lt4 and z51

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Sep 28, 2015 | 01:51 PM

whichvette

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Racer

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From: NEW JERSEY

lt4 and z51

Did the z51 option come on all lt4s? Is there a performance difference thats noticeable? Was it available on automatics?

Last edited by whichvette; Sep 28, 2015 at 02:57 PM.

Sep 28, 2015 | 06:23 PM

93Rubie

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From: Indiana PA

In short:

No

Maybe, depends. In 96 the Z51 package was pretty crappy compared to older Z07/Z51 cars in fact, it was a hollow shell of a "performance" package. Compared to base suspension or FX3 it was better for handling.

Yes

Sep 28, 2015 | 06:53 PM

96GS#007

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From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93Rubie

The Z51 package on the '96 LT4 cars was in essence the same as the 1995 *base* suspension.

Sep 28, 2015 | 09:21 PM

pologreen1

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You can find the suspension specs here and corvette central. They tamed the car as the generation went on.

Sep 29, 2015 | 09:35 AM

MatthewMiller

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From: St. Charles MO

Quote:

Originally Posted by pologreen1

You can find the suspension specs here and corvette central. They tamed the car as the generation went on.

Yeah, if you look at the history of spring rates from 84-96, they just got softer and softer. Unless an LT4 with Z51 is somehow super collectible, I wouldn't even let that difference enter into your criteria for considering a car purchase. Just get the best condition LT4 you can find. If you really want it to handle well, you'll want to swap out springs/swaybars/shocks no matter what option was on it stock. The good news is that all C4s can be turned into anything up to and including a real track beast with those mods.