Request for thoughts, please?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
Request for thoughts, please?
Hi folks, I'm "can't sleep" excited about diving in and purchasing a C7, which will be my first Corvette. I'm in my 50s, have wanted one since I was a little boy, and have two nagging concerns that I'm struggling with.
Ride Height; honestly, is the ride height something that's of constant concern, or something to just be aware of, or am I obsessing about a potential minor issue needlessly? For example, will taking a speed hump (hump, not bump) at less than a crawl, or traversing a moderately steep pavement dip from the road to a parking lot - where the road intersects with the apron - always be a potential cause of damage, be it cosmetic or mechanical?
Magnetic Ride Suspension; as I'll be buying used, is the magnetic ride suspension option durable if not abused, or is it something that can be expected to degrade or even break over time, and if so, does it absolutely break the bank in repair?
Thank you in advance for any thoughts or wisdom that you can offer. Mods, if I've posted this in the inappropriate forum, my apologies and please place me where appropriate.
Ride Height; honestly, is the ride height something that's of constant concern, or something to just be aware of, or am I obsessing about a potential minor issue needlessly? For example, will taking a speed hump (hump, not bump) at less than a crawl, or traversing a moderately steep pavement dip from the road to a parking lot - where the road intersects with the apron - always be a potential cause of damage, be it cosmetic or mechanical?
Magnetic Ride Suspension; as I'll be buying used, is the magnetic ride suspension option durable if not abused, or is it something that can be expected to degrade or even break over time, and if so, does it absolutely break the bank in repair?
Thank you in advance for any thoughts or wisdom that you can offer. Mods, if I've posted this in the inappropriate forum, my apologies and please place me where appropriate.
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Moving this over to C7 General for comments.
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While you do learn to be careful of the ride height & clearances, I don't obsess about it...mag ride is a awesome option to have, the magnetic shocks typically last a long time but are a wear item & eventually will have to be replaced like any other shock would....congrats on your new ride
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,104
Likes: 949
From: Fleming Island Florida
Just do it Butternut! I’m in my 50’s and the C7 is my first Corvette and I absolutely love it! You’ll figure out a way to protect her over speed bumps and steep driveways, etc. As for the magride? I have it and haven’t had a single issue and I’m over 57k miles - and I’ve tracked (road course) mine twice. Keep this in mind. Try not to overthink what could go wrong or might be wrong with the car. It’s easy to start second-guessing your decision if you read too many negative comments on forums. Buyer’s remorse will totally destroy the experience.
Good luck. Be sure to post pics once you get it.
Good luck. Be sure to post pics once you get it.
Last edited by stevettec7; Apr 11, 2021 at 07:15 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 7,137
Likes: 3,176
From: Kannapolis MA.
CONGRATS,Welcome to Club 7 
Look under the nose right under the radiator.There is a air dame.Should be.
No harm is dun if this scraps.Kinda a warning that your reaching it's limit in clearance.
You will get use to it.Just pay attention a little more of the difference while driving your Beauty.
The shocks are pricey.Trouble starts with a leak.Now would be the time to catch it.Depending on your warranty deal.Don't know what you have for year and miles?
ENJOY IT
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
CONGRATS,Welcome to Club 7 Look under the nose right under the radiator.There is a air dame.Should be.
No harm is dun if this scraps.Kinda a warning that your reaching it's limit in clearance.
You will get use to it.Just pay attention a little more of the difference while driving your Beauty.
The shocks are pricey.Trouble starts with a leak.Now would be the time to catch it.Depending on your warranty deal.Don't know what you have for year and miles?
ENJOY IT
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2021
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From: Powell TN
Butternut:
Congratulations! You will LOVE it! I have a '15 Coupe Z51 w/mag ride--zero issues and I find the selectable features both helpful and amazing. I expect the shocks will wear out just like all shocks do eventually. All repairs will cost slightly more (it's a Vette!!). I don't track it and do my own routine maintenance, which helps cost-wise and helps me learn more about this amazing piece of engineering. I have just learned to drive very carefully because of ride height--if I see speed humps/bumps, I turn around.
Save the wave,
Kangarew
Congratulations! You will LOVE it! I have a '15 Coupe Z51 w/mag ride--zero issues and I find the selectable features both helpful and amazing. I expect the shocks will wear out just like all shocks do eventually. All repairs will cost slightly more (it's a Vette!!). I don't track it and do my own routine maintenance, which helps cost-wise and helps me learn more about this amazing piece of engineering. I have just learned to drive very carefully because of ride height--if I see speed humps/bumps, I turn around.
Save the wave,
Kangarew
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 488
From: Leonardtown Maryland
I worry more about running into the curb when pulling into a parking place. So when I have to I use the front camera and have a installed a Curb-Alert . Even so I have to conciously tell myself to go slow. Just find the car you like with the lowest mileage and documented maintenance records. Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,391
Likes: 1,453
From: South Dakota
If you hear the air dam scrape, don't get worried, I know it doesn't sound good, but if thats all that scrapes, there is no damage. If it gets too scraped up over time, it can always be replaced.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,568
Likes: 594
From: Jefferson City Missouri
I had a 2013 GS and the front splitter scrapped all of the time. At 20,000 miles I had to replace it because it looked I used a cheese grater on it. My 19 GS has zero issues with the splitter. The outer air dams scrape a little when I back out of my driveway. No big deal. Just be careful pulling into a parking space with a curb or parking barrier. The front end is low enough to sustain damage if you make contact with it. Buy the car!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 787
Likes: 127
From: Connecticut
[QUOTE=Butternut;1603285921always be a potential cause of damage, be it cosmetic or mechanical?
Magnetic Ride Suspension; as I'll be buying used, is the magnetic ride suspension option durable if not abused, or is it something that can be expected to degrade or even break over time, and if so, does it absolutely break the bank in repair?[/QUOTE]
If it gets scraped or breaks replace it. Now get some sleep.
Magnetic Ride Suspension; as I'll be buying used, is the magnetic ride suspension option durable if not abused, or is it something that can be expected to degrade or even break over time, and if so, does it absolutely break the bank in repair?[/QUOTE]
If it gets scraped or breaks replace it. Now get some sleep.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,602
Likes: 12,865
From: Virginia
Welcome to the CF!
Don't let all the issues shared here concern you too much as everyone comes to forums to report and complaint about what's gone wrong. MANY of us (myself included) have had our C7s for years without any issues at all, but we don't generally report it on the forum.
Don't let all the issues shared here concern you too much as everyone comes to forums to report and complaint about what's gone wrong. MANY of us (myself included) have had our C7s for years without any issues at all, but we don't generally report it on the forum.
- C7s are quite low however not so low that's it's a real problem if you pay attention to what you are doing. Try to approach any serious obstacles at an angle as opposed to straight on. Quite a few owners actually lower their C7s even more.
- As far as the MRC, it seems to be one of the least problematic system on the C7 as we see very few issues on this forum regarding such. A leaking shock every now and then is about it. Besides, depending on which model you purchase you may not even have MRC. Grandsports and Z06s came standard with MRC and it was optional on the Stingray.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,104
Likes: 949
From: Fleming Island Florida
This reminds we of something my wife and I discussed just last night. One time while pulling into our favorite wine bar, I completely destroyed my right side skirt on a curb extension. After we parked, and I used some choice words, my wife says to me “You’re not gonna let that ruin our evening are you? Before I can get a word out, she said “After all, you’re gonna get it fixed right?” That certainly eased the pain. Before the first drink hit our table, I had a pair already ordered and on the way to the house.😬
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,381
Likes: 493
From: Central Fl. Leesburg
My splitter hits the parking curbs, it's mostly gone now and don't care. My C5 was really bad about scraping but there are two steel runners under the radiator.
For steep driveways just approach on an angle. Slow down for speed bumps and humps. Get a warranty, couple vendors here have them and can save you money, lots of electronics especially the screen
For steep driveways just approach on an angle. Slow down for speed bumps and humps. Get a warranty, couple vendors here have them and can save you money, lots of electronics especially the screen
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,430
Likes: 3,620
From: Commerce Texas
Just be sensible with speed bumps and serious dips.... I've got more than 100K miles in C7s... many on the forum here have much more than I.... these are great cars - don't overthink the possible problems that most likely will never occur. If you fret too much the car will end up owning you rather than the other way around...