[fltsfshr]

My car was a present. We went to a dealer with a lot of Corvettes. On the showroom floor there were two almost matching ones. A ZO6 and a Z51. I started out thinking ZO6 but when I looked at them side by side the curves of the Z51 looked better to me than the ZO6. It reminded me more of the lady body design. I liked the flow. I think all the ports on the Z06 kind of broke up the line. Horsepower turned out not to be the deciding factor for me, design did. In the end I chose the Z51.

fltsfshr

 

[Blue C7]

We had a Stingray Loved that car, But when the Z06s came out Wide body and 650 HP the rest is History!

 

[Henry427]

Disappointed with the tone of this thread, for it no longer the OP's thread/title/post of why he prefers the narrow body regular StingRay, (or secondary posts of why I love my particular type of Corvette), but some posts are disparaging others' choices by using such words as cheap, tacked on, JC Whitney, and similar pejorative words.

Hope about if future posts on this thread be tactful and respectful of others' opinions and choices -- as per our SRF guidelines...

I like ICU LQQKIN's post, quoting here: "The bottom line, buy what you like and you will love it. Does not matter what others think. Either way you are a winner, you will have the Corvette ear to ear grin and folks will give you the nod and thumbs up wherever you go!"

Sorry John, but I have to respectfully disagree with you. The OP is looking for honest feedback and even he used the word "cheap" to describe the fender spats.

 

[U.S. Marine]

I honestly like all of the C7 masterpiece's that the General has built for the Corvette in all of us. The OP is looking for honest forthright opinions from all, let your opinion be read without malice towards anyone. I was throughly ecstatic when we were able to purchase a new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C7 Masterpiece, a dream I held dear to my heart for years while protecting this "Outstanding" country and driving beaters to work. If I ever get the opportunity to purchase a GS or Z06, how fast does a heartbeat! Follow your calling and get the C7 masterpiece you desire without regret. Enjoy Stage I "The Hunt", I sure did.

SF
Rick

 

[meyerweb]

I definitely prefer the overall look of the Stingray, but have to admit he nose down stance of the Z06 is pretty nice.

 

[meyerweb]

Sorry John, but I have to respectfully disagree with you. The OP is looking for honest feedback and even he used the word "cheap" to describe the fender spats.

People can provide honest opinions without criticizing the opinions of others, I think.

 

[wingrunr21]

That's exactly why I like it! lol

To each his own! Yet another reason why this is such a great platform.

 

[MSG C5]

Does anyone else prefer the look of the narrow body Stingray vs the wide body...

IMO the overall outstanding feature of the C7 generation has been the large variety of options and trims available to personalize your car. I personally prefer the wide stance, look, and performance of the Z06. I've even grown to like the front wheel spats, especially when painted Carbon Flash to match the other trim. Arctic White Z06 with 3LZ Adrenaline Red interior and Competition seats. Luv it!

 

[wingrunr21]

I definitely prefer the overall look of the Stingray, but have to admit he nose down stance of the Z06 is pretty nice.

I have to admit a Z06 grill and stage 1 spoiler does wonders for the front (or a stage 2 without the deflectors). Still not sold on side skirts though.

 

[Mobius]

I honestly like all of the C7 masterpiece's that the General has built for the Corvette in all of us. The OP is looking for honest forthright opinions from all, let your opinion be read without malice towards anyone.

Well said, and since we are all unique we all have our own preferences.
There's no right or wrong, just what we each prefer.

 

[JLG]

The Stingray's body is not narrow IMO, it is the original/regular C7 body. The Z06 is a regular C7 body on same width chassis as the Stingray (I think), only with wider fenders and rear end to accommodate higher performance parts. The introduction of the Z06 and the GS did not make the Stingray's body any thinner....

To answer the OP: For me, the Stingray has the perfect curbs angles.

JLG

 

[NVRLATE]

Interesting thread! I chose the Z06 because of the wide body. Of course, the extra 190hp didn't hurt anything either! IMO, the wide body just makes a statement! Now, I realize others will disagree and they are certainly entitled to their opinion. The GS was not available when I purchased my Z. If it was, I believe I would have chosen the GS and been very happy! You can't go wrong either way. Also, my car is not a daily driver. I believe the GS would make a better daily driver than a Z06 especially if you have wet roads to deal with. Good Luck!

 

[elegant]

While extremely happy with our Z, had the Grand Sport been available in 2015 would have probably bought it, would have taken it to Lingenfelter who bores the LT1 to 417 c.i., puts in a lumpy cam which puts out a great sound 60's muscle car "thump", 650 HP, doesn't reduce its highway mileage, and comes with his 3 year, 36K motor warranty. When I heard Ken pull up at the Black Hills Corvette classic, I was one of hundreds there who turned around and just grinned. This package comes with:

Custom LT1 aluminum block preparation
Mahle coated forged aluminum pistons high tensile 2618 T6 alloy 4.070 bore
Total Seal Premium file fit rings
Callies 4.000" stroke forged steel crankshaft
Oliver billet 4340 forged steel I-Beam connecting rods
Heavy duty rod & main bearings
Computer balanced rotating assembly
Lingenfelter CNC ported & polished LT1 cylinder heads
Hollow stem 2.13-inch intake valves 1.59-inch diameter exhaust valves
Three angle valve job, hand blending of valve seats
CC chambers, surface, set spring heights and assembly
Lingenfelter dual valve springs, titanium retainers, 10 degree locks
Lingenfelter Aggressive Idle hydraulic roller camshaft by Competition Cams
Ported & polished throttle body
High Flow Green Air Filter

If the mid-engine's and/or C8's looks, and/or budget doesn't work for us, already talked to Ken about his installing that package in our next, Grand Sport C7. Who knows how great the discounts are going to be on the unsold, last year C7's.... There is so much to love in the C7, that there may well be another one for us.

 

[VietnamVet]

I once did a 360 in my '69 C3 in a heavy rainstorm and ended up bashing in the front end against a guard rail. Admittedly my 69 did not have any of the electronic safeguards of my C7. Nevertheless, I vote for maximum safety when driving in your wet part of Canada. If that means a narrower tire, I would go for that. A crash in a Corvette is something you never forget.

 

[Spectre]

Disappointed with the tone of this thread, for it no longer the OP's thread/title/post of why he prefers the narrow body regular StingRay, (or secondary posts of why I love my particular type of Corvette), but some posts are disparaging others' choices by using such words as cheap, tacked on, JC Whitney, and similar pejorative words.

Hope about if future posts on this thread be tactful and respectful of others' opinions and choices -- as per our SRF guidelines...

I like ICU LQQKIN's post, quoting here: "The bottom line, buy what you like and you will love it. Does not matter what others think. Either way you are a winner, you will have the Corvette ear to ear grin and folks will give you the nod and thumbs up wherever you go!"

Apologies if anyone took offense to my post. Perhaps I should have stated that *I* feel the front fender flares look cheap, instead of declaring them outright to be, etc. As you can see from my responses below, I am not at all trying to diminish the appeal of the more costly C7s out there to justify my own purchase: I don't even have the car yet! In fact, I'm just trying to analyze why I seem to be drawn to the car with a) less power, b) less grip, and c) (arguably) less curbside appeal.

I just love talking about cars. :smile:

I guess that I'm on the opposite side of the fence. I prefer the overall look of the wide body, but I also think the aggressive looks sort of sets it apart from the majority of other vehicles that you see running around. If I was still looking to purchase and hadn't driven the Z06 I would probably end up with the GS. However, now that I've driven the Z06 I'm a little addicted to the power that it has and would probably miss that extra 190hp that the Z06 has.

I do agree with a couple of the above statements. It would look a better if the front fenders stuck out to where the fender flares are to give a cleaner look, but I guess I love the rest of the look I tend to over look the fender flares. Also I agree that the Z06 needs be lower than they come when being delivered, since the fender gap is a little to much. But I would have to slightly disagree about the wider tires on the GS & Z06 being that much more of an issue. Yes they will hydroplane easier, but with the technology these cars have it you would have to be driving pretty reckless. When I drove out to Spring Mountain a little over a month ago, I ended up driving through a pretty heavy rainstorm, to which there was a good 1/2 inch - inch of water on the road. Was I driving 75 in those conditions, no, but I was doing 45-55 in weather mode and the car still felt firmly planted to the road.

But you really can't go wrong whether you get a no option Corvette, a Z51, a GS or Z06. Since either way you'll be getting a great looking and high performance vehicle that will turn heads. I would just recommend to anyone looking getting exactly the car that you are wanting, assuming you're not breaking your budget.

Appreciate your input (along with everyone else who has contributed thus far), and I cannot agree more with your last paragraph (that I bolded). I love the fact that Chevrolet has made the Corvette very much like (ahem!) Porsche makes their sports cars: there is no "one size fits all" anymore. Rather, it's choose what suits you best. I think that only helps broaden the appeal of Corvettes, and that is definitely a good thing.

I honestly like all of the C7 masterpiece's that the General has built for the Corvette in all of us. The OP is looking for honest forthright opinions from all, let your opinion be read without malice towards anyone. I was throughly ecstatic when we were able to purchase a new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C7 Masterpiece, a dream I held dear to my heart for years while protecting this "Outstanding" country and driving beaters to work. If I ever get the opportunity to purchase a GS or Z06, how fast does a heartbeat! Follow your calling and get the C7 masterpiece you desire without regret. Enjoy Stage I "The Hunt", I sure did.

SF
Rick

Thank you. I will!

IMO the overall outstanding feature of the C7 generation has been the large variety of options and trims available to personalize your car. I personally prefer the wide stance, look, and performance of the Z06. I've even grown to like the front wheel spats, especially when painted Carbon Flash to match the other trim. Arctic White Z06 with 3LZ Adrenaline Red interior and Competition seats. Luv it!

I love differing opinions, and I'm happy to hear you love your wide body. That's fantastic.

Can we get some pics? :big smile:

Well said, and since we are all unique we all have our own preferences.
There's no right or wrong, just what we each prefer.

Bingo. :triumphant:

 

[elegant]

Since there are now several posts on this thread about tire size and hydroplanning, agree that there maybe an advantage for narrower tires in heavy water on the roadway. At this same time, with the weather mode on our C7's and the incredible "rain channels" in C7 Michelins that funnel the water away so well (developed and learned from the C6.R's racing in the rain), on our recent road trip we had zero problems at 50+ MPH even with water ponding on the highway in our 285/335 shod PSS Z06. Car did not once slide a fraction of an inch.

However, the reverse is true of Cup 2 shod Z07's, for I personally know of two wrecks with Cup 2's in the rain, both on new Z06's less than one hour old. Hope anyone considering the Z07 package on their new Grand Sports thinks carefully about that choice...

 

[Spectre]

Since there are now several posts on this thread about tire size and hydroplanning, agree that there maybe an advantage for narrower tires in heavy water on the roadway. At this same time, with the weather mode on our C7's and the incredible "rain channels" in C7 Michelins that funnel the water away so well (developed and learned from the C6.R's racing in the rain), on our recent road trip we had zero problems at 50+ MPH even with water ponding on the highway in our 285/335 shod PSS Z06. Car did not once slide a fraction of an inch.

However, the reverse is true of Cup 2 shod Z07's, for I personally know of two wrecks with Cup 2's in the rain, both on new Z06's less than one hour old. Hope anyone considering the Z07 package on their new Grand Sports thinks carefully about that choice...

This is very good indeed to know about the wet weather behaviour of the stock rubber on the GS/Z cars. Thank you. That you live in the Pacific Northwest also lends your experience (IMO) a lot of credibility, too. You know rain.

And I can't say I'm surprised at all about the Cup 2s. "What the Lord giveth with one hand...", obviously, the price to pay for all that stupendous dry weather grip is severely reduced rain sipes in the tires. I wouldn't dream of driving a car sporting those rollers in anything but sunny with zero chance of rain weather. That is one of many reasons why I know if I get a GS, I won't be ticking the Z07 box.

 

[CO-2016Z06]

Since there are now several posts on this thread about tire size and hydroplanning, agree that there maybe an advantage for narrower tires in heavy water on the roadway. At this same time, with the weather mode on our C7's and the incredible "rain channels" in C7 Michelins that funnel the water away so well (developed and learned from the C6.R's racing in the rain), on our recent road trip we had zero problems at 50+ MPH even with water ponding on the highway in our 285/335 shod PSS Z06. Car did not once slide a fraction of an inch.

However, the reverse is true of Cup 2 shod Z07's, for I personally know of two wrecks with Cup 2's in the rain, both on new Z06's less than one hour old. Hope anyone considering the Z07 package on their new Grand Sports thinks carefully about that choice...

Just to add to Elegant's post, here is a couple PDR video's from my trip in the driving rain with the PSS tires. In the video 2, the heavy rain starts at the 46 minute mark, so probably best to scroll to that point if it doesn't start there. First video has been shortened and show a driving in the heavy rain from an other portion of my drive into Vegas. Also one thing you might not notice in the video is that it was pretty windy as well, but the car still tracked pretty strait without hardly any effort.

Let me know if any of the video's don't show up.

Video 1

Video 2 -

Link if Video doesn't show up: youtu.be/TpcXPVWRia0?t=2756

 

[Jerry U]

Think the OP is looking at the wrong issue! I believe in "Form Follows Function" so the "wide body" looks fine IMO! GM did not make the rear wider to "look better" they needed to stuff wider tires under the car!

I like the wider tires, in fact many of us were surprised the C7 used C6 width tires! Give credit to Michelin for making a very grippy tire! With the added power in the C7 versus the C6 would have expected wider tires. My Z51 tires do look a bit anemic to me! In fairness my ProStreet Rod with it's 8.2 liter engine has the equivalent of 420 section width rear tires!

I'll replace my 2014 Z51 with a GS for the wider tires NOT the appearance. No fender or center stripes for me. For my 2018/19 GS also hope they will invest in new fender molds for it and the Z06 so they can eliminate the front spats! They remind me of my '74 V8 CJ5 Jeep Renegade where I accepted that approach as a way to deal with wide tires! :money:

 

[Mack]

Wide. It matches ME!