Jet Stream

I find it unusual here how many C6 owners here always mention the Z51 option like its a model. I have a Corvette Z51 yadda yadda yadda. Its an option not some sort of model. Why mention the Z51 package and not some other option package thats on your car. I find this so strange with C6 owners in particular. In 20 years of Corvette ownership this is a first for me.

GaussianMist

but not all ...

fleetc

It's obvious that you didn't get that option.

BigJoe

Because almost every car mag always test C6 Z51s. They treat it as a model, why shouldn't we. BTW Z28, Z06 and others started as options and wound up models...

Jet Stream

Its not a model thats my point.

C7CorvettePilot

Silverado Z71's are just an option, but they put the emblems on the side of the truck...........why not the Z51 handling package to show it is set up for performance? ZR1...? That wasn't a model, the new supercar is going to be called a ZR1...but it's still a Corvette.

3 Z06ZR1

and were tried of talking blue.................................... ...

fleetc

Don't say the B word

Jet Stream

The Z51 has been a Corvette option for decades now, only with the C6 have I ever herd it mentioned and boasted about like its a model. I find it curious.

Tx07BlackZ51

Because it's a performance package.

BigVette

Actually 2008 motor trend best cars suggests to buy a Z51 C6 model. HHMMM, i know its not actually a model but with so many changes to a vehicle (suspension, tranny, rear gear, engine coolers, brake rotors) it is more then one option it is so many options that it combines itself to a model. although not formally recognized as a model by GM or it might me, but they haven't disclosed or changed it yet, maybe in 2009.

Anyways....who cares, to each their own, if i want to call it an NPP model so what. does it offend you, does it make you lose sleep, does it bother you to where you can't eat? BIg woop, they make payments on it NOT YOU. They are proud of their Z51 option...i mean model!

BigJoe

If it is differentiated from the base model by enough people enough times it become a de facto "model". Read the cars mags. You will almost never see them testing a base Vette. Its a Z06 or... a Z51.

Tx07BlackZ51

Strange when I had a C4 , in the C4 section many people mentioned it when their car was a Z51 car.
Maybe it's like saying " my JSB " this or " my JSB " that. It's a vette, not a color.

Vette_DD

Sometimes the subject under discussion pertains only to Z51-equipped C6s or rarely, it may pertain to all except Z51-equipped C6s. It's a little inconvenient if you have to use the term "Z51-equipped" several times in one post. So some here just call it a Z51 for convenience, knowing it's not a model.

A similar situation exists, although not as often, with F55-equipped C6s. For short, we'll sometimes call one an F55, knowing it's not considered a model.

I frequently refer to my Monterey Red colored C6 as being a Monterey Red C6. But that doesn't mean I consider it a Monterey Red model. As much as I like my Monterey Red coupe, I don't post frequent threads about it being Monterey Red.

P3C

This topic has been talked about many times already, you post quite often and must have read all the past discussions, to borrow your words, I find it "unusual and curious" that you would even start this thread?

Oli1313

Z51 ENVY

RareSS9596

HawaiiC6

JS,

I really suggest that you start reading some magazines, such as Car and Driver, Road and Track etc. These magazines when testing a C6 will use a Z51 optioned vehicle, why because it is better performing then the base Corvette. Although it is an option it really is referred to by the magazines as a model, which is just below the ZO6 in handling.

Now why would the magazines keep referring the Vettes they test as Z51 C6 Vettes?

I have the Z51 option and guess what I have a Z51 badge on my front fenders. Why because it is MY car and I like the look of the badge as it breaks up the long lines of the car. I opted for badges which did not mimic the ZO6 badges as I wanted to be sure no one was mistaking the emblem for a ZO6.

245onQEW

I think the lines are blurred here. Z22, Z24, Z28, Z71, Z06 are all models. But Chevy went and made a Z51 'package' giving it better suspension, brakes, gearing and an oil cooler. But then really what is the difference between Z22's, 24's and 28's. Aren't they just base vehicles with skirt packages and a few more performance enhancements? Isn't that just really a package or option as well? I used to drive a Z24 Cavalier (no need for condolences) the only difference I found between it and a regular 2-door coupe was a 2.4L engine instead of 2.2, a different front and rear fascia, side skirts and a spoiler.

In 2005 the Z51 was 'a stiffer suspension, tires that offer better dry-road grip, larger brakes, a six-speed manual with shorter ratios, and a transmission-oil cooler.' The only distinction between the aforementioned Z24 compared to a base cavalier and a Z51 compared to a base corvette is that the Cavaliers 'Z24' was bumped up .2L. Is changing the displacement and bumpers enough to justify calling it a different model, but changing the brakes, oil cooler, transmission and suspension not? Is that when a car goes from being a different model to a 'package'. Or is it the fact that GM sells the Z51 package as an option box you check as opposed to a model type you select?

I could go either way model or option. All I know is that I think it's fair game to put Z51 emblems on your car. You do have something different than a regular C6. You have a car that has more of a performance edge.

Regardless. Enjoy!

tpereira

just had to start another one of these z51 threads eh ?