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3LT or Z51 3LT?

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Old 02-17-2017, 12:20 PM
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maxp
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Default 3LT or Z51 3LT?

I have found a new 2016 Z51/3LT and a base 3LT that are both fully optioned (Npp,Mag Suspension, PDR, suede seat inserts package). I do not plan to track it so I probably don't need the Z51 track upgrades over the base. The Z51 is about $1200 higher and both are now discounted ~20% from the MSRP.

Any reason to take one model over the other? Any thoughts or comments welcome. The C7 will replace a 2013 C6 GS
Old 02-17-2017, 12:26 PM
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ExRedRacer
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Get the Z51 or you might wish you had. The better handling by itself makes it worthwhile.


Last edited by ExRedRacer; 02-17-2017 at 12:26 PM.
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Old 02-17-2017, 12:29 PM
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proexpert
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If price is not an issue, get the Z51.

Last edited by proexpert; 02-17-2017 at 12:30 PM.
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Old 02-17-2017, 12:41 PM
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dbaker
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Originally Posted by ExRedRacer
Get the Z51 or you might wish you had. The better handling by itself makes it worthwhile.



Yep.I don't track my cars,but the '51 handles the way I prefer.

\db2

Last edited by dbaker; 02-18-2017 at 09:04 AM.
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Old 02-17-2017, 01:06 PM
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jwreed50
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I was faced with the same decision recently, and I went with the Base 3LT, fully optioned. Like you, I don't plan on tracking the car, so I didn't need (and did not want) the Z51 suspension system. Also did not want the dry sump oil system. Glad I made the decision I did -- I don't regret not having something I don't need.
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Old 02-17-2017, 01:06 PM
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theplatinumog
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Looks like I am in the minority but I think if you are not going to track it, the base is a better bet. The smaller wheels allow larger sidewall tires, and will ride better because of it. I also think the base looks better than the z51, especially the rear spoiler. It continues the lines from the back hoop.

All this from a z51 owner
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Old 02-17-2017, 02:19 PM
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Corgidog1
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Originally Posted by theplatinumog
Looks like I am in the minority but I think if you are not going to track it, the base is a better bet. The smaller wheels allow larger sidewall tires, and will ride better because of it. I also think the base looks better than the z51, especially the rear spoiler. It continues the lines from the back hoop.

All this from a z51 owner
I agree with everything you said and would add there is basically no brake dust from the base model unlike the Z51.
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Old 02-17-2017, 02:23 PM
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thirtythird
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Get base. Easier oil changes and lighter.
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Old 02-17-2017, 02:27 PM
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NostraD
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Originally Posted by theplatinumog
Looks like I am in the minority but I think if you are not going to track it, the base is a better bet. The smaller wheels allow larger sidewall tires, and will ride better because of it. I also think the base looks better than the z51, especially the rear spoiler. It continues the lines from the back hoop.

All this from a z51 owner
100% Agreed from the proud, happy, and un-regretful owner of a '15 3LT. I also echo the other comment about no brake dust. While I see many, many complaints here with regard to brake dust, I've had zero issues with brake dust on my Chrome wheels... much less than a few of my other vehicles that are not really performance cars... Oh and you have an extra $1,200 to "feed your beast" with fuel for more fun!
Old 02-17-2017, 03:16 PM
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ersatz928
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You should be able to get a 22% to 25% discount off of MSRP on a leftover 2016.....but get the Z51....it is supposed to be a performance car......
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Old 02-17-2017, 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted by ersatz928
You should be able to get a 22% to 25% discount off of MSRP on a leftover 2016.....but get the Z51....it is supposed to be a performance car......
Isn't it "supposed to be" the car that the person purchasing it wants it to be... whether it's for performance, styling, or a little bit of both?
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Old 02-17-2017, 03:37 PM
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brooklync5
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Very happy with my base model 2lt. I daily drive my car and really wouldn't want the stiffer suspension of the z51... I would have liked the larger wheels however as they really do look much nicer and fill the wheel well more.
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Old 02-17-2017, 03:45 PM
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sTz
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I vote Z51, and I'm not a Z51 owner.

It's better to have than want, rather than want and not have... That's deep.
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Old 02-17-2017, 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by theplatinumog
Looks like I am in the minority but I think if you are not going to track it, the base is a better bet. The smaller wheels allow larger sidewall tires, and will ride better because of it. I also think the base looks better than the z51, especially the rear spoiler. It continues the lines from the back hoop.

All this from a z51 owner

I forgot to mention both the 3lt and z51 have the same redline black 19/20" wheels which comes with the upgrade suede inserts/steering wheel/carbon fiber package

Originally Posted by ersatz928
You should be able to get a 22% to 25% discount off of MSRP on a leftover 2016.....but get the Z51....it is supposed to be a performance car......
I am not finding any discounts that high right now, there were some at years end but on what i want ~20 is all I'm finding right now

Last edited by Steve Garrett; 02-17-2017 at 11:11 PM. Reason: Merged Posts-use the Muti Quote button (the middle icon) in the lower right hand corner of each post to make your replies look like this!
Old 02-17-2017, 04:01 PM
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Italianfox
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My last vette was a base 2LT no NPP, Mag suspension, etc. I now have the Z-51 with mag suspension and wouldn't have it any other way in the future. But to me the mag suspension is what I enjoy the most. I don't track my vert but I like the add-ons in the Z-51 package. I think (maybe erroneously) that the dry sump with it's nearly 10 qts of oil might result in better engine life. I don't like the 3LT package because I think the color strap over the dash and some of the other accents are gaudy but maybe that is because i have a Kalahari interior
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Old 02-17-2017, 05:19 PM
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I'd do the Z51. For the small price differential you get nicer wheels, NPP etc.
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Old 02-17-2017, 06:18 PM
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ersatz928
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Originally Posted by maxp
I am not finding any discounts that high right now, there were some at years end but on what i want ~20 is all I'm finding right now
It's not what they are asking for 2016s...its what they might be are willing to accept......I see some dealers asking more for a 2016 Z51 than you can buy a 2017 Grand Sport for from Kerbeck.....

Last edited by ersatz928; 02-17-2017 at 06:19 PM.
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To 3LT or Z51 3LT?

Old 02-17-2017, 06:23 PM
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thill444
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Does the base 3LT hav NPP installed as an option? If not you gotta get the Z51.

Edit nevermind see it does.

If you have the money I say get the Z51, with the magnetic ride it is not too stiff.

Last edited by thill444; 02-17-2017 at 06:27 PM.
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Old 02-17-2017, 06:29 PM
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Always Red Dave
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If it is a A8 the Z51 will be faster do to the performance gear ratios but then again I own a 2014 3Lt Z51! Get the Z51 you will get the $1200 back when you sell it.You also get the rear spoiler and all the performance stuff included in the Z51 and I don't track mine either! Don't forget you also get the cool looking slotted rotors with the Z51!






Last edited by Always Red Dave; 02-17-2017 at 06:31 PM.
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Old 02-17-2017, 09:01 PM
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gpotski
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Originally Posted by ExRedRacer
Get the Z51 or you might wish you had. The better handling by itself makes it worthwhile.



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