It's not really a problem. 
Base vs Z51
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 557
From: Newport OR
When we decided to finally buy a corvette we knew only two things: It had to be a convertible and white, black or red.
We read about all the options, but we'd never owned one and had nothing to compare to a short ride.
So, we searched the Net and found a 2015 Arctic While "Vert" in Z51 model. We loved it's looks, performance and power, and that's why we bought it.. We never looked back. To this day, I've never really had a chance to drive a base model for any length of time. I'm sure it is powerful and fun. Z51? Base? We never cared-to busy having fun driving it.
We read about all the options, but we'd never owned one and had nothing to compare to a short ride.
So, we searched the Net and found a 2015 Arctic While "Vert" in Z51 model. We loved it's looks, performance and power, and that's why we bought it.. We never looked back. To this day, I've never really had a chance to drive a base model for any length of time. I'm sure it is powerful and fun. Z51? Base? We never cared-to busy having fun driving it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 318
From: Cedar Falls Iowa
When we decided to finally buy a corvette we knew only two things: It had to be a convertible and white, black or red.
We read about all the options, but we'd never owned one and had nothing to compare to a short ride.
So, we searched the Net and found a 2015 Arctic While "Vert" in Z51 model. We loved it's looks, performance and power, and that's why we bought it.. We never looked back. To this day, I've never really had a chance to drive a base model for any length of time. I'm sure it is powerful and fun. Z51? Base? We never cared-to busy having fun driving it.
We read about all the options, but we'd never owned one and had nothing to compare to a short ride.
So, we searched the Net and found a 2015 Arctic While "Vert" in Z51 model. We loved it's looks, performance and power, and that's why we bought it.. We never looked back. To this day, I've never really had a chance to drive a base model for any length of time. I'm sure it is powerful and fun. Z51? Base? We never cared-to busy having fun driving it.
On a positive, I drove the **** out of a z51 m7 at spring Mtn in 100 degree heat and no problem with overheating. I think the car could happily go all day. Temp stabilized at 230 and oil 290ish.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 573
Likes: 91
From: Carlsbad, CA
Z51 and Mag ride works perfectly
I have always had Corvettes with the upgraded handling packages, either Z51 or mag ride. As the 2015 is not available with mag ride as a stand alone package I went with the "base" car. I will be adding the Z51 anti sway bars for a bit more stability in cornering. And as was noted earlier the Stingray in its "base" form out handles the C6's Z51 package.
And , as has been noted in the forum, the dry sump system is driving the dealers nuts do to the oil fill. Easy fix, though, just do it yourself.
If you can afford the Z51 with mag ride I would do it. You get all the bells and whistles, most likely a higher resale, better wheels. The Z51 wheels are forged as opposed to cast wheels on the "base" car, both cars come with summer only performance tires. While the Z51's tires are a bit sticker, and designed for the car.
I chose base do to age, slowed reflexes ( still faster than most of my friends ), and ride comfort. My wife and I like to cruise with the top off. She gets a wee bit nervous when I take 40 mph corners at 75 or so, in this case I go by myself and try not to get to rambunctious.
Best wishes to you on your decision. Hopefully, the forum boys will not screw up your thoughts on this to much.
And , as has been noted in the forum, the dry sump system is driving the dealers nuts do to the oil fill. Easy fix, though, just do it yourself.
If you can afford the Z51 with mag ride I would do it. You get all the bells and whistles, most likely a higher resale, better wheels. The Z51 wheels are forged as opposed to cast wheels on the "base" car, both cars come with summer only performance tires. While the Z51's tires are a bit sticker, and designed for the car.
I chose base do to age, slowed reflexes ( still faster than most of my friends ), and ride comfort. My wife and I like to cruise with the top off. She gets a wee bit nervous when I take 40 mph corners at 75 or so, in this case I go by myself and try not to get to rambunctious.
Best wishes to you on your decision. Hopefully, the forum boys will not screw up your thoughts on this to much.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 158
From: Irvine CA
I ordered Z51 on my C6 and loved it. I passed on Z51 for my C7 and love it.
Just as the C7 is more car than the C6, the Z51 is much more on the C7 than on the C6. I didn't want the extra weight or complexity. I also prefer the cleaner, sleaker, more elegant look of the non-51. Finally, I enjoy the fast engine warm-up of my non-51.
These are my personal preferences only. The Z51 is unquestionably a hot performance package at a bargain price. More power to the Z51 enthusiasts on this Forum.
Just as the C7 is more car than the C6, the Z51 is much more on the C7 than on the C6. I didn't want the extra weight or complexity. I also prefer the cleaner, sleaker, more elegant look of the non-51. Finally, I enjoy the fast engine warm-up of my non-51.
These are my personal preferences only. The Z51 is unquestionably a hot performance package at a bargain price. More power to the Z51 enthusiasts on this Forum.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,020
Likes: 3,429
From: Plymouth Massachusetts
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Unmodified
I ordered Z51 on my C6 and loved it. I passed on Z51 for my C7 and love it.
Just as the C7 is more car than the C6, the Z51 is much more on the C7 than on the C6. I didn't want the extra weight or complexity. I also prefer the cleaner, sleaker, more elegant look of the non-51. Finally, I enjoy the fast engine warm-up of my non-51.
These are my personal preferences only. The Z51 is unquestionably a hot performance package at a bargain price. More power to the Z51 enthusiasts on this Forum.
Just as the C7 is more car than the C6, the Z51 is much more on the C7 than on the C6. I didn't want the extra weight or complexity. I also prefer the cleaner, sleaker, more elegant look of the non-51. Finally, I enjoy the fast engine warm-up of my non-51.
These are my personal preferences only. The Z51 is unquestionably a hot performance package at a bargain price. More power to the Z51 enthusiasts on this Forum.
Last edited by Always Red Dave; Jun 11, 2016 at 08:14 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,020
Likes: 3,429
From: Plymouth Massachusetts
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Unmodified
SASprof your TR Stingray looks real nice in your avatar any BIG pictures to show her off.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,020
Likes: 3,429
From: Plymouth Massachusetts
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Unmodified
You seem like a nice guy SASprof enjoy that great looking TR VERT From Always red Dave on the other side of our country
!
!
Last edited by Always Red Dave; Jun 11, 2016 at 09:23 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,020
Likes: 3,429
From: Plymouth Massachusetts
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Unmodified
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,020
Likes: 3,429
From: Plymouth Massachusetts
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Unmodified
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 158
From: Irvine CA
Same here. Apologies for hijacking this thread...
Of course I love the car. But I was extremely disappointed with the nav and somewhat disappointed with the infotainment system generally. So I was delighted to learn, on this forum, that you can upgrade both to GM factory 2016 units, which are greatly improved. I did this and am extremely pleased.
http://www.oemautopartsco.com/produc...ant=1025047953
Be sure to add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Of course I love the car. But I was extremely disappointed with the nav and somewhat disappointed with the infotainment system generally. So I was delighted to learn, on this forum, that you can upgrade both to GM factory 2016 units, which are greatly improved. I did this and am extremely pleased.
http://www.oemautopartsco.com/produc...ant=1025047953
Be sure to add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 97,155
Likes: 1,471
From: Calgary, AB. There's a reason why white was the only color offered on every year Corvette. Proud Canadian German Jamaican!
St. Jude Donor '09, '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I will always get the best, highest performing car that I can afford.....YRMV.
Unless your the service dept.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24,129
Likes: 1,038
From: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
