2023 Chevy Corvette Review: Base Suspension, All-Season Tires at Tail of the Dragon!

[@mikewatch1487]

After owning a few C8 Z51 mag ride 2LT. I finally realized that a convertible with the rear window down sounds much much better. You actually hear the exhaust better at 1/2 throttle and when you hold a gear. The 1LT with out the Z51 is my current build. Don’t Track it so I spent the money on the convertible. Took 3 years to finally get the sound right.

[@philsalley3278]

The bottom line is that there is simply zero need for the Z51 option outside of a track. First you have to ask how many drivers are so good they could access the extra handling ability of the Z51 and second, exactly where and when would you actually have the opportunity to use those skills on any public highway. My 2023 3LT coupe had the base suspension which is great while my 2023 3LT HTC has mag ride which makes the ride even better and imparts an unusal level of solidness to the car. I think it probably enhances handling also but like the video says, the base car with or without mag ride has handling capabilities far beyond what you will ever have any occasion to use in the real world.

[@evangrimmett9327]

I specifically didn't order Z51 on my 2023 as I don't ever plan on tracking it. All my previous Corvettes have been Z06/GS/ZR1, but as you said, the base C8 is so good already and the change to mid-engine design just makes it super sweet to drive. I did the Tail and many other roads in the area after picking it up at the museum earlier this year, and I honestly think it might be better than the Z51 for street use.

[@zachgordon9049]

Great review, Jake! Love the shirt too. I (and most people) would love a Z06, but the base C8 is so good and accessible, I think a majority of buyers would be pleased with it.

[@artbaer3122]

Thanks for the review Jake. I agree with you that the C8 is 'tight' if over 6 ft. I feel more comfortable in my 2019 GS at 6' 4" and 230 lbs than in a C8. I've noticed that each generation from the C5 on has a tighter interior, at least to me, with the C8 the tightest. Hate this especially since I am on a list for an E-Ray.

[@halsolomon694]

I just got my 24 C8. I did get the Z51 package but the care was at the dealer and it did not have the MagRide and I was a bit hesitant. I did pull the trigger and havent been able to drive yet as I'm in the northeast with snow on the ground. Thanks for making me feel a little better as I just feel I was going to missing something without the Mag Ride. My previous vette had it all (17 GS C7) but this C8 just hypnotized me. I will be tracking it but hopefully it will perform fine without it.

[@tonybradley9023]

I drove mines with same specs. Had a great time.

[@ccc3350]

I am straight and I love your video. You obviously enjoy Corvette. Have a 23 1LT Z51 convertible. Don’t need Z51 but glad I have it. Found car on configurator for msrp. It had Z51. Drive back roads of Ohio and definitely use it.

[@tonybradley9023]

I drove my 2020 non Z51 there. It was a great ride.

[@michaeldodd9302]

Elctronic differential, which is an option you don’t have, is not “mechanical”. Other than that… great video my friend.

[@evangrimmett9327]

The e-diff only comes with the Z51. He's reviewing a non-Z51 car, which is in fact a traditional mechanical limited slip differential.

[@wackit6756]

Beautiful car but it’s an odd configuration…..it’s loaded with all the options, why not just get the Z51 and mag ride and keep it in touring if concerned about the ride quality. That way you have a choice. Also helps on resale.🤷‍♂️

[@philsalley3278]

Another empty argument and you don't get back the z51 premium on resale.

[@stevedolan5065]

Good to hear about how the all season Michelins perform, I’m going to put those on my C6 and get rid of the noisy hard ride Goodyears that I have.

[@DSC800]

I've had the Michelin all seasons for a couple years now, about 7k miles, and love them. This is on a 996 Carrera so quite a bit less HP but I still expect the rears to last close to 20k miles and the fronts may get to 30k. Also, Costco sells them, so got them at a good price and there was an instant rebate too.

[@Bomaximus]

Whats hillarious is alot of folks opting for the " z51 and all the other add ons don't realize that the BASE is actually faster top speed and quarter mile wise than a fully loaded Stingray w all the amenities.. Amenities with the Z51 that 98 percent of stingray owners will NOT use just to have a slower car than the cheapest possible Stingray..😂

[@skip741x3]

cool review bro and a different one.. Ive never had the chance to drive one of these but Ive always felt that even the base versions would be More than capable for the person who is just casually driving street and Not track.. these new cars have limits Way beyond what anyone in their right mind would dare use on public roads.

[@Kudzuken1]

.I have a 23 Z51 Stingray. I'm 6'3" and have had major surgery on my neck. I have no issues getting this car our feeling cramped. The seat have a lot of adjustments.

[@OutMotorsports]

It's very body-dependent, too, if you're more torso or more legs. The seats do move quite a bit and are comfortable for long drives!

[@Texas_C8]

I bought Michelin Pilot Sport 4S regular tires to replace my Michelin Pilot Sport all season Run flat tires and the better handling of the 4S in warm weather is quite noticeable, but when my 4S tires wear out I'm going to put my Michelin All seasons Run flat tires back on my 2022 Corvette Stingray 1LT !!! ;)

[@NO1CAN007]

Great video thank you

[@sunnyvalentino]

Do you prefer the Z51 or Supra, from a handling and driving perspective (putting aside the lack of manual which is an unfortunate deal w the C8)

[@mikewatch1487]

Plus the convertible has less wind buffering then the targa top coupe with the top off.

[@johnultimate1161]

Good video! However I'm a big fan of the Z51 package and mag ride. For those that don't like that, fine. Why didn't you buy a Buick??? I may not track often, or at all, but the C8 is a SPORTS CAR! It can corner and handle at it's fullest whenever I need it out in the real world. You may need the better braking or handling when an inattentive driver is about to ruin your day. Plus the Electronic Limited Slip Diff will save you from the embarrassment of leaving cars and coffee and sliding into a utility pole. Just because I have muscles doesn't mean I don't need them if I don't smash someone in the face. (I never would, I hope.) Same as the Z51 or Z06 is justified in a real sports car. Just my 2 cents. Your mileage may vary. Cheers and thanks for your good video.

[@OutMotorsports]

Glad you enjoyed! I'd spec mine with MagRide at a minimum and likely Z51 because it'd get tracked. But it's nice to see that the more basic car is still very capable - the mechanical LSD is good enough and the eLSD is a bonus if you get Z51, for example.

[@philsalley3278]

Buy a Buick if you don't want z51 is a reality absurd argument since the handling ability of the base car is probably beyond the driving abilities of 90%+ of buyers.

[@johnultimate1161]

@@philsalley3278 C8 owners manual says NOT to track or performance drive a base C8 "Vehicles without Z51 package should not be used for track events or competitive events.". Drop mic here.

[@philsalley3278]

@@johnultimate1161 No one is arguing that you must have z51 for track us. The argument is that since 95% of buyers never track their cars, the z51 option is of no real value elsewhere. Ask yourself how many people, first have the ability to take advantage of the extra handling of the z51 and second, exactly where are those places on public highways?

[@johnultimate1161]

Is the car a sports car? Or is it a boulevard cruiser? Is it like a shot of whiskey, or a Bud Lite?

[@Petrificus_totalus_bjj]

I’m taking the z06 to the tail of the dragon next week!

[@OutMotorsports]

Have fun, be safe, keep it on your side of the double-yellow!

[@ryanr482]

Can u get magride without z51? Magride is an improvement in ride quality for daily driving.

[@OutMotorsports]

Yes! You can get it with or without.

[@evangrimmett9327]

Yes, it was a stand-alone option starting in 2021. It is well worth it.

[@jenseninterceptor1065]

What kind of fararri is this? Pretty cool

[@OutMotorsports]

It's the FF California Challenge Stradale

[@dlg5485]

Personally, I have no interest in the Z06, for several reasons. First, I'm not an expert racing driver, so I can admit that I don't have the skills to fully utilize that car (nor do 99% of bueyrs). Second, it has a brand new exotic engine that is already having problems and it will likely take a while for GM to refine it to the level of reliability that the 6.2 has achieved. Third, I like to maintain my own vehicles and I wouldn't even know where to start on that engine, but the 6.2 is as old school as me. That said, I'd gladly take a Stingray 2LT with the Z51 package, forged wheels, GT2 seats, magnetic ride, for the same price as this one.

[@DemoEvolvedGaming]

@out motorsports what do you think is the right spec for a C8 that you don't mind driving it hard and getting muck all over it? Once you start kitting the car up with carbon fiber this and black badge that, you are also treading into that territory of the car being jewlery that you feel like you have to baby and only take out on nice days. Thoughts?

[@OutMotorsports]

1LT, Z51, MagRide, in a real color with a funky interior. Done.

[@ALMX5DP]

Very interesting spec, at least for a press vehicle. Do you think Chevy will ever bring back the Grand Sport or are they content with the current lineup and new E-Ray?

[@OutMotorsports]

Definitely an interesting build although probably pretty typical (as a 2LT or 3LT with no Z51) for a lot of buyers. Given you can add Z51 to any Stingray and basically get what the C7 Grand Sport was (minus the Z06 wide body) it would likely be a tough sell given E-Ray uses the Z06 bodywork already.

[@philsalley3278]

​@@OutMotorsportsTough sell? 95% of C8 buyers are simply wasting there money on z51 since it adds nothing to the driving experience outside of the track and few have the driving skills to exploit it and exactly where on a public road would that happen? You really need mag ride with z51 so it's $8500 all in.

[@stevesamuel263]

They have space for a $80k MSRP car in the lineup, if they milk this generation for a long time, it could definingly be a thing

[@ALMX5DP]

@@philsalley3278 I think they were responding to my inquiry about a Grand Sport model, saying that would be a tough sell.

[@BertShackleford]

​@@philsalley3278 You have an unhealthy distain for the Z51 package and their owners. Perhaps it is too much for _you_ to handle but the way you disparage the Z51 option makes me think that you are merely trying to justify your purchase while denigrating others. The difference between the Z51 and non-Z51 package is palpable Phil. Just because you cannot feel it, does not mean it is a waste of money. Do you also yell at people in the grocery store when they purchase coffee that _you_ do not endorse? Give it a rest brother. _"Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance."_ *~Plato* Stay classy my friend.

[@jonasbaine3538]

spend the money saved from z51 on a supercharger. perfect daily and road trip sportscar with monster big power to spare.

[@OutMotorsports]

Honestly, the C8 doesn't need to be any faster. But yes, that is indeed an option.

[@callmesirjustsir]

Which wheels?

[@OutMotorsports]

These are the "20-spoke bright machined-face forged aluminum" wheels

[@willbledsoe6789]

Was that Highway 28??

[@OutMotorsports]

Good eye! Easier for filming than the Tail given (much) less traffic.

[@herpnut]

It’s insane how much harder I was working ahead of you 😂

[@OutMotorsports]

You were... trying? 🤣

[@herpnut]

@@OutMotorsports I went full throttle more times during that video than you apparently did the entire trip.

[@MB-sn8sf]

GM: we’re releasing the mid engine corvette for 55k! Dealership: What? GM: What?