Z51?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Z51?
Hi,
I have been the owner of an 84 automatic for 9 years. However, I have no idea if it has the Z51 suspension option as I have heard they were available for that year. Is the anyway I can tell from the Vin # or a code on the door? Thanks for your help in advance.
Jeremy
I have been the owner of an 84 automatic for 9 years. However, I have no idea if it has the Z51 suspension option as I have heard they were available for that year. Is the anyway I can tell from the Vin # or a code on the door? Thanks for your help in advance.
Jeremy
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,991
Likes: 5
From: The Pines South Jersey
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=956100
This link will provide you all of the information about the codes (RPO)
Check under the console lid for a sticker.
This link will provide you all of the information about the codes (RPO)
Check under the console lid for a sticker.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 69
From: Pineville Louisiana
If your console door has been changed you won't know. How many turns of the wheel is it lock to lock? Also, I believe this is still the same in early C4 run (not sure though), front spring should have FHA stamping if base and NYR for the rear if it is the base suspension (The spring should be around 63 front and 72 rear). If it is Z51 the front should be FHB and rear NYU (The spring should be around 102 Front and 87 rear). Again this is off the top of my head and I could very well be wrong; I don't know to much on these early C4's so if anyone else wants to chime in on this please do. 
Daniel
Daniel
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,276
Likes: 3
From: Why are there squished peanut butter cups in my underware?
The RPO sticker will tell you. For `84s its located in the storage compartment behind the drivers seat. It will have a bunch of three digit codes listed stating how that Vette is equipped. Just look for Z51
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,638
Likes: 3
Z51 test
According to MAM's catalog
Turn the steering wheel lock to lock and count the revolutions - less than 2 1/4 turns would be a Z51 while the base model will turn 2 3/4 or more.
I tried it on mine - and it worked - I have the Z51 and my wheel turned a little less than 2 complete.
Carl Johansson
Turn the steering wheel lock to lock and count the revolutions - less than 2 1/4 turns would be a Z51 while the base model will turn 2 3/4 or more.
I tried it on mine - and it worked - I have the Z51 and my wheel turned a little less than 2 complete.
Carl Johansson
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Also they say that the suspension option for the first year of the new corvette was back breaking. Was that true? I mean, is it really such a very hard ride? So hard in fact that it's very uncomfortable to go drive for more than 50 miles?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by Dominicorvette
Also they say that the suspension option for the first year of the new corvette was back breaking. Was that true? I mean, is it really such a very hard ride? So hard in fact that it's very uncomfortable to go drive for more than 50 miles?
Performance and comfort seldom go hand-in-hand...
It is also said to be a very rough ride
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: MidOhio
Fast/Standard Steer Ratio & Z51/Z52
From what I've read, there were 2 steering ratios used thru '89. I'm not up on later models. "Fast" steer was 13.0:1 and "standard" steer was 15.5:1. Fast steer would give 1.96 turns "lock-to-lock" and std steer gives 2.36 turns. I've had distant prospective sellers check the turns LTL and so far it's verified the reported codes Z51 and Z52 and aprox build period. Suprisingly, the steering ratio isn't coded on the Service Identification Label under the storage compartment lids or later, under the console lid. Both Z51 & Z52 had fast steer thru '88. GM phased fast steer out of Z51 in '89 and the Z52 code was deleted entirely but "early" '89's generally have fast steer across the board. I've never seen any VIN specific limit of the fast steer in '89's in print, so you have to check if it's important to you. 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski