quick04Z06

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2063812

Above is a Z51 v base coupe thread I posted. Perhaps this is the place for a more complete answer.

Let me be more specific:

If I plan to get rid of the brakes for a Stop-tech rig; add coilovers, big sways and tighter bushings; and add a big alum rad w oil cooler; do I get that much with the Z51, or should I go base? It seems to me, if I do these things, then I'm tossing out much of what makes a Z51 a Z51and all I really end up with is the tranny cooler and lower 5th gear in the MN6. The car WILL remain streetable.

What would you road course track rats do? Are the savings significant now, Z51 v base?

Rob Willis

With all that it sounds like you'd be doing, I'd skip the Z51.

Some prefer the NON z51 gearset for the roadcourses.

Just my .02 cents, and I'm by NO means an expert on the subject.

02impactblue

z51 adds oil coolers for the engine, transmission and power steering pump.

quick04Z06

ttt

Any other comments from you track experts????

Thanks for the help.

95jersey

Here's a thought. You can always buy the Z51 for the coolers/tranny (and warranty on them) and sell the suspension to the base guys looking to upgrade. If you go in the C6 sale section, you'll see a bunch of folks wanting to upgrade their base to Z51 spec. I hear there are issues with base models that have the magnetic suspension and there are major computer changes to deal with that, so stay away from the magnetic suspension option.

I like my warrany and want it on as many parts as possible. How much is the Z51 option over base? Find out how much C6 guys are getting for Z51 suspension on the sale forums and begin making your decision.

Also, if you want to buy all those coolers seperately, I guarantee it will cost much more than the Z51 option from the dealer and now you have extra suspension parts to sell to help make up the difference.

gkmccready

If I had it to do again I'd try to save up for a Z06. The better suspension (larger bushings, more adjustable in the rear, etc), the ability to swallow wider wheels and tires, the dry sump, the better oil cooler. All of that adds up quick if you're building a C6 up.

I've now replaced shocked, springs, bushings, etc on my Z51, and I'm glad I haven't been forced to do coolers yet because that's about the last thing the Z51 package added...

Tavarez

steel frame

95jersey

steel frame only if you are adding a cage, otherwise C6Z is amazing. 2006 Z's are going at almost new Z51 prices. I personally would take a used Z06 anyday. 427 is just amazing, only downside is car is more expensive to run.