Garry in AZ

Okay, I'm shopping for an '08 and up C6 coupe. Ideally, I'd like a car with the M6 trans, but they are scarce around Phoenix. I have found a half dozen A6 equipped candidates, and I need some advice on how important/valuable the Z51 option is. I know drilled rotors aren't necessarily the hot setup, but I plan to drive the car like a sports car, and there will be the occasional track day.
If I buy a non-Z51 car, am I going to end up upgrading the brakes and suspension anyway?

Thanks in advance,

Garry

at7000ft

Holding out for a Z51 makes the search even harder. If you don't track the car its more of a status thing. I did upgrade the sways on my non-z51 08 3LT to Z51 sways since I wanted to replace the endlinks (one had a rattle), a couple hundred bucks and 2 hours work and the handling improved with no change in ride (which feels fine to me). Could make the ride even firmer with Z06 or Bilstein shocks.

Garry in AZ

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated! I have a couple more questions...
Is there some data somewhere that shows the difference in performance in the C6 Z51 brakes versus the standard setup?
Also, should I assume the Z51 cars ride is closer to a Z06's? I have a buddy with an 06 Z06, and to say it's firm is an understatement.
I was hoping the Z51 was sort of a good compromise between the two. Is that an accurate statement, or is a Z51 car nearly as firm riding as a Z06?

Thanks again, I appreciate the wisdom and experience gathered here.

Garry

Gary '09 C6

I had an '09 coupe w/Z51, NPP exhaust, A6 & 2LT. It rode just fine and was nicely/smartly equipped.
I also think the aluminum-framed car w/Z06 suspension is a bit firmer than the steel-framed car w/Z51 suspension.

(I drove the GS, Z06 & ZR1 at Spring Mtn for three days three yrs ago)

C6ROLLER

I have an 08 Z51 manual, I've never driven a non Z51 but my car is not a harsh ride at all. I got rid of the runflat tires and the ride improved a lot more. You will appreciate the brakes, stiffer suspension and gearing the Z51 offers when you're on the track. Keep in mind a lot of owners on this forum who say the Z51 ride is harsh may be older and have back or other health problems. I don't mean to be mean, but if you're in good physical shape the ride quality of the Z51 is fine. If you're going to drive it like it should be driven and take it to the track it's worth holding out for the Z51. Good luck.

Gary '09 C6

especially with the tire improvement.

C6ROLLER

Unless you're a hard core tracker and really take the car to it's limits I don't think you'd have a need to upgrade your Z51 suspension to a more aggressive setup.

Gary '09 C6

^...and even with occasional track use, upgraded after-market brake pads will likely be all that is necessary
(once the brake pads on the car need to be replaced).

C6ROLLER

Remember, the C6 is not a civic...it was made for the track! You don't have to do anything to it to have serious fun on the track.

HOXXOH

Assuming the track you plan on running is WHP, the base would be a better choice as long as you use Z51 sways, better shocks, and some more aggressive pads.
A F55 car would work well too. The more important item is tires.

C6ROLLER

Is the base really a better choice if you have to add Z51 sways, better shocks and more aggressive pads?

HOXXOH

Yes. WHP track is not real conducive to the Z51 M6 gear ratios. They work well for the short parking lot autocross events, but not so well on longer tracks. The base trans ratios are a better choice. The shock and pad upgrades will be needed for either car, so the sway bar upgrade is a lot cheaper and easier than a trans swap.

v26278

You should consider broadening your search geographically, rather than limiting your choices to only local cars, especially if its going to mean getting the manual transmission that you desire.

Personally, I like the firmer ride of the Z51 and I'd rather just get the factory option. If you don't mind modding your car, you can pick up a non-Z51 and upgrade brakes, shocks and sways and dial in what you like, even add coolers. In fact it seems most people cant resist modding their Vettes. But you can't easily swap in a manual trans, and I'd hate to be without one.

jackcasual

I found going to track days is a slippery slope! Started in 92 with a stock 91 Vette. Then got a 96 LT4. Did a bunch of engine, suspension work and started using race tires. My present track car is an 04 ZO6 with 404 RWHP, race seat, 5 pt harness, larger sway bars, polyurethane bushings thruout, Vararam, larger throttle body, custom tune, headers, x-pipe, short throw shifter, Accusump, Front calipers placed on rear brakes, braided hoses, race brake pads, cooling ducts direct to calipers, 18 inch CCW rims at all 4 corners, oil cooler, race tires, front A arms for more neg camber, lowered, corner weighted,race alignment, rear spoiler. I also use the base car transmission. I'm just saying A stock C6 will be pretty stout, but there is always another thing to do to your Vette. I recommend attending driving schools first to go faster and enjoy driving your Vette on track,before upgrading anything on car! Also, you can't really drive a Vette on the street like you can on a track! I have instructed for several track schools. My present street car is 09 C6 Z51. It's stock.

blizz81

A portion of my interest in Z51 was for the extra cooling, but one thing I saw after searching around a bit is that with hot track days, people still frequently see high enough oil temps to switch and / or switch to an upgraded radiator with an IOC and / or upgrade both their radiator and oil cooler anyways. Just something to keep in mind, maybe not an issue if you only hit the track a couple times (but it does look like you're in hot AZ).

Garry in AZ

Thanks to everyone for the sage advice and words of wisdom. I am expanding my search for the right car, and I'm trying to be patient until I find the one I want. I have some mechanical skills and a reasonably well equipped shop, so regardless of the factory equipment, eventually modifying the car to make it what I want is in my long term plan.

Agreed on the driving schools comment. I'm a multi-time Bondurant graduate, most recently from the 4 day Grand Prix class where you earn SCCA licensing ability. I love driving those Formula Mazda open wheelers! In days gone by I also competed in SCCA Solo 1 autocrossing.

Thanks again to everyone. Your input and advice is much appreciated!

Garry

C6ROLLER

Well the gears felt fine to me at Auto Club Speedway, but I'm not a super hardcore track guy. It wouldn't be worth it to me to swap all those parts. Carry on

Legal Alien

You have to pick an entry point somewhere. Obviously the z06 would be a better entry point, zr1 better again..........

Given the fact that you track (road) the car and there is little or no difference in price of comparable cars why would you not get the z51? Ratios, coolers, shocks, springs, sways, brakes!

The manual will always be more suited to this work and lower ratios are always better, you might stir the pot more but that's what it's about. If you want to change gears less get an auto!

Looking at your history you will soon outgrow even the z51, especially the brakes. Personally, my advise would be get the best prepped car the budget allows. Don't underestimate the importance of the extra coolers, especially down this way.

They built tens of thousands of these a year and you're entering a really good buying window at this time of year.

Get a manual, get the z51. Anything else I think you'll regret.

Cheers
LA

C6ROLLER

^^^ That's what I'm talking about ^^^

Tonylmiller

I love my Z51 model, but I think a Corvette should ride firm and corner flat. Maybe you could drive a few different cars and buy what you like.