z51 versus ''base'' c6
04-22-2012, 11:52 AM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
z51 versus ''base'' c6
z51 and base c6 , how do they compare ? ride , handling , [??] what is difference and advantage of z51 . i'm talking 2008-2012 and to repeat i know nothing of c6 but , thanks to YOU , i'm learning . . .peace.
04-22-2012, 11:59 AM
#2
Team Owner
This is information that was in the 2005 GM literature.
I realize you were asking for newer car info.
The optional Z51 Performance Package is a competition-ready system for the true performance enthusiast. It offers more aggressive dampers and springs, larger stabilizer bars, Goodyear Supercar tires with an asymmetrical tread pattern, and larger, cross-drilled brake rotors for outstanding handling performance that is still comfortable for daily driving. Beyond the suspension bits, the Z51 is a total system that takes the “regular” C6 to near-exotic levels of performance. It features gear ratios borrowed from the previous Corvette Z06 for maximum acceleration performance, and includes coolers added for the transmission and power steering systems for aggressive, track-oriented use. The result is a car that very nearly equals the Z06 in track performance – representing a tremendous value.
04-22-2012, 12:02 PM
#3
Melting Slicks
I have a 2007 Coupe with Z51 option. The Z51 package includes bigger drilled rotors, a slightly more aggressive (sporty) suspension including sway bars, and slightly different final gearing. I appreciate the tighter ride on my car as I've ridden with others in base packages and watched some have their rear ends get lose when mine stays glued down. (I also have Mich PS ZP not the stock GY tires). I also appreciate the appearance on the Z51 brake package as they look a lot tougher with the larger drilled rotors. When I was out shopping I was looking for Z51 cars and I'm am glad I found one.... The ride is stiffer than a non- Z51 car or a Z55 car but I got the vette for aggressive driving and I don't find it too stiff to be annoying when highway cruising...
Z51 also has IOC and Differential cooler which I don't believe the base coupe has...
Z51 also has IOC and Differential cooler which I don't believe the base coupe has...
04-22-2012, 12:10 PM
#4
Safety Car
Member Since: Sep 2006
Location: Land of 10,000 taxes
Posts: 4,566
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
2 Posts
keep in mind everything except the transmission is easily deleted or added making converting from one to the other fairly easy, also gives the option to modify to your particular driving if one or the other isn't exactly what you want eaxmple: add Z51 sways to base or get rid of sticky but short life Supercar tires in favor of loger lasting all season, or changing shocks, ...
04-22-2012, 12:10 PM
#5
Race Director
the Z51 option was last offered on 2009 models, f y i...
Also, I believe cars equipped with the Z51 option and manual transmissions came equipped with
extra-capacity oil cooling & transmission cooling. I don't think the automatics had the latter...
Also, I believe cars equipped with the Z51 option and manual transmissions came equipped with
extra-capacity oil cooling & transmission cooling. I don't think the automatics had the latter...
04-22-2012, 12:20 PM
#6
Team Owner
04-22-2012, 10:04 PM
#7
Safety Car
Member Since: Jan 2009
Location: Mooresville (Race City USA) NC
Posts: 4,681
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
The Z51 option provides superior performance when auto crossing on smooth, flat, dry pavement in the summer. The optional F55 adjustable magnetic suspension, on the other hand, is more appropriate for year around use on everyday roads at various temperatures and in wet weather, comes with the same larger cross-drilled brakes as the Z51 option, and offers the choice between touring and sport setting with the flick of a center console selector switch. The standard tires on the F55 suspension will last twice as long and cost less to replace than those on the Z51 suspension.
04-22-2012, 10:24 PM
#8
Team Owner
I had an 05 Z51 COUPE.Then I had an 08 Z51 COUPE.Now I have an 08 base car.I couldn't believe it,but the ride in this base car is actually slightly better then in the Z51.I don't notice anything from a power stand point.I hit it,it goes.There is a difference in temps,slightly,since this car has no coolers at all.I was worried about not having the Z51 option,but so far,I'm ok with this base car.Of course,it does have headers,Vararam and a mild tune on it which helps.
I don't notice much difference in the shifting either.Both of my 08's were and are far superior to the 05.
I don't notice much difference in the shifting either.Both of my 08's were and are far superior to the 05.
04-23-2012, 07:01 AM
#9
Melting Slicks
I went from an '08 A6 coupe to an '08 MN6 vert with Z51.
The Z51 corners better and flatter and the ride is significantly rougher than the non-Z51 car (but I don't mind).
The MN6 in the Z51 car feels like it accelerates better than my A6 and the traction control comes on often when I accerate a little hard. I'm just getting used to that.
The comparison is a pretty good one as I found that the original supercar tires on the vert were replaced with the same tires that came on my base coupe.
I wanted Z51 and I am glad I have it but if this vette was to be a DD like my previous vettes I'd have to reconsider the MN6 as well as the Z51.
The Z51 corners better and flatter and the ride is significantly rougher than the non-Z51 car (but I don't mind).
The MN6 in the Z51 car feels like it accelerates better than my A6 and the traction control comes on often when I accerate a little hard. I'm just getting used to that.
The comparison is a pretty good one as I found that the original supercar tires on the vert were replaced with the same tires that came on my base coupe.I wanted Z51 and I am glad I have it but if this vette was to be a DD like my previous vettes I'd have to reconsider the MN6 as well as the Z51.
04-23-2012, 08:02 AM
#10
Melting Slicks
The base suspension makes the car feel like a lumbering boat. I fixed that with Pfadt Johnny O'Connell sways and shocks. I like that the base brakes are so cheap to replace. If I upgrade it will be to an aftermarket caliper like Wilwood, while still using the base brake rotor sizes.
04-23-2012, 11:41 AM
#12
Team Owner
The Z51 option provides superior performance when auto crossing on smooth, flat, dry pavement in the summer. The optional F55 adjustable magnetic suspension, on the other hand, is more appropriate for year around use on everyday roads at various temperatures and in wet weather, comes with the same larger cross-drilled brakes as the Z51 option, and offers the choice between touring and sport setting with the flick of a center console selector switch. The standard tires on the F55 suspension will last twice as long and cost less to replace than those on the Z51 suspension.
04-23-2012, 12:55 PM
#15
Team Owner
04-23-2012, 02:32 PM
#16
Pro
Member Since: Oct 2011
Posts: 716
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I bought my 06 a week ago, and mine has the F55, but I was between mine and a 07 with base suspension and I can tellyou that the difference was night and day, even in the touring mode mine handles way better than the base model. We will see how it does this sunday at the autoX race!!!
04-23-2012, 08:19 PM
#18
04-23-2012, 11:56 PM
#19
Melting Slicks
Nope. The base suspension felt boat like. I like to mod so I figured the best way to start was with a base model. No need to pay money for options I'm just going to take off.
