Grandsport options

[soggytaco]

Other than the paintjob what other mods does a grand sport have that you can’t get on a non grand sport with the LT4 option? I know they were limited to 1000 units. But to pay 10 to 20000 more for a paint scheme seems silly to me. Maybe if they had some transmission or break upgrades I don’t know??

 

[Aurora40]

The black wheels were GS-specific, including 11" wide rears. I *think* the GS brake calipers had a unique appearance with the black paint and "Corvette" wording, but I don't beleive they were functionally different than other 1996 calipers? I could be wrong on that though.

 

[stgry1]

You're right Aurora. The brakes are mechanically identical. The painted wording is the only diff. I too was looking into the differences and found very few. As a matter of fact my RPO LT4 window sticker reflects a P Price of 45K which is what I think the GSs sold for as well. Mechanically they are identical (except for the various suspension options) but all the interior trim and paint is all GS unique. I wanted a GS when I first was in the market but when I added it up, I just couldn't see spending the extra $$ especially when my wife didn't like the color scheme of the GS (Admiral blue with black, red and white :eyerole) But I will say that 10 years down the road, the GS will hold a higher resale then the RPO. But I bought mine for fun and speed so It won't hold value after it gets modded out anyway (n2O otfl) . Good luck in your search.

 

[LT4man]

Brake calipers are not identical to regular C4's built during 1996. Besides the paint and raised lettering, the inner dimensions of the caliper were bigger. The pads are identical. There is a page showing the physical differences, which escapes me at this point. :confused

Interior had sport seats which had specific perforation in the leather. "Grand Sport" was also stitched on both headrests.

Collector Edition had exactly the same options (the words "Collector Edition" stitched on both headrests) except for the wider rear wheels and tires. CE's had 255-45-17 fronts and 285-40-17 rears with silver painted GS rims.

The Grand Sport Coupe had the european rear fender flares to encompass the wider wheels and tires. The Grand Sport Convertible did not have the flares or the wider wheels.

You could buy the GS with either a black or torch red interior. The CE was available with either the black, torch red or grey interior.

Exhaust for the LT4 was unique also. Larger resonator and, I believe, larger mufflers and larger pipes.

I purchased my new CE because all of the CE options were packaged for $1,250.00. The LT4 engine was another $1,450.00. These prices were incredibly cheap at the time and convinced me to order the Vette.

Save The Wave!

 

[GS Diva]

Check out the Grand Sport Registry - www.grandsportregistry.com - for anything and everything you ever wanted to know about the Grand Sports...both the '63 and the '96!

Elaine

 

[Vettelt193]

The torch red GS interior is a modified red... The standard torch red (as found in CE's and standard vettes) has red carpet, where the GS red has black carpet

 

[GS Diva]

The torch red GS interior is a modified red... The standard torch red (as found in CE's and standard vettes) has red carpet, where the GS red has black carpet

Ahhh...true! However, some of us GS owners went one step further and put in the Torch Red carpet!!

Elaine

 

[Jim Martley]

And kicked some other people's butts profoundly during the Corvette show season this year!!!!!!

Hi Elaine!!!!!

 

[GS Diva]

And kicked some other people's butts profoundly during the Corvette show season this year!!!!!!

Hi Elaine!!!!!

Hi darling! It is damn impossible to beat an all-white interior, isn't it?

Elaine

 

[stgry1]

Brake calipers are not identical to regular C4's built during 1996. Besides the paint and raised lettering, the inner dimensions of the caliper were bigger. The pads are identical. There is a page showing the physical differences, which escapes me at this point. :confused

I really don't recall this info at all. I was under the impression that the HD brakes were identical other then the wording. I sure would like to see the info on this since I've never heard of this before :confused

Exhaust for the LT4 was unique also. Larger resonator and, I believe, larger mufflers and larger pipes.

This is correct and characteristic of ALL vettes made with the LT4 option..GS or not.

 

[Vettelt193]

I really don't recall this info at all. I was under the impression that the HD brakes were identical other then the wording. I sure would like to see the info on this since I've never heard of this before :confused

The brakes on the GS and Collector Edition have more beef to them. (fronts only though, the rears are the same as far as I know). The brakes are supposed to be better for heat, and thus have less fade etc.

 

[Rich96c4ce]

The GS and the CE have 13" diameter front rotors that go along with the black lettered calipers. These are the heavy duty brakes. I believe that other '96s had 12" front rotors and plain calipers, unless the J55 HD brakes were ordered.

 

[LT4man]

In 1995 ALL Corvettes were automatically updated with the J55 heavy duty brake option. The reason for this: ZR1s were being discontinued at the end of the 1995 year and GM had loads of this type of brake system. The ZR1s demise resulted in an upgrade for all the other Corvettes.

Save The Wave!

 

[stgry1]

Ok....so this goes back to the original question. Was there a difference OTHER than the writing on the calipers? 13" are 13" Yes?? No "more beef" option??

 

[LT4man]

No, 13" is not 13". The rotors are identical. The calipers are not!

The Grand Sport and Collector Edition brake calipers are different on the inside and the outside. Besides the fact they have 'CORVETTE' lettered on the outside.

I have seen side-by-side pictures comparing the two. The outside shape of the caliper is different. The inside bore of the caliper is larger for the GS and the Collector.

Are you totally confused?

Save The Wave!

 

[LT4man]

Go to www.wheelskin.com

Search for Grand Sport Calipers. They will confirm what I have posted about the GS calipers.

BTW, they sell these calipers and boy, do they look sweet!

Save The Wave!

 

[JEFNLSA]

Go to www.wheelskin.com

Search for Grand Sport Calipers. They will confirm what I have posted about the GS calipers.

BTW, they sell these calipers and boy, do they look sweet!

Save The Wave!

Thx for the link.

Da*n, somethin' else I might have to look into. Does it ever end? :L

 

[LT4man]

You are welcome!

As to your question!

No. Not really. Not at all. Maybe never. Slim to none. Fat chance. He** might have to freeze over. Pigs might have to fly. Get my drift?

Look at it this way: We all have our cross to bear. Owning a Vette might be ours! :L

Save The Wave!

 

[JEFNLSA]

Look at it this way: We all have our cross to bear. Owning a Vette might be ours! :L

Well at least I'm not alone. :L

 

[stgry1]

Thanks lt4man. You helped to clear up a common misconception that has been lurking over this..at least in my neck of the woods. Now the real question....aside from asthetics, whats the operational and/or heat dissipation specs?? :L No need to answer that, I'm sure it's a tough one.