Z-51 vs. base ???
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 55
From: Port Saint Lucie, Florida
Z-51 vs. base ???
Hi
I have been reading various threads on the differences between the Base vette compared with a Z-51 option.
The Z-51 is a $1700 option in 2007 so lets compare that year. Keep in mind that everything does not have to do with 0-60 times!
People have been asking if it is worth it and if it is a must have when buying a used vette.
My reply is yes, my last three vettes had the Z-51 package but the C4 and C5 only was a $300 option and was a steal.
I would not pass on a garage queen with low miles if it didn't have it.
What's your take?
Alan.
I have been reading various threads on the differences between the Base vette compared with a Z-51 option.
The Z-51 is a $1700 option in 2007 so lets compare that year. Keep in mind that everything does not have to do with 0-60 times!
People have been asking if it is worth it and if it is a must have when buying a used vette.
My reply is yes, my last three vettes had the Z-51 package but the C4 and C5 only was a $300 option and was a steal.
I would not pass on a garage queen with low miles if it didn't have it.
What's your take?
Alan.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,502
Likes: 3,631
Better brakes (including better pads), better/ tighter suspension, lower trans gearing in the manual, and the added oil coolers over the base model
To upgrade a base to the Z51 option package, you in around $4K in parts, then labor on top of that.
So no on a base if you are after a Z51 package car.
And yes, a couple of stop light hard pulls through the first few gears, or a couple of quick laps around even a open parking lot, and you will be able to tell the difference between a C6 base and z51 optioned model.
To upgrade a base to the Z51 option package, you in around $4K in parts, then labor on top of that.
So no on a base if you are after a Z51 package car.
And yes, a couple of stop light hard pulls through the first few gears, or a couple of quick laps around even a open parking lot, and you will be able to tell the difference between a C6 base and z51 optioned model.
Last edited by Dano523; Oct 7, 2014 at 03:45 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I bought my car new in 2006 and I only got two options Z51 and yellow paint. When GM bought my first Vette back, I ordered a new one that was also a Z51 with yellow paint.
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From: Bay Area Ca.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I'm not so sure the Z51 is the must-have option in every generation. The first C4 in '84 was a disaster because many came w. Z51 and it rode very, very hard. The last year of the C4, '96, had both base and Z51. Having had a non-Z51, and frequently driving the same vehicle with Z51 (LT4 which wasn't the same as today's "LT4"), the base was marginally more comfortable and slightly different in handling. I have no issues now with Z51, but I do know there are several people who prefer the base car without the option. Their car, their choice, I say. And it all depends on what you want out of the car.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 66
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I came from a full bolt on Mustang and originally drove a base m6 and base auto and was very unimpressed. While I knew the vettes would outrun my mustang, they did not feel like it! when I drove the z51, that was what a vette should feel like!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 55
From: Port Saint Lucie, Florida
Mustangs feel faster??
but the clock doesn't lie, the vette is faster.
Now there are some Mustangs that are quicker then base vettes and weigh 800/900 lbs more but the cost is north of base vettes.
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 462
From: Southern Utah
I'm in this camp. I like the base/Z06 gear ratios better. I put the Z51 bars on and added Bilsteins. On a bumpy/curvy road, the Bilsteins will run away from the Z51 shocks. If I were buying a used C6, Z51 would not be a big consideration one way or the other...to me there are other options that are dealbreakers...like color, vert or coupe, HUD, F55, stick or auto. These are more important options to me.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 176
Likes: 3
From: Princeton NJ
Like most things it's a personal choice and you always have to factor in the $$$!
For me, I like the stiffer ride and even though I may not race this car, it's a Corvette and it should feel a little rough around the edges. That's why I got an M6 too. For the sports car feel.
I also like the coolers. I think they give each component an added lifespan.
Truth is, if I had the money I would have bought a Z06.
For me, I like the stiffer ride and even though I may not race this car, it's a Corvette and it should feel a little rough around the edges. That's why I got an M6 too. For the sports car feel.
I also like the coolers. I think they give each component an added lifespan.
Truth is, if I had the money I would have bought a Z06.