c7fasteddie

Did a search and could not find info?
What dose Z51 stand for, dose the Z have any meaning, since its used in all the Corvette Models or sub model. Also dose the 51 itself tell us anything?Do realize its a performance model/package/option but looking for deeper meaning.

0Callaway Chris

RPO Codes are alpha numerics to identify options or merchandising groups.

Z51 in my memory was first on the 1984 Corvette, which was a revolutionary suspension (group) in that era. Then, in 1987, Z52 came about, which was a little softer than Z51, but firmer than base. It also included coolers and air dam components deeper than base.

Evolutionary speaking, it's been many things over the past 31 years. I hope this helps.

pjitty

Z stands for Zora, and 51 was his waist size...

Zymurgy

Zora was definitely NOT a 51 inch waist:

bapd77

There's always one.....

c8nukeZ51

That's because he kept his wallet in his waistband

Elleby13

Stepa j

Interesting question. I wonder what the original Z51 was? With the C7 the Z51 became an entirely different model ie no longer a Corvette but a "Z51"

dvilin

That is what many owners like to think and have to add some badges to make sure everyone knows they got the Z51 OPTION.

trivette

The Z51 was the replacement for the FE7 Gymkhana Suspension which was offered for a number of years on C3's. I had it on my '79 and when ordering my '84 the Z51 was supposedly the equivalent so I spec'd. it. Many others did as well, and it was (is) truly one of the roughest riding Corvettes ever built. There was also a trailering package available in '79-can't recall the option code-but it was basically the FE7 plus some additional radiator capacity and a harness or something included. Kind of like Z28 in the Camaro line, I believe; just an option code that has become famous.

mksz51

GREAT pic. Thanks for sharing!

BIG Dave

It's simply an ordering code. Nothing more.

hawkgfr

z51 to corvette is to ws6 is to Pontiac Firebirds.

laborsmith

What trivette said. The performance option then and now.

The more things change the more things stay the same.

Someone else said that but it is true all the same.

Laborsmith

Stepa j

It might have been an option code in the past but not anymore. If it was an option code it would be silly to say " just bought a new Z51" I would not think owners would refer to their car as an option code.

jrainlay

I don't know about yours, but my Chevrolet window sticker says:

2015 Corvette Stingray
Coupe W/Z51

Further down on the window sticker it says:

Z51 Performance Package

Pretty clear to me that Chevrolet regards Z51 as a performance package option for the Stingray, NOT an entirely different model.

That said, I see nothing wrong with those who choose to put a Z51 badge on their car differentiating it from the base Stingray and indicating that the vehicle is equipped with that option.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/C7-Co...2645030?ref=hl

BIG Dave

Exactly. I think the confusion has evolved from the Z06 and ZR1 being separate Corvette models. Thus, owners of base Corvettes with the Z51 Performance Package assume that the separate Zxx designation applies to their model as well.

When people ask me which Corvette I have, I tell them I have a Corvette Stingray. Never once has anyone asked me if it was a Z51.

Zymurgy

Well, Chevy seems to say that for the C7, Z51 IS a model:

AVAILABLE MODELS
Stingray Coupe (1YY07)
Stingray Coupe with Z51 Performance Package (1YX07)
Stingray Convertible (1YY67)
Stingray Convertible with Z51 Performance Package (1YX67)
Z06 Coupe (1YZ07)
Z06 Convertible (1YZ67)

Note that they have their own model numbers. This was not the case in the past.

laborsmith

I am very sure that is how the C6 arrayed and almost as certain the C5.

But my memory is hitting pot holes of late.

Laborsmith

bapd77

Correct, but people would rather close their eyes to FACT!

The Z51 is its own model now with a different VIN!