Aftermarket Accessory Choice Businesses

[John]

What is your go-to place when you buy Corvette accessories, the place you will first turn to when you get your C8?

Or maybe you are a no-mod person?

If you mod, do you stick with OEM accessories, and start by at least cruising down the GM list to see what is available first?

Or, do you go to specific aftermarket companies first, and if so, which one(s) do you initially visit? What secondary place(s) do you turn to next?

[OnPoint]

All of my vettes so far I've had modded for power. But with GM locking down ECM/PCM more stringently lately, doing that may become harder to do. Outside power mods, forged wheels and PPF are usually top of my list.

It's always fairly contingent on the factory offering. If the ECM/PCM isn't able to be tuned, and I like the wheels, I may just do PPF and call it good.

[John]

If a GM accessory is available at the time I buy my car, I will buy it that way, for while GM accessories are often spendy IMO, they always fit, and have no warranty or related issues. Hopefully for the C8, GM has gotten its timing availability better, and that they are ready for sale when the car is. If so, I will go that method first.

Quality (visual appearance, functionality, and product integrity), are my highest priorities, so whenever I buy an aftermarket accessory I go to ACS Composites first. I have purchased several items for them that are on my C7 — as do many of my friends. Always been highly pleased in every way by buying from them. After that, will turn to other high quality aftermarket companies.

I am typically a big modder, with over 35 mods not just on each Corvette but also on our daily drivers. I so enjoy the process of planning a theme for my car, then finding those high quality accessories to make it happen. However, for my 2020 C8, as I am only planning on keepin it a max of two years, then get a Z06 version, and as we know almost all mods result in zero financial payback, I am going to discipline myself (other than clear bra, CQuartz nano ceramic, and windshield tinting).

[John]

All of my vettes so far I've had modded for power. But with GM locking down ECM/PCM more stringently lately, doing that may become harder to do. Outside power mods, forged wheels and PPF are usually top of my list.

It's always fairly contingent on the factory offering. If the ECM/PCM isn't able to be tuned, and I like the wheels, I may just do PPF and call it good.

Is it possible that GM might embark on a new path, and that is license the four top companies, sharing with them access to the ECM, with each buyer however having to sign a “warranty voidance document” in advance. If so, such A+ companies as Lingenfelter, Callaway, Pratt and Miller, and Katech come to mind.

[OnPoint]

John, I really hope GM does that. And it would make some sense. Would allow hooligans like me an option, allow the top shelf shops to continue their great work, and take GM off the hook for power train warranty. If that's where it goes, I'd drive it stock/untuned for the first couple years to get past any period of infant mortality of components, and then turn up the wick.

[brad66]

I will buy GM parts whenever possible. For my C7, I put GM side skirts on my car and had the Corvette tech at my dealership put them on. They cost more than aftermarket but I knew there would be no issues with fit and finish.

I usually add Lloyd's mats and just look for a good deal.

I heavily modified my C6 under the hood, 665 rwhp from an LS2, so I think I've gotten that out of my system.

If I'm buying non car accessories, clothing, die cast, etc, I will buy from the Corvette Museum whenever possible.

[JB]

Best new corvette out of the three is the present omne that i didnt really mod.

small mods sure but cracking into the motor was a sure fire way ti destroy the durability of entire vehicle over time...

i wont be doing that again...

keeping the car basically stock with the exception of wheels, Tires, pcm, intake, shocks, brakes and interior parts ie. Thick D shaped steering wheel extended my enjoyment.


GM’s 300k mile validation process for excellent durability is worth more to me as i use my corvettes as dailys,

ymmv

[Fasttoys]

I will change the look with cosmetic accessories, but the last 8 years I stay away from engine related performance parts while car is under OEM warranty. When I was younger I modified all my cars, today I try and buy the fastest version that they offer at that tIme.

[OnPoint]

I've never done business with them, but I've seen some really nice work done by Caravaggio as far as interior mods/upgrades. I think they might be a bit spendy, but the work I've seen from them is really nice.

[Racer86]

As I still think, most current tires can’t hookup with more than 500-550 horsepower without traction control, I will leave the engine stock. But if options like J 56 ( carbon ceramic brakes) and carbon fiber rims are not offered., these are what I would add aftermarket. Also, might look into suspension mods such as bushings, and adjustable sway bars. And maybe ghost stripes on the paint.

[John]

Caravaggio Corvettes does outstanding work. I have their very first C7 Z06 steering wheel. Outstanding quality workmanship. Two cautions, expect to pay a goodly amount (though a fair one), and it takes a while to get your product.

[John]

Yes, Lloyd’s mats will be added to mine too. Maybe I should start my “mod list.” Thaks Brad.

[Ssscooter66]

Agreed, I won't be doing that again either ...

[bobbytinvab]

+1 on ACS composites, their stuff is seemingly good quality and fits well. I have their side skirts and, to me, they look better than the factory ones.

[John]

Ditto; I like ACS’ front splitter better than the OEM one also.