Z-51 Package-Worth the $?
8th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: merritt island fl
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I would not buy it again. On my '07 A6, the only additional cooling is for the power steering, although I understand the '08s do have an oil cooler. But I have not found that necessary for the type of driving I do. The brakes are just bling, and the shocks are not very good anyhow. I would get the base suspension and add Z-51 sways and Bilstein or Koni shocks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,892
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From: Ft. Myers FL
If you gat a manual, the answer is yes, it's defineatly worth it. If you get an A6, the only advantage it you also get the lower rear with the package. If you want to save money you can option the performance gears for around 400 bucks. I have 2 buddies who's cars are identical to mine except they got the Z-51. The tires are a little stickier,but,we all run just about identical times. However, if I was buying a new 08, I'd wrestle with getting it again. 
Go figure?
Go figure?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 300
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From: Maine
Im sure the z51 package is kicking although stiffer is not so good on bad roads maine roads are bad most of the year I was afraid it would put you side ways in the road at times. or just make the car too nervous on the cupped roads. we have pot hole here that can bend rims everywhere....I have also been reading about the z51 package alignment issues ( eating up tires ) so I opted for the std set up but really need to drive a vette with z51 to really make up my mind.
My car will be here in early may can't wait tpw is 4/28
My car will be here in early may can't wait tpw is 4/28
Last edited by vmax1200; Apr 9, 2008 at 10:17 AM.
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Pro
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The bottom line is whether or not the owner wants better handling and brakes at the cost of ride quality.
Driving them back to back on the same roads will answer the question.
Vette'n04, you're welcome to drive my car, if you'd like, PM me.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 715
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From: Philly Area PA
I've driven a base suspension car for 500+ miles and WOULD NOT consider that package. I fully expected NOT to be able to notice the difference unless really pushing the car, BUT there is a BIG difference. My wife's Acura TL handles more firmly and is more confidence inspiring than the base suspension C6 that I drove. Yes, I'm a car nut and yes I'm serious.
Can't speak for the electromag shocks.
As others have posted, the bang for the buck is incredible with the Z-51.
Can't speak for the electromag shocks.
As others have posted, the bang for the buck is incredible with the Z-51.
Last edited by NOSLO6; Apr 9, 2008 at 01:22 PM. Reason: typo fix
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Greenville, NC
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The oil cooler pre 08 was like a trans cooler, where lines go into the driver's side of the radiator side tank.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: merritt island fl
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Sorry, I was speaking figureatively- I know the Z-51 rotors are also larger but there's not enough performance difference to worry about for the street, and for the track, the drilled rotors are more prone to cracking.
Last edited by davekp78; Apr 9, 2008 at 04:10 PM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: North Texas
Well worth if you just plan to hit the road courses non-competitively.
My only complaints for the Z51:
1. Should of came with stainless steel brake lines.
2. More aftermarket support for Z51 rotor sizes.
3. Should include the Z06 front brake duct extentions.
4. Oil cooler is rather marginal in cooling, but better than nothing.
5. Should include the differential cooler of the Z06's (I believe that the 08's + have the Z06 drivetrain).
Overall, Z51 comes with just enough what you need for the roadcourses, but I like to have other extra goodies.
If you don't plan to do any performance driving, Z51 is overkill for daily driving.
My only complaints for the Z51:
1. Should of came with stainless steel brake lines.
2. More aftermarket support for Z51 rotor sizes.
3. Should include the Z06 front brake duct extentions.
4. Oil cooler is rather marginal in cooling, but better than nothing.
5. Should include the differential cooler of the Z06's (I believe that the 08's + have the Z06 drivetrain).
Overall, Z51 comes with just enough what you need for the roadcourses, but I like to have other extra goodies.
If you don't plan to do any performance driving, Z51 is overkill for daily driving.
Last edited by FLZ_Boy; Apr 9, 2008 at 06:39 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
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From: Dallas TX
Agree on the oil cooler being marginal on the '08 Z51 as I saw 292F degrees with the extra quarter on a low 80 degree day here in Texas weekend before last.
I'm looking into upgrading to the Z06 oil cooler which is supposedly twice as large.
I have no idea how the car would have handled the oil temp (and other things) without Z51. Probably not very good.
I'm looking into upgrading to the Z06 oil cooler which is supposedly twice as large.
I have no idea how the car would have handled the oil temp (and other things) without Z51. Probably not very good.
