3LT with or without Z51?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 345
Likes: 4
If your driving would proper from these options they make sense. Know the option makes tire and brake replacement more frequent and expensive. I ordered because the package was reasonable but this was before GM got more greedy.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 22,582
Likes: 251
From: Denison, TX
2022 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'16
My c6 was z51. I chose to go non z51 on the c7. I figure smoother ride and less to go wrong. No regrets.
However, I think I'd have been just as happy with the 1LT and adding a homelink visor. I do love having the red leather all around me, though.
However, I think I'd have been just as happy with the 1LT and adding a homelink visor. I do love having the red leather all around me, though.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
I purchased the base suspension. Perfectly happy, have not reached performance limit yet, probably never. Go with the 3LT, I have leather issues with my 2LT, Warranty but not fixed, dealer awaiting parts???
Racer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 324
Likes: 7
From: Washington
I ordered my C7 Z51 with the 3LT. The C7 is a great car at it's base level trim whether it was dealing with the interior or performance, but I feel it only gets better with each option you add. The Z51 with MRC allows me to change the suspension with just a quick quarter turn adjustment of a ****. I can go from firm track ready to smooth touring mode in seconds. It even allows you to go in ECO mode and Weather mode for those times when your trying to get the best fuel milage (long drives) or like added assistance taming the beast when it decides to pour down on you. With the Z51 package you get better brakes and who doesn't want better braking??? It also has vents to cool off your brakes, trans oil cooler and rear differential. Plus if you get the Z51 package, it includes the NPP exhaust which makes the car sound AMAZING…
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 49,334
Likes: 3,921
From: Best Island in the U.S.
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '17
You don't need Z51 to have the 5 different modes, or to have NPP.
OP, only you can answer the question. Will you ever track your C7? If not, then Z51 might not be for you as you will never use some of the things in that option package and it will cost more initially and for replacements down the road as already noted. You can also order an option for 2015 that has Z51 wheels and other "looks" of it without the performance parts or cost.
I road raced my C6. I decided on a C7 vert, which can't be seriously raced, so I opted to not get Z51 for reasons already stated. I haven't regretted it for a minute.
OP, only you can answer the question. Will you ever track your C7? If not, then Z51 might not be for you as you will never use some of the things in that option package and it will cost more initially and for replacements down the road as already noted. You can also order an option for 2015 that has Z51 wheels and other "looks" of it without the performance parts or cost.
I road raced my C6. I decided on a C7 vert, which can't be seriously raced, so I opted to not get Z51 for reasons already stated. I haven't regretted it for a minute.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 386
Likes: 5
From: Atlanta GA
Some will disagree, but the rational reason for getting the Z51 is you will track the car and of course bragging rights. For 2014, Chevy underestimated how many folks would get the Z51 option because of the appearance of the Z51 specific wheels. For 2015, you can now get the these same wheels on the base C7 if this is important to you and you don't mind sacrificing some ride comfort.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 285
Likes: 3
From: Disney World Florida
I ordered my C7 Z51 with the 3LT. The C7 is a great car at it's base level trim whether it was dealing with the interior or performance, but I feel it only gets better with each option you add. The Z51 with MRC allows me to change the suspension with just a quick quarter turn adjustment of a ****. I can go from firm track ready to smooth touring mode in seconds. It even allows you to go in ECO mode and Weather mode for those times when your trying to get the best fuel milage (long drives) or like added assistance taming the beast when it decides to pour down on you. With the Z51 package you get better brakes and who doesn't want better braking??? It also has vents to cool off your brakes, trans oil cooler and rear differential. Plus if you get the Z51 package, it includes the NPP exhaust which makes the car sound AMAZING…
No regrets and is better than what I thought it would be! Go for it, don't listen to the naysayers. 
Racer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 324
Likes: 7
From: Washington
There might be 5 modes for the base model but you have to have the Z51 package to get Magnetic Ride Control.
Per Chevy website
"Magnetic Ride Control™ available on Z51 Performance Package provides world’s fastest-acting suspension"
Per Chevy website
"Magnetic Ride Control™ available on Z51 Performance Package provides world’s fastest-acting suspension"
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 22,598
Likes: 14,556
After driving my student's Z51 at VIR this weekend I've decided I must have Z51 to track the car. Previously I was specing a near zero-option car to cruise around in. Now I may sell my race car and go back to instructing and hanging out and use the C7.
If you're never going to put the car on track then it's a waste of money to me. I'd rather get a non-Z51 and add wheels and Corsas.
If you're never going to put the car on track then it's a waste of money to me. I'd rather get a non-Z51 and add wheels and Corsas.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 683
From: Austin Texas
St. Jude Donor '15
OP, I was in the same boat and wrote a post asking for information from owners. Several replied and gave me honest information, thus leading me to get a 3lt and not worry about the extra that the Z51 comes with. Check my post and read their comments, it may help you in your decision. " Quest for a Stingray" is the post.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
I had F55 (magnetic ride) on my C6. Realistically, after operating in the various modes, finally settled on sport setting and basically left it there. The base C7 suspension has been upgraded and performs virtually like the C6's F55 suspension. Thinking most C7 Z51, MRC purchasers will also select and operate continuously in one mode. Probably a setting that performs similarly like the base suspension.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 103
Likes: 8
From: New Jersey
Find away to qualify for either a GM Employee, GM Supplier or a Credit Union Discount and use the discount to put the whip cream and cherry on top, Z51. The car is awesome either way with or without the Z51 option. Good luck with your decision.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
I think that the Z51 added bonus is the E-diff and the enhanced gearing.
My next one will be a Z06 but not for a couple years still enjoying this car. In the Z06 I will most likely trim down the interior upgrades and go with the 1lt plus comp seats ...
My next one will be a Z06 but not for a couple years still enjoying this car. In the Z06 I will most likely trim down the interior upgrades and go with the 1lt plus comp seats ...
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 421
Likes: 42
From: Pittsgrove NJ
I had F55 (magnetic ride) on my C6. Realistically, after operating in the various modes, finally settled on sport setting and basically left it there. The base C7 suspension has been upgraded and performs virtually like the C6's F55 suspension. Thinking most C7 Z51, MRC purchasers will also select and operate continuously in one mode. Probably a setting that performs similarly like the base suspension.
..... Has not gotten old after 5k miles
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 386
Likes: 5
From: Atlanta GA
OP, since most C7's are daily drives, the base car with slightly taller run flats will give the most compliant ride and still provide great performance around town and the twisties. Having road tested both the base C7 and the Z51 with MRC, the base car definetly has a more comfortable ride. It's no surprise the base C7 without the track package is the better daily driver. And it will cost less upfront and long term for brakes and tires, and the base tires will peform better in colder climates.
Last edited by 9ball1104; Oct 9, 2014 at 01:24 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 22,582
Likes: 251
From: Denison, TX
2022 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'16
Some will disagree, but the rational reason for getting the Z51 is you will track the car and of course bragging rights. For 2014, Chevy underestimated how many folks would get the Z51 option because of the appearance of the Z51 specific wheels. For 2015, you can now get the these same wheels on the base C7 if this is important to you and you don't mind sacrificing some ride comfort.
So? Have you never gone to the same restaurant numerous times? Gone the same place for vacation multiple times? Kissed the same girl over and over?