GT350 + ADM versus...

[Hack]

To those that are thinking about the 'vette as an alternative to the GT350, what are your thoughts about the blown up 'vette engines? Will you be selling before the warranty ends? Or do you trust that the engine will be fine and you aren't worried at all?

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[socalsnake]

Yeah, you're mistaken here, too - because I'm probably going to buy a Corvette next Spring when the time comes. No need to fight over ADM and concern about choosing this option package or that one.

As I've posted above, the Corvette lets you choose whatever you want, convertible, automatic, whatever. I'd like to have the GT350 with both tech and track pack. I'm a long time Ford fan and bought my 1st Mustang over 20 years ago - but Fords got to free up the options. I currently drive a Mercedes, and for my next car, next year, I am considering:

GT350
BMW M2 / M4
Corvette
ATS-V
C63 AMG

So I'm no fanboy, especially of BMW. Anything below 70-75k I'm considering, which for me rules out Porsche and Jaguar unfortunately as they are above 75k the way I would option them out. No need to do without the things you want, like heated seats.

Currently I'm still mulling the GT350 with tech pack only or the Corvette, but we'll see. Can't wait to see these 350s hit the road so we can have something more positive to talk about than ADM. Sick of that thread - it's everywhere. :(

Good list to choose from.

Regarding GT350 vs a C7 loaded. I'm with you on leaning toward the C7. You're right concerning Ford's options packaging...they really need to rethink that. I'd think Tech and Track is combination that most people would order together.

 

[Mike00]

To those that are thinking about the 'vette as an alternative to the GT350, what are your thoughts about the blown up 'vette engines? Will you be selling before the warranty ends? Or do you trust that the engine will be fine and you aren't worried at all?

How many blown up vette engines have you seen that didn't have boost added? I know the engine is not as strong as the LS3 was but I haven't been seeing that many come apart without boost.

That said it woud be a real shame if the engine was that sensitive. The beauty of the c5 and c6 is that the car could take 150,000 plus miles and keep on rolling.

 

[Trackaholic]

To those that are thinking about the 'vette as an alternative to the GT350, what are your thoughts about the blown up 'vette engines? Will you be selling before the warranty ends? Or do you trust that the engine will be fine and you aren't worried at all?

It is something that I have considered, and one of the reasons I prefer the GT350. I know the probability of failure in the LT1 is still very low, but the fact that C&D blew one up during their lightning lap test was concerning. I've also seen several stories on the Vette forums, and boost wasn't a factor in most. The brakes are also a reason I prefer to GT350.

GM said that the engine failure was caused by contaminated oil filters, that allowed particles to get into the engine. I had heard on the forums that there was some concern with the thrust bearing and the axial alignment of the prop shaft putting high loads on the bearing. The only good thing about that situation is that it usually happened pretty early in life. As long as GM stands behind the product, I'd be ok with the purchase.

I do like the tech available on the vette (vented competition seats, HUD, data recorder).

-T

 

[adrift]

The Vette does have some awesome tech. But the QA is a very good point I'm concerned about. I think it's worse than on the Mustang from what I read/see so far. There's the engine problems and also paint is apparently a very common issue.

In case anyone missed it, Dodge and Chevrolet [GM?] shortened their powertrain warranty this year - I think they cut from 5yr/100k miles to 5yr/60k miles.

The Vette is my primary alteranate and I don't think the ATS-V can beat the cheaper Vette with same options, but I do keep looking back for this Voodoo motor. Hopefully this car will be reasonably available and with luck maybe Ford will re-think the option packages this year. :kickrock:

 

[Hack]

How many blown up vette engines have you seen that didn't have boost added? I know the engine is not as strong as the LS3 was but I haven't been seeing that many come apart without boost.

That said it woud be a real shame if the engine was that sensitive. The beauty of the c5 and c6 is that the car could take 150,000 plus miles and keep on rolling.

I've only seen what I've read online, so that's why I'm asking the question. The Car and Driver thing is the most important one to me, because those guys are pros and their job is to help GM (or any other car company) to sell cars. Yes C&D will drive the cars hard, but they won't senselessly abuse them.

So in a short amount of time C&D had an engine fail. And I would expect that GM gives the car mags the best car they can, most likely not just a random car off the line. I could be wrong on that, but it's a suspicion. I know I would pay extra attention if it were my company giving a car to a reviewer.

The filter thing seems very unlikely to me, and in the shadow of the ignition problems and that deceit from GM I think they are hiding the true flaw of the engine... but I am a suspicious person.

Like I said, I don't know much, which is why I'm asking. I figure there are people on here who know a lot more.

 

[Tm@c1965]

GT 350 or Hellcat

I would buy either of those cars over the M4 or Vette. I like American Muscle. I respect Corvettes, but that car is an "Old Fat Man's Car."

I realize the Hellcat and GT 350 are different breeds. I like them both.

As for BMW, they do NOT underrate as much as they used to. Published HP is pretty much what you get.

M4 is a good car, but you will be lucky to find a modestly optioned car for under $70K. And they are not the most attractive looking cars IMO.

 

[adrift]

I've only seen what I've read online, so that's why I'm asking the question. The Car and Driver thing is the most important one to me, because those guys are pros and their job is to help GM (or any other car company) to sell cars. Yes C&D will drive the cars hard, but they won't senselessly abuse them.

So in a short amount of time C&D had an engine fail. And I would expect that GM gives the car mags the best car they can, most likely not just a random car off the line. I could be wrong on that, but it's a suspicion. I know I would pay extra attention if it were my company giving a car to a reviewer.

The filter thing seems very unlikely to me, and in the shadow of the ignition problems and that deceit from GM I think they are hiding the true flaw of the engine... but I am a suspicious person.

Like I said, I don't know much, which is why I'm asking. I figure there are people on here who know a lot more.

:amen:

Several more engine failures reported on the Corvette forums which is not too surprising - if an engine fails in the 1st 5000 miles I'd expect the owner to make some noise even if the dealer handles it well.

Not defending GM - I suspect the same as you Hack, the way they handled the shameful ignition switch debacle doesn't bode well. Also seen a few reports of C7 tranny failures - one guy with like 80 miles on it. No way I believe the C&D failure was a filter.

The main site I read is corvetteforum.com. I much more involved here, though (8250......:love.

 

[Mike00]

:amen:

Several more engine failures reported on the Corvette forums which is not too surprising - if an engine fails in the 1st 5000 miles I'd expect the owner to make some noise even if the dealer handles it well.

Not defending GM - I suspect the same as you Hack, the way they handled the shameful ignition switch debacle doesn't bode well. Also seen a few reports of C7 tranny failures - one guy with like 80 miles on it. No way I believe the C&D failure was a filter.

The main site I read is corvetteforum.com. I much more involved here, though (8250......:love.

Looks like I Need to visit that site some more. That'a shame because the c7 was a potential contender for my next car but that's because I wash oping it would hold up like the LS3 which in my opinion is one of the best engines released in the last decade. The engine was bullet proof even with boost pushing 600-700rwhp. That's impressive.

Too bad c7 doesn't seem to be holding true.

 

[VTECSAUCE]

I might be the only one that doesn't like the c7 base model. Idk why it just isn't appealing to me. I loathe the anal bead LED headlights. Audi came up with those what 10 years ago? and now Chevy wants to use them. I loved the C6 much more. I got to see a c7z up close not long ago and the wider aggressive body does look better. If I got a base vette, I think I would only want the z06 and would kick myself every time I saw one. It is a completely subjective argument though. I love the gt350 but id never pay over $50k for one personally lol. Just too far out of my budget.

 

[Trackaholic]

Looks like I Need to visit that site some more. That'a shame because the c7 was a potential contender for my next car but that's because I wash oping it would hold up like the LS3 which in my opinion is one of the best engines released in the last decade. The engine was bullet proof even with boost pushing 600-700rwhp. That's impressive.

Too bad c7 doesn't seem to be holding true.

I also visit corvetteforum frequently. I would say that the quantity of engine failures seems a bit high, but I do not think it is necessarily a flaw with the design. I suspect that it has more to do with quality control, so if you get a "good" engine, it will be pretty bulletproof, like the LS3. If you get a "bad" engine, it will probably not last long anyway.

My impression is that most of the issues were on the early cars, so it is likely that the engine's issues are worked out by now. That is why I wouldn't be too concerned about getting a C7 at this time (but it does factor into the decision making process).

-T

 

[adrift]

I also visit corvetteforum frequently. I would say that the quantity of engine failures seems a bit high, but I do not think it is necessarily a flaw with the design. I suspect that it has more to do with quality control, so if you get a "good" engine, it will be pretty bulletproof, like the LS3. If you get a "bad" engine, it will probably not last long anyway.

My impression is that most of the issues were on the early cars, so it is likely that the engine's issues are worked out by now. That is why I wouldn't be too concerned about getting a C7 at this time (but it does factor into the decision making process).

-T

I agree with them now moving to MY2016, hopefully some of the QA issues on the engines will be improved. C7 is best alternative under $70k no doubt. I can't wait for some production GT350s to hit the street so we can compare more directly and especially looking forward to Lightning Lap this year. :ford:

 

[Arrowsigns]

Needs the back seat and a performance Auto, so I would go M4

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