Z51 Vs. Regular C6
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 1
Z51 Vs. Regular C6
Please post the differences betwen a regular C6 and Z51, I don't see major differences, but I may be wrong.
Guys buying a Z51 think they are buying a different car
, they don't think they have a C6 but a Z51 and that they belong to another "league", like a ZO6. I can see the differences on a ZO6.
Guys buying a Z51 think they are buying a different car
, they don't think they have a C6 but a Z51 and that they belong to another "league", like a ZO6. I can see the differences on a ZO6.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,252
Likes: 131
From: Short Hills, NJ
Please post the differences betwen a regular C6 and Z51, I don't see major differences, but I may be wrong.
Guys buying a Z51 think they are buying a different car , they don't think they have a C6 but a Z51 and that they belong to another "league", like a ZO6. I can see the differences on a ZO6.
Guys buying a Z51 think they are buying a different car
, they don't think they have a C6 but a Z51 and that they belong to another "league", like a ZO6. I can see the differences on a ZO6.What many people fail to realize is that there are a few positives/advantages to having a base suspension C6 (other than the obvious $1700.00 cost savings) as well.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 2
I have a 2006 Z51 and except for the larger braking surfaces; the oil, power steering and transmission coolers; the improved transmission ratios through 1-4 gears; the larger diameter sway bars; the heavier duty bushing on the suspension; and better gripping supercar tires, it is basically another C6. Still the best $1500 upgrade available by GM.
Of course I'm stuck with a performance suspension since I can't switch to the cushy mode, but then I can drive my Mercedes.
Of course I'm stuck with a performance suspension since I can't switch to the cushy mode, but then I can drive my Mercedes.
Last edited by peterpeter211; Mar 4, 2008 at 01:17 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
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That $1700.00 can be put towards coilovers, bushings, adjustable anti-sway bars, rear gears, brake upgrade, etc.
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I have a 2006 Z51 and except for the larger braking surfaces; the oil, power steering and transmission coolers; the improved transmission ratios through 1-4 gears; the larger diameter sway bars; the heavier duty bushing on the suspension; and better gripping supercar tires, it is basically another C6. Still the best $1500 upgrade available by GM.
Of course I'm stuck with a performance suspension since I can't switch to the cushy mode, but then I can drive my Mercedes.
Of course I'm stuck with a performance suspension since I can't switch to the cushy mode, but then I can drive my Mercedes.
I agree on all the other points.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 1
I'm well aware of all those differences when compared to a base C6, but I see guys asking: "what kind of CAI for my Z51", or "I have a Z51 so waht kind of headres should buy....."
My LS2 or a LS3 is the same one on a Z51
My LS2 or a LS3 is the same one on a Z51
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,252
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From: Short Hills, NJ
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,844
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From: Alpharetta Georgia
Because on the LS3 the Z51 packages get the front mounted oil cooler(HUGE positive and if you have ever tried to put an aftermarket front mount oil cooler on your car before, you would appreciate a factory installed unit) and certain intakes like the Vararam require a different bracket for the lower mounting position.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
The coolers and gears are nice to have though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
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Originally Posted by keyplyr
If one plans on modifying performance well beyond what the Z51 package offers, then it is silly to waste the money on it.
That $1700.00 can be put towards coilovers, bushings, adjustable anti-sway bars, rear gears, brake upgrade, etc.
That $1700.00 can be put towards coilovers, bushings, adjustable anti-sway bars, rear gears, brake upgrade, etc.
The coolers and gears are nice to have though.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 2
Actually the base model has bettter transmission ratios if you look at the gear splits. The Z51 is a gymkhana/autocross package where speeds are generally not above80mph Z51 has shorter gearing in gears 1-2-3 but the 3-4 split sucks for road racing. And actually if you consider the holes in the Z51 rotors the braking surfaces are nearly identical.
I agree on all the other points.
I agree on all the other points.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,733
Likes: 15
From: SC
Please post the differences betwen a regular C6 and Z51, I don't see major differences, but I may be wrong.
Guys buying a Z51 think they are buying a different car , they don't think they have a C6 but a Z51 and that they belong to another "league", like a ZO6. I can see the differences on a ZO6.
Guys buying a Z51 think they are buying a different car
, they don't think they have a C6 but a Z51 and that they belong to another "league", like a ZO6. I can see the differences on a ZO6.I always state I have a C6, but if someone asks for some more detail I always mention the Z51 package. I don't consider myself in some other "league" but I do consider that the Z51 option will outperform the base suspension....just the way it is.
On the other hand there are some people on this forum who can't stand the Z51, question it's worthiness, think GM is flat out LYING about the performance difference, and consider it a waste of $, and believe the base suspension is never tested in comparisons because it would expose that the Z51 offers no benefit. Those are the people that imo, have the real "Z51" issue.
Safety Car
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From: Houston, Texas
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23
This topic is always funny and entertaining to read...
One member outlines what all is included in the package, and then the next member beats him up for discussing it and giving an opinion.
By the way, right after recess my dad is going to kick your dad's butt...
.
One member outlines what all is included in the package, and then the next member beats him up for discussing it and giving an opinion.
By the way, right after recess my dad is going to kick your dad's butt...
.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,891
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From: NJ..."the way I saw it, everyone takes a beating sometimes."
These threads are amusing. I honestly don't care either way but here is a quote of mine from a previous thread and I stand by it until proven wrong.
I see this thread getting locked right about.....
....The only truely unfortunate thing is that with the 3 suspension options comes a subliminal brainwashing put into the minds of shoppers that the "Base" is somehow bad or not good enough to be in a Vette. This is rediculous. I'm glad everyone is proud of what they chose/own. That is really all that's important. However do you really think your Z51 is that much better than someone elses F55? Or that the Base suspension doesn't even count? Show me one, ONE documented example of when a C6 lost out to another C6, in any type of driving/racing event, soley because of the suspension option. GM's supposed testing for the car doesn't count. I want real results from real drivers. Because most who aggressively compete with their cars on a regular basis will change out the suspension to aftermarket parts anyway.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,733
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From: SC
The base suspension package isn't all that great, unless you like body roll, less grippy tires, and a vette that will need to cut back on hotlaps due to running too hot.
If you honestly think a suspension package makes no difference in a cars track abilities you must also believe just slapping in an LS7 will make a base vette hang with a Z06 on a track........
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 1
From: NJ..."the way I saw it, everyone takes a beating sometimes."
The base suspension package isn't all that great, unless you like body roll, less grippy tires, and a vette that will need to cut back on hotlaps due to running too hot.
If you honestly think a suspension package makes no difference in a cars track abilities you must also believe just slapping in an LS7 will make a base vette hang with a Z06 on a track........
If you honestly think a suspension package makes no difference in a cars track abilities you must also believe just slapping in an LS7 will make a base vette hang with a Z06 on a track........
Get what you want and what you can afford. Just don't think it's THAT much better than the others.
Oh and by the way.....
V
V
V
Safety Car
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From: Makena, Maui & NM
