Z-52
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 21,465
Likes: 114
From: Hillsboro OR
From a 1988 Dealer brochure:
Z52 Sport Handling Package.
For the serious enthusiast, the Z52 package includes:
*17" X 9 1/2" cast-aluminum wheels with P275/40ZR17 Goodyear Eagle tires.
*Delco/Bilstein gas-charged shock absorbers.
* Fast-ratio steering gear (13:1).
* Engine oil cooler.
* Heavy-duty radiator.
* Radiator boost cooling fan.
* Reinforced front body structure.
The Z52 Sport Handling Package is available on both Coupe and Convertible models.
~~~~~
Note this information applies to 1988 models. Other years are different.
Z52 Sport Handling Package.
For the serious enthusiast, the Z52 package includes:
*17" X 9 1/2" cast-aluminum wheels with P275/40ZR17 Goodyear Eagle tires.
*Delco/Bilstein gas-charged shock absorbers.
* Fast-ratio steering gear (13:1).
* Engine oil cooler.
* Heavy-duty radiator.
* Radiator boost cooling fan.
* Reinforced front body structure.
The Z52 Sport Handling Package is available on both Coupe and Convertible models.
~~~~~
Note this information applies to 1988 models. Other years are different.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,439
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
Congrats! the Z52 is the HOT setup. I did not know mine was equipped with that option either until I got it home and ran the RPO codes. Better handling, cooling, and quicker steering ratio. OH Boy! 
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 21,465
Likes: 114
From: Hillsboro OR
Originally Posted by rws.1
I believe it also has larger sway bars and a different spring rate....
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Originally Posted by 88Z51
Not in 1988. The Z52 (1988) used the same springs and sway bars as the base Corvette. The (1988) Z51's got the larger sway bars and stiffer springs.
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 21,465
Likes: 114
From: Hillsboro OR
Originally Posted by Grenkepr
Thanks for the info. on the Z-52. This is a great forum for an old man like me.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by Pete K
87 z-52 is the same or similar. Basically, most of the good z-51 type goodies but with the base springs.
The 87 Z52 package did not get the p/s steering cooler that came with the Z51 steering. My Service Parts sticker on my 87 Z52 car shows "RPO B1X - Optional Steering Gear Ratio" but the PS cooler is not there. The Z51 PS cooler is a single pass hardline with radiator fins mounted on the front part of the rack housing.
If your Service Parts sticker is still on the underside of the console lid, you can decipher them here :http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...4&page=4&pp=20 on Page 4 of the thread by Bogus.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,470
Likes: 2
From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
Originally Posted by WalkerH
I have the Z-52 option on my 87'. I think it is a good compromise for a daily driver.
Walk
Walk
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 264
Likes: 1
From: La Grande Oregon
My Z-51 does feel a little stiff but i like throwing it around corners, so it's ok. The c&d story was great, but i missed why they put in the reinforced front end, will someone share that with us. Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 21,465
Likes: 114
From: Hillsboro OR
Originally Posted by bluealtered
My Z-51 does feel a little stiff but i like throwing it around corners, so it's ok. The c&d story was great, but i missed why they put in the reinforced front end, will someone share that with us. Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 66,850
Likes: 86
From: Santa Cruz CA
St. Jude Donor '15
16017 cars out of 22789 had the Z52 suspension according to the Corvette Black Book. Later production Z52 cars also had the Z51 finned power steering coolers as well as the larger brake rotors. But the Z51 was the only one with the stiffer springs. One other note, the Z51's were only manual tranny while the Z52 could have either manual or auto trans.
