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What is the difference in the C6 base model, Grand Sport and z51? I tried to look thru the mega sticky and I couldnt find it. Thanks
Z51 has suspension upgrades and better brakes
Grand Sport has a wide body like the Z06/ZR1, but with fish gill'd front fenders. It also has upgraded suspension.
But you forgot the most important one, F55 - magnetic ride selection. It blows Z51 out of the water!
Base model is the original C6, "narrow body", soft ride suspension or the F55 Mag Ride shock option.
Z51 isn't offered any more, last available in the '09 MY. It offered stiffer springs, shocks, sway bars, and trans gearing and coolers.
Grand Sport is basically a Z51 with a wide body and Z06 brakes/wheels/tires. GS is now available also with the F55 Mag Ride shocks. Manual trans GS coupes (only) have the same dry sump oil system used in the Z06.
Base model is the original C6, "narrow body", soft ride suspension or the F55 Mag Ride shock option.
Z51 isn't offered any more, last available in the '09 MY. It offered stiffer springs, shocks, sway bars, and trans gearing and coolers.
Grand Sport is basically a Z51 with a wide body and Z06 brakes/wheels/tires. GS is now available also with the F55 Mag Ride shocks. Manual trans GS coupes (only) have the same dry sump oil system used in the Z06.
Lots of info out there if you search. Unfortunately, you'll probably run into the same problem I did when I researched your same question--a lot of the threads eventually end up in a debate on which is better.
To answer your question:
Z51 was a performance option on 2005-2009 C6 Corvettes. It is no longer a stand-alone option. The Z51 evolved into the Grand Sport model in 2010. As one member here (JoesC5) is fond of saying, and I think is a great description is that the Grand Sport is a Z51 wearing big boy pants.
Z51 was an option group for the base C6 model. It added upgraded swaybars, shocks and springs. You also got different transmission ratios for the manual transmission, upgraded brakes, different tires, and additional coolers.
Grand Sport took the Z51 package and added wide-body panels, Z06 brakes, Z06-size wheels/tires and if you purchase a manual-equipped coupe: drysump oil system, larger oil cooler, and differential cooler.
As BornSUPERCHARGED mentioned, there's also the F55 Mag ride option. Until 2011, it was seperate from the Z51 and Grand Sport options. In 2011, F55 could be ordered on the Grand Sport. I have not driven an F55-equipped Grand Sport so can't comment, but those who have one seem to love them.
No need to ask, we already know F55 is better. First of all, 55 > 51. Second of all, F stands for Freedom, and I love my freedom - don't you?
The z in "z51" stands for "zZzZzZz" because it's boring. Same ol' same ol' every day, you can't change the ride with a flip of a switch like you can F55!
Also, Grand Sport is nice but that wide body reduces your aerodynamics and weights more, so base F55 cars are going to be faster.