Z52 Or Not??
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Z52 Or Not??
I recently bought a beautiful 1987 vette. On the test drive i noticed the steering was very tight (in a good way) and the suspension was stiff. The owner didn't mention anything about the Z52 handling package but did say it was lowered about 2 inches. I recently read that the Z52 included an extra radiator fan and mine does have 2 radiator fans (one in front and one behind). If thats not enough info maybe you can tell by the vin which is 1G1YY2186H5100655. So did I get lucky or not??
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
From: Lugoff SC
87 z52
The 87 Z52 package included everything in the Z51 package except for the stiffer springs. In addition to the quicker steering gear and extra coolers, the package also included wider wheels (9.5"), frame stiffeners, delco bilstein gas shocks, etc. If you find a tag in the car listing all the option codes (or order the window sticker or build sheet from the ncm), you should be able to confirm the Z52 package. Enjoy!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
There was no real difference in ride hight between the base suspension, Z51 or Z52 cars.
If the Service Parts Identification sticker is not under the center console lid, you can get copies of the window sticker and build sheet from the National Corvette Museum at this webpage You can join the NCM at he same time and get the member discount.
If the decal is there, it will have a list of RPO codes that you can decode here.
This page has a lot of information regarding the options and they're costs along with performance information.
The VIN will not tell you much of anything about options but the last 6 digits point to a very early production car. It was the 665th car built for the modey year and probably made in the first 5-6 weeks of '87 production. The build sheet will show the julian date of the start of the build. The julian date will be the number of days since January 1st of that year and it's usually shown as 87nnn or nnn87.
If the Service Parts Identification sticker is not under the center console lid, you can get copies of the window sticker and build sheet from the National Corvette Museum at this webpage You can join the NCM at he same time and get the member discount.
If the decal is there, it will have a list of RPO codes that you can decode here.
This page has a lot of information regarding the options and they're costs along with performance information.
The VIN will not tell you much of anything about options but the last 6 digits point to a very early production car. It was the 665th car built for the modey year and probably made in the first 5-6 weeks of '87 production. The build sheet will show the julian date of the start of the build. The julian date will be the number of days since January 1st of that year and it's usually shown as 87nnn or nnn87.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 552
Likes: 2
From: Dubuque Iowa
Hopefully it still has the RPO sticker under the center council lid. If it is Z51 or Z52 it should say toward the bottom of the list!
By the way, I have an 87 Z52 and its a fun car!! Cornering is great!
By the way, I have an 87 Z52 and its a fun car!! Cornering is great!
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Guess this means you found a build sheet. Another way is check your steering lock to lock. Z51/ Z52 should be 2 turns. Standard is 2 1/2. Amazing how much that 1/2 turns makes the steering.
