Z-51 Question?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 136
Likes: 24
From: Chico CA
Z-51 Question?
Z-51 Question?
I am looking at a 1998, Red C-5 coupe, for sale. It is in excellent condition, has only 28,000 miles on it, and priced reasonably. ---- It is equipped with the Z-51 package. I assume the base suspension would be a much softer ride, but I don’t really know that to be a fact. -- Does the Z-51 effect ride quality a great deal? Is Z-51 so stiff, that it is an uncomfortable ride?
I am looking at a 1998, Red C-5 coupe, for sale. It is in excellent condition, has only 28,000 miles on it, and priced reasonably. ---- It is equipped with the Z-51 package. I assume the base suspension would be a much softer ride, but I don’t really know that to be a fact. -- Does the Z-51 effect ride quality a great deal? Is Z-51 so stiff, that it is an uncomfortable ride?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 368
From: Iowa
Ride comfort is subjective. You really need to test drive the car and see how you think it feels. I have a 2001 w/Z51 and I replaced the factory shocks with 2013 Z06 shocks. I think the ride is just fine. It's stiff but it doesn't jostle you by any means. My fiancee thinks it's too harsh though. You really need to drive one and see what you think.
I can say having driven a few C3's and C4's that the C5 feels like you're floating on a cloud compared to the stiff suspensions in the previous generations.
I can say having driven a few C3's and C4's that the C5 feels like you're floating on a cloud compared to the stiff suspensions in the previous generations.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
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Z51 on a C5 is higher rate (firmer) springs, different shocks and a thicker set of sway bars. It doesn't make the ride harsh - it is firmer, yes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 304
I agree with what's been said. Keep in mind, it is a sports car, so you don't want it to ride like your daddys cadillac.
That said, I had a 2011 CTS Coupe and installed Eibach lowering springs. My 2004 Z ride quality is about the same as the caddy with the aftermarket springs. Actually the Z is less "bouncy" than the CTS was.
Bottom line is it depends on what you want from the car.
Shakey
That said, I had a 2011 CTS Coupe and installed Eibach lowering springs. My 2004 Z ride quality is about the same as the caddy with the aftermarket springs. Actually the Z is less "bouncy" than the CTS was.
Bottom line is it depends on what you want from the car.
Shakey
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 358
From: Northville, MI
Since it is a 98, the Z51 was not that harsh a ride. The sway bars are slight larger and will give you a firmer cornering car than stock, the shocks are slightly firmer and the spring is somewhat firmer. Also, if it is an automatic you receive a 3.15 rear axle gear for quicker acceleration.
There was another thread a month ago that listed all the suspension specs for a C5
There was another thread a month ago that listed all the suspension specs for a C5
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 940
Likes: 81
From: Lake Villa IL
My '04 has the Z51 package and I can drive it all day on road trips with no discomfort. Plus if you want to play in the corners, it is a blast. Last trip we drove for 16.5 hours straight with only stopping for gas, food and pee breaks.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 394
From: Rocky Mountains
The '00 Z-51 is firm but still comfortable.
I think the FE-1 suspension is pretty soft. Unless you're just touring, I'd go with the Z-51. The magnetic F55 shocks on later C5s are cool but expensive to replace when they eventually wear out.
I think the FE-1 suspension is pretty soft. Unless you're just touring, I'd go with the Z-51. The magnetic F55 shocks on later C5s are cool but expensive to replace when they eventually wear out.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 136
Likes: 24
From: Chico CA
Ride comfort is subjective. You really need to test drive the car and see how you think it feels. I have a 2001 w/Z51 and I replaced the factory shocks with 2013 Z06 shocks. I think the ride is just fine. It's stiff but it doesn't jostle you by any means. My fiancee thinks it's too harsh though. You really need to drive one and see what you think.
I can say having driven a few C3's and C4's that the C5 feels like you're floating on a cloud compared to the stiff suspensions in the previous generations.
I can say having driven a few C3's and C4's that the C5 feels like you're floating on a cloud compared to the stiff suspensions in the previous generations.