base to z51 -- compare ride --
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,234
Likes: 19
From: Freestate Corvette Club! Elkridge, MD
St. Jude Donor '17
I drove both when looking for my Vette - Yes they are different - but I would not say it is overly drastic. I have the z51 and it rides great to me (but then my daily beater is a 2004 Super Duty truck). They are both softer than the Zo6 which also has a good ride considering the sheer performance the thing is capable of.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 66
From: Hurst, TX USA
I went from a Z06 to a base suspension coupe to a Z51 coupe. I can tell you there is a difference.
The Z06 corners almost flat and is pretty stiff feeling on bumpy roads.
The base suspension is scary after the Z06. the first corner I took at the same speed I was used to with the Z I thought I was going to scrape off the door handles. I couldn't believe how much body roll there was. But the ride was nice and smooth on almost any road. After 6000 miles I traded it in on the Z51 coupe.
I think the Z51 is the best of both worlds. Body roll is more than the Z06 but not nearly as much as the base susp. and the ride is also in between the two. Feels like a sports car should.
I doubt I will ever own a base suspension car again, too sloppy feeling for me. But if the Z came with the 6 speed auto, I would definately be tempted...
The Z06 corners almost flat and is pretty stiff feeling on bumpy roads.
The base suspension is scary after the Z06. the first corner I took at the same speed I was used to with the Z I thought I was going to scrape off the door handles. I couldn't believe how much body roll there was. But the ride was nice and smooth on almost any road. After 6000 miles I traded it in on the Z51 coupe.
I think the Z51 is the best of both worlds. Body roll is more than the Z06 but not nearly as much as the base susp. and the ride is also in between the two. Feels like a sports car should.
I doubt I will ever own a base suspension car again, too sloppy feeling for me. But if the Z came with the 6 speed auto, I would definately be tempted...
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
I have 2 vettes. One with the base and one with Z51.
The base suppension vette is an O4 auto with standard run flat GY. I think it handle very very well. and actully a bit stiffer because of the run flats.
My Z51 coupe I run with Mich PS on the street or R compound on the track. I love the suppension for track use and it was good for street.
anyone would be happy with either. If you plan on doing a little spirited driving the standard is fine. the Z51 you will feel more bumps on the street and is stiffer for faster corners, like clover leaf on ramps
Drive them both then make a dession.
:cheer:
The base suppension vette is an O4 auto with standard run flat GY. I think it handle very very well. and actully a bit stiffer because of the run flats.
My Z51 coupe I run with Mich PS on the street or R compound on the track. I love the suppension for track use and it was good for street.
anyone would be happy with either. If you plan on doing a little spirited driving the standard is fine. the Z51 you will feel more bumps on the street and is stiffer for faster corners, like clover leaf on ramps
Drive them both then make a dession.
:cheer:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,495
Likes: 0
From: Paducah Ky
I've only had mine 5 weeks or so. Two things I had to have were the 6 speed and the Z51. I wanted that, corners like it's on rails feeling. The ride is just fine to me and I still have the orig. runflats. I'm sure it's going to get much better when those tires get replaced. Good luck with your choice. 
