Z51 Performance Package
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 16,896
Likes: 5,363
From: T-Town WA
2016 C6 of Year Finalist
In "normal" driving I did not notice an appreciable difference between my '01, my '05, and my '11
To the OP...you are getting mixed answers because it's a very subjective question.
As someone suggested earlier, perhaps a "performance car" is not for you. Perhaps a Cad XLR or CTS-V...
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Oh and get rid of the run flats at least get a better quality RF if you must keep the technology. I run non RF and never looked back. Get a Max Summer tire depending on the climate in your area.
Tires can make a huge effect on how the car handle's and rides and even noise.
Tires can make a huge effect on how the car handle's and rides and even noise.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 209
Likes: 42
From: Chestertown Maryland
As stated by others here the dealer often does not list the Mag Ride in the options but you can usually pick up in the pictures if it has the option. Mag Ride control is a rotating **** on the console between the shifter and the console lid.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,959
Likes: 526
...This is the best, simplest answer yet. Yes the Z-51 ride is harsher. But keep this in mind. First and foremost, regardless of the bias opinions that so often try to rule this and many other forums, no Corvette is gonna ride like a Cadillac. If you want a ride like a luxury car you may want to reconsider your choice of a C-6. But the thing is that we all usually don't ride on terrible roads all the time. Yes if you do come across a bad road then you're gonna feel it worse in a Z-51 car. But on "Normal" decent pavement the ride isn't bad at all. Just as long as you're prepared to accept the occasional butt slap when on a harsh road you shouldn't have a problem at all with a Z-51 ride.....good luck...
Last edited by windyC6; Jan 28, 2018 at 10:44 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,383
Likes: 6,527
From: Melbourne, FL
I've had the z51 and currently have a mag ride car. Mag ride is overrated, it doesn't make the car appreciably more comfortable. I leave mine in sport all the time. I'd be fine without it, but Centennial GS all came with it.
Drive a car with each, see what fits you. You will likely find the z51 is not too harsh for you.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,383
Likes: 6,527
From: Melbourne, FL
So true. You may find that this just isn' what you're looking for in a car. There is a trade off to having performance, and it will not ride like a super comfortable Lexus or Lincoln. A lot of people.get attracted to the Corvette, for the style and performance, but then get rid of them quickly because they realize they just can' live with them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 973
Likes: 268
From: Oro Valley Arizona
Z51 Package
I just got my C6 W/Z51 Package I test drove four others without it. Either way still a corvette. Z51 is Better W/the bigger drilled rotors thicker sway bars and shocks firmer. So if you want a firmer ride Look for the Z51 Package. For me I like the way it drives. It's just a matter of what you are looking for. Go for it.
2008 C6 Z51 3LT
2008 C6 Z51 3LT
Last edited by jeffs64; Feb 3, 2018 at 01:42 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,766
Likes: 3,283
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 253
Likes: 149
The only way you're going to know if you like a Z51-optioned car is to go out and drive one, then drive a base, or vice-versa. Everyone's tolerance and expectancy for the stiffer suspension is going to be different. Personally, I love my Z51 vert, and have taken it on 4000+ mile trips in perfect comfort. I found the base suspension to be too loose for my tastes, at least for a performance car, but that's just me. Your butt might be more sensitive than mine.
I wound up with a base and my bunns thank me for it.