golddog

Hello all,
Was planning on putting a deposit down for a C8. Strike and virus delays have made me start thinking of purchasing a C7 (C8 in 2-3 years). I am a previous C7 owner so know the car.
No M7 because my wife does not like or care to learn so I don't push it. No 2LT because for the extra $4,500, these items were rarely used in my last C7.

MacMulkin has some great deals going right now. $48K for 1LT, $56K for 1LT GS. Plus I have $3K in GM earning to burn. Looking at Arctic White and Shadow Gray, possible Elkhart blue.

My only concern regarding the GS is the bending cracking rim issue. I could go aftermarket but then you are talking more $$$.

Just looking for comments, concerns, advice for those who currently own a 1LT or 1LT GS.

Thanks in advance and hope you are all safe and healthy.

Corgidog1

Can’t go wrong with a new vette for 48k. No worries about wheels and you will minimize depreciation at that price.

Mako72

FWIW, I ordered my '17 1LT GS thru MacMulkin and was very happy with the entire process.
The back rims both went out of round around 10K miles and I went with forged.
Just consider it part of the ownership costs when/if it happens.

Zjoe6

Buy the one you want. I personally didn't buy a Stingray because I was afraid of the Grand Sport rim issue. I bought the Grand Sport because I loved the car. I'll deal with the rim issue when, and if, it happens. So far almost 5000 miles and it has not.

Litfuse

Buy used if you are going to get rid of it in a few years. I have found Corvettes are the worst cars to buy new unless you are in it for the long haul.

Basil2000

I have 15k on my 15 corvette z06 and have had no issues with rims. Jumping the curbs (in track mode)at the bus stop at watkins glen and all at over 80mph. Also have a set of the grand sport rims that I use and no issues with those. Also on track.

SilverGhost

Vettes got warts, as do all cars. A wart that is so easily fixable that you can pay $4,000 for a set of forged wheels simply means you add the $4,000 to the GS price tag for your comparison with the Stingray price. I only own(ed) level 1 vettes. a 17' 1lt vert z51 and a 18' 1lz vert Z06. no breaks (as of 4400 miles) on the Z06 wheels, i'm thinking softer riding tires (no Run-flat) and running touring mode only may make the suspension supple enough to absorb the hits that cause the wider tires of the GS/Z06 to bend/break. I am running winter Pirelli tires non-run flat on the Z06 for the past 4 months and it feels like an air-cushion suspension.

duckvett

Maybe I've just been lucky, but 9500 miles on our `19 GS and no wheel issues...yet.
I also believe that a more neutral (center of specs) alignment will reduce the load on the inner bead of the wheel and spread that load along the full width of the wheel.
Just IMO.

Let It Ride

MacMulkin has ONE car at that price. So your just willing to buy any car at any color with no options as long as it's $56K.

golddog

They actually have 2 and the other 5 are $57k. So if I prefer the 1LT GS and don’t need $4500 worth of fluff, I’m ok with Blue, white or gray.

jwh718

Bought a new GS from Kerbeck last August no problems with wheels so far 2900 miles, I did buy the wheel tire warranty Just in case.

Sylvrbak

Get the GS, besides, if you can afford the vette, you can afford a replacement wheel or a new forged set. I own a 1 lt GS and have a second set of Z06 wheels just in case. Do yourself a favor and go widebody.

corvette11

I ordered a 2019 GS 1LT Convertible from MacMulkin a year and half ago. I have almost 10,000 miles and I haven't had a problems. If I do I will buy new wheels. I just love the car. I have owned numerous corvette's and in my opinion, this is the best one out of all of them.

juanvaldez

Not much difference between Z51 and GS. Lot of difference between base and GS.

TigerVette

That “fluff” is some pretty cool stuff. But I’m a car and gadget guy.

golddog

I have narrowed it down to a 1LT GS, Elkhart Blue (black or gray seats - not sure) or Arctic White w/ red seats.

Trainer_Heath

I went with a new ‘19 GS from Kerbeck in December for about that same price and have 0 regrets. Had a ‘14 Z51 for a few years prior to that, and wanted to upgrade to the wide-body (Z06 was out of my price range). Definitely a +1 from me on getting the GS. At that price, it’s a minimal depreciation hit...and although the z51 was a beast, the wide body of the GS, bigger tires, mag ride, etc make a huge difference compared to my z51. Like everyone else mentioned could always go forged if and when your wheels crack.. or do what I did and go “flow forged” for about 1/2 the price. After selling my stocks, these Vorsteiners ended up being less than a $1500 investment. Just rolled over 1000 miles today and thrilled so far. Financing deals should be good right now! Good luck, post a pic when you get it

golddog

Nice looking car and cool wheels. I like the idea of the flow forged if I have issues. Forgelines are great but they are $$$.

Trainer_Heath

Thanks I completely agree. I see a lot of people on here that go with forgestars or vorsteiners with success, for significantly less $. Definitely options.

23/C8Z

is mag ride standard on Z51?

Z51 is the better car if not tracking. Will ride better cheaper to maintain NO wheel thoughts.. but it doesn't have that presence of the GS. Just my thoughts.

Although...

If I weren't in a Z06 (my 2nd C7Z) I would rather have a stingray with mag ride.

Personally I don't get into the GS because you can get a removable roof and auto in a Z06 in this gen, which was the purpose of the GS in the C6... so now (C7) you just have a Z06 body having to be pushed around by the same LT1 in a Stingray. But to each their own.

Good luck OP. Any Corvette is still a Corvette!

Ps. You can grab a used Z06 for low 50s bu now also... just a thought. And if you don't buy a Z06 NEVER drive one after you own the LT1 car.... trust me.