Traded my 370z for a New 2011 Corvette Grand Sport
 

I had to part ways with my 370z. It was starting to show signs of oil consumption with the new Short Block and I just did not want an unreliable car. So I went up to Dallas with my wife Friday and bought a black 2011 Corvette Grand Sport 6spd! It is so nice I am still pinching myself I can't believe I own it. They took 15% off MSRP and I found out no Black for 2012 so I had to get the 2011 if I wanted a black corvette. The drive up to get the car really sealed the deal. Got there with a sore back from the ride up in the Z, did 5hrs same day back to SA in the GS and my back never hurt. It’s crazy how well this Corvette Grand Sport handles yet still offers and unbelievably smooth ride. I do not miss my Z at all and after parting with it both my wife agreed we were relieved to get ride of it. Hate to say it but my 370z was a ticking time bomb.

Check out the pics below!

Congrats on the new car.

BTW Black will still be available with 2012 models:

congrats! Probably going to a metallic black now.

beautiful car man. Time for a supercharger.

Congrats on the Vette!!!

I'm sorry to hear you had such a bad experience with the Z. I love mine. I just drove mine 3 hours yesterday with no back pain, and I'm a big dude.

Same I have back prblems and I drove to Atlantic city yesterday about 3 hrs and no problem. Nice car though good luck with it

not to shabby! looks nice man!

No it won't. There is a metallic black only, unless you get a centennial edition, which I am sure will command a serious premium.

Pure black is out for '12. They may introduce it later in the year, but as of the Bash, it's out.

Congratulations! Enjoy her in good health, and get a clear bra put on it, and hardwire up a good radar detector. These cars are unbelievably easy to do triple digits in. They are rock-steady right on up to the near 200mph top-end.

Congrats! That's too bad about the Z but man those 'Vettes are sweet.

Nice Nismo wheels. lol

I've mentioned this before on the 'vette forum. The GS rims do look a lot like NISMO knock-offs.

I don't blame you, the GS is an amazing car! The Vette looks fantastic, do you plan on any mods down the road? :)

You guys are right they look a lot like the NISMO wheels expect the rears are 12" wide! ;)

It came with the optional dual mode exhaust which has the flaps in the rear that open up at 3500rpm. I did my first mod and just pulled the fuse to run the exhaust open all the time. I can't believe how aggressive it sounds now. I think I will keep this one stock it has so much power from the factory and the exhaust note sounds great.

Sucks to hear you ditch the Z but at least you still got a sports car :)




DAN

Nice car. Does the Grand Sport have the same body as the Z06?

yes it does, but with a removable roof and slightly different vents on the front fenders.

I have kept mine stock, even leaving the fuse in. I might pull it sometime, though. Mine opens up at around 3K rpm, though. Then again, different car.

My mod-list:

Lloyd embroidered floor and cargo mat-$250

http://i56.tinypic.com/11l5y6o.jpg

Pinnacle F1 Ceramic 30% all around with 5% brow: $400 (You need the Brow to keep the Valentine 1 cool in the sun when you mount it high. Get the Ceramic tint ONLY! as metallic will block a lot of radar. I even have mine peeking JUUUUST out from under the cermic, for good laser detection (pointless, really, when they hit you, it's done). You are the lowest car on the road for the most part, so it's still invisible.

http://i53.tinypic.com/2m34ths.jpg
http://i54.tinypic.com/2dwc7qc.jpg
Ventureshield Ultra on the brake-scoops, roof-line, first 1/3 of fenders and hood, full front-clip, rocker-panels, fog-lights, mirrors, headlights (do NOT! allow them to use alcohol based cleaner/prep, soap and water ONLY! on these headlights or they will crack/craze, get an experienced installer!) $1100

http://i53.tinypic.com/315oqdw.jpg

Valentine 1 and Dashtronix HUD/DIC integration: $700

http://i52.tinypic.com/2rw2688.jpg
http://i56.tinypic.com/hra7aw.jpg

In action:YouTube - 075



Hope this gave some ideas!


Have fun doing stuff like this!
(I LOVE! NPP exhaust, it is loud!)
YouTube - 035

Looks good bro!

Sad to see you left the Z crew :(

I would have bought that M370 off of you haha.

I don't think you'll need any mods for the gs anytime soon. Its fast as is and if you want it to rumble just pull the fuse. I was considering a white gs before my nis but man$ 65k vs$ 37k and the insurance, not good if have a speeding ticket. And it scrapes everywhere you go but... its a vette, badass on the gs.:driving:

I love hearing the exhaust just explode around 3500, same with other cars such as the F430 which has the same flaps. I listened to some youtube footage of Vettes with the fuse pulled and I cannot believe that is the factory exhaust. Definitely learn the car first, enjoy her!

I disagree.

Sure, there is an art to driving a 'vette, but I have never had a problem with it and neither did my roommate. You just learn to correctly angle.

A GS can be had in the mid 40's if you aren't too bent on loading it out. Well optioned for high 40's/low 50's. Even a "base" 'vette is pretty loaded.

Insurance runs me $140/mo on my Z06. I am 25, male, single, and live in Louisiana, the #1 most expensive state to insure a car in in the nation. I have full coverage and they will buy me a new Z06 if anything occurs to total it within the first 3 years of ownership. Not a new 2011. A new 2012,13, or 14, whichever the case may be at the time of the incident. I also have accident forgiveness, so theoretically I wouldn't get dinged for that new car on my rates, either.

OP should really watch my video, though, regarding the Valentine 1. A scene in it one should see. Entirely avoidable...

how do you guys like that floating steering feel...


I'm hating...

approach & patience is everything. I've watch folks scrape and destroy bumpers after I've gotten in and out the same spot.....

My "steering feel" is just as planted as the feel of the 370Z's I have driven.

You are right about approach, etc. If you angle the car, you won't have a problem. Try to fly over a curbed parking-lot entrance at a 90* angle, and yeah, you probably will have a problem.

I did keep the M370. I thought someone from our meets would like to have it. I also have my COBB AP with AAM Canned Comp tune. I really liked the COBB for its ability to run live data (A/F, Intake Temps, and Timing) and there is still a professional tuner in Austin that works with COBB and tunes 350z and 370z.

If my Z did not have the issues with oil consumption I would have kept it. I stuck with it through the Short Block replacement but when it started consuming again I knew the motor would go out again. I had 43k miles on my Z, warranty was starting to run out.

Sent you a PM about the parts.

Thanks for the ideas I am thinking about hard wiring the radar detector, getting tint, and the clear bra (Ventureshield Ultra). My 370z looked like it took a buck shot to the front end with all the rock chips it had endured as a DD. You’re right the NPP exhaust sounds really good. The fuse to pull is the far bottom/right 10 fuse right under the passenger foot well fuse box. You can always just put it back in if you don't like it. On deceleration it will snap crackle pop like crazy sounds awesome and will only drone a little at 2000rpm not bad at all. Plus with this car I find myself in the low rpm all the time with the extra tq no need to wind it up. With the fuse pulled I get to hear the exhaust note below 3500rpm as well.

If you want to hardwire a RD and go with the Valentine 1, I have a very nice hardwire that is 9" long (no perv :rolleyes:)

Has a 2A inline fuse and is wrapped with mesh similar to the OEM mesh around your electrical going to the back of the mirror.

It cost me more than it will cost you, and $30 shipped USPS priority within the US.

Just let me know.

ImportConvert did you do some kind of break in with your Corvette?

I am not finding much information on it but have been performing the Z break in. Not going over 4000rpm and no WOT until 1200miles or first oil change.

Nice upgrade !! Totally different car though !

Cold Start with the NPP exhaust flaps open (Fuse Out).

Slight rev at the end at 2:37, and yes I need to clean out my garage, paint it etc...
YouTube - 2011 Corvette Grand Sport NPP opened (Cold Start)

0-500 miles = no constant speed, no WOT, and no over 4000rpm, and no speed over 55mph, vary rpm and speed within these parameters.
5-1500 miles = no HPDE's.

This is from your owner's manual. However, at Bowling Green, my car was driven at 80mph and over 4000 rpm just on the alignment machine.

The real key is to not shock the driveline, be gentle with the brakes and clutch, and don't go thrashing the motor right from the get-go, although one of the engine-builders I spoke with who is on the forum says the break-in is mainly for the driveline and not the engine.

What I did with mine was the same as the owners manual, except over 500 miles I gradually worked up from about 3K rpm to 6K rpm or so, and I did not abide the 55mph for fear of being rear-ended.

I varied load on the driveline, did NOT shift it hard or launch the car, and let the engine engine-brake down from about 3500-4000rpm or so when I was slowing down.

Currently with 2200 miles on the car, the driveline is nice and quiet, and the engine uses NO oil. For the first road-trip (varying load, speed, rpm, running it up and down the rpm band as described) it dirtied up the exhaust tips pretty well. Also, I did not check oil level originally as I should, but it was 1/2 quart low compared to where it is now after the oil change at 500 miles (I did this on my own, not per manual). The exhaust now does not get dirty, and it has used NO! oil in over 1500 miles since the oil change.

I am very happy with what I did, how I did it, and the engine-builder I talked to seems to agree.

*WIth your dry-sump, make sure you check the oil at the same TEMPERATURE (oil temp) and the same TIME after shutting the car off (5-15 minutes, I use 5 minutes). Checking it with just a 30* difference in oil-temp is equal to about 1/3 quart difference in levels on the oil-stick. This is a sensitive procedure to get an accurate reading. I freaked out and learned the hard way,lol.

As to a radar-detector, I know I am trying to sell you (at a loss) my MirrorTap hardwire unit for a Valentine 1, but as good advice from me to you, my Dashtronix was worth the money and the install is flawless. If you want to save the money though and want a V1, I'm here for ya on the wire-tap setup if you want it. I am in LA and will cross-ship with you and depending on where you are in Texes you should get it the next day or thereabouts.

The reason I recommend the Dashtronix is that the little dots on a V1 are hard to tell what band is hitting you, especially at night, and the whole thing just lights up your car and is very uncool imo how conspicuous it is. The Dashtronix uses your HUD and/or your DIC to display warnings and the V1 stays dark. The Dashtronix is also a way to hardwire the detector flawlessly.

Great information about the driveline, I have been easy on it. It’s been 3yrs since I've had a stick shift so I am still just getting use to shifting with a clutch. The 7AT paddles really spoiled me but man did I miss a 6spd!

When I checked the oil as described above it was right between the top and bottom holes. I can tell you that the oil temps have not gone over 190F, even when it was 95F outside and I was getting into a little. My Z would be 220 - 240F in the same ambient temps (95F) no matter how easy I was on it. I read up on the Dry-Sump System and it impressed the hell out me, very cool. Video: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport Dry Sump Oil System Explained

I have a cheap Radar Detector and may upgrade later. But I won't be getting anything for sometime after the Wife gave in letting me trade in my Z for this amazing car. And you are right about the deals on the Corvette. I pick up my 11 Corvette GS 6spd 1LT with the optional exhaust for $48.5k, out the door right at $50k. Still more expensive then my Z ($40,150.00) but considering the MSRP was $56,700.00 on the Corvette I think I did ok.

Very nice! The hottest my Z06 has gotten oil-temp wise was around 207 or so sitting/idling.

My oil level sits on the very top hole, bisecting it. I check it at 185-190* and 5 minutes after shut-off.

My car stickered for around $76K and I walked out with it, and a 7/70 bumper to bumper GMPP warranty and TT&L at 8.6% for $73 and change, plus a free 2-day trip to the racing school within a year of purchase.

The TR6060 is built like a brick out-house and with the new synchro's for '11, you shouldn't have a moment's trouble with it.

*on some grand-sport models*, there is a factory idiosyncrasy. The rubber bump-stop was left off the hood on the passenger side. Check yours.

nice!

Pictures don't do the GS justice. I wish Chevrolet would offer the blue/white/red paint scheme that was on the 96' GS. I just bought a 96 Viper GTS and might sell my 370Z soon.

I have driven both my old 350Z and 370Z for more than 9 hours straight and my back has never hurt.

Must be an old injury or lack of exercise.

Congrats I was sayin the same to myself looks like Nismos

Congrats on new toy!

Everyone's physiology and body mechanics differ slightly. 1" taller or shorter and the way the seat fits the person is entirely different.

Yes indeed, but I would have rathered not say that about OP's car in OP's thread, even if that's how I feel.

Thought about your post here a bit more, and why someone would go out of their way to be a douche and...

In retrospect, I think you're still asshurt that I wasn't crying over the tsunami 100% of the time when it went down. So, this is your little jib-jab.

Here is the thread if you want to read it again :)
http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-g...tml#post982525