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Is Z51 overkill for daily commute car?

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Old 12-18-2014, 12:03 AM
  #41  
Zymurgy
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Originally Posted by Larry/car
I purchased a base convertible. I discovered that I seldom change suspension settings, normally leave it in sport. The base car does change throttle response and steering with the mode select. I also went with the stock exhaust system as well. The money saved will be used to purchase another Corvette in a year or two. Couldn't be happier!
Since you don't have a Z51 (and therefore, no MSRC), you don't EVER change the suspension settings. You can't change suspension settings unless you have MSRC.
Old 12-18-2014, 08:16 AM
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njchen24
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Thank you all for your valuable inputs and comments.

I am now convinced to get the z51. I am still test drive both so I can judge by myself.

Have a happy Holidays and best wishes to all.
Old 12-18-2014, 09:18 AM
  #43  
Woodson
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Originally Posted by Woodson
You can absolutely drive it in that much snow with snow tires. I do it all the time. Some folks, mainly from places that don't get snow will tell you it can't be done. Don't listen to them.
Originally Posted by 6GenVettes
There is no way I would put a brand new Vette on the road in the snow.
Get a Subaru AWD XV Crosstrek for that.
That didn't take long.
Old 12-18-2014, 09:29 AM
  #44  
cor28vettes
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Originally Posted by Woodson
That didn't take long.
I had my share of snow in DC & vicinity with 45 min to one hr commute on best days. Those were the days of no garage for me.

My hat's off to you in Canada if you're driving a Vette in the snow (Not saying U are).


OP: WELCOME to the CF
Maybe edit your Avatar to include location, location
& avoid this on page 15, currently last page, post #287
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=3362140

Last edited by cor28vettes; 12-18-2014 at 10:36 AM. Reason: link
Old 12-18-2014, 09:31 AM
  #45  
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I don't think it's overkill, but for someone who doesn't track AT ALL (like me) I don't really see the point of it (especially now that you can do ZF1). I have no idea what bigger/better brakes, dry sump cooling and stiffer suspension do for me as I drive on the road enjoying my day off.

I will say that it probably will help with resale value if you decide to sell it when the C8 comes, because people will want to buy the car for track use probably.

I decided against Z51 because I see no purpose in it.

MRSC is def cool, and if it was something I really wanted, i'd get it only for that reason
Old 12-18-2014, 09:32 AM
  #46  
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Short answer? Nope.

I've driven 735 RWHP twin turbos as a DD.


Only issue with the Z51 is brake dust. You track the car? You need the OEM brakes or better.

Pure DD? Swap out the OEM pads for a set of Ceramic Carbotechs and life is good! All the bells and whistles of the Z51 and no brake dust problems. That's what I did.


Elmer
Old 12-18-2014, 09:37 AM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by direct007
I am facing the same decision but came to this conclusion. It is actually less expensive to purchase a 2nd "practical car" and the Z51 stingray than it is to purchase Z51 stingray as your exclusive daily driver. The rapid depreciation of placing 20,000 miles a year (in my case that is), the cost of fuel compared to a car that gets 28 miles to the gallon in the city, the replacing of the $1400 set of tires on average once a year and the inability to drive safely in sub freezing weather not to mention ice and snow and the limits of a 2 seater when needing to lug around packages and passengers helped make my decision after driving a C6 for the past 5 years as my daily driver. Bottom line, get the vette equipped the way you want and then get a 2nd 4 door car that gets great gas mileage. The best of both worlds.
That's what we did. I leased a Chevy Volt to take to work. Car is 330 a month and 120 for insurance. It's a 62 mile round trip commute for me, so it was costing me about 250-300 a month on my C5 Z06 for gas (I drove it besides work too since it was my only car). Now that I have the volt, it doesn't cost me a penny to drive (I charge at work for free and charge at house for free) except the ~150 from insurance and lease vs the gas I was paying for it. for 150 a month, I drive a very nice nifty little car. Can't be happier. Not even an oil chage. at 12,200 miles, i'm still at 54% oil. barely even use the brakes since I do engine braking
Old 12-18-2014, 11:55 AM
  #48  
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t
Originally Posted by Kracka
If the car is going to be just the daily commuter, I'd say you can safely skip the Z51 package.
Old 12-18-2014, 12:24 PM
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More power more better.
Old 12-18-2014, 12:38 PM
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njchen24
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Originally Posted by 6GenVettes
I had my share of snow in DC & vicinity with 45 min to one hr commute on best days. Those were the days of no garage for me.

My hat's off to you in Canada if you're driving a Vette in the snow (Not saying U are).


OP: WELCOME to the CF
Maybe edit your Avatar to include location, location
& avoid this on page 15, currently last page, post #287
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=3362140
done, will definitely stay home or get a second car in snowy days.
Old 12-18-2014, 12:52 PM
  #51  
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Originally Posted by Crabbers
More power more better.
Old 12-18-2014, 12:56 PM
  #52  
davidtcpa
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Originally Posted by Woodson
I think he means you can never have enough power??? Not the goodest English ever written.

But the Z-51 has the same power as the base, so???

Old 12-18-2014, 12:58 PM
  #53  
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Originally Posted by Woodson
I was being facetious. Gist of it is that a lot of performance is good, so more is better. Z51 gives you more performance so therefore it is better and a must have. It was a joke.....
Originally Posted by davidtcpa
I think he means you can never have enough power??? Not the goodest English ever written.

But the Z-51 has the same power as the base, so???

I guess I won't ever try to use humor again. The poor English was an attempt to alert the reader that it's not a serious comment. Guess that wasn't enough

Here's an Edmunds article, so take it for what it's worth.
http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/cor...s-dilemma.html
Old 12-18-2014, 01:05 PM
  #54  
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Originally Posted by Crabbers
I was being facetious. Gist of it is that a lot of performance is good, so more is better. Z51 gives you more performance so therefore it is better and a must have. It was a joke.....

I guess I won't ever try to use humor again. The poor English was an attempt to alert the reader that it's not a serious comment. Guess that wasn't enough

Here's an Edmunds article, so take it for what it's worth.
http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/cor...s-dilemma.html
I think we would have gotten the joke if the Z51 did in fact have more power.
I agree though, you can never have too much power or square footage.
Old 12-18-2014, 01:06 PM
  #55  
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Originally Posted by Woodson
I think we would have gotten the joke if the Z51 did in fact have more power.
I agree though, you can never have too much power or square footage.
Well, then it wouldn't be a joke because it would have more power

Obviously I'm not funny so I'll just not try
Old 12-18-2014, 01:08 PM
  #56  
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No worries!!! I will read it again and laugh!!!
Old 12-18-2014, 01:09 PM
  #57  
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Originally Posted by davidtcpa
No worries!!! I will read it again and laugh!!!
Awwwww shucks....

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To Is Z51 overkill for daily commute car?

Old 12-18-2014, 01:44 PM
  #58  
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Originally Posted by direct007
I am facing the same decision but came to this conclusion. It is actually less expensive to purchase a 2nd "practical car" and the Z51 stingray than it is to purchase Z51 stingray as your exclusive daily driver. The rapid depreciation of placing 20,000 miles a year (in my case that is), the cost of fuel compared to a car that gets 28 miles to the gallon in the city, the replacing of the $1400 set of tires on average once a year and the inability to drive safely in sub freezing weather not to mention ice and snow and the limits of a 2 seater when needing to lug around packages and passengers helped make my decision after driving a C6 for the past 5 years as my daily driver. Bottom line, get the vette equipped the way you want and then get a 2nd 4 door car that gets great gas mileage. The best of both worlds.
Thinking too hard

Take the depreciation out of that equation. Depreciation on two new cars will far surpass more miles on your Vette. 2014 C7 with 12k miles vs 20k miles you might see a $500-$1000 difference.
Old 12-18-2014, 01:45 PM
  #59  
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I agree 100%. After having spent a few days with a c7 with the base suspension, I just could not deal with it long term. But then again I like the firm ride.



Originally Posted by Woodson
Sure, I'll dissent.

Even if you don't track it, you may still want the Z51. It depends on how you drive and what you want out of your car. Many people don't want a more compliant suspension (and many do). I have the Z51 and the suspension setting is almost always in Sport because that's how I like it. I don't like body roll in corners or nose dive under braking. It would be best for you if you could get a chance to try both and then decide.

As for the quality of service, don't get your hopes up...
Old 12-18-2014, 03:49 PM
  #60  
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I dont really have a daily driver per se as I get a company patrol car to drive to and from work, but I have a 3LT Z51 Stingray and a 1LE Camaro. Im glad I opted for the two options because I wanted to get the most I could at the time. In my opinion, the Z51 amd 1LE Performance packages on both cars are well worth the money.


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