Z51 vs F55 Supension
12-22-2008, 02:41 PM
#1
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Z51 vs F55 Supension
I see many posts about the Z51 pkg, how does it compare with the F55 magnetic selective ride control suspension? Or, is it apples and oranges, ride vs performance? Thanks in advance.
12-22-2008, 02:44 PM
#2
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St. Jude Donor '09 & '12, '14
2. Z51 vs F55 - There is no comparison. First off F55 was used in both settings and at various speeds. I noticed alot of "play" in the steering wheel of the F55 and it felt similar to a base suspension. The Steering did not inspire confidence in either mode. The F55 tour mode's ride felt like a base suspension and to lose handling performance for it was not practical.
The Z51 however has Zero play in the steering wheel and feels like a train on tracks. This is how a performance car should handle out of the box.
In conclusion I was extremely suprised how poor the F55 is compared to the Z51. In Fact prior to comparing both cars I was an F55 believer due to the "hype" I read on CF.
The Z51 however has Zero play in the steering wheel and feels like a train on tracks. This is how a performance car should handle out of the box.
In conclusion I was extremely suprised how poor the F55 is compared to the Z51. In Fact prior to comparing both cars I was an F55 believer due to the "hype" I read on CF.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...6zhzcoupe.html
12-22-2008, 02:45 PM
#3
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Not to be rude, but there is so much written on this exact subject. The last thing needed here is another thread like this. A simple search will give you enough to read on this subject that you may miss Christmas.
12-22-2008, 02:47 PM
#4
Do a search and you'll find plenty of information on base, F55, and Z51 options.
12-22-2008, 02:48 PM
#5
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Or, try the FAQ stickied at the top of the forum:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...questions.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...questions.html
12-22-2008, 03:25 PM
#6
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It HAS been talked about A LOT already. But I don't think you can answer your question through reading. I have Z51 and sometimes wish I had F55. But then, sometimes I am glad I have the Z51. Or maybe I will trade up for a Z06. Ouch, my brain hurts.
12-22-2008, 03:29 PM
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First order of business, say how you want to drive the car. That will dictate what options you should get to achieve those goals. F55 and Z51 are options to achieve different driving goals, one is not better than the other except in relation to those goals.
12-22-2008, 04:28 PM
#8
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12-22-2008, 04:31 PM
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12-22-2008, 04:55 PM
#11
1. Deside how you want to drive, and what the roads are like in your area. i.e. Primary purpose for the car.
2. Read past posts. As noted, this topic is beat to death.
3. Go to the dealer and test drive them.
You follow these, and it will allow you to make up your own mind.
2. Read past posts. As noted, this topic is beat to death.
3. Go to the dealer and test drive them.
You follow these, and it will allow you to make up your own mind.
12-22-2008, 05:37 PM
#12
Ive had both, 2005 F55 and 2008 Z51. I preferred the Z51 for it's more traditional sports car like handling and feel. With the F55 you really need to change the sway bars and then you still don't have the shorter gear ratios which give the car with Z51 a much quicker and more cat like feel. I really prefer the Z51 set up for a sports car but if it was a daily driver I'd think twice.
12-22-2008, 05:45 PM
#13
Le Mans Master
Ive had both, 2005 F55 and 2008 Z51. I preferred the Z51 for it's more traditional sports car like handling and feel. With the F55 you really need to change the sway bars and then you still don't have the shorter gear ratios which give the car with Z51 a much quicker and more cat like feel. I really prefer the Z51 set up for a sports car but if it was a daily driver I'd think twice.
12-22-2008, 06:09 PM
#14
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Actually the performance axle is an option on any automatic equiped corvette. However in the MANUAL transmission cars, the Z51 has different gearing in the transmission itself, not the rear gear, so each of the lower 4 gears is lower than a similarly equiped base or F55 manual car. This gives a little more punch in day-to day, stop and go situations. I also like the gearing on a racetrack, but others disagree on this point.
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12-22-2008, 06:50 PM
#17
Team Owner
F-55 suspension is the most comfortable ride that you are going to get in a Corvette from factory as it works great on bumpy roads.
The Z-51 comes with tires that don't last long and of course the ride is more bumpier than F-55. Z-51 package comes with all of these extra coolers to take up more room in a already crowded engine bay. Different gearing too in transmission.
The Z-51 comes with tires that don't last long and of course the ride is more bumpier than F-55. Z-51 package comes with all of these extra coolers to take up more room in a already crowded engine bay. Different gearing too in transmission.
