z51 help please
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 984
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas
Originally Posted by scrannel
Funny, I'm an F55 driver and I have no trouble at all praising the Z51. It's a great package. But the F55 is the best suspension for touring and performance. As noted before, with the C5, when all three models had equal tires the F55 lapped faster than the Z51 on the track. However, the strength of the Z51 is its other goodies which currently you cannot get on the other models. The best overall suspenson, in IMHO and from tests, points to the F55, The best track car is the Z51 -- but not because of the suspension.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 8,133
Likes: 144
From: Ex-SF Bay Area; now happily Denver area
I have both a '00 C5 base and '06 C6 Z51 and I'm very happy with the Z51 option. But I got it mostly for the gearing and the other upgrades were just extra benefits to me. I wouldn't have anything else. But I also got to test drive both a base and Z51 C6 and in my mind it was a no-brainer. But's that's just me.
From what you've said, it sounds to me like an F55 option would be best. The reason I say that is because you are already worried about the ride comfort and you don't need the tracking abilities. With an F55 you will have the option of changing the mode to whatever you enjoy most in a particular situation. You don't need the coolers, brakes, tires, gearing, etc. so the F55 will probably get you as close to a Z51 as you need, with the option of going back to a softer mode whenever you'd like.
From what you've said, it sounds to me like an F55 option would be best. The reason I say that is because you are already worried about the ride comfort and you don't need the tracking abilities. With an F55 you will have the option of changing the mode to whatever you enjoy most in a particular situation. You don't need the coolers, brakes, tires, gearing, etc. so the F55 will probably get you as close to a Z51 as you need, with the option of going back to a softer mode whenever you'd like.
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
I got an 06 Z51 coupe a few months ago after owning an 03 Cobra coupe for a few years. The Cobra ride was harsher than the Z51. Aside from that comparison, since I got the Z51 I've never felt that the ride was harsh. I haven't any experience with vettes with the other suspension options but I haven't had any regrets about my choice. I'd be surprised if you would either.
Mike
Mike
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: Westchester CA
Z-51
I have a 2005 C6 with Z51. It actually rides better than my previous 2002 C5 with standard suspension. However, there is one other issue you need to think about. The special tires that come with the Z51 retail for over $400 each and they don't last very long. If I knew I would have to buy $1,600 worth of tires after 15,000 miles I probably would have skipped the Z51 option.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 0
From: Malibu California
Originally Posted by jeffgdula
funny, I thought we were talking about C6's.
Thread Starter
2009 ZR1 SN 1166
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,654
Likes: 28
From: Toronto Ontario
Problem resolved. I will keep the z51. I doubt i'll regret the choice, the roads are fairly good where i am and when i do get aggressive i'll have what i need. I hear the option brings better money on resale , who knows, i probably could not tell the difference anyway. I'm 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 1
From: Howell N.J
I was not sure if I was going to like the Z51 with the bad roads here in N.J but I think it rides much better then I expected and I absolutely love it. In my opinion there is not much of a difference between the base and Z51 on rough roads. Drive both before you make your decision. Goodluck.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Other than the suspension, what are the "best" goodies on the Z51? I would also assume that the tires are out of the question in any slick, ice, dusting for snow roads where the base or F55 could get you by????
I had a bmw 330 i with sport suspension, does anyone know which ride that would be closest to in the vette?
I had a bmw 330 i with sport suspension, does anyone know which ride that would be closest to in the vette?
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Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,522
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From: Beer. The cause of and solution to - all of lifes problems
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by Topspin627
Other than the suspension, what are the "best" goodies on the Z51? I would also assume that the tires are out of the question in any slick, ice, dusting for snow roads where the base or F55 could get you by????
I had a bmw 330 i with sport suspension, does anyone know which ride that would be closest to in the vette?
I had a bmw 330 i with sport suspension, does anyone know which ride that would be closest to in the vette?
I don't know about ice or dusting. Its 28 degrees with a light flurry in S.E. Mich right now - I drove my vette to work today
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 29,085
Likes: 14
From: Cary IL and Parrish FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Originally Posted by 82 mouton
I have read the threads on this but have some doubt about my choice of a z51. I'm in toronto where the roads are fairly good and smooth. I do like a comfortable ride and will not be taking the car to a track. By the same token, i also like to feel the road and will on occassion see what the car will do. So, i am going to the dealer today, car was just ordered last week, should i stay with the option or delete it. Can you miss what you never had, my instinct at this point tells me to delete it. 
.
.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Wicked_C6
oil cooler, transcooler, drilled rotors, and yes different tires.
I don't know about ice or dusting. Its 28 degrees with a light flurry in S.E. Mich right now - I drove my vette to work today
I don't know about ice or dusting. Its 28 degrees with a light flurry in S.E. Mich right now - I drove my vette to work today
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,522
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From: Beer. The cause of and solution to - all of lifes problems
St. Jude Donor '09
I would think that operating the engine and trans at a cooler temp would prolong the life of components...so my answer would be yes.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,949
Likes: 1,336
From: Houston Tx
Originally Posted by Topspin627
If you don't track is there any every day benefit to those?
Drilled brakes are an appearance thing. Most think they look at least somewhat better, and some think they look vastly better. The brake rotors are also slightly larger, but as with the coolers, that has zero benefit on the street. On the track, with constant heavy braking, it gives you more brake mass and surface area for cooling in between hard brake applications.
Tires, like the suspension itself, are a tradeoff. The Z51 tires are stickier, and thus corner a bit better. But that comes at a price of slightly harsher, noisier ride, and less tire life.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
I just ordered a new C6 vert and opted for the Z51. I test drove cars with and without and quite frankly had to look at the brake rotors to see if I was in the Z51 or not. The Z51 rode better than my current C5 without Z51. The thing that sold me is the 6-spd gearing with the Z51. I liked the closer spacing. Are you getting a manual or auto?
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 410shooter
I just ordered a new C6 vert and opted for the Z51. I test drove cars with and without and quite frankly had to look at the brake rotors to see if I was in the Z51 or not. The Z51 rode better than my current C5 without Z51. The thing that sold me is the 6-spd gearing with the Z51. I liked the closer spacing. Are you getting a manual or auto?
Thank you.
That's what I thought, I just didn't want to show off my knowledge.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 60
From: West Michigan
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by Topspin627
Please explain to me how the closer spacing works. That's not the same as a short throw is it?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 0
From: Upper St. Clair PA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'09
Originally Posted by 82 mouton
Problem resolved. I will keep the z51. I doubt i'll regret the choice, the roads are fairly good where i am and when i do get aggressive i'll have what i need. I hear the option brings better money on resale , who knows, i probably could not tell the difference anyway. I'm
Most cost effective performance mod available, but it is definitely firm. I think you too will like it!!