ss409cid

I am contemplating a C-6 order. I will use the car as a Sunny Day driver. I dont drive real fast, and I wont race the car. Do I need or want the Z-51 option? Im told it makes the car stick to the road alot better, but it rides real rough. Your input appreciated....Larry

Steve_Macchia

I have the Z-51. My first vette. I don't think it rides too hard. I like the other extra's too. Extra sticky tires, Oil coolers, and the cross drilled bigger rotors look cool IMO.

jazzlove

If you want great handling, then you want the Z51 package. I use my C6 all over San Antonio, where the roads really suck! The ride is firm, but definitely NOT "real rough". Based on what you want, it's a no-brainer..

UBETRUN

It certainly does not ride rough, the car is glued to the road but it's not harsh at all. Mine is a daily driver of almost 100 miles RT and I haven't spilled my coffee yet.

The Z51 package is pretty cheap compared to adding the components yourself and you'll get most of your money back out of it when you're done.

Violet

"real rough" is subjective... and i don't agree. BUT... giving your usage that you outlined, i would say the base car or the magnetic selctive ride control would be better "options" for you.

just FYI... the Z51 (if you care) is MUCH more than "just" an upgraded suspension. it includes:

upgraded shocks/springs.
upgraded thicker, crossdrilled brake rotors.
oil/powersteering and (on the auto) transmission fluid coolers.
upgraded goodyear supercar tires w/asymetrical tread pattern.
revised gearing in the 6-speed manual for better accelleration and higher top speed.
"performance rear axle ratio" (3.15:1 z51 vs. 2.73:1 stock) for auto trans cars.

i think that's everything. as an aside, we have the z51 and love it. but you may, or may not, want to spend the extra cash on the option.

save the wave!

natejohn

Well I can't hep very much as I have the F55 and haven't ridden in a "51" car. However, if you DO go the "base" suspension route or the F55 - install the Z51 sway bars!
They are an amazing "addition" to the road holding of the F55/base C6.
I would urge EVERYONE here to do it!
It has had very, very little effect on the ride of my F55, if at all; but the cornering "power" has gone up dramatically.
IMHO these bars should be stock on EVERY C6!
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ProfMoriarty

I was faced with a similar situation and question prior to experiencing both the base and Z51 suspensions over smooth and very bumpy roads.

The Z51 was the hands down winner as it offered nearly the same bump absorbing ability of the base suspension with no float and impressively flat cornering capabilities. Combine that with a value-packed performance package and, even with the downside for the non high performance driving minded of the big buck low mileage life tires, the choice becomes easy.

7 OUT

There have been several posts in the past with oil temps reported that are considerably higher than what I have experienced. I just realized, duh, that it must be the oil cooler on my Z51 doing it's job. Once warmed up, my oil temp stays very steady at 214 plus or minus 2 degrees. I have heard people mentioning numbers like 228 (I think LSWON did yesterday). I have never seen my oil temp go above 216. I don't know if this will have a long term impact on the life of the engine but I would have to think that having a nice, steady temp of 214 has got to be better than having the oil temp fluctuating, possibly to high levels. Out of curiosity, has anyone had a really high oil temp reading on their non-Z51? Does anyone have an opinion on high temps and engine life? We know what it will do to non-synthetic oil.

Dana

Zig

how did you get this done ?

-zig

2vette2

My c5 did not have z51 and I think it rode fine. My new c6 has the z51 and I find it to be a "tighter" feel, not really harsh, but I can tell the difference. If you can, drive both, I think it will be mostly personal feel. I drive about 60 miles round trip a day and it does not bother me, but it is mostly interstate highway driving. Local roads show the biggest difference. It does stick like glue though.

Jakkal

imho - the z51 option is very cheap,works well,and you may want to consider resale value, and what you bought-a sports car - if you buy a sports car don't limit its 'sport' capabilities

anothercrisis

I have the F55 and I have seen oil temps of 224 or so. That was with around town driving. Usually runs 216 or so on Interstate at about 75 MPH. I have not tracked the car, nor have I been "on it hard" for any length of time. This is when I think I would see oil temps really rise. I have been told that with the synthetic oil, temps of 260 are not unreasonable, but I don't know. There will be a point at which the oil will break down. I assume that the higher temps will be avoided with your oil cooler.
Jim

DP Dave

Pros - Extra cooling for trans, power steering, Cooling system and larger rotors for shorter stopping!

Cons - Firmer ride (notice bumps more), EXPENSIVE TIRES which wear faster than non-Z51 Package.

Note: I ordered the Z51 package and use the car as a daily driver, glad I did!! But that is my opinion!

No matter what you get it is a great car!!! Enjoy!!

StanNH

The other thing that should be considered is the fact that not one person who has the Z51 package has regretted that choice. There have been comments about the tendency of the Z51 high performance brakes to squeak, and the Supercar tires don't do well in cold weather, but these are minor in comparison to the overall value and performance of the package.

I really wasn't sure about the Z51 when I ordered my car but, after three months of driving, I'm glad I have it.

LS WON

sscamaro

Take a test drive in one with and without Z51. That way you will be able to tell which one you like. I have the Z51 and it is not too bad.

LS WON

That is why I wanted the smoothest ride I could get in a Corvette. Was considering Z-51 at one point (good value buy) then base but decided that F-55 is best of both worlds. Your use of the Corvette should help you decide. The Z-51 is for track and driving it hard. The Z-51 tires wear faster than the base tires on a Corvette. For me I don't anticipate hanging curves & corners or freeway exits at 80MPH because the regular tires that come with Corvette wear out fast as it is and if you drive harder that is that much sooner you will fork out 400 per tire. The F-55 will help cushion those bumps and potholes that I have to live with depends on your area, condition of roads etc. F-55 does a good job of keeping on wheels on the ground a real time dampening system that works for your safety.

AgCyberSurfer

I don't think my Z51 pkg. is a very rough ride and boy does it handle like a slot car to compensate. The only place ,so far, that it gives me a headache is on long stretches of MI raised freeway expansion strip driving. Even then, the car's suspension doesn't tranfer the motion into the cockpit and no part of the car rattles,etc.. Myself, I wouldn't be without it.

LS WON

of the pavement and signal markers. Switching over to "Sport" I definitely feel more bumps.

seymour

In terms of the exterior of the car - does the Z51 make the car look any diferent than the base?