85 z51
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 237
Likes: 11
From: Houston Texas
one way would to be to look at the springs for the codes. The rear would be easiest to see, does it say NYU or NYR on it. The tag should be on the top side by the long bolt if i recall right. NYU is z51 and NYR is base.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,419
Likes: 2,746
IS the SPID/RPO label still on the car? That would certainly indicate an original "built as". The rear spring code should be very visible in 3/8" tall letters BOTTOM of spring very near one end or the other of the spring, they're actually "tattooed" into the spring material. If the shocks were original then that could maybe be a possibility. If the shocks have already been replaced once maybe to OP chose the Bilstein then if that's what you find.
You hadn't mentioned what "is there" or actually having checked.
SPID/RPO label then rear spring code I'd think easiest to confirm.
You hadn't mentioned what "is there" or actually having checked.
SPID/RPO label then rear spring code I'd think easiest to confirm.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 765
IS the SPID/RPO label still on the car? That would certainly indicate an original "built as". The rear spring code should be very visible in 3/8" tall letters BOTTOM of spring very near one end or the other of the spring, they're actually "tattooed" into the spring material. If the shocks were original then that could maybe be a possibility. If the shocks have already been replaced once maybe to OP chose the Bilstein then if that's what you find.
You hadn't mentioned what "is there" or actually having checked.
SPID/RPO label then rear spring code I'd think easiest to confirm.
You hadn't mentioned what "is there" or actually having checked.
SPID/RPO label then rear spring code I'd think easiest to confirm.
- the RPO label is the best way to determine the "as built" configuration. spring labeling, shocks, sway bar diameter, etc, are all indicators, but with these cars hitting the 30 year old mark, anything could have changed. in 85, Z51 cars had HD bilstien shocks, heavy duty cooling w/ additional pusher radiator fan, HD sway bars and springs, quick ratio steering, and 9.5 inch wheels. not bad for a $470 option ($1025 in todays dollars)!
Last edited by Joe C; Apr 21, 2015 at 08:11 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,419
Likes: 2,746
I don't believe you can state that "as fact". The early C4 could be optioned with most any option singularly in addition to a base car. I believe that the Bilsteins could actually be added to a base car also.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 765
Last edited by Joe C; Apr 21, 2015 at 06:32 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2013
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From: ft myers FL/Munising MI
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 911
Likes: 5
From: TN
Bilstein
I put Bilstein shocks on my 1985 in the early 90's after I bought my 1985. It is not a Z51 optioned 1985. Still in use today.
Last edited by 70ZZ3 96LT4; Apr 22, 2015 at 02:12 PM.