Z51 Suspension
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 554
From: St. Peters MO
C7 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2018 C7 of Year Finalist
The two are totally differrent. The magnetic suspension uses VERY expensive shocks to adjust ride characteristics in response to g- force loading on each wheel. The are reported to cost around $1400 to replace.
The Z-51 suspension is part of a sports/performance package that includes oil cooler, performance rear axle, sway bars and manual shocks. You can put in C6 Z06 shocks when the oroginals need replacement for less than $250.
I like the Z-51 package, it would be my choice.
The Z-51 suspension is part of a sports/performance package that includes oil cooler, performance rear axle, sway bars and manual shocks. You can put in C6 Z06 shocks when the oroginals need replacement for less than $250.
I like the Z-51 package, it would be my choice.
A little clarification on the above info. The Z-51 package included stiffer springs and tuned shocks, power steering cooler (no oil cooler was available) and thicker sway bars. If you ordered the A4 and Z-51 the 3.15 performance ratio axle was a required option. If you ordered a 6 speed and Z-51 you got the standard 3.42 axle which was the only ratio available from the factory on 6 speed cars.
I have the Z-51 and love it. Firm but not uncomfortable (at least in my opinion).
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 245
Likes: 2
From: melbourne florida
My 99 frc and all others from 99-2000 came with the z51 suspension and 342 gears. Also ,the Oil cooler and heavy duty suspension components did make up the basis for the z51 package in those years.As far as 2001 and later,I will need to check that out! 
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Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
I got my 03 with Z51 and loved it. I took it off not quite a year latter and put on the GM T1.
Our other vette has the stock suspension, and I keep thinking about putting the Z51 on there.
I would not buy a vette without an upgraded suspension.
Our other vette has the stock suspension, and I keep thinking about putting the Z51 on there.
I would not buy a vette without an upgraded suspension.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 1
From: San Jose CA
I ordered my '00 vette new with the F45 (before the F55)...IMO (and if some one already posted something similar pls disregard), just stick with the Z51 (or upgrade to Z06 suspension). The cost to replace the Fx5 shocks are a lot of $ compared to upgrading to a Z06 suspension or coilovers...
Good luck...
Good luck...
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 66,409
Likes: 2,061
From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
I love my F55 on my '04 CE Vert! It's just cool having the stiff suspension when you want to corner hard and then turn it on Tour for the freeway!
If you do go the Magnetic Suspension route be sure to have the GMPP Warranty though, however if you don't have a warranty, steer clear of the F55 and go for the Z51!
Good luck!
If you do go the Magnetic Suspension route be sure to have the GMPP Warranty though, however if you don't have a warranty, steer clear of the F55 and go for the Z51!
Good luck!
The F55 is considered a "high-tech" item and is covered by GMPP Major Guard.
Last edited by Chemdawg99; May 28, 2008 at 07:56 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
From: Discovery Bay...of Sunny CA
A little clarification on the above info. The Z-51 package included stiffer springs and tuned shocks, power steering cooler (no oil cooler was available) and thicker sway bars. If you ordered the A4 and Z-51 the 3.15 performance ratio axle was a required option. If you ordered a 6 speed and Z-51 you got the standard 3.42 axle which was the only ratio available from the factory on 6 speed cars.
I have the Z-51 and love it. Firm but not uncomfortable (at least in my opinion).
I have the Z-51 and love it. Firm but not uncomfortable (at least in my opinion).
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