C7 "z51"?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 8,434
Likes: 411
From: Texas
If you had a car that did a track day every month, would a guy want Magnetic Ride control? How much more do the struts cost to replace? How much weight does it add to the vehicle? When they are turned to the stiff setting, do they perform as well as a quality set of coilovers?
What did the Z51 package come w/?
Any gearing differences between the different models?
I want the baddest NA C7 I can get. Will I have no choice but to wait for 2-3 years to see if a Z06 is going to get released in a C7? If a larger displacement, dry sump, titanium rod and valves having, lowered, forged wheels having version is going to be released I HAVE to have THAT version.
Sorry 'bout all of the random questions.
What did the Z51 package come w/?
Any gearing differences between the different models?
I want the baddest NA C7 I can get. Will I have no choice but to wait for 2-3 years to see if a Z06 is going to get released in a C7? If a larger displacement, dry sump, titanium rod and valves having, lowered, forged wheels having version is going to be released I HAVE to have THAT version.
Sorry 'bout all of the random questions.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,083
Likes: 190
From: IL / FL .
I don't know about a "Z51" package but I think that the evolution of the C6 was more RE-active than Active. It is my belief that when the C6 was released, there were to be 2 cars....the base car (in coupe and convertible) and the Z06. The ZR1 was, according to Rick Wagner, the response to the question: "The Z06 is this good, what can be done for $100K?" and I believe that question was posed atleast 18 months after the C6 was on sale. The GS was an obvious thing to do, since so many folks were making "GS's" with Z06 parts anyway. I certainly don't think that at the Detroit show in January 2004, Dave Hill had ANY idea that there would be a ZR1/GS (and certainly NO 427 convertible) in the C6 lineup.
Jimmy
Jimmy
And if they don't call the C7 performance package "Z51" they could call it "Z52" - That was the option code they used back in the C4 days when they added electronically adjustable shocks to the Z51 performance package.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,559
Likes: 4,501
From: North Dallas 40 TX
......I want the baddest NA C7 I can get. Will I have no choice but to wait for 2-3 years to see if a Z06 is going to get released in a C7? If a larger displacement, dry sump, titanium rod and valves having, lowered, forged wheels having version is going to be released I HAVE to have THAT version.
........
........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 8,434
Likes: 411
From: Texas
Tell that to a GTR owner...or a 911 Turbo owner.
I guess I don't get the connection between only having 2 seats and a car being SO much more racy and capable of performing.
I hate to break it to you but many well set up 4 seat cars stalk and pass Z06s at the race track. Adding 20# of back seats doesn't make a car appreciably slower.
I guess I don't get the connection between only having 2 seats and a car being SO much more racy and capable of performing.
I hate to break it to you but many well set up 4 seat cars stalk and pass Z06s at the race track. Adding 20# of back seats doesn't make a car appreciably slower.
Last edited by Suns_PSD; Oct 22, 2012 at 10:43 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,559
Likes: 4,501
From: North Dallas 40 TX
Tell that to a GTR owner...or a 911 Turbo owner.
I guess I don't get the connection between only having 2 seats and a car being SO much more racy and capable of performing.
I hate to break it to you but many well set up 4 seat cars stalk and pass Z06s at the race track. Adding 20# of back seats doesn't make a car appreciably slower.
I guess I don't get the connection between only having 2 seats and a car being SO much more racy and capable of performing.
I hate to break it to you but many well set up 4 seat cars stalk and pass Z06s at the race track. Adding 20# of back seats doesn't make a car appreciably slower.
And yes the fast versions of the Porsche like the GT2 do not have the back seats. So I guess even the almighty Porsche agrees with me.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
If you had a car that did a track day every month, would a guy want Magnetic Ride control? How much more do the struts cost to replace? How much weight does it add to the vehicle? When they are turned to the stiff setting, do they perform as well as a quality set of coilovers?
What did the Z51 package come w/?
Any gearing differences between the different models?
I want the baddest NA C7 I can get. Will I have no choice but to wait for 2-3 years to see if a Z06 is going to get released in a C7? If a larger displacement, dry sump, titanium rod and valves having, lowered, forged wheels having version is going to be released I HAVE to have THAT version.
Sorry 'bout all of the random questions.
What did the Z51 package come w/?
Any gearing differences between the different models?
I want the baddest NA C7 I can get. Will I have no choice but to wait for 2-3 years to see if a Z06 is going to get released in a C7? If a larger displacement, dry sump, titanium rod and valves having, lowered, forged wheels having version is going to be released I HAVE to have THAT version.
Sorry 'bout all of the random questions.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,776
Likes: 11
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 267
From: lisbon ,md,usa
I can't pull the trigger on a 911 because I am just tired of looking at them for 50 years.
I will have my daughter follow my C7 in the Prius at all times just in case I need more room.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 29
From: Bergen County, New Jersey
I'm with you there, but isn't the whole point (or one of the main goals) of the C7 to not be as wide as the C6?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 8,434
Likes: 411
From: Texas
Agreed.
Wanting something to happen and it actually happening are two very different things after all.
The bummer is that all of the 'insider info' posted earlier would just be a guess if the 2 + 2 portion isn't correct also. I mean some one either knew the real story, or didn't. There is no real in between on that. Just a bunch of ideas w/ no basis which would be a shame because based on that description (which was so specific at times) I was really excited to see/ drive/ buy the C7.
Wanting something to happen and it actually happening are two very different things after all.
The bummer is that all of the 'insider info' posted earlier would just be a guess if the 2 + 2 portion isn't correct also. I mean some one either knew the real story, or didn't. There is no real in between on that. Just a bunch of ideas w/ no basis which would be a shame because based on that description (which was so specific at times) I was really excited to see/ drive/ buy the C7.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,776
Likes: 11
I am making it official that I have given up on a 2+2 C7 . I spoke to my guy at the mega Corvette store and he said "it ain't gonna happen" and I trust he knows and has no reason to lie.
I can't pull the trigger on a 911 because I am just tired of looking at them for 50 years.
I will have my daughter follow my C7 in the Prius at all times just in case I need more room.
I can't pull the trigger on a 911 because I am just tired of looking at them for 50 years.
I will have my daughter follow my C7 in the Prius at all times just in case I need more room.
That is funny.Like AWD, I am of the opinion that any 2X2 seating would be in a separate model or some optional setup, if at all.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,776
Likes: 11
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,559
Likes: 4,501
From: North Dallas 40 TX
I am making it official that I have given up on a 2+2 C7 . I spoke to my guy at the mega Corvette store and he said "it ain't gonna happen" and I trust he knows and has no reason to lie.
I can't pull the trigger on a 911 because I am just tired of looking at them for 50 years.
I will have my daughter follow my C7 in the Prius at all times just in case I need more room.
I can't pull the trigger on a 911 because I am just tired of looking at them for 50 years.
I will have my daughter follow my C7 in the Prius at all times just in case I need more room.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,083
Likes: 190
From: IL / FL .
When a prospective Corvette customer mentions 2+2 the salesman is supposed to walk him over to a Camaro. GM has been trying to streamline and reduce the excess number of models in their lineup.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 253
Likes: 11
From: Atlanta Georgia
I am making it official that I have given up on a 2+2 C7 . I spoke to my guy at the mega Corvette store and he said "it ain't gonna happen" and I trust he knows and has no reason to lie.
I can't pull the trigger on a 911 because I am just tired of looking at them for 50 years.
I will have my daughter follow my C7 in the Prius at all times just in case I need more room.
I can't pull the trigger on a 911 because I am just tired of looking at them for 50 years.
I will have my daughter follow my C7 in the Prius at all times just in case I need more room.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29,113
Likes: 2,194
From: Big Bend Country, TX
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15- '16-'17-‘18-‘19-'20-'21
NCM Lifetime Member
I think the OP somewhat confused the discussion by missing the point of the Z51 RPO (as afvette corrected). Z51 is not a model, it's simply a track ready package on the base model. It was never really marketed, as far as I can tell. If you're a track guy, you'll tick the Z51 option. It was extremely reasonably priced on the C6, IMO. It's necessary so you don't end up with the same wallowy cruiser that your aunt would want to drive. It may overheat on track, and be no fun, besides missing out on some of the driving dynamics. The z51 really is track ready. Oil temps can get a bit high in the desert heat, but otherwise it's been a home run for me and allowed me to avoid doing any mods. I enjoy the way a car just works out of the factory.
Even if magnetic shocks become standard and body roll is controlled, there's still the other parts that need to be made track ready (brakes, cooling, gearing), so Z51 is still relevant..
Anyways, I think the z51 option is one of the best things about the Vette, and I would think twice about plunking down the cash on a c7 if GM dropped it. I don't think there's much chance of that. I'm quite sure it will be available on day one. I also hope they keep it a low cost option for guys like me, who don't care as much about "extra performance" as just having the car survive a track day without hassle. I feel that GM has really understood this need historically, and I doubt they'd forget.
Now if you want an in-between performance *model*, you want something like GS or Z06, and you won't see those on day one. For marketing and development reasons.
Even if magnetic shocks become standard and body roll is controlled, there's still the other parts that need to be made track ready (brakes, cooling, gearing), so Z51 is still relevant..
Anyways, I think the z51 option is one of the best things about the Vette, and I would think twice about plunking down the cash on a c7 if GM dropped it. I don't think there's much chance of that. I'm quite sure it will be available on day one. I also hope they keep it a low cost option for guys like me, who don't care as much about "extra performance" as just having the car survive a track day without hassle. I feel that GM has really understood this need historically, and I doubt they'd forget.
Now if you want an in-between performance *model*, you want something like GS or Z06, and you won't see those on day one. For marketing and development reasons.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 0
From: East Hampton Connecticut
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
C6 Z51 option content:
"The optional Z51 Performance Package is a competition-ready system for the true performance enthusiast. It offers more aggressive dampers and springs, larger stabilizer bars, Goodyear Supercar tires with an asymmetrical tread pattern, and larger, cross-drilled brake rotors for outstanding handling performance that is still comfortable for daily driving. Beyond the suspension bits, the Z51 is a total system that takes the regular C6 to near-exotic levels of performance. It features gear ratios borrowed from the previous Corvette Z06 for maximum acceleration performance, and includes coolers added for the transmission and power steering systems for aggressive, track-oriented use. The result is a car that very nearly equals the Z06 in track performance - representing a tremendous value."
I do believe we will see a Z51 RPO for the C7. Not dissing MSRC, but i think from a marketing standpoint alone, you'll see it in the first couple of years - I can't believe they will only offer base and convertibles "as is" performance wise.
"The optional Z51 Performance Package is a competition-ready system for the true performance enthusiast. It offers more aggressive dampers and springs, larger stabilizer bars, Goodyear Supercar tires with an asymmetrical tread pattern, and larger, cross-drilled brake rotors for outstanding handling performance that is still comfortable for daily driving. Beyond the suspension bits, the Z51 is a total system that takes the regular C6 to near-exotic levels of performance. It features gear ratios borrowed from the previous Corvette Z06 for maximum acceleration performance, and includes coolers added for the transmission and power steering systems for aggressive, track-oriented use. The result is a car that very nearly equals the Z06 in track performance - representing a tremendous value."
I do believe we will see a Z51 RPO for the C7. Not dissing MSRC, but i think from a marketing standpoint alone, you'll see it in the first couple of years - I can't believe they will only offer base and convertibles "as is" performance wise.
Last edited by vette4jr; Oct 22, 2012 at 10:22 PM.