direct007

Before I invest in a C7, I wanted to feel the difference in ride and handling between the Z51 with Magnetic Ride Control and the non Z51.

I had the opportunity to drive the non z51 convertible several weeks ago and was impressed with the more polished feel of the ride compared to my C6 convertible.

Today, I visited my friends at Kerbeck and took a Z51 convertible for a spin, played with the tour and sport modes and deft felt a firmer, tighter feel to the car in both modes with a smoother feel in the tour mode with the magnetic ride control activated. I think that made up my mind to go with the Z51 when I'm ready to purchase.

My feeling is if you never drove the Z51, you probably wouldn't feel that your are missing anything but if you like the tighter handling and the ability to smooth out the bumps with magnetic ride control, you will deft appreciate the difference.

ATX-C7

Z51 is certainly the way to go in my mind...

3 Z06ZR1

I bought a non z51 in sept 2007 and regreted the purchase somewhat when I hit some hi speed curves and the car begged to slow on the 1800 miles trip home. Not a sports car suspention!
I swapped springs, shocks, rotors, and front and rear sways. Much better!
This time I bought a Z51 non mag ride and it's perfect! Not harsh but just a smooth taught ride but then can take the heat when you pound on the car and the rough roads without being harsh!
They are some HUGE shocks! Shocks are advanced for sure!

Then I get in the ZR1 with the mag ride. I actually prefer the feel of the Bistein DRM shocks in my Z06 and think the Z51 C7 Shock feels better also than the mag ride. When you have the perfect balance of spring and shocks for all roads. With mag ride the switching becomes
a gimmick in IMO!

slief

I loved the DRM Bilstein shocks in my Z06. They were probably one of the best upgrades I did to my Z. Especially for the price!

That said, I've got no gripes with the Mag Ride in my C7. Best of both worlds. Smooth and forgiving when you want it to be and with the turn of a ****, track mode makes it feel like a go kart!

Silvervette73

Test drove both and I didn't feel enough difference to justify the price. To each their own i guess....

rotherd31

That's why I did the Z-51 w/o mag ride. Couldn't be happier!

Steve Snake Driver

The mag ride is improved over the ZR1 version. Never really noticed a difference in different modes in the ZR1. Very noticeable in the C7 when switching modes. Besides Ferrari uses licensed system from GM don't think it's a gimmick. Opinions are just opinions of course, but I wouldn't make decision based on C6 experience.

stingraymyway

Huge bang for the buck.

Daekwan06

Agreed.

For those who are not aware. The mag ride in the C7 is a newer generation that what was installed on any of the C6 models, including the ZR1. The C7 version has something like 40% more range than the previous generation.

Far from a gimmick. And another reason to choose the newer car, with newer technology over the older stuff.

CORVETTEZL1001

The Z51 with Magnetic ride is the way to go.

Glen e

Drove all 3, took the base suspension, very happy with ride, that's the "way to go" for me....

AFVETTE

if I were still tracking my Vette's I'd want all the bells and whistles but for just plain cruising I don't see how you could ever run the base Stingray out of suspension on city streets/highways. I mean even the base suspension call pull over 1G, how much more do you need a public road?

C7_Z06

First test drove a base suspension Stingray back in Sept. and it handld fine and was consistently comfy as a daily cruiser, as I expected. Then I purchased a non-Mag Z51 coupe in Oct., had it for 8-months and it handled very well like a bonafide sports car... suspension was firm yet still acceptable enough to cruise on urban streets. Now I have a Z51 convertible with Mag and IMHO "This" is the best option suspension-wise and obviously most versatile choice, period. Very comfy in W/Eco/Tour modes and exceptionally taut in Sport mode and the ultimate carver in Track mode. For $1795 extra on the Z51 package, IMO the MSRC is a no-brainer because it transcends and exploits the best/most from the Stingray's well-balanced suspension and well-engineered chassis. To each their own, so choose what fits your preference and/or needs. Can't go wrong with any type of C7 at the end of the day.

Dr. ice

Without question the best feedback on this topic I have read on this forum to date. Huge plus you have lived with both over a period of time. Thanks for posting.

Bmbarney

That was my feeling too, I'm not a racer, but in normal ride and getting on it in some curves, did not see the difference (with or without mag) - Again ... not racing and looking for how I drive the car. Others will be extremely different.

The comparisons between C6's are apples and oranges from my view.

They sell both for those that need it woops want it.

Dont get me wrong ... Im #1 at my dealer for a ZO6, just saying from my experience I did not see the difference for the NORMAl ride. It feels pretty damn tight to me. Like I said I will be going to a ZO6 but not because I want a tighter ride.

A few weeks ago I drove my C7 Stingray to Bowling Green and back. Loved the ride, did not kick me around in a hard ride. After I got back home I wanted to get back out again - Love the car.

CRABBYJ

Having had an '05 C6 with Z51 I never really challenged the suspension using it as a DD but it's ride was acceptable for a sports car. When the time came to buy my C7 I used the money elsewhere instead of the Z51 with the must have MRSP for its total performance range. The Z51 wheels are nicer but I love the base look without the Z51 spoiler. I may install the GM High Rise spoiler soon when the mod bug strikes. My C7 is the best road cruiser I've ever owned.

Terry Shannon

For what it's worth, and I respect the fact that my '06 Z51 that I traded in is a distant cousin to my base suspension '14 model, I am much happier with the total comfort of the new issue. I feel just as confident pushing the car on the twisty roads but am admittedly not that aggressive given that I am scared to death of the guy who might be coming the other way. I think part of the difference is the much improved seat and the rest is the suspension. I am just not beat up after any trip of longer than one hour like I used to be. That's what I bought the car for, to drive it, tour in it, top down and see the world go by. I respect the folks who want the performance superiority especially if they actually use it but that's not me. The real proof of the increased comfort was when my wife said to me recently "You know, I think I could actually handle a trip in this one." Hmmmm, Bowling Green?

bbrown450

You do not miss what you do not have and the base suspension is more than enough for me

TLC5 In CT.

The only downside to the mag suspension, aside from the initial cost, that I am aware of is the very high replacement cost if required post warranty period. Of course, an argument can always be made the cost is miniscule relative to the overall cost of the car.

Sin City

The advantage to Mag shocks is you can adjust them to what you like given a particular circumstance. You can't do that with standard.

My issue is this. Why buy one of the best handling cars in the world without it's best suspension?