hey32g

Thinking seriously about finding a nice used C6 w/ a manual transmission. I really don't want to track it, buy I do love to go on some spirited drives on some nice back roads I have around where I live. With this in mind, do I really need a Z51?

Thanks.

ErnieN85

no but try one first probably you will like the base car fine especially on texas streets

Mike's LS3

Test drive one with and without because only you can answer that question. No right or wrong answer, personally I would not buy a corvette unless it had it.

1rusty1

Test drive a few. I drove several but could not feel the difference. I ended up without but would have been fine either way. My must haves were HUD, low mileage (under 15k miles) and auto (tired of shifting : )

Power Hawk

I have a base 2013 w/ a manual transmission. When our club goes on cruises, (some spirited driving might be involved here) I am able to keep up just fine and I do not attribute that all to my driving skills. Yes, a more advanced Corvette will handle better, but IMHO I think the base model is fine. That's why I bought one.

choppychop

If you shop around long enough you should be able to pick up A Z51 for the same price as a base. Right now there are quite a few drivers looking to upgrade the C7. So use that to your advantage!
I sold my 20008 Z51 2LT W/23,000 miles, a year and a half ago for $29K
I just picked up a 2011 base model With 10K miles (Cherry) for about the same $$

choppychop

FYI... In 2008 Z51 package was a $1695 add

choppychop

Z51 package in 2008...$1695

Huskerman

Could help the resale later on.....

cheetah45

You don't have to track the car to appreciate the Z51 package. If you are all about just cruising the roads, then the base may be your model. But if you like to get friskie on the winding roads, the Z51 will be more satisfying.

windyC6

Heck...with how cheaply made the rotors are these days the Z-51 is probably worth it just for the bigger brakes. Whether or not you want/need the extra suspension goodies is a decision you'll have to make....but no matter what you hear in these forums, the Z-51 is quite a bit harsher ride. Most of the people that don't agree with that are usually just bias and in denial. Mines 51 equipped and I love it....harsh ride and all. But one usually shouldn't buy a Corvette of any kind anyway if they are looking for a velvet ride.

haljensen

Could help?

The fan boys buying C6's insist on the Z51. Without knowing what it entails and without any use for the features. Kind of like the WS6 for Firebirds. Only about 20% of the C6's were ordered with Z51 but 90% of the C6's for sale advertize it as an option.

VET4LES

I ordered my 05 new with the Z51 and I never plan on tracking it. I have it for the additional cooling, better brakes and it is a little faster from 0-60.

Cyber Grey

Z51 posts trying to convince yourselfs.
Still like Mag ride better no problems.

FAUEE

My Z51 was bought for the street. I liked the firmer suspension, better brakes, and better cooling. Necessary? Probably not. Better? Definitely.

As others mentioned, Z51 is a big selling point for many buyers. I wouldn't even consider a Corvette without at least Z51 level suspension.

boraxman

Really liked it on my 1st 08 and didnt track it...just like the tight feel..My current 08, it has magnetic suspension..Its ok but im adding z51 sway bars asap.

not08crmanymore

yes it is. The difference in handling is evident,believe it or not. I've had both. I was of the mind,after having all z51 c6's,"how much difference can there be,after all it's a Vette too"...well,trust me,there is a difference.Like driving a Lincoln Town car AROUND A CURVE versus a sports car. If you're buying used, well worth the price of adission since you're saving a boatload off new anyway and the z51 will be like a free gift..plus slightly different gear settings and a touch quicker too! Coolers are included on manual cars too.

HOXXOH

After you swap to the Z51 sways, you'll find it handles better than the Z51 did.

Base is great for good road cruising and car shows.
Z51 is great for the smooth surface autocross and HDPE.
F55 is great for rough roads, both in town and highway. Add the Z51 sways and it's great for everything.

To the OP for the '05-'09's
Assuming you want a coupe, About 60% were coupes
Roughly 30% of the '05-'09's were manuals.
About half of the manuals had the Z51 option.
Around 13% of all coupes had the F55 option.
As a WAG, only 1-2% of total production would be manual coupes with F55, since most base manuals were price point purchases with very few options, especially pricier ones.
As good as F55 is, it wasn't highly accepted by the Vette community until it was the standard suspension on the ZR1 and then later as part of the Z07 competition package on a Z06. By 2012, F55 was on 38% of all Vettes.
Your opportunity to find cars with more options goes up a lot if you can deal with either an automatic, a vert, or both.

Cor430vette

I owned a base 2008 Corvette and my buddy owned a Z51 and I drove both. On spirited driving on the streets...I felt absolutely no difference. On the track it gives you just a bit more but IMOP not worth it unless your a track junkie and you really can feel the difference, plus its harder to find one than a base Vette.

I believe it offers the following differences,which honestly you cannot tell is different unless you drive it at the track hard. Keep in mind I am more of a wanna be mechanic than a track driver so my opinion may be tainted.

Extra cooling, stiffer springs and stabilizer bars, specific shock absorbers, larger brakes with cross-drilled rotors, specific tires and Z51-specific 6-speed manual when ordered with 6-speed manual transmission or (GU2) performance axle ratio with 6-speed paddle shift automatic.

Patsgarage

Even a "base" Vette will out stop, go and turn 99% of the cars on the road. Buy the car best suited for the way YOU are going to drive it, not the future owner.