2015 GM update
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 608
nice thought ....spread the love....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
He did say in his opinion which many of us do not share. The Z51 tires that last only 5K miles and can't be driven in the winter, the extra oil in the sump that will not heat up as quickly for us that drive less than 10 miles on most trips, and the brakes that may or may not squeal. The E-dif that some are having issues with and the spoiler that not all of us like. The only thing I would like are the wheels on a Z51 but not the tires but that is also just my requirements. I don't race so I don't need the go fast stuff.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 36
From: Papillion NE
While I was on the BG tour I noticed some Z51's that did not have the NPP. Does that make the Z51 worthless too? It now has 5 HP less then many C7's that are a base. And as others have said .. they are all StngRays and some have the Z51 option.
I like them both - but your post really holds no true value.
Last edited by Bmbarney; May 27, 2014 at 08:13 PM. Reason: edit
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,939
Likes: 448
From: CHOCOWINITY NC
Been running the bars on my base car and it is a great change...See my DIY on the bar upgrade and some discussion in that thread. I've also just ordered Z51 shocks to put the icing on that cake.. I think (for me) it needs a touch more shock valving though performance and feel on the stock units is fine. I think the combo will be perfect...and less then $650 total for the suspension make-over..
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Then why not make only the Z06 model using that logic? The base model, minus the Z51, is still one heck of a fine performance car and is plenty for a lot of Corvette enthusiasts.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
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From: Manheim Pennsylvania
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7th Gear
Joined: May 2014
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From: Romeoville Illinois
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: La Center WA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,555
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From: Indiana
Passenger seat
Air Conditioning
Electric windows
Convertible top (or removable top)
Trunk/hatch
Keyless entry (or doors, for that matter)
Leather seats
and a lot of other useless stuff.
And it should have at least 1000 HP, be made of 100% Unobtanium, weigh about 1500 lbs and be able to handle 2gs of lateral acceleration. Now we're talking performance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 556
From: Tallahassee fl
I think they're onto something. A true performance car doesn't need
Passenger seat
Air Conditioning
Electric windows
Convertible top (or removable top)
Trunk/hatch
Keyless entry (or doors, for that matter)
Leather seats
and a lot of other useless stuff.
And it should have at least 1000 HP, be made of 100% Unobtanium, weigh about 1500 lbs and be able to handle 2gs of lateral acceleration. Now we're talking performance.
Passenger seat
Air Conditioning
Electric windows
Convertible top (or removable top)
Trunk/hatch
Keyless entry (or doors, for that matter)
Leather seats
and a lot of other useless stuff.
And it should have at least 1000 HP, be made of 100% Unobtanium, weigh about 1500 lbs and be able to handle 2gs of lateral acceleration. Now we're talking performance.
Reality is Corvettes are street cars. Chevy has tried to go the route of making them ultra performance base and that had blowback of the cars being uncomfortable and in some cases not derivable in certain locations with crappy roads. This is why through the mid 80's and beyond they have tried to make the base suspension work well and be comfortable. The Z51 is the tight and more trackish suspension. It makes the car suited for the owner.
And I can't believe that had to be explained.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 707
From: New York
You guys are too sensitive. All I meant with my comment is that since the Corvette is a performance car, why not offer just the best performing versions of it? Make the base stingray the Z51w/MR shocks and then have a Z06 or ZR1.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 16,684
Likes: 1,193
From: La Center WA
Because there are many people to whom the car appeals who don't need or want to pay for the incremental performance of Z51. Your post implies that a non-Z51 Corvette is not a performance car; that simply is not true.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 10,709
Likes: 7,102
From: Fulshear, TX
With that said, buy whichever model you prefer! With or without Z51, the Stingray is a great sports car!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 10,709
Likes: 7,102
From: Fulshear, TX
I prefer they leave that decision up to the customers; allow people to decide what they are willing to pay extra for.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 642
Likes: 41
From: Between Forest Lake and White Bear Lake in the Land of 10,000+ lakes
The Z51 is a TRACK PACKAGE! I'm not tracking my C7, so I don't need tires that only last 10K miles, needs 10 quarts of oil, a rear spoiler I don't like the looks of (I like the wing spoiler) and brake parts and tires that cost more to replace.