Help Z06 Vs Z51
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Help Z06 Vs Z51
I am going to buy a corvette in a year and i am going to buy a Z06 or a z51 and i do not which one i should buy can you guy give me some feed back on what you think i should buy? 
I even like the 03, 04 cobras a lot but i love chevys so much i do not think i could by one! I probably should of not of even said that!
I even like the 03, 04 cobras a lot but i love chevys so much i do not think i could by one! I probably should of not of even said that!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
The Z51 and the Z06 FE4 suspension share many components and specs. Where the Z differ's is in spring rates, shock valving, bushing stiffness and lighter and bigger tires and wheels and even different brake pads. It's a very racy package yet civil enough for daily driving as I do.
To help you understand what the Z is all about take a look at the most recent road test of the 04 Z06 and that may help you - http://www.gmhightechperformance.co...res/0410htp_zo/
Good luck
Tom
To help you understand what the Z is all about take a look at the most recent road test of the 04 Z06 and that may help you - http://www.gmhightechperformance.co...res/0410htp_zo/
Good luck
Tom
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 12,198
Likes: 15
From: Columbia MD
It all depends on your priorities. I've had all three so I know of what I speak (no brag, just fact). If you ever want to take the top off or drop the top for that open-air driving experience, forget the Z06. If that's not important, but having a bit better handling and a bit faster Corvette is important, then go for the Z06. Just remember, you mod a Z51 C5 coupe or convertible to equal and/or surpass the Z06 performance. 
PS: Please, no flames from the Z06 camp!!!!! :o
PS: Please, no flames from the Z06 camp!!!!! :o
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
You need to consider the other differences as well - Z51 can be had either on a convertible or a coupe. The Z06 is only the fixed roof body style. Is "open-air" motoring an important feature to you? The coupe has possibly the greatest cargo capacity - is that important? The coupe and the convertible are available with Z51 and an automatic - where the Z06 is available only as an MN6 - is that important? There are somewhat limited color choices available for the Z06 (no medium spiral grey, no magnetic red, etc.) - is that important?
I realize that you said you're a year away from your purchase, but that time gives you the opportunity to really consider what you want.
Like AU N EGL said, the Z06 is a lot more than a suspension package.
I realize that you said you're a year away from your purchase, but that time gives you the opportunity to really consider what you want.
Like AU N EGL said, the Z06 is a lot more than a suspension package.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
Originally Posted by StealDads67
Not to Hi-Jack the thread.....
what is the difference between the Z06 suspension and the 99-00 FRC suspension???
Is the FRC the same as the Z51 on the Coupe??
what is the difference between the Z06 suspension and the 99-00 FRC suspension???
Is the FRC the same as the Z51 on the Coupe??
Tom
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: Auburn AL
I have now owned a 2002 Z51 Coupe and a 2003 Z06. I loved my coupe and for the handling capabilities it was a very comfortable ride. It was totaled when a stupid blond freshmen driving an Accord pulled out in front of me. With the insurance money I ended up with a year newer Z06. The differences are many. One of the biggest differences is the interior volume. Because GM wanted this car to be significantly lighter than the Coupes they removed almost all of the sound proofing material. With my Stingers there is a lot of resonance. Also the trunk space is much less. Enough with the cons, the pros are many more in my opinion. The handling is amazing, the acceleration is ungodly and the braking is rediculous. If I had to do it all over again I would make the same decision. Although I do miss the Targa.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,772
Likes: 1
From: Tampa FL
Originally Posted by AU N EGL
Get the ZO6 - it more then just the suppenssion. Finding a Z51 6sp is not easy to do unless you buy a C6
The Cobras are cool too, but not in the same leage as the corvette.
The Cobras are cool too, but not in the same leage as the corvette.
if you're a convertible man .. get the z51 6-speed otherwise the z is pretty cool.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Thanks for all your guys help! I think i am going to focuse on a Z06 because i like the added hp and i do not need a convertible. What would you think of a zr1 over the Z06 i like the c4 but i like the c5 body stile more. I really just need to focuse one one car. thanks again for all your help.
I think i am going to focuse on a Z06 because i like the added hp and i do not need a convertible. What would you think of a zr1 over the Z06 i like the c4 but i like the c5 body stile more. I really just need to focuse one one car. thanks again for all your help.
