what actually is the Z 51 package. I have a 1996 with that package on it but don't
07-24-2017, 08:17 AM
#1
1st Gear
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what actually is the Z 51 package. I have a 1996 with that package on it but don't
I have a 1996 corvette with the Z51 package. I purchased it from a private owner and I didn't want to sound stupid asking him what it means. Can you explain to me what all is involved in the Z 51 package. Thank you
07-24-2017, 08:25 AM
#2
Pro
It's basically a handling package. The springs and shocks will give you a stiffer but better handling ride. I cant remember what else may come with the package but it may also include better cooling and quicker ratio steering.
Gary
Gary
07-24-2017, 08:41 AM
#3
In '96 - springs, shocks, sway bar(s) BUT most importantly I'd think is the 9.5" wheels X 4. You should have 275/40 tires at all four corners.
07-24-2017, 09:43 AM
#6
Racer
07-24-2017, 09:48 AM
#7
Melting Slicks
Ok, did some digging....
RPO Z51 Performance Handling Package (1984-90, 1996)
Original Option Price: $350-1,295 (The latter price represents 1988 models, which included 17 inch wheels)
Much more common on C5s and C6s than it was on C4s, the Z51 package had a few small changes over its few years available on a C4.
1984 models: Heavy duty springs, shocks, and bushings, larger sway bars, fast ratio steering, engine oil cooler, and auxiliary fan.
1985-90 models: Heavy duty springs and bushings, Bilstein shocks, larger sway bars, fast ratio steering, and heavy duty cooling. Larger front brake rotors and calipers became standard in 1988, as well as 17 inch wheels. Both Z51 and base suspension spring rates were decreased in 1985 due to harsh ride compaints from the 1984 model.
1996 models: Heavy duty springs and bushings, Bilstein shocks, and larger sway bars. Heavy duty cooling options and fast ratio steering had become standard on all models at this point. Non-Grand Sport models also received 275/40/17 size tires on all four wheels instead of 285/40/17s in the rear, and 255,/45/17s in the front.
Option Restrictions: 1987-90 models required a manual transmission; Not available on a Convertible until 1996; 1996 models also required power seats, and Performance Axle Ratio, if ordered on an automatic car. Not available with FX3 or F45.
Original Option Price: $350-1,295 (The latter price represents 1988 models, which included 17 inch wheels)
Much more common on C5s and C6s than it was on C4s, the Z51 package had a few small changes over its few years available on a C4.
1984 models: Heavy duty springs, shocks, and bushings, larger sway bars, fast ratio steering, engine oil cooler, and auxiliary fan.
1985-90 models: Heavy duty springs and bushings, Bilstein shocks, larger sway bars, fast ratio steering, and heavy duty cooling. Larger front brake rotors and calipers became standard in 1988, as well as 17 inch wheels. Both Z51 and base suspension spring rates were decreased in 1985 due to harsh ride compaints from the 1984 model.
1996 models: Heavy duty springs and bushings, Bilstein shocks, and larger sway bars. Heavy duty cooling options and fast ratio steering had become standard on all models at this point. Non-Grand Sport models also received 275/40/17 size tires on all four wheels instead of 285/40/17s in the rear, and 255,/45/17s in the front.
Option Restrictions: 1987-90 models required a manual transmission; Not available on a Convertible until 1996; 1996 models also required power seats, and Performance Axle Ratio, if ordered on an automatic car. Not available with FX3 or F45.
RPO FX3 Electronic Selective Ride and Handling Package (1989-95)
Original Option Price: $1,695/Standard on ZR1
Although not exactly a replacement for Z51, FX3 offered Corvette buyers another suspension option for the years that Z51 was not offered. As its name suggests, FX3 was different from any suspension ever offered in a Corvette in the sense that it gave the driver the option to select a soft, moderate, or stiff ride on-the-fly, by means of a control **** located on the center console. There were no restrictions made as to which bodystyle or transmission FX3 could be ordered with, and FX3 was standard on all ZR1 models. FX3 included heavy duty cooling and suspension options, fast ratio steering, and 1987-88's Z52 springs and sway bars, which provided a wider range of suspension control than the Z51 springs and sway bars. Nonetheless, the Z51 springs and sway bars still found their way on to the 60 or so 1989 Challenge cars that were built. 1994-95 models have lower spring rates than their predecessors, providing for an even smoother ride in "Tour" mode.
Option Restrictions: Not available with Z51 after 1990.
07-24-2017, 09:51 AM
#8
OP asked regarding '96 only and the thread seems to have 'wandered' a bit off course. I don't believe you can consider the information in post#7 as 'gospel' either.
Last edited by WVZR-1; 07-24-2017 at 10:05 AM.
07-24-2017, 10:01 AM
#9
Melting Slicks
07-24-2017, 11:30 AM
#10
Team Owner
Some good reading here but it has been said that not everything may be correct.
07-25-2017, 10:01 AM
#11
Drifting
J55 (heavy duty brakes) is typically part of Z51 but for the OP, J55 is already a standard feature (95-96). its a performance suspension package and not all that common and as WVZR mentioned, you get 4x 17x9.5" wheels and they change the tire size to 275 (instead of the rears on base being 285).
thats about it...it is a very nice option and def a great option to highlight for resale of the car...well if it's an automatic i would assume you also have G44
and just a fun-fact...fx3 wasn't an option in 1996...it was replaced with F45 (real time dampening)
thats about it...it is a very nice option and def a great option to highlight for resale of the car...well if it's an automatic i would assume you also have G44
and just a fun-fact...fx3 wasn't an option in 1996...it was replaced with F45 (real time dampening)
Last edited by mark970; 07-25-2017 at 10:11 AM.
07-25-2017, 10:33 AM
#12
Pro
All I'll say is it's a wonderful package. The ability to rotate tires is a bonus too. The performance axle is extremely noticeable. It is my understanding looking at all the 1996 production numbers, that less than 10% of all 1996 Corvettes had this package. It was actually at about 8%. Just not common for the '96 model year. it wasn't expensive either, just $350 for the package and another $50 for the axle. That's what my window sticker indicates. A sweet option.
10-11-2017, 07:32 AM
#16
Le Mans Master
FX3 did give the driver the ability to select shock stiffness through the use of the console-mounted selector switch. The options were Tour, Sport and Performance. The FX3 system also used a controller to make fine adjustments within each of the three settings. The VSS were used as input to the FX3 controller so as the car went faster, the shocks became stiffer within each of the settings. An interesting thing about the controller was that shock stiffness overlapped somewhat between the 3 switch settings. An example was that shock stiffness in Tour setting at 70 MPH was stiffer than the Performance setting at 25 MPH.
Some good reading here but it has been said that not everything may be correct.
Some good reading here but it has been said that not everything may be correct.
But I notice the system works very well in my 1996, I can certainly feel the difference between modes.
Last edited by bac22; 10-11-2017 at 07:33 AM.
