Z52 vs Z51
01-22-2016, 01:11 PM
#1
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Z52 vs Z51
Hi, my name is Don. First off, I've owned my 4 spd "bright blue metallic" 1981 Z28 Camaro since day 1. Ordered from Reedman Chevrolet in Langhorne, Pa April 1981 as a going away present just prior to enlisting in USMC. Couldn't afford the $16k for a Corvette back then. Always wanted an early (1985-90) C4 though.
On November 7, 2015 the dream came true. Purchased a collector owned "Nassau blue" 1987 on eBay w 22k original miles for $8,400! The car was initially auctioned w a $10k reserve. When it didn't sell, the seller re-listed and auctioned w no reserve.
The original window sticker and build sheet show the car is equipped w the Z52 "sport handling package." In 1988 GM offered a Z51 "performance handling package" instead. My technical question is - does anyone know what the difference is?
Thanks,
Don
On November 7, 2015 the dream came true. Purchased a collector owned "Nassau blue" 1987 on eBay w 22k original miles for $8,400! The car was initially auctioned w a $10k reserve. When it didn't sell, the seller re-listed and auctioned w no reserve.
The original window sticker and build sheet show the car is equipped w the Z52 "sport handling package." In 1988 GM offered a Z51 "performance handling package" instead. My technical question is - does anyone know what the difference is?
Thanks,
Don
01-22-2016, 01:37 PM
#2
Team Owner
You probably would have received this info. if you had posted your question in the C4 Tech/Performance forum:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...erformance-48/
However, here's what the "Corvette Black Book" says about it.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...erformance-48/
However, here's what the "Corvette Black Book" says about it.
Both had newly styled 17X9.5-inch wheels with 12 cooling slots, and P275/40ZR17 tires. Z51 had higher spring rates and finned power steering cooler as before, but in 1988 it also received larger front brake rotors and calipers. RPO Z51 was limited to manual transmission coupes. RPO Z52 was not restricted.
RPO Z51 sold for $1295 and was considered a Performance Handling Package. RPO Z52 sold for $970 and was considered a Sport Handling Package.
RPO Z51 sold for $1295 and was considered a Performance Handling Package. RPO Z52 sold for $970 and was considered a Sport Handling Package.
01-22-2016, 02:45 PM
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You probably would have received this info. if you had posted your question in the C4 Tech/Performance forum:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...erformance-48/
However, here's what the "Corvette Black Book" says about it.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...erformance-48/
However, here's what the "Corvette Black Book" says about it.
01-23-2016, 06:36 AM
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01-23-2016, 09:02 AM
#6
Team Owner
Welcome to the world of C4's!!
As far as handling, there actually was a difference in handling between the Z52 and Z51 suspension packages offered in 1987 (Z51 first appeared with the 1984 Corvette). Z51 had stiffer springs, Bilstein Z51-specific shocks, heavy duty lower control arm bushings, and bigger sway bars. Z52 came with the base springs, softer Bilstein shocks, standard lower control arm bushings, and smaller sway bars. Both packages got 16x9.5" wheels with 255/50-16 tires. Here's a link to the suspension options for 84=96 Corvettes
Starting with the '88 model year, the Z51 package brought bigger wheels and tires,
As far as handling, there actually was a difference in handling between the Z52 and Z51 suspension packages offered in 1987 (Z51 first appeared with the 1984 Corvette). Z51 had stiffer springs, Bilstein Z51-specific shocks, heavy duty lower control arm bushings, and bigger sway bars. Z52 came with the base springs, softer Bilstein shocks, standard lower control arm bushings, and smaller sway bars. Both packages got 16x9.5" wheels with 255/50-16 tires. Here's a link to the suspension options for 84=96 Corvettes
Starting with the '88 model year, the Z51 package brought bigger wheels and tires,
01-29-2016, 12:04 AM
#10
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Welcome to the world of C4's!!
As far as handling, there actually was a difference in handling between the Z52 and Z51 suspension packages offered in 1987 (Z51 first appeared with the 1984 Corvette). Z51 had stiffer springs, Bilstein Z51-specific shocks, heavy duty lower control arm bushings, and bigger sway bars. Z52 came with the base springs, softer Bilstein shocks, standard lower control arm bushings, and smaller sway bars. Both packages got 16x9.5" wheels with 255/50-16 tires. Here's a link to the suspension options for 84=96 Corvettes
Starting with the '88 model year, the Z51 package brought bigger wheels and tires,
As far as handling, there actually was a difference in handling between the Z52 and Z51 suspension packages offered in 1987 (Z51 first appeared with the 1984 Corvette). Z51 had stiffer springs, Bilstein Z51-specific shocks, heavy duty lower control arm bushings, and bigger sway bars. Z52 came with the base springs, softer Bilstein shocks, standard lower control arm bushings, and smaller sway bars. Both packages got 16x9.5" wheels with 255/50-16 tires. Here's a link to the suspension options for 84=96 Corvettes
Starting with the '88 model year, the Z51 package brought bigger wheels and tires,
01-29-2016, 01:34 PM
#11
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Welcome to the world of C4's!!
As far as handling, there actually was a difference in handling between the Z52 and Z51 suspension packages offered in 1987 (Z51 first appeared with the 1984 Corvette). Z51 had stiffer springs, Bilstein Z51-specific shocks, heavy duty lower control arm bushings, and bigger sway bars. Z52 came with the base springs, softer Bilstein shocks, standard lower control arm bushings, and smaller sway bars. Both packages got 16x9.5" wheels with 255/50-16 tires. Here's a link to the suspension options for 84=96 Corvettes
Starting with the '88 model year, the Z51 package brought bigger wheels and tires,
As far as handling, there actually was a difference in handling between the Z52 and Z51 suspension packages offered in 1987 (Z51 first appeared with the 1984 Corvette). Z51 had stiffer springs, Bilstein Z51-specific shocks, heavy duty lower control arm bushings, and bigger sway bars. Z52 came with the base springs, softer Bilstein shocks, standard lower control arm bushings, and smaller sway bars. Both packages got 16x9.5" wheels with 255/50-16 tires. Here's a link to the suspension options for 84=96 Corvettes
Starting with the '88 model year, the Z51 package brought bigger wheels and tires,
02-13-2016, 05:32 AM
#13
Burning Brakes
Welcome. Post us some pics!
