jemiz2

Trying to decide between a 2017 base 1LT coupe and a 1LT with the Z51 performance package. This will be a daily driver (no track use) so ride comfort is a major consideration. My questions:

How much stiffer is the ride on the Z51 than the base model?

Is the performance exhaust noticeably louder than the base exhaust?

At this point I'm leaning toward the base 1LT, but I don't want to overlook anything.

juanvaldez

You get a lot in the Z51 package, bigger tires and wheels, bigger brakes, bigger front swaybar, rear swaybar, bigger shocks, edifferential, dry sump, rear spoiler, NPP exhaust.

You can make the exhaust noticeably louder if it suits you . . . or not.

drobbins

It's a problem I wrestled with.
You can get the bigger wheels/tires, spoiler, and NPP exhaust as options.
The sway bars can be added.
I'd love to have the bigger brakes but that just ain't happening.
The eLSD I don't need and the dry sump I specifically don't want.
Now to be honest I gotta say if you get all those options (I did) it costs as much as the Z51
All depends on which route you wanna take. I just put in an order for a base model and got the options I wanted but you just gotta be you

SMT1004

For me I found the base 1LT ride less harsh than the Z51 version. Not sure it's just the wheel/tire combo or a combination of things, sways, etc. Z51 is a great package and more geared to those wanting to track there's. My base has the NPP exhaust and find it rather quiet, still breaking it though, less than 200 miles currently. I was able to test drive 3 Z51 against 2 base over the same roads and my decision was an easy one. Try to drive them back to back.

juanvaldez

If you are looking for a performance car it is a no-brainer.

JerryU

Your first point is key, for me I like my DD's firm, have gotten the HD suspension options in my DD '88, '93, '08 Vettes and have the Z51 without mag shocks in my 2014. Love it. In fact had the HD suspension option, quick steering etc in my S-10 truck when between Vettes! Installed duals and Flowmaster muffles to get the sound wanted. I'm only '74 so when I get "Old" may want it softer

This is GM's assessment of ride softness:
Softest Base C7 with it's smaller wheels.

Next softest the Z51 with mag shocks set at Touring (mag shocks can't make up for stiffer springs and added rear sway bar which the base car doesn't have.)

Next Z51 without mag shocks (what I have.)

Then Z51 mag shocks set at Sport and by far the stiffest set in Track Mode. One poster said when set at Track you can feel if your going over a dime! My Z51 without mag shocks is no where near that stiff. In fact the current mag shocks are "improved" in the stiff end over prior years. If Tracking worth the cost. If you have good roads IMO the added complexity is not needed.

Brakes on the Base car are fine, unless your Tracking don't need better. Plus the pads on the Z51 need instant replacement or you'll be cleaning your wheels ever ~100 miles as I did before I put on Carbotech 1521 ceramic pads.

NPP was an option in 2014 and I got it as had it in my Z51 C6. Worth the $1100 IMO but if you want it louder and more "throaty" sound all the time, get an aftermarket exhaust. Flowmaster Muffler System costs about the same and in my S10 was a better sound and did not drone as will the NPP if you pull the fuse. In my C6 installed a switch to open NPP baffles when I wanted, not as easy to do in the C7, but can be done. However on the highway had to close the NPP baffles or the drone was very annoying and not pleasant.

It is more difficult to change oil in a dry sump, not for me, I'm a gear head and do all my own but for dealers! Some screw in up an overfill causing oil to drip from the air cleaner! Checking the oil level requires following the Owner's Manual and a watch!

punky

Yep.

Larry/car

The base car car is more for daily driving than the Z51 option. Base car rides better, tires last longer and costs less. I went with the Stingray convertible and couldn't be happier. I suggest the 2LT interior (has all the toys). My car; Convertible, M7, 2LT, Navigation/PDR. I didn't go with the NPP performance exhaust option (I did test drive a car equipped with NPP and discovered standard exhaust sounds the same when the valves are closed. Also discovered only two of the four pipes are active unless the valves are open, loud setting [looks wierd, shows when pipes discolor during operation], decided NPP wasn't worth the extra cost. Also like the look of the smaller pipes which are functional all the time.

rrsperry

Sorry, but if it's my only car, I wouldn't be getting a 1lt. There are just soooo much more nicer things in a 2lt.

a 2lt Z51 with mag ride is the sweet spot.

Snowwolfe

Most people go overkill on a Corvette. If you like the looks of the package and can afford it go for it. But if your not tracking the car or using it at its handling limits its a waste of money.
A good driver in a base coupe can easily out handle a mediocre driver in a Z51.

Resell value? Very little of the Z51 costs will be recouped when its time to sell or trade.

LimeRay

The Z51 pkg with MRC is an amazing value. IMO you would be nuts to give up all of that technology.

Scruff Vette

My 2016 non Z51 1LT coupe handles better than my 2008 Z51 3LT coupe. That's more than good enough for me.

bjones7131

I just got out of a 2016 base 1lt stingray into a 2017 GS. I hate the stiff ride and tire chatter. For your use as well as mine go with the base stingray 1lt. It will ride much better, not tire chatter, and cost of tire replacement will be much cheaper. Good luck

Indy-hp

I had a Z51 C6 and bought a base C7 with one option---the performance exhaust. Both were/are daily drivers. I loved the C6 for 9 years, but the base C7 ride is much better for a daily driver and the car still handles fine on the street.

The performance exhaust is a must-have. That puts a smile on my face more than anything else about the car. Just starting the car is a thrill. The base exhaust is real quiet, it sounds like your grandfather's Cadillac.

dbaker

I've driven them all.

For me,the Base didn't handle the way I like for a car to handle.I bought a 17 1LT,M7 Z51 3 weeks ago and love it.It was ordered.

It has everything I wanted and nothing I didn't want and part of my goal was to stay in the $51k range.

Mission accomplished.

\db2

dvilin

Get the base 1LT without the Z51 option, you will not miss a thing.

alexsoo

Get what you are after. Z51 is a no brainer.
I got it for the the brakes and NPP.
If you can stop your car shorter and not hit the car in front. It already pay for itself.
Never cheap out on brakes and tires.

dbirdhouse1

went from a 1lt '14 coupe to a '14 1lt Z51 (both 7 MT) convertible; felt the Z51 made up for the (granted minor) loss of rigidity going to a ragtop and I (disagree) think that selling a used Z51 vs 2lt options (in '14 cars) will yield more $ with the Z51.....but I'm not selling her, she's my keeper as I will be retiring in less than 2 years......but you and I know you can't go wrong in any case

Dif

OP, if ride is your main concern, get the base as others mentioned.
Afterwards if you find you want a little more stability, get the Z51 sway bars put on for a few hundred $ and you'll have what you want.

In my case I wanted a Base with MSRC and by the time I was done adding all my options, the Price was Very close to a Z51 setup.
I went with the Z51 and happy I did in hind sight, but that's just me.
You'll be very happy with the base setup.
Good Luck with your new purchase

Rebel Yell

There it is. If you haven't owned either get the base without. For my dearest, and myself we wanted a great highway cruiser for road trips. I drove a Z51, and while it was a great car (the ride was a bit stiffer, but that's what you expect from the upgraded suspension) I saw no need for the extras. The base is more car than most of us will ever need, with a smooth, tight ride. We haven't been disappointed.

Plus, I didn't need to buy higher priced ceramic brake pads to deal with the excessive brake dust that comes with the GM Z51 brakes.