The same tranny? Ya lost me on this one. A auto C6 is not the same tranny as a C5 Z06.

 

The C5 z06 never came with a auto tranny.

 

yes.

 

I hear that the tires can wear rapidly. Other than that, most owners are happy with their choice.

 

Don't even collect $200 when you pass go, order the Z51 package!

 

The Z-51 MANUAL transmission has different gear ratios than the non Z-51 manual transmission (gears are closer together.)

Same ratios as the C5 Z06.

Buy the Z-51 package. It's the best deal on the entire option list.

 

Z51 is probably the best way to go for resale and general driving performance. I have the base non-Z51 and find it great for how I drive it. The gearing difference is minor in the manual trans. Some say it's a big deal but the performance numbers say otherwise. The auto is the same. I've read all the threads on Z51 vs non Z51. Clearly the F55 is the highest technology suspension offered in the Corvette though.

Some have reported the Z51 tires are dangerous in cold or below freezing conditions. I plan on ordering an 08 coupe Z51 if the engine and manual trans are different ( LS3, T6060 ). I will ask the dealer to swap me a set of regular tires for the special Z51s. From everything I've read I don't want 'em. Each to his own.

The brake rotors are a bit larger. I can't find anyone who has said this really matters in daily off track driving. The standard brakes will lock up the wheels just fine. If I buy a Z51 all my reading has convinced me to replace the stock drilled rotors with slotted. Many apparently knowledgeable owners and suppliers say that slotted (and even solid ) are clearly superior to drilled.

The 08 Z51 is rumored to have more hp (not much-10hp ) than the base car. In this case the factory might put a special emblem on the Z51s. I think that would be great to get some real factory recognition for the option. Rumors say 425 hp base and 435 hp Z51.

You can get a smokin deal on an 07 now and probably even better in a month after 08 details are released. On the other hand you might wish you'd waited if the engine is changed and has more factory hp and the trans is changed and is in some measure better/different.

No matter what you buy, IMO, base, F55 or Z51, 05, 06, 07, or 08 you will have a great performance car. Keep in mind Z51 at least through 07 has the same hp as the base and F55. All C6s are great. The Z06 is, of course, the greatest. Just my opinions. Like I said I plan to order Z51 on my next vette.

 

if you do a lot of city driving you may not like the close ratios of the z51 mn6, but the handling is nice and tight. i would get it again. as far as tire wear, you get what you pay for, better performance has a cost, although a lot of forum members do not like any of the GY tires.

good luck

 

Go with the Z-51. I was worried about the ride quality of the Z-51 vs base. Fact is, it soaks up bumps just fine.

 

I find it interesting that thus far no one has mentioned the coolers that are included in the Z51 package. You get a trans cooler, oil cooler, steering cooler along with the trans gearing and BETTER tires.

 

 

Not on the A6, some of the goodies that come with the M6 are deleated.

 

Tire wear will be greater with the softer compound. I have the Z51, but from your post, I would think you would be happier with F55. F55's are a great performance driving option.

 

Not in the automatic ..............................

 

Coolers = more points of failure. As indicated by various threads here.

 

Who'll start the emblem debate up again?

 

Again, not all the goodies come with the A6 which is what the o/p is wanting.

 

Yes, several who posted here and extolled the features/advantage of the manual tranny in the C6 with Z51 handling package didn't read the OP closely enough to realize he's talking about a C6 WITH AUTO TRANNY.

 

Is it safe yet

 

If he is going to get it with an automatic transmission, and " will not be driving it on the track" then he may as well get a base suspension C6.