Does Z51 add value ?
#21
As someone who wanted a coupe vs an FRC car; a z51 package was pretty high on my list. It's the closest thing to a Z in the later cars while allowing the open roof.
Generally when purchasing a corvette, at least to me; I didnt have an extra 2500-3k to immediately sink into the suspension, and no matter what; I wouldn't have gotten a power steering cooler.
Technically with the "change it all anyhow " mindset there's no reason to buy a Z either.
By the later year C5s you are heads away from Z power anyhow; damn near everything else is the same - so if one were to want the best coupe they could buy, it would be it.
Early Z51 should not be confused with late z51 as the late cars saw the Z06 specific carry over parts. Shocks, front spring, specific rate rear, PS cooler and metal end links. The early cars never got the cooler nor the endlinks nor FE4 style springs.
So my long winded answer is yes, simply because it was to me. It was a more rare option according to RPO records in the 03/04 cars anyhow.
Generally when purchasing a corvette, at least to me; I didnt have an extra 2500-3k to immediately sink into the suspension, and no matter what; I wouldn't have gotten a power steering cooler.
Technically with the "change it all anyhow " mindset there's no reason to buy a Z either.
By the later year C5s you are heads away from Z power anyhow; damn near everything else is the same - so if one were to want the best coupe they could buy, it would be it.
Early Z51 should not be confused with late z51 as the late cars saw the Z06 specific carry over parts. Shocks, front spring, specific rate rear, PS cooler and metal end links. The early cars never got the cooler nor the endlinks nor FE4 style springs.
So my long winded answer is yes, simply because it was to me. It was a more rare option according to RPO records in the 03/04 cars anyhow.
Last edited by RSbeast; 10-25-2017 at 01:14 AM.
#22
Le Mans Master
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Yes, that was my point, but starting off with a decent base gets you that much further ahead. In my case I had to basically upgrade my entire suspension because the FE1 package was to soft for the track.
#24
I would say the Z51 package adds value, but only a small amount and only to a narrow slice of buyers. I was looking for a Z51 car and made an offer on one before I bought my FE1 base suspension car. The Z51 owner was asking more than I was willing to pay.
#25
Burning Brakes
You can tell a huge difference in a car with and with out for sure. Go drive a car with that 2.73 or what ever it was and then go drive one with the 3.15. Same thing with the suspension, base car to me is too soft. My buddy bought a 03 AE Vert a couple years ago with the select ride, I thought it was terrible. My car has 146,000 miles and his car had 26,000 when we brought it home. My car rides and handles much better than his. So yes I would pay more for a car with it, or to put it another way. I wouldn't buy one without it. I never plan on tracking or racing, but still want the handling and ride.
#26
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The condition/price of a base C5 is the main factor. Other big options such as HUD, rare exterior color, rare red interior (not including firethorn), magnesium wheels, etc.
Z51 is just icing on the cake, but the cake has to be tasty to begin with.
Z51 is just icing on the cake, but the cake has to be tasty to begin with.