CT4-V Disappointed after lengthy Test drive

[jcsperson]

The CT4V BW feels slower because its much more refined. Switch the mag ride suspension with 2x4's and I am sure the thing will feel like its the fastest car on the planet and be violent and like a hyper car.

My 4BW has a much reduced sensation of speed than my previous C7 Grand Sport. On a stretch of interstate recently, I was just toodling along enjoying the scenery when I realized I was really gaining on a few vehicles ahead. A quick peek at the HUD showed I was doing 93. It felt like 75 in the Corvette. The 4th-gen MRC in the Blackwing is much better than that in the C7. The Tour setting in the Caddy is much more comfortable and compliant than in the Corvette.

 

[dinkman]

My 4BW has a much reduced sensation of speed than my previous C7 Grand Sport. On a stretch of interstate recently, I was just toodling along enjoying the scenery when I realized I was really gaining on a few vehicles ahead. A quick peek at the HUD showed I was doing 93. It felt like 75 in the Corvette. The 4th-gen MRC in the Blackwing is much better than that in the C7. The Tour setting in the Caddy is much more comfortable and compliant than in the Corvette.

funny coincidence, i sold my 4bw couple months ago and about to get into a c7 (havent decided between z51 or z06 yet). any advice for me?

 

[LF4472]

funny coincidence, i sold my 4bw couple months ago and about to get into a c7 (havent decided between z51 or z06 yet). any advice for me?

It's really a question of are you willing to pay more for the widebody and 190 more HP? My own answer to that question was yes.

 

[jcsperson]

funny coincidence, i sold my 4bw couple months ago and about to get into a c7 (havent decided between z51 or z06 yet). any advice for me?

I would consider a 2LT Grand Sport. You get the wide body look but without the extra hp. Ediff, dry sump, mag ride, and some other cool stuff comes standard on the GS. If you want the extra HP, get the Z06.

Even in Tour mode, the ride is going to be nothing like the 4BW. It's more like Sport in the Caddy. Visibility is nothing like the 4BW but you get used to it. Storage space is virtually non-existent. You are constantly reminded you're driving a sports car, not a sedan.

In any event I would stay away from 3LT or 3LZs with the full leather interior. Many C7s are having issues with the dash. The glue fails and the leather gets unsightly bulges and peels away at the edges. It can be repaired but it's costly.

The only issue I had with my GS was the a/c fan motor went out. It was $200 for the genuine GM part and I installed it myself. Otherwise it was just routine maintenance. Be prepared for sticker shock when you replace your tires though.

C7s are holding their value pretty well. I bought my GS in 2016 when pretty much everyone who wanted a C7 already had one and dealerships were offering 10% off. I got mine from Kerbeck in Atlantic City (now Ciocca) for 13% off. I sold it 8 years later for 11K less than I paid for it. For a lot of guys, the C7 is the last 'true' Corvette because of the front engine and availability of a manual.

 

[5VBW Nick]

I would consider a 2LT Grand Sport. You get the wide body look but without the extra hp. Ediff, dry sump, mag ride, and some other cool stuff comes standard on the GS. If you want the extra HP, get the Z06.

Even in Tour mode, the ride is going to be nothing like the 4BW. It's more like Sport in the Caddy. Visibility is nothing like the 4BW but you get used to it. Storage space is virtually non-existent. You are constantly reminded you're driving a sports car, not a sedan.

In any event I would stay away from 3LT or 3LZs with the full leather interior. Many C7s are having issues with the dash. The glue fails and the leather gets unsightly bulges and peels away at the edges. It can be repaired but it's costly.

The only issue I had with my GS was the a/c fan motor went out. It was $200 for the genuine GM part and I installed it myself. Otherwise it was just routine maintenance. Be prepared for sticker shock when you replace your tires though.

C7s are holding their value pretty well. I bought my GS in 2016 when pretty much everyone who wanted a C7 already had one and dealerships were offering 10% off. I got mine from Kerbeck in Atlantic City (now Ciocca) for 13% off. I sold it 8 years later for 11K less than I paid for it. For a lot of guys, the C7 is the last 'true' Corvette because of the front engine and availability of a manual.

View attachment 28812

Beautiful car

 

[dinkman]

I would consider a 2LT Grand Sport. You get the wide body look but without the extra hp. Ediff, dry sump, mag ride, and some other cool stuff comes standard on the GS. If you want the extra HP, get the Z06.

Even in Tour mode, the ride is going to be nothing like the 4BW. It's more like Sport in the Caddy. Visibility is nothing like the 4BW but you get used to it. Storage space is virtually non-existent. You are constantly reminded you're driving a sports car, not a sedan.

In any event I would stay away from 3LT or 3LZs with the full leather interior. Many C7s are having issues with the dash. The glue fails and the leather gets unsightly bulges and peels away at the edges. It can be repaired but it's costly.

The only issue I had with my GS was the a/c fan motor went out. It was $200 for the genuine GM part and I installed it myself. Otherwise it was just routine maintenance. Be prepared for sticker shock when you replace your tires though.

C7s are holding their value pretty well. I bought my GS in 2016 when pretty much everyone who wanted a C7 already had one and dealerships were offering 10% off. I got mine from Kerbeck in Atlantic City (now Ciocca) for 13% off. I sold it 8 years later for 11K less than I paid for it. For a lot of guys, the C7 is the last 'true' Corvette because of the front engine and availability of a manual.

View attachment 28812

not considering the GS at all. to each their own but i dont get where it slots into the c7 lineup
appreciate the rest of the feedback on 4bw vs c7, very helpful

 

[dinkman]

It's really a question of are you willing to pay more for the widebody and 190 more HP? My own answer to that question was yes.

did your z06 have z07 by any chance? how rough is that suspension really on roads?

 

[LF4472]

not considering the GS at all. to each their own but i dont get where it slots into the c7 lineup
appreciate the rest of the feedback on 4bw vs c7, very helpful

The GS is between the Stingray and Z06. It gets a lot of the goodies from the Z06 minus the LT4.

 

[jcsperson]

not considering the GS at all. to each their own but i dont get where it slots into the c7 lineup
appreciate the rest of the feedback on 4bw vs c7, very helpful

It slots in above the Z51 Stingray and below the Z06. It's essentially the Z06 chassis and body with the Stingray engine ~465 hp. You get a number of other upgrades over the Stingray that I mentioned above.

It's a very capable track car, especially with the Z07 package which features carbon brakes and full aero. A Z07-equipped GS went around VIR just .1 slower than a 2016 Porsche GT3 RS and faster than a number of more expensive cars. Z07s are hard to find though.

Here's a fair review of the GS: 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Long-Term Test

As discussed in the review, a number of people have had the same issues with GS wheels. We have pretty nice roads here in NC and I had no issues with them at all. A simple fix is to get a set of Z06 wheels. Used sets can be found for reasonable prices.

 

[LF4472]

did your z06 have z07 by any chance? how rough is that suspension really on roads?

Mine doesn't have Z07.

 

[LF4472]

It slots in above the Z51 Stingray and below the Z06. It's essentially the Z06 chassis and body with the Stingray engine ~465 hp. You get a number of other upgrades over the Stingray that I mentioned above.

It's a very capable track car, especially with the Z07 package which features carbon brakes and full aero. A Z07-equipped GS went around VIR just .1 slower than a 2016 Porsche GT3 RS and faster than a number of more expensive cars. Z07s are hard to find though.

Here's a fair review of the GS: 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Long-Term Test

As discussed in the review, a number of people have had the same issues with GS wheels. We have pretty nice roads here in NC and I had no issues with them at all. A simple fix is to get a set of Z06 wheels. Used sets can be found for reasonable prices.

Z06 has the same challenge with bending wheels.

 

[jcsperson]

Z06 has the same challenge with bending wheels.

Interesting. Maybe that's why so many are for sale---guys going to aftermarket wheels.

 

[Roadhawk]

If I was looking to get a fun performance 2 seater right now I would really consider a BMW Z4 M40i. Check out the POV drive and commentary from Topher - it just seems like great fun with great capability...

 

[jbawden]

^^^And with a proper 3 pedal arrangement behind the "big" engine. Love to see that OEM's understand enthusiasts are about more than the performance metrics.

 

[668LT4]

If I was looking to get a fun performance 2 seater right now I would really consider a BMW Z4 M40i. Check out the POV drive and commentary from Topher - it just seems like great fun with great capability...

And it still has the better BMW dash. I love it.

 

[savethemanual]

If I was looking to get a fun performance 2 seater right now I would really consider a BMW Z4 M40i. Check out the POV drive and commentary from Topher - it just seems like great fun with great capability...

I don't know about the 70K+ price though. Unless I really wanted the convertible I would save the 10-15K and get the supra.

 

[Roadhawk]

I don't know about the 70K+ price though. Unless I really wanted the convertible I would save the 10-15K and get the supra.

Yeah I get that. For me - the Z4 would be the way to go. I love convertibles (though wifey is not a fan....her hair etc)...and I need visibility.

 

[Roadhawk]

One issue I have with the 4 BW is rear and side visibility isn't up to my standards (I'm just spoiled). I need a high degree of situational awareness (I also drive with windows (at least partially) down weather permuting). I like to be able to make split second high speed maneuvers and I need confidence in my surroundings to do so. I often find myself hesitating in the BW as I feel more isolated from my surroundings then I'm used to. Perhaps I'll learn to trust it better (but I think not 100%).

The Supra (like Mustangs, Corvettes & Camaros and other such cars are eliminated from my consideration due to these factors. I like wagons & hatches best for this reason. just me....what can I say.

 

[dinkman]

It slots in above the Z51 Stingray and below the Z06. It's essentially the Z06 chassis and body with the Stingray engine ~465 hp. You get a number of other upgrades over the Stingray that I mentioned above.

It's a very capable track car, especially with the Z07 package which features carbon brakes and full aero. A Z07-equipped GS went around VIR just .1 slower than a 2016 Porsche GT3 RS and faster than a number of more expensive cars. Z07s are hard to find though.

Here's a fair review of the GS: 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Long-Term Test

As discussed in the review, a number of people have had the same issues with GS wheels. We have pretty nice roads here in NC and I had no issues with them at all. A simple fix is to get a set of Z06 wheels. Used sets can be found for reasonable prices.

i know what it is, im just not interested in it. if i'm gonna spend above a 2lt z51 stingray then i'd swing for a 2lz z06. im torn on z07 as the suspension sounds too stiff for my shitty roads here

 

[ngoni]

One issue I have with the 4 BW is rear and side visibility isn't up to my standards (I'm just spoiled). I need a high degree of situational awareness (I also drive with windows (at least partially) down weather permuting). I like to be able to make split second high speed maneuvers and I need confidence in my surroundings to do so. I often find myself hesitating in the BW as I feel more isolated from my surroundings then I'm used to. Perhaps I'll learn to trust it better (but I think not 100%).

The Supra (like Mustangs, Corvettes & Camaros and other such cars are eliminated from my consideration due to these factors. I like wagons & hatches best for this reason. just me....what can I say.

You can retrofit the camera rear view mirror if you want more visibility:

2020 - 2024 Cadillac CT5 LiveView Video Mirror KIT for cars (RPO DRZ)

This kit uses Brand New 20-24 Cadillac CT5 parts to add the LiveView camera system to your vehicle, kit includes all new parts and everything necessary to install it in you specific vehicle. Instructions included with diagrams to ease installation. Antenna Camera comes in BLACK RAVEN from the...

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For the side, you can get one of the 8000 stick on blind spot mirrors like this one:

https://a.co/d/5hg1rYc

We have the technology to solve your problems!