I'm getting ready to buy a 6spd manual vette but need to know if the Z51 package makes a difference. Any thoughts?

 

Depends on what you want in a car. Z51 made a difference to me, but it isn't such a big difference that if I were looking for a used Vette and found one I really liked that didn't have the Z51 option, it would not stop me from buying it. Most of the Z51 parts can be added if you want them. The MZ6 trans would be the most costly/difficult.

 

I'm looking for a performance car of course so the faster and better it performs is for the better.

 

i have had a Z51. now have an F55. would not bother with the Z again. old school vs. state of the art. flame on.

at least i got in BTL.

 

yep it makes about a $1900 difference

 

That is pretty funny. I am driving to Naples tomorrow and I am glad I have the base suspension for long trips on highways that have a lot of construction. On backroads I wished I had Z51. It's a tradeoff. I just received Z51 sway bars from Gene to try to split the difference. I have not put them on yet but they were cheap and look easy to install.

 

Yes ... the F55 is state of the art ... but it is not the performance oriented system that Z51 is ... for most people ... either choice is great ... to me, the F55 is great, but if it ever needs fixing ... that's an easy $2,000 in repairs ... which means Z51 is my choice.

 

Only you can decide if it is makes a difference. I would recommend that you take the three types of suspensions out for a test drive. The Z51 adds different sways, softer compound tires, transmission cooler and oil cooler along with the optional gearing in the manual transmission. All Corvettes are rated at 400hp/400lb/ft of torque. "Faster" is a relative term as at the top end all the coupes will be about the same. The Z51 will accelerate from a standing start faster due to the differences in gearing and softer compound tires. If you are going to be dragracing the car perhaps this is what you want. If you are going to be autocrossing or road racing then the Z51 is a great choice. The Z51 will turn in earlier, turn flatter and accelerate out of a corner quicker. The second best here will be the F55 (of course all when compared in stock trim). If you are going to be cruising and interested in just having some fun in the twisties really any of the choices won't be wrong. The Z51 is a great package. You should plan on replacing the tires more frequently than either the base or F55 suspension cars as the softer compound tires will wear faster with agressive driving. They are also not the best choice for cold weather or wet weather driving as they are designed for optimum traction in warm / dry conditions. They will be worse than either of the other choices tires in cold / wet conditions.

 

Was Deal Breaker for me if it Didnt have it. HAD TO HAVE the Z51!

But thats just my style.

I like the stiffer ride and larger sways. Also the softer sticker tires and bigger brakes(07-on f55's gets these too now).
Bonus is the oil and trans coolers and the modified tranny gearing.

I drove them all and all had their merits. Since I may be getting into auto-x later on I wanted all the bells and whistles in regards to performance and cooling.

I think no matter which option you choose you will have a great performing car. These options just help tailor it to exactly what you want and will be using it for.

Z51: Stiff and ready for the track. Has cool added upgades in oil and trans cooling, tires, brakes and tranny gearing.

F55: Really cool selectable ride shock technology for the street performance enthusiast. A close best of both worlds suspension.

Base: A capable and comfortable performance car ride.

Good Luck on your purchase. You will enjoy it!

 

uh huh, i wouldnt buy a Corvette without it

 

I chose the base suspension, no need for that extra stuff.

 

 

I thought the rear end difference with the Z-51 was only for automatics and the manual was standard. What tires come on the Z-51? I have the base suspension and it has the 285/35/19 F-1s. Does the Z-51 have another tire?

 

I think it is the best bang for the buck as an option.

 

Yes the Z51 has F1 "SUPERCAR" EMT Tires. They are stickier and have a lower treadwear rating and a different tread pattern.

The Manual trans 05-07 Z51 cars have different ratio transmission gears. They are deeper gears and make the 1st-3rd and 5th-6th gears equivilent to a standard 6pd tranny with a 3.90 rear approximately, give or take a little.

Not sure if the 08s get a different tranny gearing anymore. I dont think so though.

 

I have the Z 51, very happy with it.

 

Yep, I think its a deal breaker for me too.

Now my second problem I can't find one to buy...isn't that the worst problem lol.

 

That is interesting. Mine has the F1 supercar tires without the z-51 package. I wonder if the dealer changed them.

 

Z51 Talon90 is absolutley right.. in cold or wet conditions,F1 supercar tires arent that great but Z51 is a must for me cause of all the other great stuff it comes with(tranny..breaks..coolers) and tires could be changed for better ones anyways.

 

If you do not get a Z-51 you will always wish you had...!!!