Base vs Z51
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey New Jersey
Base vs Z51
I am currently in the process of looking for my first vette. I originally wanted a Z06, but I think I can get a nicer car with lower miles for the same amount of $$$ with a coupe. Plus I like the idea of the removable top. I have been looking for coupes with the Z51 package as the closest thing to a Z06, however many of the cars I've found that I like don't have it. My question for you guys is, for someone who isn't going to track their car or do any "serious" driving, how much difference is there between a base and a Z51. Is the Z51 significantly harsher for a daily driver? Am I going to miss the handling if I don't get it?
If there is a big difference, and I find an otherwise perfect car that lacks the Z51 package, how many parts are different between the base car and the Z51, and how difficult (and expensive) would it be to swap in the parts to replicate it. I realize there are probably aftermarket parts out there that will exceed the capabilities of the factory parts, but I would probably just be looking to replicate the factory option.
Thanks
If there is a big difference, and I find an otherwise perfect car that lacks the Z51 package, how many parts are different between the base car and the Z51, and how difficult (and expensive) would it be to swap in the parts to replicate it. I realize there are probably aftermarket parts out there that will exceed the capabilities of the factory parts, but I would probably just be looking to replicate the factory option.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 0
From: Qualicum Beach British Columbia
I am currently in the process of looking for my first vette. I originally wanted a Z06, but I think I can get a nicer car with lower miles for the same amount of $$$ with a coupe. Plus I like the idea of the removable top. I have been looking for coupes with the Z51 package as the closest thing to a Z06, however many of the cars I've found that I like don't have it. My question for you guys is, for someone who isn't going to track their car or do any "serious" driving, how much difference is there between a base and a Z51. Is the Z51 significantly harsher for a daily driver? Am I going to miss the handling if I don't get it?
If there is a big difference, and I find an otherwise perfect car that lacks the Z51 package, how many parts are different between the base car and the Z51, and how difficult (and expensive) would it be to swap in the parts to replicate it. I realize there are probably aftermarket parts out there that will exceed the capabilities of the factory parts, but I would probably just be looking to replicate the factory option.
Thanks
If there is a big difference, and I find an otherwise perfect car that lacks the Z51 package, how many parts are different between the base car and the Z51, and how difficult (and expensive) would it be to swap in the parts to replicate it. I realize there are probably aftermarket parts out there that will exceed the capabilities of the factory parts, but I would probably just be looking to replicate the factory option.
Thanks
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Loganville Georgia
I wanted a Z51 coupe, but I had a very difficult time locating one that was in good condition. It is very simple to replicate the Z51 suspension. Many of the components (or better alternatives) are available through gmpartshouse.com.
For the record, though the base car's suspension is acceptably sporty, the upgrade to Z51 is significantly better. I bought a base coupe in great condition with the plan to upgrade the suspension as soon as my budget recovers (sometime in 2056, I guess).
For the record, though the base car's suspension is acceptably sporty, the upgrade to Z51 is significantly better. I bought a base coupe in great condition with the plan to upgrade the suspension as soon as my budget recovers (sometime in 2056, I guess).
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
Look for a Vette that is in perfect shape and don't be too concerned about the z51 package...upgrading later on is fairly easy and if you look in the for sale section, there are always good deals on upgraded suspension components for fairly little money. Indy
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
I wanted a Z51 coupe, but I had a very difficult time locating one that was in good condition. It is very simple to replicate the Z51 suspension. Many of the components (or better alternatives) are available through gmpartshouse.com.
For the record, though the base car's suspension is acceptably sporty, the upgrade to Z51 is significantly better. I bought a base coupe in great condition with the plan to upgrade the suspension as soon as my budget recovers (sometime in 2056, I guess).
For the record, though the base car's suspension is acceptably sporty, the upgrade to Z51 is significantly better. I bought a base coupe in great condition with the plan to upgrade the suspension as soon as my budget recovers (sometime in 2056, I guess).
I've had C5s both with and without Z51. I like Z51, but I would easily buy a car without Z51 if I found a nice car that was otherwise equipped to my liking.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 53
From: Warrington Pa.
I would be more concerned with the rear gears. If an auto look for one with the performance rear. The code in the glove box door would be G90 Rear Axle ratio - 3.15 and FE3 Sport Suspension (Included With Z51) A 6 speed has the 342 gears. Bill
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey New Jersey
I am definitely looking for a six speed car, so that's one thing I don't have to worry about.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,050
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles CA
I have a Z51 but I don't think there is that much of a difference. I think you should just look for the cleanest car you can find. I think the most major difference is the suspension. Mine was bad at 50k anyway so I replaced it with C6Z shocks. For not racing and an average driver I don't think it makes a difference.
Find the cleanest one. Test drive it. If you like it then get it.
Good luck.
Find the cleanest one. Test drive it. If you like it then get it.
Good luck.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Plymouth Massachusetts
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
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I had both BASE IS MUCH MUCH smoother and enjoyable to drive for me, Z51 for every day driving was harsh bumpy and not enjoyable at all that is why I got rid of my Z51.MHO is go with base or F55 cars .
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Fairless Hills PA
I purchased a base 04 with 2700 miles. Yes, 2700 was not a typo! It does have the upgraded rear (3.15) and is a gem of a vehicle. Had the car out tonight and low and behold I had a guy right on my duff trying to push me down the road. I guess he was interested in some folly. I pulled into the right lane and let him show his stuff and blow me away. What do I need to prove...
Sean
Sean
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 5
From: Toronto Ontario
St. Jude Donor '08
I have a base coupe and did not like the stock suspension.. I installed Bilstien sport shocks, Z06 composite springs & Z06 sway bars w/metal endlinks...it makes a dramatic improvement in both the handling & overall feel of the car...I highly recommed it, but my vette is not a DD.
Keep your eyes open and you can pick up most of the parts used and reasonably priced on the forum...
Keep your eyes open and you can pick up most of the parts used and reasonably priced on the forum...
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: The Sunshine State
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I agree. I had initially set out to find a Z51 verte, however bought one with the performance axle and then upgraded to Z06 sway bars when I swapped out my wheels for larger rims/tires. I plan to upgrade the shocks as well next round of new tires.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
When i purchased my 01 back in 04 i didn't know it had the z51 package, I just new it was the best one i drove to date. Firmer - not harsh. Quicker (3.15 gears) and much cleaner than the others i looked at. I ordered the window sticker from the museum I found out it had the z51 package. The previous owner never mentioned it and I paid less than the other coupes i drove with more miles on them.
I highly recommend the z51, IMO its worth it. BUT if you find a great deal you can always upgrade the car later. Swaybars and shocks would make a huge improvement for around $400 - $450 total and are easy enough for most owners to install themselves.
Good luck.
I highly recommend the z51, IMO its worth it. BUT if you find a great deal you can always upgrade the car later. Swaybars and shocks would make a huge improvement for around $400 - $450 total and are easy enough for most owners to install themselves.
Good luck.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Eugene Oregon
Base or Z51
I have a '99 Vert z51 with a 6 speed and love it for the astounding way it handles....it powers flat through the corners like it is on rails. I have a friend with a Z06 and I don't think his car handles any better than mine, although it is obviously faster on the straight. My wife and I do a lot of road trips on secondary highways out here in the Northwest and the car is an absolute joy on the winding roads we have the good fortune to drive. The "downside", if there is one, is that the z51 suspension is harsher than the standard suspension if you are driving on poorly paved roads; otherwise I don't notice any difference in the "smoothness" or comfort of the ride. I don't drive my car much in town, but when I do I only travel specific routes based on pavement quality because some of our local roads are a mess. So, I think your choice depends on how you plan to use your car and what kinds of road you will be using. And, from the comments of others, it sounds like you can easily "upgrade" the suspension to have z51 handling characteristics if you can't find one to buy. Good luck. A 'Vette will put a smile on your face.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 10
From: Jesuit Bend Louisiana
I have the Z51 suspension with the 3.15 rear.
I like mine a lot, very responsive........
The big question is where will you mostly drive the car? If your local roads are crappy, don't bother with the Z51. If you do mostly highway on nicer roads and like the thrill of hairpin turns and immediate response go for the Z51......
OR, buy a non Z51 and do the upgrades yourself!
Enjoy!
I like mine a lot, very responsive........
The big question is where will you mostly drive the car? If your local roads are crappy, don't bother with the Z51. If you do mostly highway on nicer roads and like the thrill of hairpin turns and immediate response go for the Z51......
OR, buy a non Z51 and do the upgrades yourself!
Enjoy!
