Opinion
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 111
Likes: 1
From: Jackson TN
Opinion
Ok, I am going to ask another question that is probably only has a strictly personal opinion answer to it, because I don't know how one would measure it. Question is, how much does the Z51 package on a C5 affect the ride? Also, how much does it improve the handling and braking? Thanks is advance for any input you may have.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,184
Likes: 1
From: CT
I'd imagine the ride is pretty smooth still, as the Z06 rides smoothly for a sports car IMO. Smoother than most of my previous cars. M3, GTI, etc. These are not super stiff, aggressive cars from the factory.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 29,252
Likes: 176
From: Blessed are the cracked. For they are the ones who let in the light.
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '26
I've found the ride on all of mine to be a comfortable ride on the streets/highways. I don't notice any difference in handling from my 03(base suspension) to the 99 frc(z51), but I don't track it, and thats probably where you would notice it.
I am sure others will chime in, for now here are a few specs>>
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/.../suspcomp.html
I am sure others will chime in, for now here are a few specs>>
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/.../suspcomp.html
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
I have a '99 coupe with Z51, and it rides a little firmer than the standard suspension. It handles great, but I don't really push it hard enough to see a big difference, but if you track it, or autocross it's a big improvement.
Also, if the car has an auto trans, the Z51 includes an upgrade on the rear axle ratio to 3.15
Also, if the car has an auto trans, the Z51 includes an upgrade on the rear axle ratio to 3.15
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,466
Likes: 309
From: Scottsdale AZ
Ok, I am going to ask another question that is probably only has a strictly personal opinion answer to it, because I don't know how one would measure it. Question is, how much does the Z51 package on a C5 affect the ride? Also, how much does it improve the handling and braking? Thanks is advance for any input you may have.
Improve performance- not really noticeable on the street- good for track and high speed events.
Had Z51 on my C6- don't have it on the C5- no big loss.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,744
Likes: 3,265
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 76
From: Portland OR
<edit> While I have yet tracked my car, I do drive spirited on the way home a few days a week along Skyline. 30mph corners are funner at 60.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 48
From: Yuma CO
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
I have had two '99 coupes, one with Z51 and one without, so we are definitely comparing apples to apples here. My present one has the Z51 package and it is everything I expected the first one to be, but was not!! Night and day difference!! Yes, even just on the street!!!
The tracking through corners, etc. is so much more precise. The body roll in corners is so much less. The 3:15 gears are much more fun, however, 3:42's would be even better!!
The ride is still smooth and very comfortable, but nice and firm. After this car, I wouldn't even consider one without the Z51 package.
DSTURBD
The tracking through corners, etc. is so much more precise. The body roll in corners is so much less. The 3:15 gears are much more fun, however, 3:42's would be even better!!
The ride is still smooth and very comfortable, but nice and firm. After this car, I wouldn't even consider one without the Z51 package.
DSTURBD
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I have only had a pair of '99's (FRC and targa) both with Z51.
I upgraded to the C6 Z51 sway bars with metal end links and can feel a noticeable difference in less sway in the corners. The ride is still firm but not harsh or objectionable. It did not change by adding the bigger sway bars, it is as smooth as before just corners better.
The '99 and older Z51 use smaller sway bars than '00 and later Z51 cars. C5 Z06 bars are bigger than either, and C6 Z51 bars are bigger than them.
I upgraded to the C6 Z51 sway bars with metal end links and can feel a noticeable difference in less sway in the corners. The ride is still firm but not harsh or objectionable. It did not change by adding the bigger sway bars, it is as smooth as before just corners better.
The '99 and older Z51 use smaller sway bars than '00 and later Z51 cars. C5 Z06 bars are bigger than either, and C6 Z51 bars are bigger than them.