Z51 Performance Package
01-26-2018, 06:30 PM
#1
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; 01-26-2018 at 06:31 PM.
01-26-2018, 06:42 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
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.
01-26-2018, 06:46 PM
#3
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.
01-26-2018, 07:00 PM
#4
Drifting
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.
01-26-2018, 07:05 PM
#5
Instructor
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.
01-26-2018, 07:06 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
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
01-26-2018, 07:07 PM
#7
Melting Slicks
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 
01-26-2018, 07:14 PM
#8
They are hard to find with the mag ride. I guess I'll just have to keep looking.
01-26-2018, 07:18 PM
#9
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
01-26-2018, 07:30 PM
#11
Team Owner
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.
01-26-2018, 07:41 PM
#12
Race Director
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JerriVette (01-27-2018)
01-26-2018, 07:44 PM
#13
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.
01-26-2018, 07:55 PM
#14
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.
01-26-2018, 09:22 PM
#15
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.
01-26-2018, 09:31 PM
#16
Le Mans Master
I have the z51 option and don't consider it harsh at all. I drove it on poorly maintained roads in and around NYC for 7 years and never wished I didn't have it.
01-26-2018, 11:15 PM
#18
Le Mans Master
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.
