Does Z51 add value ?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 789
From: Hernando MS
I don't think it'd make a difference. A large % of the buying public wouldn't know what it was to begin with and wouldn't want to pay a $1 more even when told... and the ones that do know (and are really concerned with upgraded handling) would be planning on replacing most of what it included anyway.
Last edited by MikeG37; Oct 23, 2017 at 10:36 AM.
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with the others. I wouldn't pay extra for it when shopping for a Vette.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 498
Likes: 100
From: New Jersey
Keep in mind, Z51 back then wasn't as intense as it is now. Shocks, sway bars and one spring (rear?) if I'm not mistaken. And the power steering cooler. The window sticker that came with mine says its like a 350 dollar option.
On C7 its a much bigger difference, costs more, adds coolers for everything (I think), upgraded diff, shocks and other suspension stuff. Brakes and maybe even the dry sump. I don't recall exactly, but its a lot of stuff.
So on a C5, no not really. Its cheap to upgrade what it does come with (C6 parts) so its not all that advantageous to have it.
On C7 its a much bigger difference, costs more, adds coolers for everything (I think), upgraded diff, shocks and other suspension stuff. Brakes and maybe even the dry sump. I don't recall exactly, but its a lot of stuff.
So on a C5, no not really. Its cheap to upgrade what it does come with (C6 parts) so its not all that advantageous to have it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,197
Likes: 190
From: ALL governments are legalized mobsters, so doesn't matter where I live :(
IMO, YES!
A person totally would, hence why it was an option to begin with. There those who do HPDE and autocross events that would rather have a Z51 package over base. At one point when I was looking for a C6 the minimum I would look at was a Z51, unless there was a smoking deal on a base model. It doesn't necessarily mean that a Z51 would command more money, but from a buyer stand point it would definitely be a preference.
A person totally would, hence why it was an option to begin with. There those who do HPDE and autocross events that would rather have a Z51 package over base. At one point when I was looking for a C6 the minimum I would look at was a Z51, unless there was a smoking deal on a base model. It doesn't necessarily mean that a Z51 would command more money, but from a buyer stand point it would definitely be a preference.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,806
Likes: 70
From: Rochester MN
These are all good opinions. i bought my 98 at a Nissan dealer used car lot and nobody mentioned it to me and i did not realize Z51 was on my car until i checked out the ordering codes after I bought it. So like many comments, i would not pay extra ,as the general public is unaware what it includes.
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 76
From: Portland OR
These are all good opinions. i bought my 98 at a Nissan dealer used car lot and nobody mentioned it to me and i did not realize Z51 was on my car until i checked out the ordering codes after I bought it. So like many comments, i would not pay extra ,as the general public is unaware what it includes.
There were Z51 stickers on the fenders and the dealer said "I know what a Z06 is, but I have no idea what Z51 means". I knew and was happy to take it off their hands.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 498
Likes: 100
From: New Jersey
These are all good opinions. i bought my 98 at a Nissan dealer used car lot and nobody mentioned it to me and i did not realize Z51 was on my car until i checked out the ordering codes after I bought it. So like many comments, i would not pay extra ,as the general public is unaware what it includes.
)
Instructor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 243
Likes: 53
From: Draper UT
For someone wanting a stock, excellent condition car maybe they'll appreciate it. I, however, don't care because it's an older car with aging suspension components. There are so many great and inexpensive GM/aftermarnet suspension parts for these cars now that I'd just plan on ripping everything out and setting it up the way that it suits me. This chassis deserves more than what the old FE3 package gives you IMHO.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
I personally wouldn't think so.
If I was looking at two similar cars and one was a z51 while the other wasn't, I would rather the z51. If the base was more than $1000 less I would go that route though, just because I know I wouldn't be happy with the z51 performance and want to upgrade it anyways.
If I was looking at two similar cars and one was a z51 while the other wasn't, I would rather the z51. If the base was more than $1000 less I would go that route though, just because I know I wouldn't be happy with the z51 performance and want to upgrade it anyways.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
Stiffer springs, sways and a power steering cooler have got to be worth a little something.
Not a lot though.
I'm a fan of the Z51 spring rates. The front is like the Z06 while the back spring stiffness is somewhere between the base and Z06. You still get a little rear squat for straight line acceleration. A little less harsh on bumps. I may be in a minority here for liking the Z51 rear spring.
Not a lot though.
I'm a fan of the Z51 spring rates. The front is like the Z06 while the back spring stiffness is somewhere between the base and Z06. You still get a little rear squat for straight line acceleration. A little less harsh on bumps. I may be in a minority here for liking the Z51 rear spring.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 16,066
Likes: 4,149
From: Bergen county NJ
I believe z51 package does offer a better product.
The heavy duty nature of the track package offers better durability in daily use. Just in my opinion.
I believe consumers purchasing a preowned vehicle will pay more for a z51 packaged vehicle and found many corvette buyers search out only z51 vehicles..expanding your potiential buyers pool when selling
Is it worth more In Dollars and cents? Not really but in ease of selling a preowned vehicle...I believe it has value.
Many buyers of preowned corvettes specifically look for and demand either z51, grand sport or z06 models to meet their expectations of the full corvette experience.
Is any of this based on reality of different vehicle performance? That's highly debatable.
Still I would only ever purchase new or used a z51, a grand sport and or a z06.
My next corvette will be my fourth new corvette purchase..
I'm leaning towards the 650 hp z06 or maybe a rear mid engine c8 as recently shown.
My favorite corvette so far was my c5 z06 ...that modded car was a bit of a headache because of the mods but it really was over the 65k miles a hell of a raw race car like driving experience
The heavy duty nature of the track package offers better durability in daily use. Just in my opinion.
I believe consumers purchasing a preowned vehicle will pay more for a z51 packaged vehicle and found many corvette buyers search out only z51 vehicles..expanding your potiential buyers pool when selling
Is it worth more In Dollars and cents? Not really but in ease of selling a preowned vehicle...I believe it has value.
Many buyers of preowned corvettes specifically look for and demand either z51, grand sport or z06 models to meet their expectations of the full corvette experience.
Is any of this based on reality of different vehicle performance? That's highly debatable.
Still I would only ever purchase new or used a z51, a grand sport and or a z06.
My next corvette will be my fourth new corvette purchase..
I'm leaning towards the 650 hp z06 or maybe a rear mid engine c8 as recently shown.
My favorite corvette so far was my c5 z06 ...that modded car was a bit of a headache because of the mods but it really was over the 65k miles a hell of a raw race car like driving experience
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,806
Likes: 70
From: Rochester MN
I believe z51 package does offer a better product.
The heavy duty nature of the track package offers better durability in daily use. Just in my opinion.
I believe consumers purchasing a preowned vehicle will pay more for a z51 packaged vehicle and found many corvette buyers search out only z51 vehicles..expanding your potiential buyers pool when selling
Is it worth more In Dollars and cents? Not really but in ease of selling a preowned vehicle...I believe it has value.
Many buyers of preowned corvettes specifically look for and demand either z51, grand sport or z06 models to meet their expectations of the full corvette experience.
Is any of this based on reality of different vehicle performance? That's highly debatable.
Still I would only ever purchase new or used a z51, a grand sport and or a z06.
My next corvette will be my fourth new corvette purchase..
I'm leaning towards the 650 hp z06 or maybe a rear mid engine c8 as recently shown.
My favorite corvette so far was my c5 z06 ...that modded car was a bit of a headache because of the mods but it really was over the 65k miles a hell of a raw race car like driving experience
The heavy duty nature of the track package offers better durability in daily use. Just in my opinion.
I believe consumers purchasing a preowned vehicle will pay more for a z51 packaged vehicle and found many corvette buyers search out only z51 vehicles..expanding your potiential buyers pool when selling
Is it worth more In Dollars and cents? Not really but in ease of selling a preowned vehicle...I believe it has value.
Many buyers of preowned corvettes specifically look for and demand either z51, grand sport or z06 models to meet their expectations of the full corvette experience.
Is any of this based on reality of different vehicle performance? That's highly debatable.
Still I would only ever purchase new or used a z51, a grand sport and or a z06.
My next corvette will be my fourth new corvette purchase..
I'm leaning towards the 650 hp z06 or maybe a rear mid engine c8 as recently shown.
My favorite corvette so far was my c5 z06 ...that modded car was a bit of a headache because of the mods but it really was over the 65k miles a hell of a raw race car like driving experience
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 345
Likes: 86
From: Goodlettsville Tennessee
IMO, YES!
A person totally would, hence why it was an option to begin with. There those who do HPDE and autocross events that would rather have a Z51 package over base. At one point when I was looking for a C6 the minimum I would look at was a Z51, unless there was a smoking deal on a base model. It doesn't necessarily mean that a Z51 would command more money, but from a buyer stand point it would definitely be a preference.
A person totally would, hence why it was an option to begin with. There those who do HPDE and autocross events that would rather have a Z51 package over base. At one point when I was looking for a C6 the minimum I would look at was a Z51, unless there was a smoking deal on a base model. It doesn't necessarily mean that a Z51 would command more money, but from a buyer stand point it would definitely be a preference.
Z06 > Z51 in every way!
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 365
From: SF Bay Area
IMO, YES!
A person totally would, hence why it was an option to begin with. There those who do HPDE and autocross events that would rather have a Z51 package over base. At one point when I was looking for a C6 the minimum I would look at was a Z51, unless there was a smoking deal on a base model. It doesn't necessarily mean that a Z51 would command more money, but from a buyer stand point it would definitely be a preference.
A person totally would, hence why it was an option to begin with. There those who do HPDE and autocross events that would rather have a Z51 package over base. At one point when I was looking for a C6 the minimum I would look at was a Z51, unless there was a smoking deal on a base model. It doesn't necessarily mean that a Z51 would command more money, but from a buyer stand point it would definitely be a preference.