Can't decide between Z51 and non Z51
 

Have my eye on a black Z51 and a torch red non-Z51, both 1LT. I won't be tracking the car and don't need the ultimate handling Z. Will I really
miss the extra equipment of the Z. Non Z owners please chime in also.
I'm leaning towards the non Z51 because of the color and it's less bucks.:cheers:

don't need dry sump, not going to get mag ride, dont need bigger brakes, don't want e-limited slip differential, dont want bigger wheels, don't want trunk lip, don't want functional rear vents that cool the diff....

only you can answer this question... not the forum.

I will use mine in occasional events, but most of my time with the car will be on public roads. I struggled with the same choice originally and after one event and 1200 miles on the road, I think I made the right choice with my base car. If you go z51, I highly suggest you also get the magnetic suspension..

Sorry, I don't get the question.
You say you won't be taking it to the track, and then you question the extra equipment which is for the track. The nonZ51 is more car than most people will ever utilize so what are you giving up. The big spoiler? The wheels?

Personally, I can't justify the extra money since I don't high-speed track a car either. And, just my opinion, but I'd prefer Torch Red over (good looking but high maintenance) black.

I think a lot of us have the same dilemma. The Z51 is faster and the wheels look nicer in my opinion but the tires are more expensive and wear much faster. Some have had squeaky brakes which would be very annoying to me. The eDif seems to be having a lot of issues and if you get the Z51 you should also get mag ride. I also don't care for the full rear spoiler on the Z51. So for me add all this up and the non Z51 would be my choice.

How is it faster?

Turbooo2U is thinking the same as me........
I want the smoothest ride for the bad secondary roads we have in the real world. I'm thinking the "taller side wall" in the standard tires will help absorb road undulations better.
I'm used to cornering in an '81 C3 so anything a base C7 brings to the table will more then impress me!

Stickier rubber, electronic limited slip diff, magnetic ride control, better aero, better cooling, larger brakes. Need I say more?

You have made your decision.

Enjoy your torch red C7. :rock:

I have a 1lt non z51 with a 1000 miles on it......I was hesitating between a Z51 or non Z 51 as well......at the end I chose the look that I prefered to look at in my driveway....Spoilerless....That simple and no regrets.Actually , I lucked out.....the performance is on par with a c6 zo6 , car is firm....and is amazing in the rain.The car intimidates me as is,....

I probably won't track my car much if at all, but I wouldn't buy the car without Z51. First of all, it gives you the option to purchase the magnetic ride which in my opinion is a MUST. Many will say that is a track enhancement only - BS. It is very useful in everyday driving. It is ultra plush when you want comfort but stiffens up to race car feel when you need a spirited drive in the twisties. Next, the brakes are far superior in performance and appearance - larger and slotted. Lastly, the wheels, tires, e-diff, extra cooling and spoiler. For $2,800 IMO it is a no brainer. Of course I didn't order mine when there was a constraint so that has to factor in.

You forgot shorter gearing.:D

I think you may have answered your own question. I personally don't believe I will NEED what the Z51 adds to the car beyond the spoiler and in my opinion, better-looking wheels. However, I am at a point where I don't want to wonder "what if?" when I do decide to push the car to its limits. My "practical sacrifice" was choosing automatic over manual transmission. Of course, I am not necessarily looking for cost/benefit. I have waited all my life for a Corvette; I simply ordered what I want.

Gearing! .3 second faster in 1/4 mile.

Also, the 7 speed manual has more favorable gear ratios for acceleration in the Z51, and someone correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the Z51 auto the only way to get a 2.73 rear end now? (otherwise the non Z51 can only get the 2.59 rear?)

Turbooo2u.....please hurry up and make your decision......because after all the c7 vs. 911 , c7 vs. c6 wars....it will come down to the c7 vs. c7 genecide on your thread. ..

OP - whichever you choose, don't settle on the color. Get the color you want, or you'll kick yourself more over that than the other items.

Are you SURE you won't ever be tracking the car, or do you just not planning on tracking it yet? You might change your mind about tracking someday.

This is my approach...I might just track it someday so sure, I will pay the extra. Plus...I may be able to sell it for a little more in the future.

He said he is not tracking the car, so it doesn't really matter.

Michael

As for resale value I agree a 100%.....but as for club tracking events, everybody knows its never the guy with the fastest car that wins the bragging rights....