Z51. A good thing?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 921
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From: Houston TX
Z51. A good thing?
I know the 84's have a pretty stiff suspension, then in 85 they modified it. Is that what the Z51 option is and what exactly is the difference between the 2? My 85 seems to ride smoothly but I don't know if the suspension has been messed with or if it's due to the Z51 option.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
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From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
In a word no. The Z51 is an extra cost option and should be listed with your RPO codes under the center console lid if you have it. (Or where ever your RPO codes are).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
z-51
Not completely sure, but the z51 had stiffer springs, solid large diameter sway bars,, and tighter steering.
There might be other things asociated with it, but that's the gist of it.
On my 86, I went to the 84 z51 front sway bar, and it was solid,(mine was hollow) bigger around,like 1 1/4 (mine was like an inch dia.) and I put on polyeurethane bushings.
I put polyeurethane upper and lower shock mount bushings on it. stiffened up the front, but because u sit so close to the rear tires, it still rode great, handled greater.
Chris
There might be other things asociated with it, but that's the gist of it.
On my 86, I went to the 84 z51 front sway bar, and it was solid,(mine was hollow) bigger around,like 1 1/4 (mine was like an inch dia.) and I put on polyeurethane bushings.
I put polyeurethane upper and lower shock mount bushings on it. stiffened up the front, but because u sit so close to the rear tires, it still rode great, handled greater.
Chris
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 747
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From: Calgary '85 Z51 coupe
The '85 Z51 suspension was about as firm as the standard 1984 suspension.
From the 1985 Corvette promo literature the 1985 Z51 'handling package' includes:
larger radiator with pusher/puller fans on either side, Modine oil cooler, higher rate fiberglass springs, delco/bilstein gas shocks, stabilizer bars, 'selected' front & rear control-arm bushings, 255/50vr goodyear eagle tires on 16x9.5 in alloy wheels, quicker steering gear (13:1 vs. 15.5-1), higher effort steering gear torsion bar, 3.07 rear axle (on both auto and manual trans.)
From the 1985 Corvette promo literature the 1985 Z51 'handling package' includes:
larger radiator with pusher/puller fans on either side, Modine oil cooler, higher rate fiberglass springs, delco/bilstein gas shocks, stabilizer bars, 'selected' front & rear control-arm bushings, 255/50vr goodyear eagle tires on 16x9.5 in alloy wheels, quicker steering gear (13:1 vs. 15.5-1), higher effort steering gear torsion bar, 3.07 rear axle (on both auto and manual trans.)
Le Mans Master
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From: No Opti Here Tn
St. Jude Donor '06
Le Mans Master
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From: Lafayette LA
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The early C4 Z51's are some of the best handling, most fun to drive Corvettes ever made in my opinion. The quick steering ratio really livens up tip-in steering especially on lane changes on the highway. It handles and rides like a sports car should.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: seattle WA
When I was looking for 6 months I drove alot of vettes, and had owned a 62 and 64. I just didn't like the way most of the C4s handled until I found my 87 Z51, yes it's a firmer ride, but the steering to me is far superior. The 62 handeled crappy, but the 64 was great. Just my 2 cents.
When first drove my '89 Z51 I knew that was what I wanted.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: The Old Dominion
There were a few nice things about the Z51 other than the suspension. Many years they included faster ratio steering, a power steering cooler, an oil cooler, and same-sized wheels front and rear (nice to be able to rotate the tires front to back).
Though I will say my '87 with Z51 definitely rode rougher than my FX3 '90 does. It really crashed around over anything but perfectly smooth road. Though on that kind of road it was smooth and responsive and a real joy.
Though I will say my '87 with Z51 definitely rode rougher than my FX3 '90 does. It really crashed around over anything but perfectly smooth road. Though on that kind of road it was smooth and responsive and a real joy.
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
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From: Atlantis
Cruise-In I Veteran
There were a few nice things about the Z51 other than the suspension. Many years they included faster ratio steering, a power steering cooler, an oil cooler, and same-sized wheels front and rear (nice to be able to rotate the tires front to back).
Though I will say my '87 with Z51 definitely rode rougher than my FX3 '90 does. It really crashed around over anything but perfectly smooth road. Though on that kind of road it was smooth and responsive and a real joy.
Though I will say my '87 with Z51 definitely rode rougher than my FX3 '90 does. It really crashed around over anything but perfectly smooth road. Though on that kind of road it was smooth and responsive and a real joy.
But it will tell you in a hurry that it doesn't like the road. It will tell you loud and clear.
Z51 is rough and tuff but it makes me feel like 'superman'. It has intense driver feedback. But that is what makes it SO MUCH fun to drive. It 'talks' to you so much. Feels like you can make it do anything. It kind of 'reads your mind' and does what you are thinking if that makes any sense.
You can take it over the limits and back and it will stay with you.
It won't throw you any surprises and you always know where you 'stand' with the car.
Z51 feels a lot like some of the race cars I used to build.
It's rough but I LOVE it.
My '91 DOES NOT have the Z51 setup on it. It drives like a car not a Corvette. It's ok if you just want to ride.
But Z51 is for DRIVING, not riding.
