Love it or Hate it? Z51 Suspension...
05-24-2005, 11:25 PM
#1
Racer
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Love it or Hate it? Z51 Suspension...
I'm looking to buy a 2001 Convertable with the Z51 suspension. It's going to be my daily driver.
What am I going to HATE about the Z51 suspension? I heard something about annoying brakes. How stiff is the ride compared to just basic Corvette suspension? I'm not going to be rally crossing so I don't really care what suspension I have.
Also I'm going to want to put on new shiny drilled rotors and paint the calipers so will I have a problem with that versus base suspension?
What am I going to HATE about the Z51 suspension? I heard something about annoying brakes. How stiff is the ride compared to just basic Corvette suspension? I'm not going to be rally crossing so I don't really care what suspension I have.
Also I'm going to want to put on new shiny drilled rotors and paint the calipers so will I have a problem with that versus base suspension?
05-24-2005, 11:28 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
I love mine! 
Brakes are the same as any other C5, base or ZO6. Suspension is a bit softer than the ZO6, mainly because of the different shocks. It's more harsh than an FE1 (base suspension) car. To me, the base model doesn't feel like a 'Vette should. If you want a Cadillac, buy a Cadillac.
My last 'Vette was an FE1, and I'll never make that mistake again.
Brakes are the same as any other C5, base or ZO6. Suspension is a bit softer than the ZO6, mainly because of the different shocks. It's more harsh than an FE1 (base suspension) car. To me, the base model doesn't feel like a 'Vette should. If you want a Cadillac, buy a Cadillac.
My last 'Vette was an FE1, and I'll never make that mistake again.
Last edited by ZBRA; 05-24-2005 at 11:30 PM.
05-24-2005, 11:44 PM
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So...
As a bit of perspective, I have Z51 on my Vette, my brother-in-law's C5 doesn't. His has noticeably more body roll, and is not as stiff (suspension wise). I feel a lot more comfortable in corners with mine than I do with his. It's not as big of a difference between the Z51 and non-Z51 on the C6, but it definitely is noticeable. I definitely prefer Z51 even for daily driving. Taking corners briskly is part of the fun of the Vette...the Z51 package makes it just a little bit more fun.
and it's my DD 
05-24-2005, 11:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Deduncan
As a bit of perspective, I have Z51 on my Vette, my brother-in-law's C5 doesn't. His has noticeably more body roll, and is not as stiff (suspension wise). I feel a lot more comfortable in corners with mine than I do with his. It's not as big of a difference between the Z51 and non-Z51 on the C6, but it definitely is noticeable. I definitely prefer Z51 even for daily driving. Taking corners briskly is part of the fun of the Vette...the Z51 package makes it just a little bit more fun.
I put 04 Z06 shocks on our Z51 equipped 98. I wanted it to be a sports car!
05-24-2005, 11:58 PM
#8
Race Director
Welcome to the Forum! 
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 of them. We ordered our '03 vert new with the Z51 and love it. My wife and I take several road trips a year and we are very pleased with the way it rides. It gives a somewhat firmer ride, but certainly not what I would consider as harsh. Where the Z51 really comes into it's own though is through the twisties and turnies. However, everyone's likes and dislikes are different and I would recommend that you drive cars with each of the different suspensions if possible to help you make this decision.
I have no idea about what you're referring to in regards to "annoying brakes". As someone mentioned above, the brakes that come with the Z51 package are exactly the same as come on any other C5 regardless of suspension.
Good luck finding the right new ride!
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 of them. We ordered our '03 vert new with the Z51 and love it. My wife and I take several road trips a year and we are very pleased with the way it rides. It gives a somewhat firmer ride, but certainly not what I would consider as harsh. Where the Z51 really comes into it's own though is through the twisties and turnies. However, everyone's likes and dislikes are different and I would recommend that you drive cars with each of the different suspensions if possible to help you make this decision.
I have no idea about what you're referring to in regards to "annoying brakes". As someone mentioned above, the brakes that come with the Z51 package are exactly the same as come on any other C5 regardless of suspension.
Good luck finding the right new ride!
Last edited by GrayC5; 05-25-2005 at 12:01 AM.
