I'm planning to buy one or the other in the future. I like the looks of the GS, with the optional larger carbon ceramic breaks, and some carbon goodies. Other than looks and dry sump oiling, what is the difference? do they drive any better. Chances are that mine will never see a track. They are a lot more money than the Z51.I know there are companies out there to make a Z51 look like a Gs or Z06. I'm just throwing these questions around in my head. What do you guys think?
Z51 or GS
- Thread starter Jeff
- Start date
I have a Z51 and love it, but when it comes to aggressive driving or tracking, I'd have to go with the GS next time. It has bigger tires, better suspension and more downforce so a bit less squirrelly and higher adhesion limits in the corners. Myself I'd stay away from the ceramic brakes, just due to the replacement costs down the road. Biggest thing you'd be missing would be lack of fade under repeated hard braking on the track.
2017 Corvette Grand Sport: First Drive
2017 Corvette Grand Sport: First Drive
- Aug 20, 2014
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I also have a 2015 z51 M7 with some mods. I do like the option of the ceramic brakes, as they reduce weight and add to better braking. Since you won't be tracking the car, the wider tires really aren't going to make a difference on the street. The wider stance is nice on the GS. ACS makes rear brake ducts, functional for a z51 if you like the look and want cooler rear brakes. I think the z51 ackage offers quite a lot considering the overall cost of the car. You still get better brakes, electronic differential, dry sump, aggressive gear ratios, front brake ducts, front and rear anti-roll bars, and some other goodies. I would save a little money, go for the z51 and you can mod it later if so desired. Just MO. Either way, you will enjoy your car.
- Sep 2, 2014
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In addition to what Tyho has said, I would add that the Z51 is already a very good track car. Its limits are so high you will never experience them on the streets... unless you are willing to enter license losing territory. While I love the GS, it really only gives you additional performance on the track.
- Aug 30, 2014
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True that... I would also add that the limits of any of the C7 models, including the bare bones base are so high that, unless you are willing to lose your license, you will never legally experience them on the street.... and if you just have to push that limit, pull off 4 plug wires and put a brick under the go pedal..... That might keep you closer to legal
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Back in May I traded a 2014 Z51 on 2017 GS and glad I did. I will never track the GS but there is some minor but still noticeable handling improvements with the GS - more noticeable on the track I am told. The price difference between the similarly equipped Z51 and the GS is not that much when you consider that the mag suspension (a must on any model) dual mode exhaust (another must) and the performance data (lots of fun) are included on the GS as are the side body ground effects plus other minor features line GS floor mats. Probably about an additional $5k Canadian when the dust settles. Bottom line the GS has a more aggressive distinctive look and just for good measure add the heritage package (about $800) and get the front fender hash marks.
If I were buying to-day I would get the new GS: best looking, best handling corvette ever made - check out the reviews and you will see that the new GS is the way to go-$102,300.00 gets you into the convertible with all the options you need.
I would drop the expensive "race" option with the ceramic brakes. Very expensive option and of limited use for street driving. Stingray brakes are very good, better than any of my previous generations. Z51 brakes are better and GS are better again, noticeable improvement over the Z51 which are already great. My GS coupe was $89k with M7 transmission, 2LT, chrome wheels, plus Heritage pkg. plus a few minor options. The carbon fibre add ons are very pricy so be careful when you tick off those boxes.
Is anyone using the Batter Maintainer with their C7: I got one with my 2016 and need to start using because when left for a few weeks the battery really loses it's charge; I guess, all the electronics drains the battery when sitting idle. There is a cord with a plug for a DC outlet and one to plug into the outlets in the car - trunk or cabin? I guess I could use either? The instructions that come with the unit are awful. Thanks for help JCWP
Absolutely use it! The GM supplied battery maintainer is a reasonably good quality as I believe it uses pulse technology. Only charges as much as is needed and then cuts off until the maintainer senses that the battery needs a little top up so back on it comes and so on. I leave mine on from December shut down until April start up. A side benefit is that they will easily double the life of the battery. Have used them on motorcycles for years and can always get 8-9 years out of a battery. As you have noticed, the GM battery maintainer comes with a male 12 Volt lighter plug rather than the usual clips that you clip to the battery terminal. This means that you can just plug it into the lighter socket and walk away. You can ONLY use the socket in the rear compartment as it is the only one that remains live once the ignition is turned off. Makes the hookup and disconnect process very simple. Happy motoring.
- Aug 30, 2014
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I use mine faithfully James. Both prior on my C6 and this is the second year with the factory one on the C7. It's pretty much a hook it up and plug it in easy. I plug mine into the trunk outlet and lay a thin microfibre cloth down for the cord to lay against, instead of the paint... lol... And just shut the hatch on the cord and the cloth, Only rule is always plug the end into the car before you plug it in to power and vice versa... unplug power before unplugging from car... If your battery is run down a lot, put a regular charger on first as the maintainer is just what it's name says....I have maintainers on 4 different vehicles including my yard mower...lol... and swear by them...
DavidWG: thank you very much for your help. Why does the manual that comes with the BM not say that? It goes on about everything else - even when I Googled it all I got was advice using another BM with the typical battery claws. In any case, I was going to hook it up as you explained - so, thank you once again.
My GS price was based on 2LT with Z07 and Heritage Pkg, 8sp. AT, carbon fiber interior trim and convertible ($4Kmore). I love my AT as it switched to MT very quickly. The AT is probably another $2K+ - so, if you go for T-top and MT & forget about the Z07 pkg you are at < $90K; but, I would order the Z07 pkg.
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YFCvii
If with the exact same base spec that I have on my 2016 3LT-Z51, It would really be a struggle for me deciding whether to spend the extra to go Grand Sport or go Convertible and not exceed my $99,999.99 marital-acceptable spending limit by doing both (marital status not negotiable). I am looking forward to kicking the tires of the 2017 Grand Sport as they are not in Calgary Dealerships yet (where there appears to be many up North) and I don't know why - maybe based from last year sales being stronger there.
I use the claws directly on the battery. It's pretty easy to pop up the right rear corner, just need to be careful with the carpet sliding in and out from under the right wheel cover. I wrap the line in a micro fiber sheath I made for the contact area between the hatch window and the sill.
The targa is awesome as well. The GS would definitely be my go to choice no holes barred; but, you would be in trouble with the boss. The C7 Z51 is awesome also. Mine is a C7 Stingray 2LT with all the options: carbon fibre interior trim, red brake calipers, sport exhaust, AT, MRC etc. You are better offr ordering the 2Lt over the 3LT and just add on the other options because all the big stuff is shared with both trim pkg. anyway. I do not track my car: drive to the tennis club and seniors centre to play snooker with the odd trip to Kelowna - very happy with the ride and handling. Good luck!!!!! I still may get the GS -still thinking about it.
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