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Difference between FE3 and Z51?

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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 06:25 PM
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Default Difference between FE3 and Z51?

Is the option FE3 and Z51 the same thing? If so, what does that mean/include on a 97-2000?
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 07:34 PM
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No they are not the same. The base model has the FE-3 suspension,
you could order the option Z-51 suspension.
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 07:41 PM
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Base suspension is FE1. Z51 is included with FE3. I think they are the same. ZO6 has FE4 suspension.
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 07:42 PM
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I beg to differ - the base suspension RPO is FE1, the FE3 suspension is a part of the Z51 package, which includes larger diameter sway bars, higher rate springs, stiffer shocks, and a power steering cooler. The Z51 package also required the G92 performance axle ratio (3.15) if the car was to be equipped with the A4 automatic.

The FE1 package is a part of the F45 Selective Real Time Dampening and the F55 Magnetic Ride suspension. The difference between these options and the FE1 is the shocks.

For reference purposes, the FE4 suspension is the Z06.
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 08:10 PM
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Originally Posted by blacksedan87
I beg to differ - the base suspension RPO is FE1, the FE3 suspension is a part of the Z51 package, which includes larger diameter sway bars, higher rate springs, stiffer shocks, and a power steering cooler. The Z51 package also required the G92 performance axle ratio (3.15) if the car was to be equipped with the A4 automatic.

The FE1 package is a part of the F45 Selective Real Time Dampening and the F55 Magnetic Ride suspension. The difference between these options and the FE1 is the shocks.

For reference purposes, the FE4 suspension is the Z06.



Soooo, does FE3 equate to Z51 in manual transmission equipped cars?

Thanks!
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Old Jan 4, 2009 | 09:08 PM
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Originally Posted by TDLW
Soooo, does FE3 equate to Z51 in manual transmission equipped cars?

Thanks!
Yes - it will say both FE3 and Z51 on your RPO sticker. If you have a '97 or a '98. it's on the bottom on the driver's side rear compartment cover. If it's a newer model, it will be on the inside of the glove box door. It is alphabetical.....
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Old Jan 5, 2009 | 12:02 AM
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Originally Posted by blacksedan87
I beg to differ - the base suspension RPO is FE1, the FE3 suspension is a part of the Z51 package, which includes larger diameter sway bars, higher rate springs, stiffer shocks, and a power steering cooler. The Z51 package also required the G92 performance axle ratio (3.15) if the car was to be equipped with the A4 automatic.

The FE1 package is a part of the F45 Selective Real Time Dampening and the F55 Magnetic Ride suspension. The difference between these options and the FE1 is the shocks.

For reference purposes, the FE4 suspension is the Z06.
Once again, Randy is spot on.

RPO Z51 is the Performance Handling Package which is made up of the RPO FE3 Sport Suspension and a power steering cooler.
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Old Jan 5, 2009 | 11:37 AM
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As an added note:
FE3 is the RPO Code the Factory Production line employees used when the C5 was built with the Z51 Package.

Last edited by El Zappo; Jan 5, 2009 at 11:40 AM.
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Old Jan 5, 2009 | 07:44 PM
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Originally Posted by El Zappo
As an added note:
FE3 is the RPO Code the Factory Production line employees used when the C5 was built with the Z51 Package.
Again, FE3 is the RPO code for the Sport Suspension. Z51 also is an RPO code and it is the RPO code for the Preformance Handling Package. The Z51 Performance Handling Package consists of the FE3 Sport Suspension plus a power steering cooler: FE3 + power steering cooler = Z51. See following link:

Chevrolet Corvette C5 RPO Code List

We ordered our car from the factory with the Z51 Performance Handling Package. Z51 is the RPO code that was entered on our copies of both the Order Form and the Vehicle Order Detail form that we received back. FE3 does not appear on either of these order forms. However, both RPO codes, Z51 and FE3 do appear on our car's factory build sheet.

Hope this helps to clarify.
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Old Jan 5, 2009 | 08:16 PM
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Originally Posted by road pilot
No they are not the same. The base model has the FE-3 suspension,
you could order the option Z-51 suspension.
Sorry I'm so stupid. This question has come up before and for
some reason I keep getting FE-1 and FE-3 mixed up.
I had a FE-1 and converted to FE-3 on my Y2K and I haven't
been the same since.
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Old Jan 5, 2009 | 09:24 PM
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Originally Posted by road pilot
Sorry I'm so stupid. This question has come up before and for
some reason I keep getting FE-1 and FE-3 mixed up.
I had a FE-1 and converted to FE-3 on my Y2K and I haven't
been the same since.
You're not stupid - it can be confusing.....that's why we're here, to cut through the confusion!
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