to the Z51
Z51 or Not ?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 0
From: Machine Silver Z06 The Golden State......... Bay Area
St. Jude Donor '05
Love the Z51! Didn't even know I had it until I got it home and checked out all the options. I was so taken with the car that it slipped my mind. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my car was equipped with the Z51. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,133
Likes: 0
From: Cumming, GA
Originally Posted by C5COM67
The change from base to Z51 that effects the ride is the front and rear springs. Sway bars won't make the ride more harsh, they reduce the lateral roll induced during a turn and work with the springs in that aspect. The next higher level is the Z06 package which uses the same front spring, rear spring about 10% stiffer, and the sways have a larger diameter than the Z51. There are a few levels above that in the aftermarket world also, all the way up to the T-1 set-up used on the C5-R racer.
Something else....base/Z51/Z06 suspension parts are interchangable, meaning you can mix/match between the different levels if you chose. This allows for upgrading a little at a time to the level you want to achieve.
Something else....base/Z51/Z06 suspension parts are interchangable, meaning you can mix/match between the different levels if you chose. This allows for upgrading a little at a time to the level you want to achieve.
I own/ed a 03 Coupe/Base, and currently own an 03 Z06 and a 04 Vert/Z51. The "stock" Z51 blows the base package away IMHO.
I upgraded my Z51 shocks to the 04 Z06 shocks and upgraded my wheels/Tires to the Z06 and the car OUTHANDLES the 2003 Z06. Trust me, I drove them back to back and was floored.
If you find the Vette you want with it, go for it!
Again, JMHO.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 5
From: Plainfield, IL
Dont quote me on this but in an older MotorTrend magazine I have I am pretty sure I read that a 99-00 Z51 hardtop matched with some good non-runflat tires outhandled the Z06. So the handling difference between Z51 (hardtop) and Z06 is very close and would mainly depend on the tire used.
And a correction to previous posts, I could be wrong but I believe ONLY the rear sway is is slightly bigger on the Z06. Fronts are same I think.
I love my 99 Z51 Hardtop the handling is unreal and im still riding on the cars tired original F1 runflats. Cant wait to try some new tires.
And a correction to previous posts, I could be wrong but I believe ONLY the rear sway is is slightly bigger on the Z06. Fronts are same I think.
I love my 99 Z51 Hardtop the handling is unreal and im still riding on the cars tired original F1 runflats. Cant wait to try some new tires.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 700
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by CAJUN ZZ4
Searchimg for my C5 I'm educating myself on what options to get or stay away from. My C4 has the Z51 option ..lost too many teeth fillings, Anyone have the Z51 suspension out there and are you glad/sorry,you have it? I'm not going to race the car per. say.
I Appreciate your input
I Appreciate your input
the early c4's and the 84 is on top of the list ride awful. Ihave a 84 and now i have a 95 my gah what a different the 84 handled great though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
How does the T-1 setups ride?? Now you have to remember Im a kid and not smart enough to care that much about ride at this point in my life. 
Id love to go for a ride in a car with the T-1s. I cant only imagine how nice it handles though
Id love to go for a ride in a car with the T-1s. I cant only imagine how nice it handles though
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,346
Likes: 5
From: Mustang OK
We ordered the Z51 on our car and love it. Unlike in the C4, we have not found the Z51 in the C5 to be harsh at all. My wife and I take several road trips a year and we both are very pleased with the ride. And, where it comes into it's own is in the twisties and turnies with it's flat roll response. I've driven C5s with each of the different suspensions with the exception of the F45 Selective Real Time Damping System and the Z51 is my favorite of all these I've driven. Good luck finding the suspension that is right for you. 
Last edited by GrayC5; Mar 26, 2005 at 01:39 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,369
Likes: 0
From: Cranford, New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
Is going from the Z51 sway bars to the Z06 Sway bar a noticable difference and worth the $170.00 (from Fred Beans). Or am i better off going with the Hotchkis Sway bars for $519.00 (from Corvette Garage). Are the Hotchkis that much better than the Z06's.
Thanks
Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Boy, Do I feel better,(after reading most everyone being positive on Z51) I just drove home 500 miles today in my First Corvette, 00 Conv with Z51...was mixed about harsh ride, But looking forward to first trip to mountains. It Does, indeed, Handle.
