in occasionally. With my 2014 Z51 happened often!
Many folks bought the Grand Sports for looks, but IMO the front spats on the GS and Z06 look silly. BUT form follows function so look fine for me. In fact sales of the Z51 option almost dried up when it became available. In addition far prefer a NA to supercharged car, and the GS has sufficient power for me. It reaches a higher lateral "g" force on the moderate speed turn around the fountain, 100 yards form the highway at the end of my street. Beats the highest achievable with my Z51 and puts a smile on my face! No homes or peopled within ~ 1/2 mile and a grass fields around that single lane road that splits around the fountain. Safe!
The 2017 purchase statistics show others thought the same: 41% base (included Z51 which was an option NOT a model) C7, 37% Grand Sport, 22% Z06!
Hmm, when I got my early 2014 Z5 (built September 2013) was disappointed it had the same tire width as my C6 Z51 with 20 more horses and more important variable cam timing so low end torque was even a greater difference. Sure enough traction limited.
When the 2017 Grand Sport came out bought it for the wider rubber. Still traction limited but less so. The Z06 and ZR1 are traction limited as well. In fact to use the same trans as the Z06 the ZR1 limits applied torque in 1st gear. The Grand Sport has a lower 1st gear than a Z06. In fact the Grand Sport (like the Z51) has a 2.66:1 1st gear, 16% lower (more torque multiplication) than the Z06 which is 2.29:1!
Where do you need more traction, depends on how you drive! If like an "old man" never! I'm 77 and hopefully never get that old!
At the end of my street is a 4 lane highway with traffic traveling at 65 to 70 mph and I have to merge into the flow. In the summer and now even more months, the traffic coming and going to Myrtle Beach is a PIA. I often accelerate to merge between packs of cars. I drive my Grand Sport in Sport and the nannies still come in occasionally. With my 2014 Z51 happened often!Many folks bought the Grand Sports for looks, but IMO the front spats on the GS and Z06 look silly. BUT form follows function so look fine for me. In fact sales of the Z51 option almost dried up when it became available. In addition far prefer a NA to supercharged car, and the GS has sufficient power for me. It reaches a higher lateral "g" force on the moderate speed turn around the fountain, 100 yards form the highway at the end of my street. Beats the highest achievable with my Z51 and puts a smile on my face! No homes or peopled within ~ 1/2 mile and a grass fields around that single lane road that splits around the fountain. Safe!
The 2017 purchase statistics show others thought the same: 41% base (included Z51 which was an option NOT a model) C7, 37% Grand Sport, 22% Z06!
Last edited by JerryU; Jan 19, 2020 at 11:42 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 288
^^^
Hmm, when I got my early 2014 Z5 (built September 2013) was disappointed it had the same tire width as my C6 Z51 with 20 more horses and more important variable cam timing so low end torque was even a greater difference. Sure enough traction limited.
When the 2017 Grand Sport came out bought it for the wider rubber. Still traction limited but less so. The Z06 and ZR1 are traction limited as well. In fact to use the same trans as the Z06 the ZR1 limits applied torque in 1st gear. The Grand Sport has a lower 1st gear than a Z06. In fact the Grand Sport (like the Z51) has a 2.66:1 1st gear, 16% lower (more torque multiplication) than the Z06 which is 2.29:1!
Where do you need more traction, depends on how you drive! If like an "old man" never! I'm 77 and hopefully never get that old! At the end of my street is a 4 lane highway with traffic traveling at 65 to 70 mph and I have to merge into the flow. In the summer and now even more months, the traffic coming and going to Myrtle Beach is a PIA. I often accelerate to merge between packs of cars. I drive my Grand Sport in Sport and the nannies still come in occasionally. With my 2014 Z51 happened often!
Many folks bought the Grand Sports for looks, but IMO the front spats on the GS and Z06 look silly. BUT form follows function so look fine for me. In fact sales of the Z51 option almost dried up when it became available. In addition far prefer a NA to supercharged car, and the GS has sufficient power for me. It reaches a higher lateral "g" force on the moderate speed turn around the fountain, 100 yards form the highway at the end of my street. Beats the highest achievable with my Z51 and puts a smile on my face! No homes or peopled within ~ 1/2 mile and a grass fields around that single lane road that splits around the fountain. Safe!
The 2017 purchase statistics show others thought the same: 41% base (included Z51 which was an option NOT a model) C7, 37% Grand Sport, 22% Z06!
Hmm, when I got my early 2014 Z5 (built September 2013) was disappointed it had the same tire width as my C6 Z51 with 20 more horses and more important variable cam timing so low end torque was even a greater difference. Sure enough traction limited.
When the 2017 Grand Sport came out bought it for the wider rubber. Still traction limited but less so. The Z06 and ZR1 are traction limited as well. In fact to use the same trans as the Z06 the ZR1 limits applied torque in 1st gear. The Grand Sport has a lower 1st gear than a Z06. In fact the Grand Sport (like the Z51) has a 2.66:1 1st gear, 16% lower (more torque multiplication) than the Z06 which is 2.29:1!
Where do you need more traction, depends on how you drive! If like an "old man" never! I'm 77 and hopefully never get that old!
At the end of my street is a 4 lane highway with traffic traveling at 65 to 70 mph and I have to merge into the flow. In the summer and now even more months, the traffic coming and going to Myrtle Beach is a PIA. I often accelerate to merge between packs of cars. I drive my Grand Sport in Sport and the nannies still come in occasionally. With my 2014 Z51 happened often!Many folks bought the Grand Sports for looks, but IMO the front spats on the GS and Z06 look silly. BUT form follows function so look fine for me. In fact sales of the Z51 option almost dried up when it became available. In addition far prefer a NA to supercharged car, and the GS has sufficient power for me. It reaches a higher lateral "g" force on the moderate speed turn around the fountain, 100 yards form the highway at the end of my street. Beats the highest achievable with my Z51 and puts a smile on my face! No homes or peopled within ~ 1/2 mile and a grass fields around that single lane road that splits around the fountain. Safe!
The 2017 purchase statistics show others thought the same: 41% base (included Z51 which was an option NOT a model) C7, 37% Grand Sport, 22% Z06!
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,980
Likes: 12,383
From: NE South Carolina
^^^
Hmm, that thought must make your understanding the issue even more difficult when 37% of the 2017 buyers bought the Grand Sport and only 22% the Z06! In fact several car mags said the Grand Sport was the best for tracking! It has about 1% less weight on the front than the Z06. I'd venture to say most folks Tracking can't get the max capability out of the LT1 engine, making achieving it with the Z06 even harder!
Also some of use "prefer" a NA engine! If hp is that important you'd feel bad not buying a ZR1! Heck my 3000 lb street rod with it's 502 cid NA engine set back in the chassis with 53% of it's weight on the 16.5 inch section width (420) rear Mickey Thompsons is more exiting. Has only positraction and if one tire loses traction and starts spinning on a 0 to 60 run, you have about 1/2 second to lift or you'll be in a ditch!
Hmm, that thought must make your understanding the issue even more difficult when 37% of the 2017 buyers bought the Grand Sport and only 22% the Z06! In fact several car mags said the Grand Sport was the best for tracking! It has about 1% less weight on the front than the Z06. I'd venture to say most folks Tracking can't get the max capability out of the LT1 engine, making achieving it with the Z06 even harder!
Also some of use "prefer" a NA engine! If hp is that important you'd feel bad not buying a ZR1! Heck my 3000 lb street rod with it's 502 cid NA engine set back in the chassis with 53% of it's weight on the 16.5 inch section width (420) rear Mickey Thompsons is more exiting. Has only positraction and if one tire loses traction and starts spinning on a 0 to 60 run, you have about 1/2 second to lift or you'll be in a ditch!
Last edited by JerryU; Jan 19, 2020 at 01:06 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 928
From: Garden City New York
I bought the GS as there was plenty of traffic on the forums a couple of years ago that the ZO6 was "too much car". MY needs arent track but I really liked the look and I usually defer to as much hp as possible but was wary of "too much car" After purchase I saw that coming out of a supercharged f type it was a mistake and the ZO6 wouldve been fine. If they would have only allowed test drives.....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 288
^^^
Hmm, that thought must make your understanding the issue even more difficult when 37% of the 2017 buyers bought the Grand Sport and only 22% the Z06! In fact several car mags said the Grand Sport was the best for tracking! It has about 1% less weight on the front than the Z06. I'd venture to say most folks Tracking can't get the max capability out of the LT1 engine, making achieving it with the Z06 even harder!
Also some of use "prefer" a NA engine! If hp is that important you'd feel bad not buying a ZR1! Heck my 3000 lb street rod with it's 502 cid NA engine set back in the chassis with 53% of it's weight on the 16.5 inch section width (420) rear Mickey Thompsons is more exiting. Has only positraction and if one tire loses traction and starts spinning on a 0 to 60 run, you have about 1/2 second to lift or you'll be in a ditch!
Hmm, that thought must make your understanding the issue even more difficult when 37% of the 2017 buyers bought the Grand Sport and only 22% the Z06! In fact several car mags said the Grand Sport was the best for tracking! It has about 1% less weight on the front than the Z06. I'd venture to say most folks Tracking can't get the max capability out of the LT1 engine, making achieving it with the Z06 even harder!
Also some of use "prefer" a NA engine! If hp is that important you'd feel bad not buying a ZR1! Heck my 3000 lb street rod with it's 502 cid NA engine set back in the chassis with 53% of it's weight on the 16.5 inch section width (420) rear Mickey Thompsons is more exiting. Has only positraction and if one tire loses traction and starts spinning on a 0 to 60 run, you have about 1/2 second to lift or you'll be in a ditch!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 138
The bigger issue I see here is that any replacement wheels that GM may have came from the same production stock and will have the same inherent weakness as your bent factory wheels. GM isn't going to do anything here because they'd have to junk all the wheels they have, redesign the wheels, contract to have them have them produced at significantly higher cost due to new tooling and lower volume (economies of scale).
I have resigned myself to aftermarket wheels (probably cast replicas for daily driving at first) when I find myself in a position to buy a Grand Sport. Stockers are going right on the shelf.
I have resigned myself to aftermarket wheels (probably cast replicas for daily driving at first) when I find myself in a position to buy a Grand Sport. Stockers are going right on the shelf.