Sillyme

I'm thinking of buying a new C6. A 09 if I can find one like I'm looking for, or I might just wait for a 2010. What i'm not sure of is if I should get one with the Z51 suspension option.
My question is: Does the Z51 make the ride really stiff? I have a 04 C5 now with the base suspension. I was just wondering the difference. I guess I could dive one!
Just thought I would throw it out there.

FUNTRUN

When I bought my 08 I wondered about the same thing. You should definitely get the Z51 package. It doesn't make the ride to stiff. This is a no brainer. Get the Z-51 option. If you don't you will regret it later.

Blue Demon Owner

I rode with a friend of mine who had an '05 Coupe with the Z51 package. I had a blast with him that day, then we stopped at a Chevy dealer and I picked up the brochure for the '08. The last thing he said to me was "make sure it's a Z51!"

I did, and I love the way it handles, and all the other parts of the package (cooling, rear end, etc.) really make a difference, at least to me.

Be sure to join ALZ51's "Z51 Corvette Owner's Group" (ZCOG) and get your official stickers from him!

Oh, and Badges are optional! Let the war begin!

SRTstyle

Get the Z51 option. You wouldn't want any of the LS2 Z51's passing your LS3 base

Really, drive one of each, to include the F55, and decide which one you prefer.

lstorm2003

I like the Z51 mainly for the brake rotors. They are cross-drilled, and they really look nice! The base car doesn't get that. You actually get a lot for your $ in the Z51 package. Its only like $1800 i think and it includes a lot of stuff:

- better cooling (or additional I should say - transmission, and ???)
- better handling
- lower gearing
- better brakes

Its a good deal for all you get..

RedC7AZ

...and that they would, as the LS2 Z51 is slightly quicker than a Base LS3.

Dave S

Z51 is absolutely the way to go if you like "spirited" driving. '09 will be last model year for that option alone....for 2010 the Grand Sport, which will have the equivalent of the Z51 options, will be placed between base C6 & Z06

OkieEngr

I had the same concern when getting my used 2007 Z51, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out how nice ride was. Yes, its kind of rough on some bumpy roads, but the handling is AMAZING. I enjoy the handling as much as I do the acceleration, which is saying a lot.

Get it.

marc8090

I have an 08 with the Z51 and my mother has on 09 without. The ride on mine is firmer but not hard at all. I wouldn't get a Vette without the Z51 package.

WAwatchnut

One thing no one has mentioned is you won't be able to get the Z51 option on the 2010 models. GM has eliminated that package, and instead offers the Grand Sport models, which add a lot of other stuff for a lot more $$$.

Lots of people are happy with the base suspensions, but for performance enthusiasts, the Z51 with stickier tires, less body roll, and different gearing is the way to go.

When Car and Driver did a comparison of convertibles a couple of months ago, they ranked the Corvette last, and commented that the other cars they've tested in the past (which always scored much higher) were usually Z51 optioned, or F55 optioned cars, and they missed the better traction and body control.

YLOFEVR

Aside from"cool looking" brake rotors, there is a myriad of upgrades contained in the Z51 package, including gearing, lubrication, cooling, suspension, etc. Z51 is the most cost effective option for driveability and control.

SpdWhite

Living in CA. this probably wouldn't be a problem. Here in New England it does make for a rougher ride on some of our wonderful roads.

If you plan on tracking the car at all I would go for it. Really does make a difference on a road track.

TCW

If you are going to track the car get the Z51 option.

If not, save your money for some nice accessories.

Tom

carjo

The handling of the Z-51 pkg. is terrific, much better than the base car. So if you're going to get an '09 be sure to get one with Z-51. However, if the Z-51 package really appeals to you, you'd be even happier with a '10 Grand Sport (which according to GM "replaces" the Z-51 pkg.) Take my word for it. I got a loaded '09 vert with manual shift and Z-51 last Aug. and am now seriously considering getting a new Grand Sport. However, look for a big price drop on remaining '09s after the '10s start coming in.

Save the Wave

dvilin

Good advice.

Landru

Get it.
Don't think, just get it.
Putting on the optional gear a Z51 offers will cost you beaucoup so get it and consider it a rabate.

Just traded my '06 Z51 car on a Z06.
No the Z51 isn't really stiff, FTM I haven't found my ZCar's ride that stiff, either.
What the Z51 option does do is make going through the twisties safer and more fun than a regular suspension C6.

The C4's a great car, handles fine and looks terrific.
But hang on to your knickers if you snag either a standard C6 or the Z51. The C6 & Z51 car's technology is a quantum level better by a factor of 2. The first being the beautiful C5, of course.

gene0809

what you want.....

orca1946

Get it !! You will like it a lot !

Sillyme

Thanks to everyone that posted a reply! I'm convinced! The Z 51 is the only way to go. The Forum Rocks!

RedC7AZ

I think that about says it all.
The Mother - perefers the base suspension
The Son - prefers the Z51

'Nuff said