B Stead

That's a good post for listing the items.

Electronic limited slip ? The tuner might want to install a real limited slip. (I looked up electronic limited slip and it has clutch plates but is just electronically controlled. Basically, the question might be if the electronic control programming is correct for the usage. The mechanical LSD's are Eaton, Quaife, and OS Giken. The Quaife is a geared LSD but the Giken seems track oriented with special-order configurations and adjustable parts.)

Larger brakes ? Some buyers don't want the larger diameter wheels and the shorter sidewall tires that the larger brakes require.

Dry sump ? The historical reason for a dry sump on a Corvette was so that it could be lowered more. If it's also a higher performing oiling system then that is interesting but there is more system to maintain. (A dry sump can provide good oiling during cornering but a regular oil pan can be baffled and good enough.)

Magnetic ride ? The tuner might want lowering coilovers and so the OEM shocks would be wasted.

Forged wheels ? I wouldn't take any of the OEM wheels too seriously.

Here's a set of wheels for the base C7:

BBS RS-GT
18 x 9, 54mm, 21 pounds weight, $900 each
19 x 10.5, 75mm, 23.5 pounds weight, $1320 each
Listed at TR under the C6

Then step up to the 255/40-18 and 295/35-19 tire sizes and the wheel widths are spec for them. If spacers of 3mm to 5mm are wanted then Motorsports Tech can make spacers that are centric to both the hub and wheel.


Closing note:

Both cars could lose about 60 pounds weight by removing the cylinder de-activation system and then going to a lighter exhaust system
.

bfppt1

Question please:
What is the advantage of the Z51 wheel size over stock?


Thank you.

Zymurgy

Check these:

Build Your Own Coupe
Build Your Own Convertible
Online Order/Reference Guide

themonk

by the time you spend all that money trying to make a Z51 (and it still wouldn't be) you've probably more than doubled the cost of a true Z51. If you want a Z51 then order it, don't try to Frankenstein something together.

C8Jake

Performance brakes & more aggressive rubber.

Base Stingray has a single tread rubber compound blending dry traction, wet traction & tread life - Z51 has side-by-side tread compounds that deliver near racing-slick dry grip & handling levels. Steel belt angles used for the base car emphasize ride & tread life, while angles used for the Z51 tires focus on performance.

punky

I don't see where anyone is "Frankensteining" anything.

Several members have pointed out the fact that Z51 is a track oriented option package that is not needed by the vast majority of C7 buyers. Some have opted to go with aftermarket wheels. The wheels pictured in this thread are absolutely awesome and far better looking than the tuning forks that come with the Z51 package.

gthal

The tires are a grippier compound but the wheel size has no advantage other than maybe looks. Same width tire just a larger diameter. IMO, the only advantage of the larger wheel is looks which is subjective.

Glen e

totally about looks....I like the biggest wheels possible that look correct...(meaning no 22's etc)

LFZ

Glen makes very good points...for a 100% street car and his uses..a non Z51 is a no brainer and his car with the mods he's done, looks great.

Gov2094

If you plan on going to a sc in the future, and strickly spirited back roads driving....the non z51 can handle all of these duties?

LFZ

Why would it not?

cmb13

I'm no expert but IMHO the Z51, at least on the C6, was a much tighter and sportier ride without being uncomfortable. The base was a little too floaty for me.

Having driven both, I personally would never get one without the Z51.

Glen e

LOL it's the forum myth- the non z51 is some supension made for a malibu - you have to get the Z51!!!

what a crock..the stock suspension still is able to best all the C6 variations, acc to Chevy...

Second Vette

To Z51 or not to Z51, that is the question.

For me, I had to have the Z51 Package. Everything else was negotiable. I'm even one of those weird people that loves the Z51 Rims, especially in Black.

A local Dealer had exactly what I originally wanted, a 1LT, 7 Speed Manual with the Z51 Package. They wouldn't talk price until they had taken delivery of the Car. The Sales Manager decided that he needed to get 15K OVER MSRP. So much for that, and I think they still have the Car a Month later. I asked the Salesperson if they were asking that much because the Corvette Factory had burned to the ground and I hadn't heard the News yet.

Anyway, I found a Car on Auto Trader located out of State. It had a whole bunch of goodies including Nav and Competition Seats, two things I would have never wanted or needed. I got a deal under MSRP that pretty much paid for those two Options.

Bottom line, all of us have different tastes and requirements when buying a Vehicle, Corvette or otherwise. To each his own. If we all felt the same, all the Aftermarket Vendors would be out of business.

I am Happy, Happy, Happy, even though my Car isn't even on the Transporter yet. Since it didn't get here by Christmas, it will end up being my Festivus Present.

fdxpilot

I don't know about that. While I love my wife's new non-Z51 C7, I think my "13 427 convertible, which basically has the ZR1 suspension, including MRC, gives it a run for the money.

Racerdj

Excellent choice of wheels.

Gov2094

Sorry if this is a dumb question: The seats on the 1LT and 2LT are both powered but the 2LT has a memory package on it to save the seat
settings?

W88fixer

Of all the items on the Z51 package, I think the dry sump is the least desirable. If you look at pictures of the base model oil pan, you’ll see it is highly baffled to prevent oil starvation.

In my opinion, you’d really have to be doing serious track work to ever get any benefit from it. The overwhelming majority of Z51 buyers will never see the benefits of the dry sump. Don

jdurhan

Gorgeous, who makes those wheels .they are beautiful.

Zymurgy

All have "Seat adjusters, driver and passenger 8-way". Only 2LT and 3LT have "Seat adjusters, power bolster and power lumbar" and "Memory Package, recalls 2 driver "presets" for 8-way power seat, outside mirrors and tilt/telescoping steering column".