A6 or A8
 

sold my C5Z and looking at the C7s, what are the pro and cons of the 2014 A6 and the later A8
also are the rear ratios the same or does the A6 have the same 1st gear as the A8, in the
Z51 or base stingray, it seems like the A6 has less overheating issues

thanks

When I ordered my C7, I thought I would be getting the A6 as a 2014. Dealer later informed me I would have to have a 2015 and the A8. So, not much choice there. Have not had any issues with my A8, so I would have to say the A8 is fine. Others would disagree, but that's life I guess.

Lots of well-documented issues with the A8. A6 is trouble free but only available in 2014.

Of the 130,000 or so A8s, only about 5% have issues. Of course spending much time here will leave you believing that only 5% are trouble-free.

For the A8 which is an amazing transmission, rhe only thing you need ro do is make sure it has the post January updated fluid formula in it and enjoy it.

It's light years ahead of the A6. Had plenty variants of both C6 and other gm vehicles with 6 spd auto. I would take the A8 over them every time. Plenty have soured on the A8 becaise it took aboit FOUR YEARS to sort out what the issue actually is.. (it's really the programming to compensate for afm but regardless).. the current fluid remedies the issue. If the tcc is too far gone theyll replace the converter under warranty.

Good luck. Go drive them both.

You cannot judge a product, any product, by the complaints about it online... the far greater number who have no issues seldom ever bother to post that. Hence, a massive sampling bias typically exists online, and is well established as such. Does that mean YOU are going to get a good product? Most likely, but no guaranty. All the best and ENJOY! :thumbs:

Mine A8 has been running fine, though I've used the Range device on her since about the first week.

I have had both the A6 and A8 and even though I had the shudder issue a while back it was easily corrected with a fluid change and has not come back. The A8 is vastly superior to the A6 in my opinion.

I had my a8 replaced in my 2015, but since it has been good. It's a much better trans at WOT than the a6 is for sure with much faster shifts.

Got my 2018 GS in April. Have zero problems. I track the car every once in a while and drive it pretty much every week. Love this transmission. Superior to anything I have had in the past. Drive and enjoy yours!

:cheers:

VetteFred

Thanks for all the comments, now I feel I can expand my search beyond a 2014.

I have the A8 in my ‘16. I’ve had no problems with “shudder” & have not changed trans fluid. It seems to be an excellent transmission however I use & recommend the Range AFM device.

Interesting reply - you said that the A8 is "light years" ahead, and that you would take the A8 every time. What I find interesting is that you don't qualify your comments. You never said WHY.

We've had a few and I personally prefer the A6. If you're doing 1/4 mile runs it has to shift less even tough it's slower to shift (not sure by how much) and makes your shifting time less in the A6. It also doesn't have the shudder issue and can be easily serviced at many Indy's and DIYed.

If you look at the C7 fast list you'll see a lot of A6's up high even with the FI setups.

You do lose a bit of fuel economy but it's not like we all care about 1-3mpg if we're taking the Corvettes out.

Really the only issues I had with my 2014 was the old style water pump + belt tensioner which were upgraded to the 2015+ style and also replacing a mag ride shock but I did that myself with the Zip tie trick from the C5/C6 forums to not affect my alignment.

The A6 is arguably faster in the 1/4 and is bulletproof! I have an A6 though so I am biased. I would get an A8 it I got a Z though.

When I was shopping for a C7, one of the main concerns was the number of posts here on the forum about the problems with the A8. I just happened to find a '14 with the A6 that was at a deal (and mileage/condition) that I just couldn't refuse. I have been very pleased with the A6, but if the A8 has had the fixes done to it, nothing wrong with going that route if you want a newer car. There are some nice updates to the C7 in the newer model year so that is also a consideration. As mentioned, the Range AFM module is an option for the A8.