General Motors wants buyers of Corvette C7 Z06 and C7 Stingray to pay for failing torque tube heat related problem fix

Long time ago, this blog pointed out that there is a fundamental problem with positioning of the exhaust system against the torque tube, with both being encapsulated behind the structurally important torque tube tunnel.

The number of failed torque tubes resulting from this not just flaw but outright +Tadge Juechter 's incompetence and stupidity continues to grow at truly alarming rate and yet somehow, +General Motors does not want to admit to this problem, just like one would expect GM to behave...

However, as much as GM does not want to admit to this problem, it just did... No, Juechter did not make a public confession and admitted to another C7 fuck up (and there are so many others besides this one), instead, GM decided to offer the fix as another so called "performance upgrade".  In other words, the ever infamous GMPP will be offering a variety of parts related to the torque tube that should be offered to everyone as the fix expected from ethical company and charge the schmucks stupid enough to buy these pieces of shit while voiding their factory warranty.  Now, how clever is this move?  Apparently C7 Stingray and C7 Z06 are subject to the effects of exhaust system literally cooking the torque tube only on the track?  LOL...

Not that it matter but in real life, the torque tube will be cooked considerably worse in a slow moving traffic in hot weather, not while racing this junk but of course, how could Juechter admit his fuck up and lack of automotive engineering comprehension otherwise?

As already described in this blog, the fundamental problem lies in the location of the tunnel plate, this is the reason why exhaust cooks the carrier bearings and rubber couplers and unless air circulation is improved, preferrably by relocating the plate itself, the problems will persist.

Of course, nobody in GM is familiar with Occam's Razor and thus, there is quite a variety of parts aimed at fixing the problem created by Corvette designers and engineers in the first place.

Among the offerings there is the carbon fiber tube housing that apparently negates the need for steel? What happened to the AFM  induced vibrations?  Did they go away or nobody cares anymore and if nobody cares, why wasn't the tube housing made of aluminum in the first place?  Would be lighter than steel and considerably cheaper, not to mention it would dissipate heat much better as well.  Interestingly enough, no heat shield wrap offered with this great item, apparently this housing does not need one?  LOL

REDUCE THE LOAD

CORVETTE Z06 CARBON FIBER
TORQUE TUBE HOUSING

P/N 23366289 (Manual) / MSRP: Early 2016
P/N 23366287 (Automatic) / MSRP: Early 2016

The Corvette Z06’s carbon fiber torque tube housing saves almost 15.5 lbs (7 Kg)compared to the Stingray’s steel-intensive torque tube. Includes the torque tube housing assembly only.

Then, there is the entire carbon fiber torque tube assembly, with bellhousing and surprise surprise, heat resistant couplers?  And why is the entire assembly wrapped in a heat barrier type of material?  Why isn't this being done to the regular cars, at GM's expense?

CUT WEIGHT FOR BIG GAINS

CORVETTE Z06 CARBON FIBER TORQUE TUBE
AND PROP SHAFT KIT

P/N 23228000 (Manual) / MSRP: $4109†
P/N 23227999 (Automatic) / MSRP: $4270†

Drop a few pounds on your Stingray with the Z06 carbon fiber torque tube assembly. It saves almost 15.5 lbs (7 Kg) compared to the Stingray’s steel-intensive torque tube. Chevrolet Performance’s Corvette Z06 Carbon Fiber Torque Tube and Prop Shaft Kit (P/Ns 23228000, 23401477, 23227999, and 23401476) features the torque tube assembly and the Corvette Z06 prop shaft with high-temperature couplings. The higher-temperature rubber couplers in the prop shaft can withstand the higher temperatures typically encountered at the track. Applications vary by transmission and model year. See your Chevrolet Performance dealer for the correct part number for your vehicle.

Then, there is a shaft assembly, with the only difference being it includes those "heat resistant" couplers but with no heat barrier (no GM, it is not heat shield) since the housing is not included.  The question here is, how long will these couplers last without that heat shield?  Obviously, not GM's concern and once again, Corvette owning schmucks will pay for what should be there in the first place.

STAND UP TO THE HEAT

CORVETTE Z06 PROP SHAFT ASSEMBLY
WITH HIGH-TEMP COUPLERS

P/N 23366291 (Manual) / MSRP: Early 2016
P/N 23366290 (Automatic) / MSRP: Early 2016

The Corvette Z06’s internal prop shaft includes rubber couplers designed for higher temperatures and, combined with the larger heat shield, results in increased durability

during track use. They are only needed for vehicles manufactured before June 2, 2015. Includes Prop Shaft Assembly only.

Finally, here is the actual heat shield to be installed between the torque tube and the exhaust system.  Of course, there is still the tunnel plate encapsulating the entire area occupied by the torque tube and exhaust but still, the tools who bought 2014 Stingrays have to pay, once again, paying for something GM should include in the first place.

HEAT PROTECTION FOR YOUR
DRIVELINE

CORVETTE STINGRAY HEAT SHIELD

P/N 23229542 / MSRP: $127†

This larger heat shield helps protect the prop shaft from high temperatures seen with track use. It is only required for 2014 Corvette Stingray models. It is included on 2015+ models.

Here is an interesting side point: why is exactly GM charging over four grand for the carbon fiber torque tube when aftermarket can offer torque tubes for Corvette C6 for 1300?  Ironically enough, since C6 did not include the AFM, the aftermarket can offer torque tube that eliminates the rubber couplers altogether.  Hmmm...

GM's MO is there as usual and it is truly a shitty way of doing business, making owners pay for the GM's incompetence and voiding their warranty at the same time.  Apparently human stupidity never cease to exist, just like there are tools willing to vote for that bitch Clinton, there are tools gladly parting their ways with the money and then again and again.  As usual, this blog appreciate these idiots for their entertaining value.