brooklync5

I have a base 2lt and I'm more than satisfied with it. It handles beautifully and I'm never really wanting a stiffer suspension... I do wish my car had the 19-20" wheels though. Also while I never wish for a stiffer suspension I'm sure I would mess around with the Z51 settings if I had it. Is the Z51 a necessity? No. Should you get it? If you find one that you love, yes! Otherwise I'm sure like most of us with the base you'll be more than happy with it.

LimeRay

The Z51 package is worth every penny. Improved braking, cooling, dry sump, and most especially better handling. All these posts and no one mentions the biggest upgrade of them all, eLSD. That alone is worth every penny of the price of admission. This is a no brainer. If you don't buy Z51 you are making a mistake.

vbdenny

Just be sure it has the magnetic ride. The difference in ride and steering is so easy to adjust with a ****. Perhaps the best option of all. You don't need the bigger tires, sway bar and all that but the ride control is the best thing ever. On rough roads you can make it ride like a Lexus and on smooth roads, well what can I say

Nobody needs any of these things but then again many people are happy with a Prius so all depends on you. Trade in value is a joke as cars do nothing but lose value anyway.

JerryU

Had a 2014 Z51, without mag shocks was only a $2800 option in 2013 when I got mine. Used price should not be much over the base car.

Also a '08 C6 with Z51 without mag shocks and the ride in both was fine for me.

Now have a Grand Sport that comes with mag shocks and it does provide a slightly softer ride in Touring and set a Track, much stiffer.

roadbike56

Do you "need" Z51? No,
But you may want it. I've got 2014 with Z51 and mag ride. If it wasn't for the mag ride, I would not want the Z51. It's a very stiff suspension compared to the base. However, if you're buying a used C7 and it has all the goodies, Z51 with mag ride, go for it. You can set it to suit your riding style at that moment, lot of fun.

fugly1

No one needs anything discussed on this forum. Buy what you want if you can afford it.

RedC7AZ

If you evaluate all the advice, and then go with your gut feeling, then whether you get the Z51 option or not, you won't make a mistake.

smithrebel

When I went to order my "14 3LT I wanted the Z51. I told the dealer I was going to use it to travel. He talked me out of spending $3500 for that package since I did not plan to track it. I spent that money on the 5 yr GM complete warranty and the Dupont 5 yr paint and interior package. I've got 17k miles on it and am very pleased. My track days are over: Drove Porsches for 41 years (and hard). Am a bit older now.

obxchartercaptain

VetteDrmr

Do I need/want Z51? IMO, since you're not going to the track, it's not a deal-breaker either way. Is the car you're looking at a good deal? If not, then use the absense of Z51 as a bargaining tool. If it is a good deal, then move forward.

Z51 was one of my search criteria; just way too many goodies, biggest on mine the electronic limited slip diff, and the coolers. Will she see the track? Nowhere within 6 hours of me, so not very often (if at all). BUT, we have some awesome roads here in AR, and spinning an inside tire on a switchback is no fun.

Mag shocks are really nice as well.

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike

bbrown450

All great advice ...this sums it up the best if you have always wanted that package , deep down , get it regret sometimes costs more than the price.

RedC7AZ

C7 owners especially those placing custom orders are more savvy than the normal buyer. Meaning they'll do their due diligence and make the right decision.

There's probably an insignificant number of people that ordered the Z51 that wish they hadn't and a few that didn't order it that wish they did.

VooDooRob

Z51 is not needed...Stingray is not needed either. Buy what you are comfortable with and what you really want.

DAFFYDRUNK

Even the stock diff is limited slip. It is not any more open than the e diff. The e diff simply adjusts how open it is. It is not torque vectoring, which is what I think most people assume is its function.

fredhere

I factory ordered my 2016. I chose the Z51 package because some day I will be selling and there are going to be buyers interested in ONLY a vette with the Z51 package. The way I drive I would never know the diffeernce between Z51 and non Z51, I am and drive like a geezer!

VetteDrmr

I realize that. But my C5's LSD (admittedly worn) will break the inside tire loose when the torque load overwhelms the clutches.

Have a good one,
Mike

Corgidog1

The only thing that interests me about the Z51 is the performance gears. I don't track and I can't drive my base at its max so why do I need more handling. Better acceleration in lower gears however interests me.

gottaz51

Not as much as air, but you do need it! Seriousy, I fell into one, not literally. Had I bought a base, I would be wishing for a Z51 so it depends on what you can be satisfied with.

RedC7AZ

On the flip side, had I gone with the Z51 I would be out a few thousand dollars, cleaning my wheels of break dust every day, and with no tangible benefit, since I don't track the car.

I custom ordered so added what I considered to be 2 essential Z51 components to the base Stingray:

1) Performance Exhaust
2) Z51 Spoiler

Foosh

Even on the street, I would really miss the eLSD and PTM.