Performance Handling Package??
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2
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Performance Handling Package??
I have a '85 and was told when I bought it years ago that it has the performance handling package. How do I know if it really has it? May seem like a dumb question, but unfortunately I need to sell my baby. It also has sport seats with controls on both sides of the seats and the rims are like I have only seen once before- like criss-crossed aluminum- they are original. Was also told the seats, and rims were part of the sports package with the handling package. ??
thanks,
Laura
thanks,
Laura
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 9
From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
The performance handling package was RPO Z51. The wheels with Z51 were 16 x 9 1/2 but otherwise looked that same as the standard wheel. Check the option label on the underside of your rear passenger stowage compartment for a list of options. If it's not there you can order a build sheet from the NCM which will list all options on your car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,413
Likes: 9
From: The Old Dominion
The sport seats were not part of the "performance" Z51 package. The wheels were different, but not visually different. If your wheels look like ones you've only seen once before, they are probably not original.
As said, check the option sheet and look for the entry "Z51", or take a picture of it. This is either on the underside of the center console, or under one of the rear compartment lids.
As said, check the option sheet and look for the entry "Z51", or take a picture of it. This is either on the underside of the center console, or under one of the rear compartment lids.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 639
Likes: 1
From: Brookfield CT NCM#522998
most of the performance handling extras could also be ordered seperately; like the Bilstien shocks could just ber ordered without getting the whole package. There is another failsafe, there is a code stamped on the rear monoleaf; just toward the middle from the wheel. Not sure exactly what the codes are, maybe someone will post them. but the Z51 option has stiff springs with a different code than the stock springs. Just wait for someone to post the Z51 and stock codes, then crawl under the rear; the code is pretty easy to find.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,413
Likes: 9
From: The Old Dominion
If you wanted to look at components, it's probably easier to id the front sway bar than to look for a marking on the spring. The Z51 bar is way thicker. Or turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock, the Z51 rack is about 2 turns.
Presumably though that SPI label should be easy enough to look at.
Presumably though that SPI label should be easy enough to look at.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,141
Likes: 1,729
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
No the seats werent, but usually a Z51 car has pretty much everything that could be ordered in any year, so it doesnt surprise me that you have sport seats.
