Does the C8 Corvette Z51 Package Make Sense Even if You Aren’t Going to Track It?
Very few C8 Corvette Z51 owners will ever take it to the track, but there are other good reasons to opt for it.
There are plenty of folks out there that are quick to judge others for a lot of things – automobiles included. There are those that will say we don’t need our hardcore off-road pickups if we don’t actually drive them anywhere that isn’t paved, and others that don’t understand why we purchase vehicles with track-focused upgrades if we don’t intend to track them. The same apparently applies to the C8 Corvette Z51 Performance Package, which adds a host of those track-focused upgrades and some extra power for a reasonable cost. And that made Corvette Forum member Nelag wonder aloud – why are so many people opting for it?
“I recently read that only three percent of cars with the Z51 package ever see track use, so why do so many people spend the money for the Z51? The rear spoiler? It seems a standard Corvette has so much performance for legal street use, how can cars with the Z51 package ever be fully utilized on the street? What am I missing?”
Of course, as many are quick to point out, there is far more to the C8 Corvette Z51 package than mere track stuff. “Better cooling, bigger brakes, duct work to cool the brakes, spoiler, NPP exhaust,” said Bmbl-Bee. “Rides great but feels like a spot-on sports car. Track capable if you or any future owner decides to. The Z51 package is more popular for resale.”
However, there are also quite a few members that didn’t necessarily want the Z51 package, but were enticed to go with it due to the limited availability of base cars in general. “Probably bragging rights, said AceG. “I didn’t want the Z51 for the exact same reason you stated, but non-Z51 was on constraint so I was forced to get it.”
Then there are owners like Kevin A Jones, who just simply like having those upgrades for little more than street cruising. “I don’t know why having the Z51 gives anyone anything to brag about. I use my C8 primarily for spirited early morning weekend drives on the winding twisty back country roads around my home and fully enjoy the Z51 features for that.”
Of course, we’re firm believers that if one can afford to purchase something and they want to, it isn’t up to anyone else to judge that decision. But we also find this particular topic to be a pretty interesting one, and thus far, so have the folks in the Corvette Forum forums, as this thread has quickly exploded with tons of comments. So be sure and head over here to check out the conversation in its entirety, and drop your own opinion while you’re there!
Photos: Chevrolet
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