I bought my 2016 C7Z06 new in 2015 and have had zero problems. It never even overheated on our 100 plus days here in Texas. My 5th vette and the best! I just wish the tires weren't so expensive!
Great tips. The 2014 C7 Singray has common problem with the radiator cooling fan - it will sometimes fail to operate after spirited driving (not track, just hard street driving) resulting in engine overheating. I heard it was a rare glitch, but it sure enough happened to me. Swapped the fan out for the newer 600w fan for $250. Put it in myself with basic tools. Very easy install. It works perfect now. If anyone is considering a 2014, buy a 600w radiator fan at the same time.
The OEM fan will also shut down when the car is in a slow line for several miles (like getting around an accident or road work). Happened to me twice in one day. I didn’t know about the 600w fan - thanks.
My C7 has served me for years and I love her. All the mods and details I have added made her so unique I would never sell her. This year she is gettin' new VT smart active wing.
I have a 2016 3LZ Z06 Laguna Blue with 30k miles. I swapped the trans pan with a little deeper pan and put amsoil transmission fluid in it. Big difference in the smooth shifting at the track and on the street, with no overheating. Swapped the black supercharge cooler top and put a low coolant flow thermostat in the car. It helped get rid of the heat soak issue. Car runs 185 degrees at the track and on the street. I use Amsoil signature series oil for the car. Really helps protect the engine. Preventive maintenance goes a super long way. Every 5 years, all fluids are replaced in the car. There are no major issues for the car, great car, and smiles for miles.
As a 2014 C7 Z51 3LT (Premier Edition) owner I can tell you really want the power hatch pull down and front cameras that came on the later models. The 2014 is super reliable, but does have a few things to watch for: fan relay issues, a bug in analog temp display on the dash (the digital temp is correct) and the Z51 rotors are prone to warping (there is a TSB about this). The infotainment system can be glitchy too. The GS is the sweet spot in the line up especially if tracking due to the overheating problems you get with the super charger in the Z06.
Agreed on all points. I pay very little attention to electronic options, as I seem to only own pre-2008 cars, and that may lead me to overlook certain options like the front cameras or power rear hatch. I appreciate your addition to the post! Lyle :)
Good take on the C7... I've had my C7 14' Z51 stingray for a few years now and if you're looking to get a C7.... a must is the manual tranny! And I highly recommend the AWE exhaust, it's fantastic! I've had ZERO problems with this car and it handles, shifts and rides fantastic!
I say transmission preference is based on other factors…I live in D.C. and daily drive my vette…I would NEVER get a manual vette if I daily in heavy traffic. After working all day, I just want to relax and let the car shift for me…thankfully, the paddle shifters are great on these cars for when I want to get a little crazy.
Love your videos, very informative! I’ve got a 2014 Z51 lime rock green, premier edition, #32/550. Runs great, no issues, the talk of the town at car shows because of the metallic sparkle in the NM sun.
I was having leg problems and had to sell my 07 Ron Fellows, heart break wish I had put the A6 in it instead, But i then moved on the a 2015 SS A6 The Sedan from Australia, but it was not a Corvette and felt like a 9 passenger station wagon, even after the LSA install i was not happy. Sold it and started the search. I found a 2014 Z51 A6 White with Red 3LT with 5,000 miles. I drove 3 1/2 hours to verify everything I looked brand new. Drove great and was the colors I wanted. At $45K I thought that is a lot BUT it is a lot of car too. We did the deal. 3 years later today 10,000 miles i put all weather tires on and got a new battery. Other than oil changes that is it. I love the car, I only want to get 550 HP out it and it would match the Ron Fellows Z06 I had. Great videos on C7. Makes me feel smart to jump on my 2014. Dennis
Great video! I have an ‘07 coupe 6 speed manual and love it! I’ve always liked the GS though, too, and would agree that it’s the best of both base/Z06 worlds. 👍
@@gregbruner9615interesting. I feel like 7th would be great on the highway to conserve fuel. I think 3rd through 5th will be heavily used once my ‘19 gets here Saturday. Lol
Lyle. Thanks for all of your great information. You mentioned on here about the 2014-2106 having the dreaded torque tube problem. Do the 2017-2019 years have that same problem? Thanks Mike
Mike, I have only seen one 2017 or newer car with that issue, but I wouldn't be so bold as to say that those cars are more immune than the earlier models...this issue appears to be age-related, not due to use or abuse. I imagine that I will see more and more of the later cars as they age...Lyle
@@csvette Lyle, thanks for fast response. One other question….any difference between the manual and automatic equipped vehicles. I haven’t seen any real postings on ones with manuals having that problem. Thanks again Mike
I traded a 2011 base model with 18k miles for a 2018 Stingray with 5k. One of the biggest mistakes of my life. The dealership had to replace the torque tube and the car has about 5500 miles on it. Half the time I am driving a 4 banger with the active fuel management. In my opinion the c6 is a better car in every aspect. If you want a c7, this one is for sale.
There is a NHTSA bulletin out about the A8 transmission fluid in the C7 being hygroscopic. This caused shuddering issues in V4. I tripled flushed my transmission fluid per the bulletin and installed a Range Technology OBD2 port AFM bypass and it’s been a dreamboat. No more V4 or shuddering!
Lyle , are there issues with the torque converter getting damaged by the 8 to 4 cyl fuel saving gimmick ? which im told is why a lot of people have been using the range device plugged into the diagnostic port . whats you angle on that thanks
I have heard about that issue, and I think it is largely what contributed to the low Consumer Reports Scores in '15 and '16. I dislike cylinder deactivation in Gm cars--It seems they just can't get it right for some reason. Lyle
Hello and thank you for the video on the c7 year runs. You mention that the earlier c7s 8speed automatics had problems, were these problems fixed during the 2019 c7 run of cars?
My 2014 was mechanically great, but the electronics were not so good. The center display console had multiple problems including image rolling, black screen and half of the screen missing. It was all traced to the ribbon cable used behind the display. Having a sliding up and down display was a gimmick that caused nothing but issues for me.
C5, C6 or C8. I am 6'11", and I cannot even get into a C7. The C5 is the roomiest, but I loved the C8 even though it felt more confining, I had just as much comfort as the C5. Lyle
Is the problem with the torque tube solved in 2017? and what have they done to solve the problem in that case? and is it a big problem with 14-16? I saw prices of over $ 4,000 to fix it.
Most of the C7's I have seen with bad TT issues are 14-16 models. Supposedly, GM changed the couplers they were using in '17, but I am always suspect when GM claims to have been pro-active in solving any problem. The $4000 price is very close to what you will pay to solve it. Lyle
Do you believe that when the C-9 comes out, that will be the end of the pushrod engine seeing how the the next model always gets the Z06 engine from previous year and the C-8 Z06 supposedly will have overhead cams ? Whatta you think ?
The demise of the pushrod engine is a certainty--whether it be from moving upwards to a DOHC setup or going fully electric remains to be seen. I know that technology has to march on, but I will dearly miss the hearty exhaust note and rumble of the pushrod V8.... Lyle
Hey Lyle, i was wondering how tall are you? Im 6ft 10 currently a C6 owner, looking into C7. I can kinda fit in it, but obviously, its much less room in it. Were you able to squeeze yourself in it?
I'm the same height and I cannot get in and drive a C7---dash hits my knees and the seat won't lean back far enough for me to lift my head to somewhere close to level. Lyle
That depends on a ton of factors--the question is far too broad to answer here. The main thing is what you plan on doing with the car--drive it, show it, race it, park it and rub it with a diaper---all different answers. Lyle
Lyle you casually mentioned that you don't fit in a C7. I'm 6'3 200 lbs. Would that be an issue? I fit well in my old C5 and C3s. What gives with the C7?
The C7's combination of a dash that angels out toward the driver and a seat that can't be leaned back to the bulkhead due to sensors that keep it away make the car very compact inside. You may be able to squeeze in, but I would highly recommend you give it a try before setting your heart on one. Lyle
@@csvette thanks for for your reply, like your you tube watched all your videos. Thinking on buying a c6. Maybe next year, lemme 73 live I'm Martin County Florida, never owned a vette, don't know anything about them. Thanks for all your info. BILL FORBES
Does it get more exzilerating or that feeling of being right there on the edge as you cut through the twistys in that 7speed GS...With the revs up,& the top off, your after-market exhaust screaming, then all the sudden you hear it! It's the 'Fun-Police' telling you to.. Slow down Honey... Right up to the very end, Does really get any better than that for a real car enthusiast,on a realistic Budget?. If so.. Pleas do tell.......
Interesting that the current Consumer Reports Used Car Buyers Guide rates the 2016 Corvette as “Above Average” in reliability. The 2018 as “Below Average” and all other years “Average” reliability. There seems to be a discrepancy between this video and the actual CR ratings.
That is strange! I took that info from the archived assessments of the CR website. Perhaps they amend their ratings over time? Or I may have been looking at initial quality surveys whereas you are looking at long-term assessments? Interesting... Lyle
I bought a C7 Z51 with a manual transmission 3lt with all the options I didn't really consider a grand sport it may look like a Z06 but it isn't but it has the rim problems as the Z06 has the engines on the grand sport and the Z51 are the same I hear you on hard to get in and out of I'm almost 60 years old and 5ft 9in and it's hard for me to get in and out of I looked a a C8 it was even worse they are both kind of hard to see out of but the C8 is a even harder to see out of
Really? It paddle shifts slow??? I have a 2014 Z51 3LT and when in paddle mode (manual) and foot on the floor I can hardly shift fast fast enough! It’s bang, bang, bang, as you call it and shifts immediately! It shift so fast it’s hard to stay away from the rev limiter. I guess I’m lucky and got a new one. Only 12k miles on it so far. I like it better than my 2004 ZO6 and 1990 ZR1.
James, you are correct in that Comsumer Reports is a bit like the BBB--exists to promote and extort, not to actually be an objective reviewer. Problem is, the few actual sources for this type of information (Manheim Auto Auctions, for example) don't see enough volume of specialty cars like the Corvette to formulate a solid picture of actual value. If youare aware of a better source for this type of info, please let me know so that I can use it moving forward. Lyle :)
I bought my 2016 C7Z06 new in 2015 and have had zero problems. It never even overheated on our 100 plus days here in Texas. My 5th vette and the best! I just wish the tires weren't so expensive!
Great tips. The 2014 C7 Singray has common problem with the radiator cooling fan - it will sometimes fail to operate after spirited driving (not track, just hard street driving) resulting in engine overheating. I heard it was a rare glitch, but it sure enough happened to me. Swapped the fan out for the newer 600w fan for $250. Put it in myself with basic tools. Very easy install. It works perfect now. If anyone is considering a 2014, buy a 600w radiator fan at the same time.
The OEM fan will also shut down when the car is in a slow line for several miles (like getting around an accident or road work). Happened to me twice in one day. I didn’t know about the 600w fan - thanks.
My C7 has served me for years and I love her. All the mods and details I have added made her so unique I would never sell her. This year she is gettin' new VT smart active wing.
2017 Grand Sport with the Heritage Package is my dream.
I'm 41 yrs old and I daily my 2019 C7 Grand Sport. You can do it!
I have a 2016 3LZ Z06 Laguna Blue with 30k miles. I swapped the trans pan with a little deeper pan and put amsoil transmission fluid in it. Big difference in the smooth shifting at the track and on the street, with no overheating. Swapped the black supercharge cooler top and put a low coolant flow thermostat in the car. It helped get rid of the heat soak issue. Car runs 185 degrees at the track and on the street. I use Amsoil signature series oil for the car. Really helps protect the engine. Preventive maintenance goes a super long way. Every 5 years, all fluids are replaced in the car. There are no major issues for the car, great car, and smiles for miles.
Much appreciate the video. It help’s me to narrow down to the 2017-19 Grand Sport.
Exactly where I'd like to be too...
As a 2014 C7 Z51 3LT (Premier Edition) owner I can tell you really want the power hatch pull down and front cameras that came on the later models. The 2014 is super reliable, but does have a few things to watch for: fan relay issues, a bug in analog temp display on the dash (the digital temp is correct) and the Z51 rotors are prone to warping (there is a TSB about this). The infotainment system can be glitchy too. The GS is the sweet spot in the line up especially if tracking due to the overheating problems you get with the super charger in the Z06.
Agreed on all points. I pay very little attention to electronic options, as I seem to only own pre-2008 cars, and that may lead me to overlook certain options like the front cameras or power rear hatch. I appreciate your addition to the post! Lyle :)
Just picked up a 2019 grand sport, couldn’t be happier
Good take on the C7... I've had my C7 14' Z51 stingray for a few years now and if you're looking to get a C7.... a must is the manual tranny! And I highly recommend the AWE exhaust, it's fantastic! I've had ZERO problems with this car and it handles, shifts and rides fantastic!
I say transmission preference is based on other factors…I live in D.C. and daily drive my vette…I would NEVER get a manual vette if I daily in heavy traffic. After working all day, I just want to relax and let the car shift for me…thankfully, the paddle shifters are great on these cars for when I want to get a little crazy.
@@LayneSteighlee buy a Prius, you don't know how to drive.
Love your videos, very informative! I’ve got a 2014 Z51 lime rock green, premier edition, #32/550. Runs great, no issues, the talk of the town at car shows because of the metallic sparkle in the NM sun.
Great video Lyle! Luv my 2017 C7 Z06. No issues. Keep up all the great content sharing. Super helpful!
A 2LT will be the sweet spot for a C7 Corvette Stingray.
2016 had the flat bottom steering wheel AND bubbles in the body panel’s making the body panels almost as light as carbon fibre panels.
I'm right with you on the 96 Grand Sport and heritage edition C7 . I love my C5 but C7 Grand Sport is next.
Me too. The C6’s just don’t do it for me
Thank you so much for this video Lyle, I really do appreciate you making this video for us!!
I was having leg problems and had to sell my 07 Ron Fellows, heart break wish I had put the A6 in it instead, But i then moved on the a 2015 SS A6 The Sedan from Australia, but it was not a Corvette and felt like a 9 passenger station wagon, even after the LSA install i was not happy. Sold it and started the search. I found a 2014 Z51 A6 White with Red 3LT with 5,000 miles. I drove 3 1/2 hours to verify everything I looked brand new. Drove great and was the colors I wanted. At $45K I thought that is a lot BUT it is a lot of car too. We did the deal. 3 years later today 10,000 miles i put all weather tires on and got a new battery. Other than oil changes that is it. I love the car, I only want to get 550 HP out it and it would match the Ron Fellows Z06 I had. Great videos on C7. Makes me feel smart to jump on my 2014. Dennis
Great video! I have an ‘07 coupe 6 speed manual and love it! I’ve always liked the GS though, too, and would agree that it’s the best of both base/Z06 worlds. 👍
Looking to get a C7 Grand Sport as soon as I sell my C5 Base. Thanks for the very informative video Lyle!
My favorite part of the c7 is the 7 speed transmission so rare and so many gears
I've driven one and yes I felt it was a lot of gears. Good buy if you find one.
I find I very rarely use the 7th gear in my 2019 Stingray.
@@gregbruner9615interesting. I feel like 7th would be great on the highway to conserve fuel. I think 3rd through 5th will be heavily used once my ‘19 gets here Saturday. Lol
Great info as usual!! I think my next Vette will be a C7 2018 or 2019
I have a 15 Z51 7 spd 41000 miles no problems didn't know about the torque tunnel problem so I guess I'll drive and see
Dude. Very cool. Thanks for the info. You seem like a real, regular guy. I appreciate that and subbed.
Great information .Thank you.
Great film! You need to make a "best for the buck" video. What is the best Corvette for less than 30K, for example. Repairs vs performance, etc.
Thank you, always a great video and information. How I wish your shop was near me,305.
Good video about C7 cars. I didn't know the ZR1 was a 1 year only model. 🤔
Love your videos!! You are the man!!!
😃😃😃
Love my '17 GS M7 3LT Carbon Design Package edition - whooof, that's a mouthful. Much better car than driver (as I found out at Spring Hill).
Great information and to the point thank you
in 2016 they started making the body panels with air bubbles in them making those panels as light as carbon fibre parts
Love your videos!!!!😊
Lyle. Thanks for all of your great information. You mentioned on here about the 2014-2106 having the dreaded torque tube problem. Do the 2017-2019 years have that same problem? Thanks Mike
Mike, I have only seen one 2017 or newer car with that issue, but I wouldn't be so bold as to say that those cars are more immune than the earlier models...this issue appears to be age-related, not due to use or abuse. I imagine that I will see more and more of the later cars as they age...Lyle
@@csvette Lyle, thanks for fast response. One other question….any difference between the manual and automatic equipped vehicles. I haven’t seen any real postings on ones with manuals having that problem. Thanks again Mike
@@mikeb2737 Both setups can have that issue. The couplers fall apart, and they have no idea what transmission they are driving. :) Lyle
Dig your videos so much good information.
I traded a 2011 base model with 18k miles for a 2018 Stingray with 5k. One of the biggest mistakes of my life. The dealership had to replace the torque tube and the car has about 5500 miles on it. Half the time I am driving a 4 banger with the active fuel management. In my opinion the c6 is a better car in every aspect. If you want a c7, this one is for sale.
There is a NHTSA bulletin out about the A8 transmission fluid in the C7 being hygroscopic. This caused shuddering issues in V4. I tripled flushed my transmission fluid per the bulletin and installed a Range Technology OBD2 port AFM bypass and it’s been a dreamboat. No more V4 or shuddering!
I’ve read and heard similar comments elsewhere. Plus, the C6 is a prettier car, imo.
*so safe to buy an auto 2014 C7 with Z51 package coupe , now the real question is when will C7 prices drop in Canada*
Yes, it is! Lyle
Lyle , are there issues with the torque converter getting damaged by the 8 to 4 cyl fuel saving gimmick ? which im told is why a lot of people have been using the range device plugged into the diagnostic port . whats you angle on that thanks
I have heard about that issue, and I think it is largely what contributed to the low Consumer Reports Scores in '15 and '16. I dislike cylinder deactivation in Gm cars--It seems they just can't get it right for some reason. Lyle
Thanks for sharing
Hello and thank you for the video on the c7 year runs. You mention that the earlier c7s 8speed automatics had problems, were these problems fixed during the 2019 c7 run of cars?
Would you make a review for Vette Stingray Convertible 3lt? I appreciate any help you can provide.
Can't fit in a C7 but can fit in a 96 C4 Gran Sport ?
What's your favorite Vette out of the C6 C7 or C8?
So the 2016 Z51 manual transmission is a bad car?
Have 2019 GS 2LT A8 CP
My 2014 was mechanically great, but the electronics were not so good. The center display console had multiple problems including image rolling, black screen and half of the screen missing. It was all traced to the ribbon cable used behind the display. Having a sliding up and down display was a gimmick that caused nothing but issues for me.
So, C7 M7 are good to go for pretty much any year, yes?
With gas prices and the “Greenies”, the swan song may be around the corner, for my 19, ZO6 M7.
Some day I hope to add a C8 to my collection
What series is the most comfortable for tall guys? I’m 6’4” and I test drove a 2016 LT2 today. Leg room was a problem.
Thank you!
C5, C6 or C8. I am 6'11", and I cannot even get into a C7. The C5 is the roomiest, but I loved the C8 even though it felt more confining, I had just as much comfort as the C5. Lyle
What do you mean when you say you dont fit in the c7? Like headroom wise? How tall are you
6'11"
So if the auto transmissions had problems from 15-16 did they get resolved for the 17-19 models?
Not really. THere were still issues with the shudder and the CDI system--neither of which seemd to affect the manual cars at all. Lyle
Is the problem with the torque tube solved in 2017? and what have they done to solve the problem in that case? and is it a big problem with 14-16? I saw prices of over $ 4,000 to fix it.
Most of the C7's I have seen with bad TT issues are 14-16 models. Supposedly, GM changed the couplers they were using in '17, but I am always suspect when GM claims to have been pro-active in solving any problem. The $4000 price is very close to what you will pay to solve it. Lyle
Do you believe that when the C-9 comes out, that will be the end of the pushrod engine seeing how the the next model always gets the Z06 engine from previous year and the C-8 Z06 supposedly will have overhead cams ? Whatta you think ?
The demise of the pushrod engine is a certainty--whether it be from moving upwards to a DOHC setup or going fully electric remains to be seen. I know that technology has to march on, but I will dearly miss the hearty exhaust note and rumble of the pushrod V8.... Lyle
To me , the pushrod engine IS what American muscle is. See you one day at your shop, in 30min south of you. 👍
Hey Lyle, i was wondering how tall are you? Im 6ft 10 currently a C6 owner, looking into C7. I can kinda fit in it, but obviously, its much less room in it. Were you able to squeeze yourself in it?
I'm the same height and I cannot get in and drive a C7---dash hits my knees and the seat won't lean back far enough for me to lift my head to somewhere close to level. Lyle
@@csvette what about C8, any luck with them?
What is the best corvette to own?
That depends on a ton of factors--the question is far too broad to answer here. The main thing is what you plan on doing with the car--drive it, show it, race it, park it and rub it with a diaper---all different answers. Lyle
Thanks!!!
Engine deactivation kills motors. Aftermarket has plugins to stop it
@P T awesome! Deactivation was so bad there are a ton of lawsuits against Chevy for engine damage. Look it up. You just got lucky
Lyle you casually mentioned that you don't fit in a C7. I'm 6'3 200 lbs. Would that be an issue? I fit well in my old C5 and C3s. What gives with the C7?
The C7's combination of a dash that angels out toward the driver and a seat that can't be leaned back to the bulkhead due to sensors that keep it away make the car very compact inside. You may be able to squeeze in, but I would highly recommend you give it a try before setting your heart on one. Lyle
Do you sell corvettes?
We do. We have a few C3's, a C4 and a C6 at the moment. Oh, and a really nice '61. :)
@@csvette thanks for for your reply, like your you tube watched all your videos. Thinking on buying a c6. Maybe next year, lemme 73 live I'm Martin County Florida, never owned a vette, don't know anything about them. Thanks for all your info. BILL FORBES
Does it get more exzilerating or that feeling of being right there on the edge as you cut through the twistys in that 7speed GS...With the revs up,& the top off, your after-market exhaust screaming, then all the sudden you hear it! It's the 'Fun-Police' telling you to.. Slow down Honey... Right up to the very end, Does really get any better than that for a real car enthusiast,on a realistic Budget?. If so.. Pleas do tell.......
In a word, no. That is living, and no other car for under $100k can do it half as well as the Corvette. Enjoy! Lyle
Nice...
Thx alot gd info!
Interesting that the current Consumer Reports Used Car Buyers Guide rates the 2016 Corvette as “Above Average” in reliability. The 2018 as “Below Average” and all other years “Average” reliability. There seems to be a discrepancy between this video and the actual CR ratings.
That is strange! I took that info from the archived assessments of the CR website. Perhaps they amend their ratings over time? Or I may have been looking at initial quality surveys whereas you are looking at long-term assessments? Interesting... Lyle
They are average but CR doesn't like sports cars.
I bought a C7 Z51 with a manual transmission 3lt with all the options I didn't really consider a grand sport it may look like a Z06 but it isn't but it has the rim problems as the Z06 has the engines on the grand sport and the Z51 are the same I hear you on hard to get in and out of I'm almost 60 years old and 5ft 9in and it's hard for me to get in and out of I looked a a C8 it was even worse they are both kind of hard to see out of but the C8 is a even harder to see out of
Yea but once you get in it's great I'm 5'7"
Van Bortel Corvette Macedon New York
Really? It paddle shifts slow??? I have a 2014 Z51 3LT and when in paddle mode (manual) and foot on the floor I can hardly shift fast fast enough! It’s bang, bang, bang, as you call it and shifts immediately! It shift so fast it’s hard to stay away from the rev limiter. I guess I’m lucky and got a new one. Only 12k miles on it so far. I like it better than my 2004 ZO6 and 1990 ZR1.
That makes no sense.
Drivers cant beat that computer in C7
You seem like a knowledgeable and honest reviewer. Please do not cite Consumer Reports... they are nothing more than a PR firm for the highest bidder.
James, you are correct in that Comsumer Reports is a bit like the BBB--exists to promote and extort, not to actually be an objective reviewer. Problem is, the few actual sources for this type of information (Manheim Auto Auctions, for example) don't see enough volume of specialty cars like the Corvette to formulate a solid picture of actual value. If youare aware of a better source for this type of info, please let me know so that I can use it moving forward. Lyle :)
I would never buy an automatic corvette!!!
I did, and my 2014 pro charged vette Automatic is a beast ! And I love it.
@@bigolow641 manuals are not for everyone, I just happen to love the experience.
Thanks!