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I never felt my Z51 needed any performance modifications. If I hit the point in time when I NEEDED more performance, I'd buy a Z06.
Things like wheels/tires, short shifter, and x pipe were all I really needed to be happy with mine from a performance perspective and those were more about looks, feel, and sound.
Subtle accents and things of that nature to make it your own are inevitable (at least for me).
I did minor stuff the first 9 months we had the car. But I can't leave anything alone in the quest for more performance.
Wound up doing cam/headers/ported heads/intake/throttle body/E85 and tune. The car got faster and a lot more raucous with only a slight affect on very low speed driveability which is no big deal with a manual.
Modify it with OEM parts or aesthetics (splitter, side skirts etc) that will enhance the vehicle.. its a good "start"
This is what I have done. Did a few more mods on my C5 because it was older. On my 17 Stingray, I added the GM Z51 spoiler because the car needed it. Also added a ZO6, non-OEM front grill that most would not notice and looks 100% original. Performance-wise, car doesn’t need much based on how I drive. Go to the tech section and read all the posts seeking solutions to mod-created problems if the virus starts creeping up. Some still need the baddest car out there which is a way to go. With a C7, you’re about 75% there stock so I’m good with that.
I have not left my bone stock but what changes I have made have only been to either protect the car (side skirts, better splash guards) or to improve my general enjoyment of the car (Mild2Wild switch for NPP exhaust, Cowboy Dan's Double Extreme kit for heat/sound insulation/deadening), etc. Nothing against owners doing this, but I have zero intention/interest to add flashy components in the engine bay or things like that that I see primarily done for car shows and such. I have owned several Vettes and have never entered any in a car show.
Make it yours, enjoy it. If you want to modify it, do it and don't second guess. You didn't buy it to make sure the next owner likes it.
But if you want to keep it original that's completely okay too, do what you feel comfortable with
I did a few minor cosmetic mods on my C6 in the first couple of months. Then decided to take it to the drags one day, just to see how it would run. Big mistake. Memories of my serious racing days from the late 50's to early 80's came rushing back and I couldn't resist. I maintained enough control to only do bolt-on mods, but continued as the quest to go quicker continued until I was running high 10's. Then my racing buddy crashed his car and I lost my friend and desire to race.
Enter the C7 and told myself, "no power mods". Assuming you don't (and I don't) consider a muffler change adding power, then only that, wheels, and some pinstripes have been added in 2 years and 20K miles.
I'm keeping this one forever. Assuming no catastrophes, my last ride will be in a little box on the passenger seat on the way to the cemetery, with instructions to the driver for one more WOT blast on the way.
Dude, wanting to do mods after 2 months of ownership? It’s like getting married and, 2 months later, wanting to get the wife a boob job, butt lift and Botox lips….
Stop reading about mods, hanging out with mod guys, save the money for a chance to move up to a C8.
As a daily driver I left my GS alone for 3 years... but that's the longest I've ever gone before doing my own thing. I only have one regret; I can't figure out how to best leverage launch control - when you let go of the brake it's pretty violent... but in a fabulous way!
One of the reasons I love cars; buy one you really like and enjoy it any way you chose.
