As I understand it there are different packages that you can get the C6 in. Obviously there is the C6 Z06, but the standard C6... what are the basic flavors? I hear there is a version with a stiffer suspension that may more closely resemble my current ride, a C5 z06. I looked on GM's website but didnt see another version (2lt, 3lt etc) that had suspension or other performance changes. Weblinks?

 

Your probably talking about the Z51 option...available on 1,2 3 LT's.

 

Not different models just different suspension options. Z51 and F55

 

The Z51 doesn't just stop at suspension. The Z51 package also equips the car with transmission and engine oil coolers. It also comes with the hifty crossed drilled rotors. The rear ends are also geared differently, except for the new 6 speed auto. I believe the rear on that is the same across the board.

 

meant to write "nifty", not "hifty".

 

gar. I hate it when people give out bad info.

The rear ratios is the same for *ALL* 6Ms, and its the same for *ALL* A6s (but not he same between them, 3.42 vs 2.56).
The Z51 changes the transmission gearing.
http://www.ilkhan.com/misc/ratios.JPG

 

Here's what's included in the Z51 Performance & Handling package.

Z51 PERFORMANCE PACKAGE, performance-oriented package for the
Gymkhana/Autocross enthusiast, includes power steering, engine oil and
transmission coolers, stiffer springs and stabilizer bars, specific shock
absorbers, larger brakes with cross-drilled rotors, specific tires and Z51-
specific 6-speed manual when ordered with 6-speed manual transmission
(Not available with (F55) Magnetic Selective Ride Control.)

 

And because of all the stuff it performs close to the C5 Z06. Some say 75% but I think it is closer than that and I had a 2003 Z06 to compare to.

 

There is the Coupe, Convertible, and the Z06. That is it for models. You do have a few option choices.

 

gar. I hate it when people post pictures of V6 Mustangs on this forum. I may have not been clear but I was referring to the A4 car, which happens to be one of the two Vettes that I currently own.

 

Z51 is not a model, but you will often times see the term "Z51" used here and elsewhere, to refer to a car with this option package.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/..._corvette_z51/

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....rticle_id=8423

http://www.automotiverhythms.com/lad...orvettez51.php

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articl...06corvette.htm

http://www.sportscarforums.com/f11/c...11-a-3849.html

Widespread use of the term has given it model status. Walk into any dealership whre they sell Corvettes and tell that you want to drive the Z51 and if they are knowledgable, then thay are likely to know what you are talking about. Likewise if you say "F55".

Perhaps the biggest draw for the package in the manual transmissioned C6s, is the more aggressive transmission gearing. Which is the same through the first 3 gears as the gearing found in the C5 Z06 and allows it to accelerate quicker than the base and F55 equipped cars.

 

Your best source for checking out the various options for the corvette is on the Chevrolet web site. www.corevett.com

 

You should also know that with all these goodies the Z51 option provides a .1 second advantage in the quarter mile at the same speed. In other words it's really no faster in a straight line than the base C6. This is not too surprising since the engine is identical in all C6's except the Z06.

You should also use search to explore the problems that have been encountered with the Z51 option including noisy brakes, very rapid tire wear, very dangerous tire performance in cold temperatures and , as reported by some owners, harsh and unpleasant ride.

The option is inexpensive but paradoxically nearly always on constraint. My hunch is that GM makes practically nothing on it and knows that people will buy cars without it if pushed a little.

I might buy it myself if I could have standard tires and at some additional hp.

I dare anyone to post reliable performance figures that would conclusively prove that a Z51 optioned C6 is much, if any, better performing in typical areas such as skid pad, braking distance, and...well, we already know about the dramatic edge it has in the 1/4 mile ( manual only as the auto gearing is identical ) .

I have no dislike for the Z51 option package. I think it's great for somebody who wants to race his car especially in hot or demanding conditions where a bit better braking would be good ( look for cracks in the cross drilled rotors incidentally ).

I am iritated , though, by Z51 owners who persist in attempts to portray a C6 with this minor option package as some kind of special and highly unique model that is second only to the Z06 in performance. In fact, IMO, it's nearly indistinguishable from the base car and way way way lower in performance than the Z06 ( just like the base car ).

The assertion that a C6 with the Z51 option is about equal to a C5 Z06 is interesting since I'd formed the opinion from various sources that the base C6 is very close to the C5 Z06. This figures anyway since the C6 with Z51 option is nearly identical to the base car.

Bottom line is that people like the look of the cross drilled rotors and having a "special" model even if it's not a model but just an option. I've seen on this forum info about install of Z06 brakes on the base C6. That is the way to go! Add a few engine mods, new exhaust, and possibly a larger sway bar and you'll have a car that is clearly superior to the base C6 and the Z51 equipped C6.

If you want a significantly faster and better performing C6 then I'd advise you to save your money and get a Z06. Z51 or base equals almost identical. IMO

Just my opinions.

 

Did you intentionally misspell Corvette?

 

Oregon, I got a chuckle when I read your post. Thanks for posting it. Your first paragraph I quoted above all seem like plus'es to me! I'll explain. Noisy breaks indicate more agressive pads designed for higher temps as one would see on the track.. Rapid tire wear generally indicates a stickier tire..and the bad cold weather performance follows suit.. and the harsh ride means things are firmed up, which I also dont mind!

Oregon, in reply to the second paragraph I quoted. It doesnt matter what rotors you buy; eventually they will spider and crack if they are used on a track. This is just one of those items you should expect to replace (like pads and tires) if you plan on tracking your car. Most track guys dont buy drilled or slotted rotors because they only hasten the wear of the rotors.

So, it sounds like the z51 package is the one for me as I will track the car. The coolers are a big plus as its one identified weakness of the c5 as a track car - the tranny will overheat if its hot out or you're pushing hard.

Can anyone else comment more on the pluses/minues when going from a C5 z06 to a C6 Z51 optioned Vette? Track experience opinions are strongly welcome!

 

Chuckle???? I was laughing out loud at it.


Here are a couple of threads where just that are discussed.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1263467

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...3&page=2&pp=20 Post #31 in this thread.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1249618