prodriver

I just located a smoking deal on a convertible, the dealer will take my C8 coupe, gain a year. I currently have the Twilight blue on white, which I love, but this chance for a low mile (700 mile) conv, 3 LT is tempting, I have 8000 miles. Problem is the prior owner didn't put, Mag ride or front lift, but he chose black emblems, Carbon roof, mirrors, lower body blade, hood strips ( Carbon / black I would remove) and the worst part is the Alcantara on the seats and the steering wheel, then he topped it off with Black wheels and 500.00 on Black mirrors. I can't believe he didn't get the front lift as it is a Z51 car w/ the splitter?

Any way does anyone know what it would cost to order a new none Alcatara steering wheel? Can one order new seat covers as well or is it not worth it?

Kevin A Jones

I agree with you, Alcantara reminds me of the fake suede interiors in the 'pimp mobiles' of the 1970s.
You can order the standard (non-Alcantara) steering wheel for around $400, new seat covers will be quite a bit more. Would probably cost you in the neighborhood of $2000 total including installation.

Red Mist Rulz

It really sounds like you'll be trading down in terms of what you actually want in a car.

As far as alcantara, it's great. Non-slip, cooler in hot weather warmer in cold weather. But if you really want to buy this car and change the wheel, you can get a new one for about $400 to $500 depending on color combo and whether it's heated.

prodriver

My dealer called me as we talked about getting a conv, this one dropped into his lap this week and he called. I don't like the black badges, no front lift etc. The car is a 2021 with the 3 LT, but the poor bastard that ordered it didn't have a clue. The edge red and carbon hood strips have to come off as well. It might not be the right deal as not having the front lift seems like a problem. I came out of the dealer on a quick test drive and hit the front chin on the road. Too bad as the convertible roof is cool, but the suede wheel has to go. IDK what to do.

Heymybigfish

the suede interior and steering wheel is 1000000000x better than the plain leather. i'd venture to say the only ppl who disagree are ppl who haven't had a chance to see both and compare IN PERSON. there are many other car companies doing the suede interiors now... its 'IN' as they would say.

mag ride is pretty good, but i consider 100% unnecessary.

front lift is either 100% needed, or 100% not needed. depending on your area. if you have a normal driveway at home and maybe work, or a commonly traveled area, then its unnecessary

GoldRose85

Since you are considering a trade now, ask you self how often you trade in or keep a car.
If it is 5 years or less, get the HTC. Try something new, you might like it !
For me, Peff Exhaust is more important than front lift.

feeder82

Just keep in mind changing a steering wheel is a project. Removing the original is a bear even with the right puller

Strake

NOT so...... I've done 2 of them without issue. You DON'T use a puller at all. It's a T50 bolt to remove the wheel. NO puller required. EASY to swap steering wheels as I've done.

Bird67

I agree with much of what you say, but as relates to the steering wheel, I disagree 100%. The alcantara steering wheel is gross.

Kevin A Jones

It's 1000000000x times not even suede. Alcantara is imitation suede.

Kevin A Jones

Some easy, some very difficult. You don't how much so until you get into it. If you are two for two on easy, then you are fortunate, don't assume that all will be.

Strake

^^^ One of them, my buddy's started to strip the bolt head. We still got it out without too much fan fare..... I have, but didn't use an impact air tool. We did both by using hand tools.

Perhaps, if I were to do another one, I would use the air impact tool from the start. In the case of the friend's bolt head starting to strip, it wasn't the tool, it was the bolt head starting to crumble.

MattMD

Let's trade when mine comes in I would've liked to get it but not with the 1LT competition seats since you can't get it with GT1 seats.

diverdan

I guess I’m in the minority here: I really like the alcantara steering wheel. I previously had one on my C63S and liked it as well.
Easy to grip and not slippery, as well as durable. If the mat lays down or you want to clean it, a damp microfiber rubbed vigorously will return it to like-new.

To each their own.

srobert910

I love the suede wheel and seats. I had regular leather in my 21. I went to Ron Fellows and after driving their cars (they all have suede) I decided to order my 22 with it. Zero regrets. Especially when it’s cold or extremely hot. For any kind of cleaning issue, they only need Sonax suede cleaner and a brush. It cleans it perfectly.

as for front lift. I’m not interested in it at all. I’ve had many other corvettes and the c8 needs it the least compared to past models. The short overhang is much less likely to scrape. Maybe it’s also because realize I’m not in a suv or truck while driving my c8. Like any sports car, you can’t just fly over speed bumps and curbs.

Harry2

I really like the Alcantara wheel and seats, I had them on my previous 2016 CTS, 2014 and 2018 C7's and now on my 2020 C8, plan on ordering the Alcantara option for my future Z06. It is an extra cost option and I and others are happy to pay the premium.

hawk02

I have the alcantara inserts and steering wheel on my C8 and Camaro ZL1. As others have posted, the alcantara is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It also shows less dirt, is easier to clean, and wears better than the faux leather, in my opinion.

The heated alcantara steering wheel will get your hands good and hot in no time during the winter. I actually have to turn the heated steering wheel off after a few minutes on the C8 because it gets too hot. I can leave the heat on indefinitely on the leather steering wheels of my Blazer and Sierra pickup.

RobsVette04

The suede wheel and seat inserts are probably my favorite part of my interior. Super car look and feel, and MUCH better wear over time.

swift93

Alcantara is used in many high end supercars and is more desirable for many.

WPBM3

This is my second corvette, first was a C7. My C7 was just the standard leather seats and steering wheel. I was hesitant about the Alcantara on my C8 but I'm so glad i ordered it really gives it a premium feel and look beside it is very functional too.