Hello my name is Gabe and I am starting my research for an upcoming C7 purchase. I sell Hyundai's in North Texas and currently drive a 2016 Genesis Coupe R-Spec.

I have loved the C7 since it launched and want to get one before my wife and I have kids.

My goal is to get a M7 Z51 or Grand Sport, not to worried about getting a 2lt or 3lt. I would really like Laguna Blue. Right now I am starting to comb the forum for information because I am vain and research everything too much before making a decision. I am the exact type of customer that frustrates me the most in sales.

I would love to hear input from members regarding must have mods for a C7 along with things to look out for while searching for a vehicle and common issues people have.
Any input is appreciated.

I like to mod my cars but not go crazy. Currently on my Gen Coupe I have Intake, Exhaust, Tune, Short Shifter, and Powder coated OEM wheels.

EDIT* Thanks for the input so far, This will be a daily driver for me.
I have noticed that prices have been on the rise, thankfully I am in no rush and have no problem waiting for more C8s to hit the road and winter to hit...

Here is a pic my Genesis





Thanks for having me!

 

Welcome, moved you here to the C7 forums for all your questions

 

Thanks

 

DD get a Stingray. Weekend cruiser get a GS or Stingray.
GS has larger tires and questionable wheels.
2016 or newer if you want Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
2LT minimum, 3LT if the warping dash doesn’t bother you.
Try for as many options as you can get. You’ll pay premium
money anyway, may as well get as much as you can.
Good luck, happy hunting.

 

Welcome, Gabe. I, too, am in NTX. Plenty of us here on the Forum.

I've done many mods and continue to mod my '14 Z51. The possibilities are endless. Mods are subjective to your taste. Check out the looooonnngg... thread below. It can give you many ideas of might interest you in doing to your future C7. Or, check out moderator Steven (Bell) Garrett's signature. I don't think there isn't much he hasn't done.

Also, there are many used C7's up for sale within the Forum as many have sold either to get another variant of the C7 or move on to the C8. Good luck in your search.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-c7-today.html

 

Welcome!

There aren't really any 'must have' mods - even in a "base" model Stingray. UNLESS of course, they are "must haves" to you. Seriously, the C7 Vette is a fantastic car. The really important factory features I wanted were Convertible, Manual trans, Mag Ride and Performance Exhaust. I ordered mine the way I wanted it because I couldn't find one I liked with that combination of features. Mods? I've only done cosmetic stuff - nothing performance related. But you are asking in the right place! Here's some info that might be of help while you are shopping; Each Corvette C7 (2018/2019) was available in four models:
– Stingray
– Z51
– Grand Sport
– Z06

and each is available in one of three trim packages
(1LT, 2LT, 3LT).

https://www.wallacechev.com/blog/che...-buying-guide/

The link above gets into great detail on features by model and trim. These should be pretty close for all C7s but there have been some changes to trim levels over the years.

Good hunting!

 

I have a 2019 M7 GS 2LT. The C7 is a pretty complete package as delivered. Just my opinion, if you plan a lot of engine mods why not save the grief and frustration and move up to a ZO6? Otherwise most folks doing mods are doing a performance air cleaner, a cat back, possibly headers and a tune. If I was considering going the mod route I would have gone with a ZO6. FYI, on the street my GS, even with its 335 rear tires, doesn’t really hook up until you hit second gear so using even more power can have practical limitations on the street.

 

I'd contact Mike Furman Salesman @ Criswell Chevrolet for a pre-owned C7. When you don't know the product you're buying, you better know the individual and dealer you buy it from is iron-clad. Mike Furman is both.

Scroll Criswell Chevrolet Gaithersburg, MD used C7 selection. Or call Mike and tell him what you want.

 

I wouldn't get a C7 without the NPP exhaust and mag-ride suspension, to me those are "must haves". The mag ride was a life changing experience for me because I can have a comfortable touring car or an on rails track weapon with the twist of a ****. The Z51 package is not required if you are not tracking the car. Getting the M7 means no worries about the A8. The Grand Sport gives you all the Z51 stuff plus the wide body look, along with the risk of crack wheels.

The 2LT is the sweat spot as far as the interior bits and options are concerned. Given the problems with the 3LT dash I'd avoid them. Mine has been fine but there is nothing special about it aside from the color (Brownstone). Laguna Blue is the best exterior color, no argument there as for mods side skirts, wheels, black out badges and tail lights plus an x-pipe are things I found my Z51 needed to look and sounds its best. Of course you can go crazy if you wish as the Corvette has a massive aftermarket. I am not a fan of the transparent top because it lets too much heat into the car but you can trade tops with other forum members if want to switch that out.

The used market for C7 is starting to go thru a bit of price increase due to the lack of C8s and the fact that its sports car buying season (summer) so this is a good time to research with a purchase come fall / winter when prices drop slightly. I spent about two weeks here researching before I purchased my used C7 and test drove 3 of them so I understood how the various differences felt. I considering getting a Genesis Coupe but got a Nissan 350Z instead before moving onto the C7. Good luck on your search.

 

As far as small stuff I did the Mild to Wild exhaust controller, CAGS eliminator, the Vitesse Throttle Controller and a Solar Ported Throttle Body. All of these (in my opinion) except the CAGS Eliminator are strictly optional.

I’d heard so much about bent wheels that I got wheel and tire insurance and swapped out the stock silver painted wheels for chrome ZR1 Replica wheels, 2k miles and so far so good. I also went with ceramic brake pads to drastically reduce brake dust.

 

Welcome Gabe, I hope you enjoy your search. I think you really enjoy the car and the ability to get a lot out of your mods if you do your research. Not to put a damper on your enthusiasm I would caution you because your timing for getting a C7 may be a slight off. C-7's are rising in value as the shortage of trade in's have dropped and low C8 production has most keeping their cars. I would encourage to keep at it as you'll be well rewarded for your efforts. Welcome to the club and I hope to see you in your C7 soon.

 

A low mileage 16 is your best value. 14s and 15s did not have car play and 17-19s didn’t really add anything new.

 

It's good to research a totally new to you car model, and you came to the right place. First off you won't be buying a Laguna Blue Grandsport, because they ended the Laguna Blue color option in 2016 and they didn't start making Grandsports till 2017! One thing you should know is make sure and buy a Corvette with MRC (magnetic ride control). Without it your going to be bounced all over the place on a rough road. I won't buy a Corvette without it after having both with and without MRC. So if you go the Stingray Z51 route make darn sure it's on the car, as it was optional. The Grandsport and Z06 all have it, so you don't have to check. Personally I'd go for a Z06 with 650 H.P and no need to mod the engine for H.P. because you're just asking for trouble and there really is no need. All you have to mod on a Z06 is the exterior, things like Carbon Fiber parts, splitter side skirts, roof, rear spoiler etc. Also, I'd get a 2016 or newer and a 2LZ or 2LT or better to get the front camera's so you don't plow the front end into a curb. 1LZ/1LT's don't come with front camera's or heated and cooled seats. Also I'd get one with the Navigation/PDR track data/ camera for resale. So if you want Laguna Blue, it will have to be either a Stingray or Z06. They did start offering a new color option in 2019 called Elkhart Lake Blue which looks almost identical to Laguna Blue only slightly darker. If you get a 2019 then you can get either a Stingray Z51, Grandsport or Z06 in Elkhart Lake Blue. The 2019 Elkhart Lake Blue M7's are almost non-existent at the present time, so you may have to wait till one pops up. I've had quite a few C7's, as you can see from my signature and I presently have an Elkhart Lake Blue Z06 that I've upgraded the exterior with Carbon Fiber parts as well as the wheels. Pics before and after below. Good luck in your search!


Before Carbon Fiber and wheel upgrades.


After Carbon Fiber and wheels upgrade
And here's a picture comparing my 2016 Laguna Blue Z06 on the left with my 2019 Elkhart Lake Blue Z06 on the right so you can see what I'm talking about in regards to the color differences.

 

see my ad on c7 for sale: 2014 Z51 3LT 7M Laguna Blue/Ebony convertible with lots of after market items and only 10,007 miles... located in Alabama.... PM me for many pictures/details... thanks, CJ

 

Love the Elkhart Lake Blue too!

 

Best of luck to you as you embark on your search for a C7.

 

Welcome Gabe. I just purchased new a couple months ago. I opted for a 2019 1LT GS. Though the 2LT is the sweet spot, I did not find the $4,500 package necessary for me. Cooled seats are marginal at best, didn't need heated seats due to limited winter driving, HUD is nice but don't miss it, I know how to park without the need for cameras, etc.... However, purchasing used, the depreciation has been taken and you shouldn't see a big difference in the prices between a 1LT and 2LT. So, it depends on whats important to you. I used the saving to buy Forgeline wheels so I wouldn't have to deal with the crappy OEM GS wheels.
Good luck with your search. Take your time, the right vehicle for you is out there.

 

Welcome to the Forum, Gabe.

You can’t go wrong with a Stingray, Z51, or GS. Each have the foundation of a wonderful sports car, and you’re just buying upgrades at each level. If you plan to track your car a lot, you might want to lean towards the Z51 or GS. The GS has a Singray engine, with a Z06 frame, suspension, and body.

I have a 2014 3LT Stingray, and it is perfect for my uses - spirited driving in the countryside. If you don’t plan to track your car (or will track it very infrequently), it will be more than enough car for you, especially if you add the Z51 swaybars. I would have been equally happy with a 2LT. My only regret is not having the magnetic shocks.

If you can’t find a dealer to let you test drive the car, let me know. I live in the DFW Metroplex, and will be happy to let you take mine for a spin. I have an automatic transmission, and I know you’re looking for a manual. However, you can still get a good feeling about the handling and braking.

Best of luck to you in your search!

 

@twowinns Thank you very much for the offer, that means a lot but I don't need to drive one. I have been able to test drive both a 15 1lt auto and 16 2lt manual, at a local carmax about 1 year ago when my previous Genesis Coupe was totaled but seeing as I had just bough my first house two months prior I opted for another Genesis Coupe because it was literally less than half the price of a base used C7 at the time.

I love the wide body of the GS over the base C7 but don't know that the Z06 will be in my price range with the range of things I want.

 

You’re welcome, and I’m glad you’ve had a chance to drive them. Don’t worry, whichever model you choose, you will love it..