Z51 Performance Package
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 253
Likes: 149
Z51 Performance Package
Can anyone tell me if having the Z51 performance package will make the ride of a 2008 coupe 3lt harder or more harsh?
I am thinking of buying the C6 I have described. It has the Z51 performance package. I would like a softer ride. Should I avoid this car?
I am thinking of buying the C6 I have described. It has the Z51 performance package. I would like a softer ride. Should I avoid this car?
Last edited by vintagegas; Jan 26, 2018 at 06:31 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 150
From: Woodland CA
Before I ordered my 2005, I test drove one with and without the Z51 package. I personally felt the base was too "soft" and loved the Z51 performance package.
The Z51 performance package also gives you more than just stiffer springs and bars. You get Z51 specific shocks, larger/cross drilled rotors, different gear ratio (if you are looking at the 6 speed).
Have you driven the car you plan on buying? I did not find the Z51 harsh as all in my 2005.
The Z51 performance package also gives you more than just stiffer springs and bars. You get Z51 specific shocks, larger/cross drilled rotors, different gear ratio (if you are looking at the 6 speed).
Have you driven the car you plan on buying? I did not find the Z51 harsh as all in my 2005.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 253
Likes: 149
Before I ordered my 2005, I test drove one with and without the Z51 package. I personally felt the base was too "soft" and loved the Z51 performance package.
The Z51 performance package also gives you more than just stiffer springs and bars. You get Z51 specific shocks, larger/cross drilled rotors, different gear ratio (if you are looking at the 6 speed).
Have you driven the car you plan on buying? I did not find the Z51 harsh as all in my 2005.
The Z51 performance package also gives you more than just stiffer springs and bars. You get Z51 specific shocks, larger/cross drilled rotors, different gear ratio (if you are looking at the 6 speed).
Have you driven the car you plan on buying? I did not find the Z51 harsh as all in my 2005.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,732
Likes: 44
From: Richmond TX
Loved my 08 with the Z51. Now have a 12 GS. If you are looking for the softest ride you can get in a Corvette, I would not get one with the Z51 package. I hear the ones with mag ride are nice and smooth although I have never driven one.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 172
Likes: 41
From: SoCal
Went from a 2012 Nissan Sentra to a 2006 C6 with the Z51 package. I've ridden in my friends Volvo V60 Polestar, now that is stiff. The Z51 C6 is well behaved relative to my old Sentra and that uber stiff Volvo. Most small bumps are no big deal in the Z51 C6.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 150
From: Woodland CA
Is the Z51 going to have a harsher ride than the base. Yes. Would it be too harsh for you, only you can say. As I mentioned, for me the base was way too soft but others might feel different. My suggestion would be to find one in your area and take it for spin. Even if it is not one you plan on buying, just to get the feel.
Here is the info on the Z51 package.
Here is the info on the Z51 package.
Z51 Performance Package,
performance-oriented package for
the Gymkhana/Autocross
enthusiast; includes extra cooling,
stiffer springs and stabilizer bars,
specific shock absorbers, larger
brakes with cross-drilled rotors,
specific tires and Z51-specific
6-speed manual when ordered with
6-speed manual transmission or
(GU2) performance axle ratio with
6-speed paddle shift automatic
performance-oriented package for
the Gymkhana/Autocross
enthusiast; includes extra cooling,
stiffer springs and stabilizer bars,
specific shock absorbers, larger
brakes with cross-drilled rotors,
specific tires and Z51-specific
6-speed manual when ordered with
6-speed manual transmission or
(GU2) performance axle ratio with
6-speed paddle shift automatic
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 565
From: Mesquite NV
Before I ordered my 2005, I test drove one with and without the Z51 package. I personally felt the base was too "soft" and loved the Z51 performance package.
The Z51 performance package also gives you more than just stiffer springs and bars. You get Z51 specific shocks, larger/cross drilled rotors, different gear ratio (if you are looking at the 6 speed).
Have you driven the car you plan on buying? I did not find the Z51 harsh as all in my 2005.
The Z51 performance package also gives you more than just stiffer springs and bars. You get Z51 specific shocks, larger/cross drilled rotors, different gear ratio (if you are looking at the 6 speed).
Have you driven the car you plan on buying? I did not find the Z51 harsh as all in my 2005.
Did the same thing before buying my '06 and felt the same about with & without. Also we have made several long distance road trips and both my wife & I were very comfortable even when driving 8-10 hours or more a day 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 253
Likes: 149
They are hard to find with the mag ride. I guess I'll just have to keep looking.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 253
Likes: 149
From what I see in all your responses, I'd better test ride one locally before buying. I did like the suggestion about getting one with the Magnetic ride selector. Then I can have the best of both worlds
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
Be aware that some C6 sources don't emphasize the Magnetic Ride option. Two of the C6s I had with that option, the dealer never mentioned them when I was buying the cars.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 16,871
Likes: 5,329
From: T-Town WA
2016 C6 of Year Finalist
Pro
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 650
Likes: 219
From: Lake Worth FL
I just bought a 2008 with the Z51 package. I drove a base model before driving this one and yes, the ride is stiffer, but not night and day (certainly not brutal). Personally, I liked the Z51 setup better.
If you can drive both back to back, then you will have the information you need. Never driven one with the magnetic option, so can't comment on that.
If you can drive both back to back, then you will have the information you need. Never driven one with the magnetic option, so can't comment on that.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 158
Z51 provides an enhanced suspension and larger brakes. Good stuff on a Corvette IMO. Yes, the ride is softer and slightly more comfortable with the base suspension especially on a rough road. That said, I don't notice much difference between Z51 and Base suspension on good roads. If you ever see yourself doing any hard driving the Z51 package is a plus to have. If you just want a soft ride Volvo is pretty sweet.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 253
Likes: 149
I just bought a 2008 with the Z51 package. I drove a base model before driving this one and yes, the ride is stiffer, but not night and day (certainly not brutal). Personally, I liked the Z51 setup better.
If you can drive both back to back, then you will have the information you need. Never driven one with the magnetic option, so can't comment on that.
If you can drive both back to back, then you will have the information you need. Never driven one with the magnetic option, so can't comment on that.
Thank you. Your input is informative. I now know the Z51 package is not for me. I want a smooth softer ride.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,457
Likes: 297
From: corpus christi Texas
If you do have a change to test drive each you need to test on some bad roads..I've have both and on good pavement you will not know what you have...IMO: Forget on the Mag ride option...Good Luck.
