going to look at a 14 coupe do I need z51 package.
car will be run on the back roads it will never be on a track.
don't want overkill I am a ok driver but no race car driver.
thanks for any input

 

I had a '14 Coupe without the Z51 pkg. The car handled nicely, but there was some sway pushing it hard through curves. The non Z51's do not come with a rear sway bar. I installed the Z51 sway bar kit (front and rear matching set) and it made a big difference.

 

I would. You'll most likey wish you had if you don't. Bigger wheels and such over base. 19/20 vs 18/19.

 

No, unless you are going to track car. Save your $$$$

 

 

If you get a z51 front sway bar then put a rear sway bar on the car due to the non z51 car doesn't have one at all on the car. Plus if me I would get a good set of aftermarket shocks & call it a day with that. Plus one of the shocks out here on the market says it will lower the car by almost 1 inch. Robert

 

 

The 19/20 wheels look 10 times better but you can always upgrade those. I'm 100% satisfied with my non Z51

 

IMHO if you end up modifying the suspension, tires, etc on a base C7 to handle more like a Z51 than just get the Z51. It's like Z51 owners who want to add a wide body kit so their car looks like a GS. Just buy a GS. OP, if you can I would try to test drive a Z51 and a base C7 and buy what you like best. I drove both and decided I would end up trying to modify the base car so bought the Z51.

Any price difference you pay to get a Z51 you will likely get back at resale.

 

It probably doesn't cost much more used- maybe $3k more?
Is that worth bigger brakes, bigger wheels, spoiler, dry sump, stiffer suspension and steeper gears?

You may not want the stiffer suspension. You may not want the steeper gears. You probably don't want the dry sump, which makes oil changes much more time consuming and expensive- and the labor on heads and cam packages crazy.

 

Need?No.Want ...maybe.

Depending where you buy and the deal you make,the Z51 option is approx only $2k more.

I have a new '17 with M7.It's a good DD car.

I don't track my car,but as a racer/tester,it has the feel I like.

JMO.

\db2

 

 

Firstvette99- I struggled with the same decision and ultimately went with the base Stingray for the softer ride, which matches my needs 99% of the time. I don't plan to track the car but a few times, and the handling is still good. However, I purchased the Z51 sway bars and Z51 chrome wheels from forum members. I like the looks and improved handling in the curves, but I still have my comfortable ride.

 

Yes...it is supposed to be a high performance car....

 

I can't give you an answer to your dilemma but I can give you my experience. First a big part of this equation is are you looking at a manual or automatic? Because....
I was I the same situation you are when I was ordering my 2014. I had a C6 Z51 6 Speed manual and I loved the gear ratios and suspension so I told the salesman that I had to have a Z51. So he asked me what my intentions for the car were. I said I wasn't going to track it so he told me to take their demo base 14 for a test drive. He told another salesman to go with me and "see what I can do with it". So I had a 45 min test drive in country and city roads and I loved it so I ordered a base 2lt manual.

Fast forward 2 years later...I found I was not happy with the gearing of the base car and I felt I wanted a little better handling and breaking so I went back to look for a 16 Z51 2LT 7Speed manual. 17s were out and great deals were to be had for leftover 16s and he found exactly what I was looking for in the color I wanted and now I am a thrilled owner of a Z51.

I do not track it, it is my daily driver 33 miles each way (30 on the Interstate) and I find I like the handling and breaking improvements and 7th gear is more useful.

There is no right answer, each individual has different opinions and the best we can do is give you our experiences and thought processes.

So I close with my opening question about the transmission you want and add is money an important factor? If you can afford then go for it. And if you are worried the suspension might be too stiff (I really don't think so but that's me) then look for one with MRCS.

But the best advice as others have mentioned try to get a test drive in both if possible. I wish the dealer had a Z51 I could have compared the base to. Good luck and I hope this helps.

 

If you like twitchy steering, a rough ride, spending more cash, paying more for replacement tires, and plan on tracking the car then yes, buy the Z51 package.
Otherwise NO. My 2013 C6 was a Grand Sport, 2009 had the Z51 package. Current C7 is a non Z51. Not for me.

 

Save your money it is an option you absolutely do not need and will not miss it.

 

As you can see, there are plenty of answers, but none of them are yours

If your goal is to get into a Corvette at the lowest price, and honestly don't have any serious demands on driving performance, I'd bet you'll be plenty happy with the base C7. The base car is very capable.

On the other hand, if you think there's any chance you'll be sorry you didn't get the Z51 down the road, then do it now, because it will be cheaper in the long run.

Cheers,
Rusty (1LT Z51 w/MRC)

 

Do you need z51 no, but do you want z51, now that is the real ? For me what en I went look at the end of the model year in 2015 I was at the same decision. There were just great discounts and I ended up with a z51 because it was the color and options I really wanted at 12% off. I really wanted a z06, but could not find one the color I wanted and they were still 89k +. So I decided to get the z51 the color I wanted and supercharged it myself, problem solved.

 

Extra option packages are the gold to the dealer at new purchase, and p***ed-away money to the seller of his ("new, just like I wanted it") but now jilted lover at time of trade-in/sale. If you are keeping this one forever (yeah, right) buy what floats your boat.

You want top dollar for your trade-in of this new love on down the road? 1. GS. 2. Bright Red. 3. Automatic 4. Z51. Since GS wasn't available in your year, just remember that in the out years GS will be available used and your heap will be competing with them at the time of your next trade-in. (Hint: C6's are in the thirty's, GS C6's are holding in the forties, and poor old c6 Z06's with no automatics and a suspect engine are in the thirty's!)

Cars are just beauty pageants and you are the judge who has to decide what will be a winner when its time for you to sell.