Diesel88

To me, this is the best explanation out there. Straight to the point. You want to track the car or hit the curves hard and money isn't an issue then go with the Z51. If money is an issue but you want the look and have no intention of driving like you stole it or like fast and furious 1 to 7 then go with the ZF1. Hope this helps and good luck.

Jpiatchek

No one has talked about the different gearing in the Z51. That was important to me. All Corvettes are too long legged in the gearing.
The Z51 gearing makes the car more fun to drive on the street.
I took a 300 mile trip through the Arkansas mountains today and made use of all the different suspension settings which made the drive more enjoyable and entertaining.
I am 67 years old, but drive the back roads in the Ozarks very hard
At least weekly. I will probably never track the car, but that doesn't stop making day to day use of the Z51 features and enjoying the benefits.
I have a different setting for different moods and roads and still get the ride smooth when I just want to cruise.
I have special ordered both a C7 coupe and convertible with Z51 and magnetic ride. If I get another it will definitely be a Z51.
A real performance bargain in my book.

Skid Row Joe

I spent the better part of an hour with the Corvette specialist at a major Chevrolet and Corvette dealer this week learning about the various pitfalls of the z51 that I've been reading about for the past few months. As I was shopping to price out and order a C7, he was more than happy to spend the time in explaining those items. After he got done explaining all the whys and wherefores of those pitfalls, I better understand the whys of what I've been reading about the past few months on the car. I suggest you do the same. That is find a veteran @ a Chevrolet dealer that you can trust, and run down the list of those items to better familiarize yourself with the car.



That's really a strong bottom-line for some in making that decision.

Corvette03051

Why bother to ask. My car has been perfect. There is always a reason not to buy if you are looking for one. Get over it and have fun. I can't wait for spring.

proexpert

Do you have to get the Z51 option in order to get the MSRC option?

Woodson

Yes.

thrilled

I'm A little tight with money.Thats the only reason I didn't get not only the Z51 but most of
The options.Never had it so I don't miss it.

c6miller

I'm so happy with my 3LT non Z51 vert. I decided against the Z51 because I did not like the rear spoiler or the stiffer ride. I also understand the brakes produce a lot of dust (there is hardly any from mine). I do like the wheels but they were not available w/o the Z51 package.

dvilin

Supersonic 427

I was exactly the same way! When I purchased my C7 last January, I wanted to keep the cost as low as possible. Although the Z51 pkg. was reasonably priced at $2800 and I wanted it...no one was discounting them at the time! If I did go for Z51, I would have also included mag ride.
So, I ended up with a $2000 discount on a non Z51, 7 spd. manual with NPP as it's only option. Long story short...$6600 less!

I am very happy with my non Z51 and I too do not miss what I don't have!

fdxpilot

We did the same on my wife's vert. However, the ZF1 option, introduced at the end of the '14 model year, gives you the Z51 wheels, tires, and spoiler, without any other parts of the Z51 package.

smajicek

Its the best bang for the buck,

C7Joy

I find the ride on my Z51 with mag ride surprisingly compliant. I am happy with my choice there. As far as the burp scenario, my car was overfilled from the factory and did the burp thing. I changed my oil and have had no further problems, following some of the suggestions I read here on the forum. I am running just over 9 quarts which keeps my dipstick level around midway checking as specified in the manual.

You will be happy with a Z51.

LIStingray

Actually, it comes with the same sized brakes (it uses the same Brembo calipers) - it has larger front diameter rotors.
It also has the exact same size rubber (245F, 285R), albeit in a lower profile and larger diameter wheel.
As for down-force, the rear spoiler does so little that at up to 100 mph the difference is negligible.

LIStingray

I actually think the gearing in the M7 base is better than the Z51 - the taller first gear, allows closer ratios between 1-2-3-4-5 - the gears you use on the street; and unless it is 80+ degrees out, the tires on the Z51 aren't sticky enough to keep the rear wheels from spinning at full throttle above 4,500 rpm in 1st gear.
I find it interesting that the Z06 M7 has even taller gearing than the Base transmission.

Jpiatchek

Exactly my point. With the shorter gearing in the Z51 You can rip the tires in low gear and second making it much more responsive, entertaining and exciting to drive. The same thing was true on the C6 Grand Sport. Shorter gearing and much more responsive.
Why wouldn't the ZO6 Z7 have taller gearing,with 175 more hp you wouldn't even have time to get out of low gear.

Rave

Just because a few people are posting problems on these forums, doesn't necessary mean everyone is. Your statement above is a good example of this. And of course there's no way for you to know how other owners are treating their vehicle.

I went with the Z51 package, but not because I plan to use it on the track. I just liked the idea of having larger front brakes, larger wheels/tires, additional engine (HD) cooling, eDifferential, cooling for the differential, and the performance gear ratios. I also opt'ed for the mag ride control. For me, I wouldn't have considered buying my C7 any other way, but it is nice that GM offers the choice to fit different wants and needs.

As for the harsh ride stories, the suspension does stiffen up in the Sport and Track modes but it's fun to activate these modes on certain roads and (just my opinion), the suspension smooths out nicely in the other 3 modes. But some people are more sensitive and/or critical of their suspension, so don't rely exclusively on what others write. I suggest test driving both the Z-51 and non, and see which fits you best.

Good luck.

wgood

I guess you really need to read what comes with the Z-51 package !!! I bought mine without mag ride control but that was a personal choice and I did want the other items even though I don't track my car !!! Wayne

Calif Vetteman

I ordered it just to have it. Probably never track the car, but I want every performance option available.

Having said that what ever you do, under no circumstances, order the Torch Red with A.R. interior and dual carbon flash full length stripes, if you don't want people staring and waiving at you, and gathering around your car every time you park it.

Save the wave and always remember. There is no such thing as having too much Horse Power.

RickMN

So there is your answer - _avoid_ the Z51 and get a Z06!