What is Z51?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 251
Likes: 32
From: S/W Illinois
Z-51 package
I checked this out pretty carefully as we wanted a C-5 convert. The package includes larger diameter shocks, larger diameter stabilizer bars and stiffer springs. We drove several cars with base suspensions and several with Z-51 and felt for our purposes of touring and pleasure driving there was a big difference in favor of the base suspension. The Z-51 was comparatively quite harsh. We also live in the country and the roads are more primative.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,209
Likes: 12
From: Montgomery Alabama
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
I drove a couple verts, and decided I wanted the Z-51 suspension. It is a little more harsh, but handles much better in the twisties. 
I think the tires add more to the harshness than the stabilizer bars, myself.
I think the tires add more to the harshness than the stabilizer bars, myself.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 66
From: Hurst, TX USA
Originally Posted by Geno94
I checked this out pretty carefully as we wanted a C-5 convert. The package includes larger diameter shocks, larger diameter stabilizer bars and stiffer springs. We drove several cars with base suspensions and several with Z-51 and felt for our purposes of touring and pleasure driving there was a big difference in favor of the base suspension. The Z-51 was comparatively quite harsh. We also live in the country and the roads are more primative.
(except for the harshness. Its not really that bad in normal driving and feels much more precise compared to the base susp.). Also it includes a power steering cooler, which can be seen just behind and at the bottom of the radator. You can add the shocks, springs and bars in after market, but the cooler isn't so easy... Good way to prove a factory Z51 setup.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 842
Likes: 4
From: Corpus Christi TX
St. Jude Donor '05
I am the sort that values the driving experience over a comfy ride... Z51 sounds like the ticket for me! So it is basically shocks, springs and a power steering fluid cooler? Forgive my ignorance.... Why of earth would I need a power steering fluid cooler??? What difference can it make?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 17,541
Likes: 2
From: Manhattan, KS Missing SoCal since 2005
Originally Posted by glerma
I am the sort that values the driving experience over a comfy ride... Z51 sounds like the ticket for me! So it is basically shocks, springs and a power steering fluid cooler? Forgive my ignorance.... Why of earth would I need a power steering fluid cooler??? What difference can it make?
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