Base or F55
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Base or F55
The Z51 is out of the question. To much suspension for my style of driving. My question is if I go with the base I will probably replace stock shocks with performance aftermarket. Seems that the factory shocks are always inferior. Am I wrong with this assumption with the base set up for the C6? If this holds to be true then might I just go ahead an order the F55. Saving time and getting a better option package. I will not push this car that hard it's not my nature at my age any more. Just has been my experience to always replace the factory shocks/ struts. Also is there a aftermarket shock for the C6 that is made specificely for the C6. Any helpful comments will be appreciated. Not far off yet maybe just a few more months. I will pay cash, its the only way I can justify the weekened car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,375
Likes: 1
From: Northern CA
Drive them both and choose which-ever you like.
My choice is F55, just be aware that not only does the F55 cost extra, replacement F55 shocks run several hundred dollars each if you ever need them.
My choice is F55, just be aware that not only does the F55 cost extra, replacement F55 shocks run several hundred dollars each if you ever need them.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,430
Likes: 81
From: Whidbey Island WA
Before you put Z51 out of the question have you test driven one? It is not what i would describe as harsh and Im old and pathetic. I dont have Z51, so Im not trying to sell you something. Just wondering if you have driven one. Im base personally. My recommendation would be to test drive all the options first and see what you think. The base and F55 cars have woefully inadequate swaybars to protect the Z51 option and swapping to the Z51 swaybars is a popular mod for these cars. This is an inexpensive and easy to do mod with zero downside so its something to keep in mind when your out on test drives. All of the options have their advantages so go have fun checking them out. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 50
From: Sandy Eggo Calif.
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12, '16
I have the base car w/ cad plated Z51 rotors (for looks) and the Z51 sway bars. It handles great and the ride is sweet. I may add some C6 specific Bilstein's in the future, but I like it for now.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Bilstein makes shocks for the C6(base and Z51). Lingenfelter had some Konis made to their specifications(base and Z51). I have had excellent results with Bilsteins on my previous Vettes. I am going to try the LPE Koni adjustables this time.
Last edited by midnite902; Jan 3, 2006 at 08:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
I have gone for a ride in a Z51. Just on city streets although we went through 3 complete gears all out on the local expressway. Seemed fine although I heard a pretty good thud when drivering into driveway. My real issue with the z51 is avialibility. I think I will have to order. I want MN6 with 2LT only. Color is open still. I have asked this question thinking that if I am going to replace stock schocks anyway might as well get the F55, won't cost that much more when replacement is taken into consideration. Yes I know the F55 replacement shocks are expensive. A few hundred $ is low from what I've read. Costs between $650 and $900 depending upon which location on car. Also read that the F55 should last life of car! Humm If it would that makes the decision easier.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
I have gone for a ride in a Z51. Just on city streets although we went through 3 complete gears all out on the local expressway. Seemed fine although I heard a pretty good thud when drivering into driveway. My real issue with the Z51 is avialibility. I think I will have to order. I want MN6 with 2LT only. Color is open still. I have asked this question thinking that if I am going to replace stock shocks anyway might as well get the F55, won't cost that much more when replacement is taken into consideration. Yes I know the F55 replacement shocks are expensivedown the road. A few hundred $ is low from what I've read. Costs between $650 and $900 depending upon which location on car. Also read that the F55 should last life of car! Humm If it would that makes the decision easier.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Panhandle of Texas
Honestly knowing your driving style is the secret here. I personally went with the F55 and changed out the sway bars to the Z51 style. I am very pleased with how the car drives. IMO , I wanted the best technology available, F55 filled the bill for me. Couldn't be happier.
I don't think there is a wrong decision in any of the 3 types, after all they are all Corvettes
I don't think there is a wrong decision in any of the 3 types, after all they are all Corvettes
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,255
Likes: 137
From: Short Hills, NJ
Originally Posted by crabman
This is an inexpensive and easy to do mod with zero downside
But regardless, I'd still recommend the base suspension and adding the Z51 sway bars and possibly adding some aftermarket Bilstein (or even Z06) shocks later on but ONLY if deemed totally necessary after getting used to the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 97
From: Palm Coast, FL
Crabman and some of the others make sense in what they say about all are good setups and try to buy whats best for you. I'm happy as a pig in pooh pooh with my base suspension; although I am thinking about adding the Z51 swaybars-SO LONG AS IT DOESN'T AFFECT THE RIDE QUALITY I NOW ENJOY. I'm am a stickler about ride quality. Man, I love, no, I'm in Love with the ride of the Base suspension. Don't want to change shocks, and if after I change the sway bars and DON'T like the ride, you'll see the set here on the forum for sale, within a week.
I don't ride or push the car hard at all; sure, once in awhile but I really just enjoy riding the car with the Base suspension. And its a vert too!
I don't ride or push the car hard at all; sure, once in awhile but I really just enjoy riding the car with the Base suspension. And its a vert too!
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,430
Likes: 81
From: Whidbey Island WA
Originally Posted by LS1LT1
Well not zero downside, there is the very small hassle of installing them and of course the added weight (I'm a stickler when it comes to this) of the bigger bars as minute as that may seem.
But regardless, I'd still recommend the base suspension and adding the Z51 sway bars and possibly adding some aftermarket Bilstein (or even Z06) shocks later on but ONLY if deemed totally necessary after getting used to the car.
But regardless, I'd still recommend the base suspension and adding the Z51 sway bars and possibly adding some aftermarket Bilstein (or even Z06) shocks later on but ONLY if deemed totally necessary after getting used to the car.
Well if your going to be a stickler dont forget that the improved roll control will encourage a friskier driving style thereby indirectly causing increased tire wear.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,255
Likes: 137
From: Short Hills, NJ
Originally Posted by purple heart
I'm happy as a pig in pooh pooh with my base suspension; although I am thinking about adding the Z51 swaybars-SO LONG AS IT DOESN'T AFFECT THE RIDE QUALITY I NOW ENJOY. Man, I love, no, I'm in Love with the ride of the Base suspension.
Me too, a GREAT combination of smooth ride and solid handling indeed. 
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,255
Likes: 137
From: Short Hills, NJ
Originally Posted by crabman
Well if your going to be a stickler dont forget that the improved roll control will encourage a friskier driving style thereby indirectly causing increased tire wear.
