Z51
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: Cypress TX
That said, even though Z51 is one of the RPO codes on my 2011 Grand Sport, I wouldn't need a separate badge because it says "Grand Sport" on the side already. Z51 optioned cars had no badging, and some folks wanted them (including me at the time, but I never installed them). GM made the Z51 cars stand out from the factory with the cross-drilled rotors.
If nothing else, it's a conversation starter. You're not a poser with the badge because it's accurately describing the Z51 option package on the car. Posers are the ones who did the wide-body conversions, for instance, and then slapped a Z06 logo on the side. THAT is like putting Cobra badges on a GT.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2017
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From: Prosper TX/Austin TX
2020 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Corvette
Trim Level or Sub Model: Base, Grand Sport, Z06, ZR1.
Z51 is an option pkg on the trim level or sub model Base Corvette. It is not equivalent to a trim level or sub model - because Chevrolet says it's not.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Columbus Ohio
Originally Posted by VetteVinnie;[url=tel:1606476421
1606476421]For the Z06, the equivalent would be Z07. True, Z06 is an RPO code, and so is ZR1, but historically they've been held in higher regard. Not many folks (if any) would put Z07 badges on a Z06, but they do put "427" on the hood. Those started with the Will Cooksey edition in 2008 and were only available with that particular package until the 2013 427 Convertibles showed up.
That said, even though Z51 is one of the RPO codes on my 2011 Grand Sport, I wouldn't need a separate badge because it says "Grand Sport" on the side already. Z51 optioned cars had no badging, and some folks wanted them (including me at the time, but I never installed them). GM made the Z51 cars stand out from the factory with the cross-drilled rotors.
If nothing else, it's a conversation starter. You're not a poser with the badge because it's accurately describing the Z51 option package on the car. Posers are the ones who did the wide-body conversions, for instance, and then slapped a Z06 logo on the side. THAT is like putting Cobra badges on a GT.
That said, even though Z51 is one of the RPO codes on my 2011 Grand Sport, I wouldn't need a separate badge because it says "Grand Sport" on the side already. Z51 optioned cars had no badging, and some folks wanted them (including me at the time, but I never installed them). GM made the Z51 cars stand out from the factory with the cross-drilled rotors.
If nothing else, it's a conversation starter. You're not a poser with the badge because it's accurately describing the Z51 option package on the car. Posers are the ones who did the wide-body conversions, for instance, and then slapped a Z06 logo on the side. THAT is like putting Cobra badges on a GT.
Mustang GT owners used to do that **** all the time. Literally got into an argument back in the day with someone justifying putting Cobra emblems on their car because it makes the same HP as a STOCK Cobra. No one ever kept the car stock. Changed nothing else about the vehicle (besides HP increasing mods). Not to mention it has a completely different suspension and is supercharged. Dude also kept a dyno sheet in his car to show people. Really used to **** me off lol.
Le Mans Master
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Another interesting angle on this discusssion.....and a question, are Z06 and ZR1 also not RPO options? I believe they are....but Chevrolet decided to call them and badge them with these option numbers. Correct or not?
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 112
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From: NE Ohio
I agree with you on that. I run a z51 license plate on mine. That’s enough for me but I can understand how you might want a Z51 emblem, if your car is a Z51.
Mustang GT owners used to do that **** all the time. Literally got into an argument back in the day with someone justifying putting Cobra emblems on their car because it makes the same HP as a STOCK Cobra. No one ever kept the car stock. Changed nothing else about the vehicle (besides HP increasing mods). Not to mention it has a completely different suspension and is supercharged. Dude also kept a dyno sheet in his car to show people. Really used to **** me off lol.
Mustang GT owners used to do that **** all the time. Literally got into an argument back in the day with someone justifying putting Cobra emblems on their car because it makes the same HP as a STOCK Cobra. No one ever kept the car stock. Changed nothing else about the vehicle (besides HP increasing mods). Not to mention it has a completely different suspension and is supercharged. Dude also kept a dyno sheet in his car to show people. Really used to **** me off lol.
Le Mans Master
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From: Charles Town WV
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Yes Z06 and ZR1 are RPO codes, but they also get a different vin denotation where the base cars do not for z51, the vin wont track rather or not the car is a z51. Grand Sport also gets its own vin designation. IE: a base 1lt z51 manual will have the same vin designation as a base 1lt non z51... GM likes to over complicate this stuff.
5th number in the vin:
5 Corvette Specific information Model/Equipment "Y" or "Z" Z = ZR1, A=1LT mt, B=2LT mt, C=3LT mt, D=4LT mt, E=1LT at, F=2LT mt, G=3LT at, H=4LT at, J=Z06 1LZ, K=Z06 3LZ, L=Z06 3LZ, M=ZR1 std, N=ZR1 3ZR, P=GS LT mt, R=GS 2LT mt, S=GS 3LT mt, T=GS 4LT mt, U=GS 1LT at, V=GS2LT at, W=GS 3LT at, X=GS 4LT at, 9=NON USA/CANADA
At any rate not sure why people get so hung up on rather its a model or not. Base to ZR1 buy the one that makes you happy and works for your budget. They're all great cars.
Le Mans Master
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Yeah.....they are all Corvettes with different features. A Z51 badge is not WRONG in any meaningful way.....its just a badge. If you put it on a car that does have the Z51 options installed....its not "incorrect"....and who cares anyways. My 69 Corvette is going to have a big block engine installed, when it was originally a small block......that blows some peoples mind, and I don't really care......AND, I will be installing the 427 emblems on the L88 hood,....when the actual displacement is going to be 468......again...blowing minds......and I don't care. I could buy 468 emblems and install them,....but I like 427 better. Oh nooooooooo I have crossed a terrible line. Its all NONSENSE. Do what you want with your car......its nobody elses damn business, and I am sure as hell not going to lectured by anyone about it.......when and if they do, depending on my mood, they will either get a very politically incorrect response....or I will just turn and walk away'.....although I will enjoy the politically incorrect response better.
Le Mans Master
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From: Charles Town WV
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Yeah.....they are all Corvettes with different features. A Z51 badge is not WRONG in any meaningful way.....its just a badge. If you put it on a car that does have the Z51 options installed....its not "incorrect"....and who cares anyways. My 69 Corvette is going to have a big block engine installed, when it was originally a small block......that blows some peoples mind, and I don't really care......AND, I will be installing the 427 emblems on the L88 hood,....when the actual displacement is going to be 468......again...blowing minds......and I don't care. I could buy 468 emblems and install them,....but I like 427 better. Oh nooooooooo I have crossed a terrible line. Its all NONSENSE. Do what you want with your car......its nobody elses damn business, and I am sure as hell not going to lectured by anyone about it.......when and if they do, depending on my mood, they will either get a very politically incorrect response....or I will just turn and walk away'.....although I will enjoy the politically incorrect response better.
I agree for the most part, I still wouldnt put z06 or zr1 badges on a base by any means but i also put c7 badges on a c6... ask alot of people around here and ive committed a major sin haha.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2017
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From: CONCORD CA.
while GM and all others have had their own internal coding system, to cover offered options, the story I've heard over the years regarding the "Z" listed options, started with the Z/28 on the first gen Camaro's. like the Z/51 corvette option, is what just that, an option. not a model. it was only after the popularity of the Z/28, the GM decided to officially make it, an actual model. they also had the Z/27 option, which I believe was again an option that was for an appearance package (don't quote me on that though.). just like the NPP or J55 options, these are just GM's internal identifications codes.
Le Mans Master
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From: Charles Town WV
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z16 was basically the RPO designation for Grand Sport. the difference is it also gets its own VIN designation therefore making it a sub-model rather than an option package (why GM did it that way I have no idea). GS gets some upgrades over Z51 (including z06 brakes, wide body, power steering coolers, dry sump on manual cars, ect.)
Le Mans Master
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From: Cypress TX
z16 was basically the RPO designation for Grand Sport. the difference is it also gets its own VIN designation therefore making it a sub-model rather than an option package (why GM did it that way I have no idea). GS gets some upgrades over Z51 (including z06 brakes, wide body, power steering coolers, dry sump on manual cars, ect.)
Fortunately, I didn't buy the GS new. But someone paid a lot of money for it at some point in its past. My Z51 option package was called out on the window sticker, but there is no Z16 or Z51 option code on the window sticker of the Grand Sport. That's the biggest thing that separates them. One is an option code available to all base models, and the other is a completely different model from the base.
Last edited by VetteVinnie; Apr 7, 2023 at 12:10 PM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Cypress TX
Melting Slicks
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From: CONCORD CA.
Le Mans Master
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From: Charles Town WV
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I'm just ready for the day my glovebox has that ZR1 RPO code on it... one day... one day...
Melting Slicks
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From: CONCORD CA.
I do like having a targa top though. for now, I feel good just to able to have even a base model. i did have a run in with C7 Z06 Tuesday. he was just getting on the freeway as, I was just about to pass him. He saw me and the race was on. I was able to keep in touch with him for a while. I was able to pass him when he got caught in traffic, (I nicely down shifted in 3rd at 70mph, with the NPP open, I let the eagles free!). on the exit he pulled up next me, and asked if the engine was stock. when I told him yes, I didn't believe me. I have to feel that he didn't give me is all, but still nice to know, that I can at least play with the big boys.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2010
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From: Aubrey Texas
I think it depends on tires. If you have some all season tires you should ride very well. I have had a non z51, a z51 and a z51 with mag ride. the non z51 rode very good and not alot of noise. The mag ride is better than non mag.
Melting Slicks
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From: CONCORD CA.
I am almost 100% sure that this is not a tire related issue. This is definitely a wind related noise. I do have tire generated noises and that noise is obvious (to me) different than what I started hearing this morning.