Shore

Unbeknownest to me this 97 I just got has the Z51 on the RPO list.

So what does that mean exactly?

BlueDream

The Z51 is a performance suspension option. I'm sure someone will post on the specifics of it (larger sway bars and a few other goodies I think).

A lot of people make more of a deal out of it than it really is (adding Z51 emblems to the car as if it is a different model like the Z06).

SearayC5

Like BlueDream said, it is a suspension upgrade. On the C5 it added stiffer springs, stiffer sway bars, and better shocks. It does make a the ride a little stiffer and inherently the car will handle better.

10U 99

not sure on the 97s, but the 99 Z51s also have a power steering cooler

Mike Mercury

and on A4's the Z51 included the optional 3.15 rear axle ratio.

Dave1998

Stiffer (rougher) ride. I also found out I had the Z51 after I bought my 98. Here I thought all corvettes ride like ours.

Shore

It is an A4...1st thing was the ride control and the sport seats.I got curious about the Z51 and had to locate the RPO.

You'd figure the guy would list it for selling purpose.I bet he didn't even know.The cubby hole had the RPO tag and the lock was stuck pretty good.He was an older guy so no telling what gives.

silversport

you have ride control AND Z51???

Bill

Shore

The little three way switch and the Z51 RPO?..yes I do.

itzza427

My 2000 FRC has Z51 standard,, rides great,,,especially compared to my 60 big block!!

10U 99

just to be clear..... you have F45 and Z51?

Dave1998

I have no switch on my 98; just an RPO code for Z51

10U 99

I was led to believe you could have F45 or Z51 but not both. the Z51s are switchless

sneakelman

I didn't think the 97's had ride control, did they?

thetaxman

no, the gears were a separate option

GrayC5

This is true.

Technically, RPO Z51 is the Performance Handling Package which consists of the RPO FE3 Sport Suspension and a power steering cooler. The FE3 Sports Suspension part of the package includes stiffer springs and stabilizer bars. RPO Z51 could not be ordered from the factory with the RPO F45 Selective Real Time Damping System (model years 1997 through 2002) or the F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control which replaced the F45 in model years 2003 and 2004. The FE1 (Base Suspension), FE3 (Z51), F45 and F55 are all different suspensions and one had to order one or another depending on the model year. The only other factory C5 suspension was the FE4 which is unique to the Z06.

We ordered our car with the Z51/FE3 option and it is my favorite of the suspension options available from the factory for the C5.

GrayC5

True, but one was also required to order the 3:15 performance axle when ordering the Z51 option on an A4.