C7 questions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 383
Likes: 11
From: indianapolis indiana
C7 questions
Hey guys looking at getting into a c7 z51 m7 and I have some questions.
First how are the rear ends in the c7s I come from the c6s which had questionable diffs. I don’t drag race much but when I do should I have to worry about the rear end going boom?
second I read on a for sale post about a lifter issue with the LT1s is this a pretty prominent issue? And if so is it as simple as just changing out with new lifters to fix it?
3rd is there any known issues with any certain year of c7? The c6s you had to stay away from the 05s which I found out the hard way and don’t want to make that mistake again
4th do the autos Have overheating issues on track days? Had a couple guys on the c7 fb page claim they do. Would consider an auto if they won’t be over heating after a few laps on the track
First how are the rear ends in the c7s I come from the c6s which had questionable diffs. I don’t drag race much but when I do should I have to worry about the rear end going boom?
second I read on a for sale post about a lifter issue with the LT1s is this a pretty prominent issue? And if so is it as simple as just changing out with new lifters to fix it?
3rd is there any known issues with any certain year of c7? The c6s you had to stay away from the 05s which I found out the hard way and don’t want to make that mistake again
4th do the autos Have overheating issues on track days? Had a couple guys on the c7 fb page claim they do. Would consider an auto if they won’t be over heating after a few laps on the track
Last edited by tyler318; Feb 17, 2020 at 11:29 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
The '14 have some issues with the infotainment systems. The wires behind the screen tend to break. The newer years got updates that include front cameras and CarPlay and/or Android Auto to the radio which is a big deal to some people.
Based on what I've read around here the autos do overheat on track if left in auto mode. However if driven in manual mode (paddle shifting) it can be managed. The M7 (manual transmission) doesn't suffer from this at all.
Based on what I've read around here the autos do overheat on track if left in auto mode. However if driven in manual mode (paddle shifting) it can be managed. The M7 (manual transmission) doesn't suffer from this at all.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,954
Likes: 6,755
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
I cannot speak for tracking the things, but otherwise bear in mind that posts on Forums (for any vehicle) give a VERY biased view of issues. No one goes online everyday and says, "Nope, still no problems with X, Y, or Z... again." Well documented fact, btw.
Also, you did not say which year C7 you are looking at, new, used, ???. I always say to stay away from the first several years of any new model (for myself I never buy before the 5th production year). If you are buying used, sports/performance cars are always risky to some degree unless you personally know the seller very well and fully approve their usage and maintenance. That said, there are always low mileage Vettes around that would have been better served being driven and cared for more regularly.
All in all. Research what you are looking at. Have someone in the know look, as well, if you are not truly an expert; even then another set of eyes and opinion often helps. Finally, if you buy, have FUN!
Also, you did not say which year C7 you are looking at, new, used, ???. I always say to stay away from the first several years of any new model (for myself I never buy before the 5th production year). If you are buying used, sports/performance cars are always risky to some degree unless you personally know the seller very well and fully approve their usage and maintenance. That said, there are always low mileage Vettes around that would have been better served being driven and cared for more regularly.
All in all. Research what you are looking at. Have someone in the know look, as well, if you are not truly an expert; even then another set of eyes and opinion often helps. Finally, if you buy, have FUN!
Last edited by Avanti; Feb 17, 2020 at 04:13 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 5,887
Likes: 1,555
From: Calgary Alberta
Hey guys looking at getting into a c7 z51 m7 and I have some questions.
First how are the rear ends in the c7s I come from the c6s which had questionable diffs. I don’t drag race much but when I do should I have to worry about the rear end going boom?
second I read on a for sale post about a lifter issue with the LT1s is this a pretty prominent issue? And if so is it as simple as just changing out with new lifters to fix it?
3rd is there any known issues with any certain year of c7? The c6s you had to stay away from the 05s which I found out the hard way and don’t want to make that mistake again
4th do the autos Have overheating issues on track days? Had a couple guys on the c7 fb page claim they do. Would consider an auto if they won’t be over heating after a few laps on the track
First how are the rear ends in the c7s I come from the c6s which had questionable diffs. I don’t drag race much but when I do should I have to worry about the rear end going boom?
second I read on a for sale post about a lifter issue with the LT1s is this a pretty prominent issue? And if so is it as simple as just changing out with new lifters to fix it?
3rd is there any known issues with any certain year of c7? The c6s you had to stay away from the 05s which I found out the hard way and don’t want to make that mistake again
4th do the autos Have overheating issues on track days? Had a couple guys on the c7 fb page claim they do. Would consider an auto if they won’t be over heating after a few laps on the track
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 617
From: Houston Texas
Might wanna avoid the 3LT trim. Some here (me included) have had trouble with it. Bubbling up, separating at the defroster vents. Not covered if out of the 3yr36K mile factory warranty, though GM may offer some assistance if close to the end of the warranty period. In my case I paid 1/3rd ($950ish) and GM paid 2/3rds. BTW: Extended warranties don't cover trim items.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 1,164
From: Keswick, Virginia
Buy a C7 Stingray with the 7spd manual transmission. No issue with the A8 or the 'weak' wheels of the GS/Z06 models. The Z51 package will give you larger wheels, bigger brakes and the dry-sump oil system. If you regularly track the car, the Z51 is a good idea. If you mainly use it as a cruiser, garage queen or weekend car, then you don't need the Z51 goodies.
If you buy a 2018 or 2019 Stingray without the Z51 package, it will still have 20" rear wheels and 19" on the front. The 2014 to 2017 base Stingrays have 19" rear and 18" front wheels (no idea why - but that is what GM did).
Whatever you decide to buy, enjoy the car!!
If you buy a 2018 or 2019 Stingray without the Z51 package, it will still have 20" rear wheels and 19" on the front. The 2014 to 2017 base Stingrays have 19" rear and 18" front wheels (no idea why - but that is what GM did).
Whatever you decide to buy, enjoy the car!!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 15,049
Likes: 1,613
From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
OP, Unlike the C6, Corvette got it right the first year with the C7. The 2014s are as reliable as any other year C7 so don't avoid them. I would agree with the comment if you're going to track it, Z51 is the way to go. The A6 in the 2014 model year may not be as quick as the A8 used in all the other years, but it is more reliable, your call as to which one you want. I went with an M-7 and love it. I also have Mag Ride on my Z51 and it is a pure joy because you can select how stiff you want the ride to be, but a little harder to find. Good luck with your search and come back often to answer questions.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 383
Likes: 11
From: indianapolis indiana
I cannot speak for tracking the things, but otherwise bear in mind that posts on Forums (for any vehicle) give a VERY biased view of issues. No one goes online everyday and says, "Nope, still no problems with X, Y, or Z... again." Well documented fact, btw.
Also, you did not say which year C7 you are looking at, new, used, ???. I always say to stay away from the first several years of any new model (for myself I never buy before the 5th production year). If you are buying used, sports/performance cars are always risky to some degree unless you personally know the seller very well and fully approve their usage and maintenance. That said, there are always low mileage Vettes around that would have been better served being driven and cared for more regularly.
All in all. Research what you are looking at. Have someone in the know look, as well, if you are not truly an expert; even then another set of eyes and opinion often helps. Finally, if you buy, have FUN!
Also, you did not say which year C7 you are looking at, new, used, ???. I always say to stay away from the first several years of any new model (for myself I never buy before the 5th production year). If you are buying used, sports/performance cars are always risky to some degree unless you personally know the seller very well and fully approve their usage and maintenance. That said, there are always low mileage Vettes around that would have been better served being driven and cared for more regularly.
All in all. Research what you are looking at. Have someone in the know look, as well, if you are not truly an expert; even then another set of eyes and opinion often helps. Finally, if you buy, have FUN!
im looking at 2014-2017s primarily unless I can find a deal on a 18-19 which I have found some so their not out of the question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 383
Likes: 11
From: indianapolis indiana
Might wanna avoid the 3LT trim. Some here (me included) have had trouble with it. Bubbling up, separating at the defroster vents. Not covered if out of the 3yr36K mile factory warranty, though GM may offer some assistance if close to the end of the warranty period. In my case I paid 1/3rd ($950ish) and GM paid 2/3rds. BTW: Extended warranties don't cover trim items.
Is this issue only with the 3lts?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 383
Likes: 11
From: indianapolis indiana
OP, Unlike the C6, Corvette got it right the first year with the C7. The 2014s are as reliable as any other year C7 so don't avoid them. I would agree with the comment if you're going to track it, Z51 is the way to go. The A6 in the 2014 model year may not be as quick as the A8 used in all the other years, but it is more reliable, your call as to which one you want. I went with an M-7 and love it. I also have Mag Ride on my Z51 and it is a pure joy because you can select how stiff you want the ride to be, but a little harder to find. Good luck with your search and come back often to answer questions.
I definitely want a z51 with the mag ride those are my two must options in searching for. I’d like competition seats as well but I realize that’ll prolly be a feat to find one.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 383
Likes: 11
From: indianapolis indiana
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,136
Likes: 24,734
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Good luck in your search. I have a ‘14 and no problems so far (A6, 2LT).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,044
Likes: 9,808
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
For some 3LTs and 3LZs not for others. There are some complaints but not a lot and it probably depends on what area of the country you are in and how much sun exposure the dash will receive. Some people may have the problem and never notice it.
The only diff issue I have heard of was with the initial 2014s. Some 2014s came from the factory with no lubricant in the diff which resulted in a number of failures.
Bill
The only diff issue I have heard of was with the initial 2014s. Some 2014s came from the factory with no lubricant in the diff which resulted in a number of failures.
Bill
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 383
Likes: 11
From: indianapolis indiana