Always Red Dave

Dealer has the car I want but it is not on his lot so I cant drive it ,the car is a 02 vert auto with Z51 . How harsh ,stiff, ruff is the ride compared to standard ,F45 and F55 suspension cars? I know I should drive the car but the dealer cannot purchase the car unless I am sure I am ready to buy. I have owned F45 and F55 cars in the past and enjoyed both of the rides on the cars. What do you guys think of Z51 C5 cars?

Sorny

IMHO, if you find the Z51 harsh, you don't want to drive a sports car. I've only ridden in Z51 and Z06 Vettes (my Z51 and my brother-in-law's Z06), and neither is anywhere near harsh. The ride in both is firm, but never harsh.



Sorny

LeeJones

Mile High C5

I have Z51 on my 02 and really like it. I have not driven other suspensions, so nothing to compare, but it's comfortable and handles well, so works for me.

4DRUSH

All C5's are alittle "harsh" with run craps

MattyPC

Unless you are 87 and need a Cadillac supension - the Z51 ROCKS! Definately not anywhere near "harsh". Its a sweet ride that is true of a sports car. Lets you feel the road a bit.

JH

My 02 Z51 coupe is not what I would call "harsh". Of course, I owned three Brit sportscars in the 60s, so I may not be the best guy to ask!

Overall, the C5 is a very comfortable car.

jacks996

If you don't use run flats the ride isn't bad with Z51

JACKAL0PE

There's always one, right?

Well I've got a Z51 and it depends on what you're comparing it to. Next to a Z06? No. Next to a BMW M5? Yes. I would consider it based on the kind of roads in your area. Here in Georgia, we have pretty good roads, much better than our neighbors in Alabama, South Carolina or Florida, so I can live with it. But from what I've seen of most roads up north, I'd really have to think about it.

kidd

I have the Z51 on my 2001 conv and live up north i would buy it again.

NOT2MELO

I would not call the ride harsh at all, it would call it firm.
If you drive the car in the early spring or late fall it will feel
firmer in the colder weather, other then that its worth it.

Jet-Jock

I run Michelin A/S ZPs on my 01 Z51, and coming from a mid-late model C4 this is not harsh at all. Tire's make a big difference, with the original GY F1 EMTs it was noisy and rough. After about an 800 mile journey with the new tires, I could get out freshen up fill the feed bag and go another 400 easy. First vehicle I've every driven that didn't wear you out on a trip. And for the performance zip, well worth it.

Ol'55

I did the same research you are doing back in '01 when I ordered my '02 Vert. The outcome was I spent the added money and bought the Z51 option and 'am happy I did. It gives you springs, shocks a power steering cooler and performance rear ratio in an A4 car (all mn6 cars have 3.42 rears)

FUN LS1

robertlthomson

I do not find the Z51 harsh at all. Yes, a bit firm, but considerably better than my Z28. Tires make some difference also.

2K14C7

My 02 has the Z51 and in my opinion the ride is perfect.

TorchRed00FRC

My 2000 FRC came with the Z51 and I did not think it was harsh at all. Recently I installed a Z06 rear spring to add to the Z06 sway and Z06 shocks I installed earlier, and I do not think it is harsh either, just a litter firmer.

My first sports car was a Triumph Spitfire and my brother had an Opel GT. I didn't think those ride were harsh either. But I was a teenager then!

photoguy

Black 'n Tan

DO NOT GET STOCK SUSPENSION!!!!! It is WAY TOO SOFT for a sports car, THE Z-51 is PERFECT. I owned my car two weeks, and installed the first Z-51 suspension I could get my hands on! I was HUGELY disappointed with the stock setup, it bottomed out, floated on dips, and wallowed in corners! I would only buy a car that had it!

John

1stvette@60

I also think the Z51 is just right, firm, but not harsh. Just what you want in a car of this performance level.
Even my wife tells her friends that she enjoys riding in the 'vette. It rides good.
You would not be sorry you got it, IMHO.