85 Z51 option
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 3
From: Oxford CT
85 Z51 option
Can any one fully tell me what the Z51 option is ?
from research i can find.
Suspension rates were lowered in 1985, a result of harsh ride criticism. Springs for the base suspension were softer by 26% in front, 25% in the rear. Springs fro RPO Z51 were 16% softer in front and 25% softer in the rear. To compensate for the spring change, larger-diameter stabilizer bars were included with Z51 equipped models.
This suggest to me that a rear tire that is on a Z51 optioned car (which is larger) can fit on a non Z51 optioned car ?
??
from research i can find.
Suspension rates were lowered in 1985, a result of harsh ride criticism. Springs for the base suspension were softer by 26% in front, 25% in the rear. Springs fro RPO Z51 were 16% softer in front and 25% softer in the rear. To compensate for the spring change, larger-diameter stabilizer bars were included with Z51 equipped models.
This suggest to me that a rear tire that is on a Z51 optioned car (which is larger) can fit on a non Z51 optioned car ?
??
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 5
From: Atlantis
Cruise-In I Veteran
The tires/wheels willfit either one.
The 'REAL' Z-51 was on the '84 Vette. The 84 Z-51 'RIDES' like a wagon but it 'DRIVES' like a dream. Drives like a overgrown go kart.
There is a list floating the web with the spring rates and anti-roll bar sizes.
I'm not going to guess because you asked for a specific answer.
I'll just say I have 2 C4 Vettes. One is an 84 Z-51 and the other is a standard '91 Coupe.
The 91 suspension is MUCH more 'civilized'. Better suited to taking your honey to the shopping center.
The 84 is totally UN-civilized in all ways EXCEPT engine power.
It's rough and rowdy but it will do EXACTLY what you want it to and if you ask it to do more it 'talks' to you and will come back from the brink very quickly. It has amazing 'road feel'. The steering is much quicker and the brakes are all under YOUR control. No ABS,no traction control except the driver. It's a real drivers car. One that you drive for the sake of driving, not viewing the scenary go by.
In that regard the 84 is absolutely wonderful. It's a car for the guy (or gal) that enjoys going to the traction limit in turns or that enjoys doing a little 'drifting' on a deserted cul-de-sac.
When I want to just 'RIDE' I'll take the '91 out. When I want to 'DRIVE' I'll take the '84.
That's the difference to me.
The 'REAL' Z-51 was on the '84 Vette. The 84 Z-51 'RIDES' like a wagon but it 'DRIVES' like a dream. Drives like a overgrown go kart.
There is a list floating the web with the spring rates and anti-roll bar sizes.
I'm not going to guess because you asked for a specific answer.
I'll just say I have 2 C4 Vettes. One is an 84 Z-51 and the other is a standard '91 Coupe.
The 91 suspension is MUCH more 'civilized'. Better suited to taking your honey to the shopping center.
The 84 is totally UN-civilized in all ways EXCEPT engine power.
It's rough and rowdy but it will do EXACTLY what you want it to and if you ask it to do more it 'talks' to you and will come back from the brink very quickly. It has amazing 'road feel'. The steering is much quicker and the brakes are all under YOUR control. No ABS,no traction control except the driver. It's a real drivers car. One that you drive for the sake of driving, not viewing the scenary go by.
In that regard the 84 is absolutely wonderful. It's a car for the guy (or gal) that enjoys going to the traction limit in turns or that enjoys doing a little 'drifting' on a deserted cul-de-sac.
When I want to just 'RIDE' I'll take the '91 out. When I want to 'DRIVE' I'll take the '84.
That's the difference to me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
O. K. here are the RPO's for 1989 your '85 won't have all. Z51, VO1, FE7,
J55, KC4, B4P, I also have Fast Ratio Steering I don't know if that is really part of the package also NK4, QA1. Hope that helps.
J55, KC4, B4P, I also have Fast Ratio Steering I don't know if that is really part of the package also NK4, QA1. Hope that helps.
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by corvettedan22
This suggest to me that a rear tire that is on a Z51 optioned car (which is larger) can fit on a non Z51 optioned car ?
I like the ststement, "When I want to just 'RIDE' I'll take the '91 out. When I want to 'DRIVE' I'll take the '84."
Last edited by C4Techie; Jan 29, 2007 at 07:37 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
Likes: 1,733
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Always click the advanced search option, click C4 General, and threat titles only, then enter "Z51 option" as your search term.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
To the original poster. Spend a little more time in the advanced search page. It'll come to you
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Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by corvettedan22
This suggest to me that a rear tire that is on a Z51 optioned car (which is larger) can fit on a non Z51 optioned car ?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 3
From: Oxford CT
Ok, i got it !!!!!!!
Last question
Does the zr-1 package/rim tire (come out closer to the outer wheel well) then the non zr-1
or because of the larger rim and all that mumbo jumbo it ends up in the same place ?
Last question
Does the zr-1 package/rim tire (come out closer to the outer wheel well) then the non zr-1
or because of the larger rim and all that mumbo jumbo it ends up in the same place ?
