Dreamer2

So I am searching for a C6 convertible 6M that will never be tracked. I would like somewhat of a performance car experience while really only cruising. I am very attracted to the Z51's handling package and lowered gearing. I am looking for the best bang for the buck and trying to eliminate must have options.

NY09C6

I have never driven a non z51 car. I have no complaints on the suspension, it is certainly not too firm at all for the street. The factory brake pad compound on the z51 car is amazing. They dust but the grip and modularity is great. As far z51 manual trans gearing, I almost feel like the non z51 gearing would be more pleasant to drive on the street. But that is just speculation on my part.

Welker1

If you are not going to track or autocross it and you don't drive spiritedly through mountain/'twisty' roads, you may not want or need the Z51 package. Although it's been a while since I've autocrossed, I do love pushing it through the mountain roads around here and on road trips, so I am very happy I went with the package. The ride is a little stiffer, which some don't like, but it has never bothered me or my wife. I have driven a few without the package and what I do notice is, IMO, how much better it handles through the curves with it. Just my .02

jaredtxrx

Unless track duty, I wouldn't worry about it. Suspension is easily changed if you feel the car is too soft. There are a few added costs for maintenance items (oil, brake rotors). I would just look for the color and trim level you want, then if you happen across a Z51 equipped car then great.

Mike's LS3

For me, yes a must have! Drive both suspensions and decide for yourself. You will get opinions on both sides, but the right opinion is what you want.

I prefer: stickier tires, larger brakes discs, lower trans gears, oil coolers, slightly stiffer springs and shocks, larger sway bars, etc. All of which makes the corvette more enjoyable to drive. But that's just my opinion.

Dreamer2

It's actually the gearing I am most interested in. Coming from a life of muscle cars, I would like it to feel as powerful as possible without modding. Cannot get gearing without Z51 I believe.

Tonylmiller

For your use, definitely not required. In fact, I'd rather not have it. The base suspension should work for you. If you were going to track the car, different story.

RogerRamjet21

I don't think the "feel" of everyday driving is that much different between the two (I drove one of each back to back). However, the feel of the gearing is very noticeable and I would opt for the Z51 package based on that alone. The larger front rotors are an added bonus...

Here are the differences for gearing:
..GEAR......Mode..or..Option
............Z06...Std_6-spd...Z51_6-spd...6-spd_Auto...4-spd_Auto
..1st.......2.66....2.66........2.97.... .....4.02........3.06
..2nd.......1.78....1.78........2.07.... .....2.36........1.63
..3rd.......1.30....1.30........1.43.... .....1.53........1.00
..4th.......1.00....1.00........1.00.... .....1.15........0.70
..5th.......0.74....0.74........0.71.... .....0.85
..6th.......0.50....0.50........0.57.... .....0.67
Reverse.....2.90....2.90........3.28.... .....3.06........2.29

Axle Ratio..3.42....3.42........3.42......... 2.56.....2.73(or_3.15)

Dreamer2

I would assume so. Gearing can really wake up a car.

seijack

I like the Z51 option, especially the gearing, was it a make or break item, no not really. I first considered options, miles and condition, I knew I wanted the 3LT options, the car I bought had the Z51 but it was also a 3800 mile one owner museum delivery car, so yes I would have bought it even if it did not have the Z51 pkg. Now having had the 3LT Z51 for a few years I would say yes it is a must have for me.

Dreamer2

Does the GS require the Z51 or is it updated with later tech?

airforcex

There's not much of a premium ($) for a C6 Z51, so I recommend getting one.

4SUMERZ

The GS replaced the Z51 RPO code with more content and higher cost.
You can see with the addtion of the GS model in 2010 (From Corvette Black Book)

FAUEE

As a exclusively z51 or GS owner, I would say, for you, no z51 isn't a must have. The rear end is the same 3.42, and franklyany vette will feel like a rocket to you. If you'e just gonna cruise in it, I would stick with the base suspension. Actually, I wouldn't let the suspension factor in, and would worry about thongs like color and mileage more.

Dreamer2

Thanks. That makes life easier when price is considered.

Corvette_Ed

The Z51 manual trans gearing gives the equivalent of having 3:90 gears.

When I was looking for mine, I didn't want anything but a Z51.

Dreamer2

In 6th gear where 3:90 could work against my needs, Looks like .50 vs .57. Seems close.

cadyshac

I am on my 1st vette and Z51 was a must for me and glad I got one. Just too many performance goodies included in the package to pass up and it rides fine for me and is a blast for some spirited driving. Fuel mileage is still good and I felt like I would have always been wondering "what if" if I hadn't got it. I did test drive a couple without Z51 but being my 1st vette and going for short test drives it was hard to tell much difference. Just the fact that you seem to want it tells me you should get it.

NYC-Style

I have Z51 option although it wasn't something I had to have or even wanted...it just so happened that the car had all the other features I was looking for so I pulled the trigger. I don't know if you can have a "performance car experience while really only cruising". I would say Z51 option for "cruising" is not a must have...in any case good luck!!

bonnell

I am on my third 2008 vette. The first was a non-Z51 coupe, the other three were/are Z51 verts.

To me the Z51 is much flatter around the curves and the curves are what I enjoy.

Z51 is one of my must-haves.