Man I wouldn't mind swapping into a newer vette! Goodluck on the next whip, any car can be tiring after 6 years.
As for S550's, this is less of a "these are all crap" and more of a "bought a tired mustang and pushed it and now things are starting to give out". Happens.
Staying NA? Keep it catted, or switch out the OEM cats for some aftermarket high-flows (BBK?).
As much as I like the extra shout from the exhaust, the smell at stand still made it not worth it.
Windows down in the summer, I barely feel it. Windows up, its like I'm sitting on an ice pack. Maybe check if this is the same for you to at least get an idea if its working
I have a 2016 GT 5.0 w/ Manual (44k mile) and noticed the typewriter tick when driving nearing curbs and walls. Happens at low load (<2500 rpm).
On unknown oil (when car was first bought), I dumped a bottle of LiquiMoly Ceratec and the issue almost completely went away. Smoothed the motor out a...