6A vs. 8A (vs. elusive 7MT)

6627 Views 27 Replies 17 Participants Last post by 71ejw, Dec 28, 2019

Rallyfan

Discussion Starter · Dec 6, 2019

Hello all,

I've been looking for a 2014-2018 and there are numerous decent cars in SoCal. However, I am concerned about the dissatisfaction with the 8A and am now considering whether I should buy an early car with the 6A, keep hunting for a 7MT, or even just buy another car entirely.

I've seen the thread on the TSBs and fluid swaps plus the torque converter replacements. What worries me the most is that GM's stance isn't very open minded at the moment, and the lawsuit isn't going to make me run out and buy a car with that transmission right now. In fact I'm holding off on a new SUV purchase until I see what happens with the lawsuit and Corvette transmissions.

Am I being too cautious? Am I seeing a minority of owners online posting problems, when most are happy? I can't tell. Thanks.

1 - 20 of 28 Posts

sleekvt

· #2 · Dec 6, 2019

FYI I bought my 2016 1LT with the 8A new with 9 miles on odometer. Was a little concerned as it 8A was new for 2016. I have ~43K miles in 46 months ( my work daily driver as well as weekend car - not a garage queen). Just had fluid changed as per schedule ( slightly early). It seems OK although occasional abrupt shift that seems slightly more often than before. It was interesting that a straight fluid/ filter change was recommended ( not the full flush). The dealership rep claims that GM found the transmissions like the ‘varnish’ build up that for whatever reason seems to help with automatic transmission longevity. The full flush was reputed to be associated with higher wear. Yes didn’t make sense to me but went with their recommendation.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Reactions: 1

14Z51

· #3 · Dec 6, 2019

I would not let the 8A scare you off, there were some very nice options added in the later years, from what I have read most failures seem to happen sooner then later, there a owners here that can give you a better prospective then i.
I would prefer a manual but some time in traffic might make the auto a better choice.
I have the 14 with 6A still fun to drive

Reactions: 1

Rallyfan

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 6, 2019

Thanks for your response!

Do you use the 6A in paddle mode a lot?

If I got the 8A I'd probably use the paddles routinely.

I agree there were nice options in later years, so the later cars are still tempting. One potential irony is that low mileage cars may not have had the chance to develop any problems with the 8A (?).

kgrant (Kyle)

· #5 · Dec 6, 2019

I have the A6 and I used paddle shifts on and off depending on what mood I am in but I like to use them mostly in 3rd gear for the acceleration quickness with quick lane changes as there is a lag otherwise.

Reactions: 1

Rallyfan

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 6, 2019

That's useful info, thank you. I see 2014 A6 cars for sale once in a while, and now that I look at your avatar, I really do like white. I'll keep an eye out. No problems with the A6 for you, I take it?

jsvette

· #7 · Dec 6, 2019

Welcome to our forum Rallyfan. I have a very early production 2014 A6 and have experienced no issues with the transmission. I frequently use the paddles, mostly for downshifting.

Reactions: 2

Rallyfan

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 7, 2019

Thanks for the welcome and the info! That’s good to know. OK then! The 6A is a possibility, so I’ll have at least two options shopping (2014 auto or any year manual).

I’m hoping 8A owners comment. Meanwhile I appreciate all the existing advice, thanks again to all!

rdslon01

· #9 · Dec 7, 2019

My A8 has been okay. It was manufactured in Feb. 2016 AFTER they changed the check ball (which resolved the transmission surge issue). So, I would add A8 manufactured Feb. 2016 or after to your list.

Reactions: 3

Rallyfan

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 7, 2019

Wait — aha! So they fixed the issue at some point in production? I didn’t know that! I thought even the C8 might have the issue since the transmission hadn’t been fixed at any point for the C7. That’s a pleasant surprize! OK great, I’ll add those cars to my list! Thanks.

14Z51

· #11 · Dec 7, 2019

I use my paddles when ever I am on the winding back roads, took a little time getting the down shifts down due to being used to a manual but still fun, there is also the later year z51 autos getting the extra trans cooler and the track recorder is a nice feature, all that being said I do like my 14 and no regrets, has been a fun and comfortable car, the trunk space is nice too

Reactions: 2

johnu

· #12 · Dec 9, 2019

A6 here. Paddle shifting around town was fun for a few days when new..... 5 years ago. Now I only use them when driving downhills or winding roads here in AZ and they are great for that!!!

Reactions: 1

Rallyfan

Discussion Starter · #13 · Dec 9, 2019

Thanks.

OK so I've gathered so far that:

a 2014 with any transmission is fine.

a 2016+ with any transmission is fine.

a manual transmission is fine except for 2017 cars covered under the TSB for the 2017 7spd.

and I'm adjusting my shopping accordingly, also having learned here of the better creature comforts in the later cars.

Any other comments and suggestions are always appreciated.

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Z28+23

· #14 · Dec 10, 2019

C7 M7 2015 Z51. Added a short throw shifter. Love it!

Reactions: 2

lbm

· #15 · Dec 12, 2019

Rallyfan said:
Hello all,

I've been looking for a 2014-2018 and there are numerous decent cars in SoCal. However, I am concerned about the dissatisfaction with the 8A and am now considering whether I should buy an early car with the 6A, keep hunting for a 7MT, or even just buy another car entirely.

I've seen the thread on the TSBs and fluid swaps plus the torque converter replacements. What worries me the most is that GM's stance isn't very open minded at the moment, and the lawsuit isn't going to make me run out and buy a car with that transmission right now. In fact I'm holding off on a new SUV purchase until I see what happens with the lawsuit and Corvette transmissions.

Am I being too cautious? Am I seeing a minority of owners online posting problems, when most are happy? I can't tell. Thanks.

I have a 2014 C7 Z51, 3LT - 7MT and Love it. I don't get to drive it much, don't drive it in the rain, and yes, I do keep it garaged, so it only has 5K miles on it, but I personally would not give up manual for automatic.

Reactions: 2

Paws

· #16 · Dec 13, 2019

I've had both .
A8 all the way !!

RidgebackKing

· #17 · Dec 13, 2019

Rallyfan said:
Wait — aha! So they fixed the issue at some point in production? I didn’t know that! I thought even the C8 might have the issue since the transmission hadn’t been fixed at any point for the C7. That’s a pleasant surprize! OK great, I’ll add those cars to my list! Thanks.

The C8 has a completely new DCT.

RidgebackKing

· #18 · Dec 13, 2019

Rallyfan said:
Thanks.

OK so I've gathered so far that:

a 2014 with any transmission is fine.

a 2016+ with any transmission is fine.

a manual transmission is fine except for 2017 cars covered under the TSB for the 2017 7spd.

and I'm adjusting my shopping accordingly, also having learned here of the better creature comforts in the later cars.

Any other comments and suggestions are always appreciated.

The A8 transmission issue a was not permanently fixed until Jan 2019. It requires a brand new transmission fluid.

sleekvt

· #19 · Dec 13, 2019

RidgebackKing said:
The A8 transmission issue a was not permanently fixed until Jan 2019. It requires a brand new transmission fluid.

I was gonna say the same thing. The TSB said fluid and the check ball issue mentioned earlier was for the A6, not A8. As always, verify what is posted here as sometimes inadvertent mix ups occur.

While I have 40K miles on my A8 2016, I kinda regret not getting the 7MT. I only got the A8 for resale ( had nightmare selling my 5 speed 2006 Mustang GT convertible - simply very few people that drive ( or want) a manual transmission sports car).

Heresy but reality.

The 7MT struck me as outdated on the C7. No doubt fun but 7 speeds on a 455HP 1LT? When I test drove it, shifting wasn’t really necessary with the abundant torque ( daily street driving, not track).

But nearly 4 years later, I do wish I got the 7MT. Resale be damned.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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rdslon01

· #20 · Dec 13, 2019

sleekgt said:
I was gonna say the same thing. The TSB said fluid and the check ball issue mentioned earlier was for the A6, not A8. As always, verify what is posted here as sometimes inadvertent mix ups occur.

Check this link:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/SB-10097193-2280.pdf

The one thing I was wrong about is that I thought the change was done in late January 2016 or early February 2016 (I knew that my A8 has the transmission with the new hardware, but I thought that it had started very shortly before mine was built). It turns out that the switch over to the new hardware in the A8 (8L90) in the Corvettes happened on October 27, 2015. So, it happened a few months before I thought. Oh well.

Anyway, the A6 was only in 2014. The A8 with the old hardware was model years 2015, and 2016 built up through October 27, 2015. The ones built after that have the new hardware.

Of course, even with the new hardware in the transmission, transmission fluid flushes may be needed, but that is EASY. On the other hand, pulling a transmission to change hardware is a huge job.

So, to the original poster, if he gets an A8, I would recommend getting one built after October 27, 2015.

Cheers.

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