shalakha

Hi everyone, I'm looking to purchase a 2014 or 2015 C7. I wanted to get your opinion on whether the base or Z51 would be right for me: I live in potholed Los Angeles, with bad surface roads and bad freeways. The C7 will NOT be my DD. I'll mostly drive it on the freeways for high speed jaunts into the canyons, Orange County, Santa Barbara, up and down the Pacific Coast Highway & maybe even Vegas. But I don't anticipate taking it on a track. Even the canyon driving will be within my limits and not the car's lol. So based on that, would you recommend I get the base car or the Z51? How much and what would I be missing out not getting a Z51? Is it worth the extra money for the way I expect to drive it? thanks,

Sean

RedC7AZ

Here we go again.

LT4CMG

YouTube Stingray none Z51 vs z51. Get to know the difference for yourself. Personally, I am very happy with my z51 Mag ride and PTM. A great bang-for-buck in my opinion, especially buying it late last year with big discounts.

Skippydoo

I've had both and prefer the Z51

Adrianchavez

'14 and '15 magnetic ride control only offered in the z-51. Package. It's very much worth it for the at reason if nothing else .

vbdenny

All comes down to $$$ like everything else doesn't it.

ExRedRacer

Get the Z51. Lots of better stuff that you'll eventually regret not getting, that is, if you want the best handling Corvette available not named Z06

Guaranteed.

LT4CMG

Oh boy, I see what you did there. This thread's about to take a bad turn. Them's fightin words aimed at the GS crowd

roadbike56

If you get a Z51, be sure it comes with Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). I bought a 2014 Z51 and glad I did.

RedC7AZ

Had Z51 on my 2007 C6 Opted NOT to get it on my C7.
Some extra stuff with Z51, but no regrets not getting it, don't miss it. Decision had nothing to do with money. Just didn't feel I needed it. You won't notice much handling difference unless you track the car.

DAFFYDRUNK

I'm glad someone brought this question up. It has not been brought up for at least 30 hours.

JerryU

I've had a C6 Z51 and a C7 Z51 and with the relatively good roads in Eastern SC bought both without mag shocks. Ride was a bit stiff but fine for me.

Now have a new Grand Sport that comes with mag shocks as standard. Find I am driving in Tour Mode that is a somewhat softer ride. It is better over bumps and RR tracks etc. Transients in fast sharp turns are very stable and feel secure.

Suggest getting the Z51 and mag shocks or if not both the base car. Since you not going to push the car near its limits may not need the Z51 but never know when one of those canyon or coast road turns is a bit sharper than you thought!

Foosh

Yep, almost everyone thinks the std. suspension is fine, which it is, until they experience MSRC. But, once you go MSRC, you'll never go back.

joemessman

Based strictly on what you described as how and where you will be driving it. A non Z51 Stingray will be fine for your needs.

ScreamingBaldEagles

I would recommend to go with the z51 package. There is so many extra options that it comes with for a reasonable price that makes it absolutely worth it. Like others have said watch videos on YouTube about the differences and decide if it's something you'd like to have or not. Regardless of your decision you will love your new c7!

Corgidog1

Based upon the way you described your anticipated usage, you do not need the Z51. Kinda like wanting to get a car that will go 160 mph when you will not drive over 100 mph.

Adrianchavez

2016 the mrsc is offered as option with z51 spoiler and wheels. . Makes a huge difference in comfort level. The car is still a great handling car and still a beast

dvilin

Get the base, save your money, you will not miss a thing that is included with the Z51 option. Sometimes good is good enough and the base checks all those boxes for street use.

thill444

Drive them both and buy the one you prefer. That's what I did and I ended up with a Z51 w/MSRC.

roadbike56

OP,
One more thing to consider, price. Buying used you're going to find there is very little difference between the base car and the Z51. Nothing like buying new. I bought used and found there are larger differences in price from dealer to dealer than base car to Z51.
As examples, when I purchased, the best deal found on a base, 1LT M7 car was only $4K less than a Z51, 2LT w MRC and Nav. That's a lot of options for only $4K. However, when comparing Z51 2LT to another Z51 2LT at a different dealer, it was found there was a difference of over $5K for similar cars.
Also, you're going to find mileage, condition, additional warranties, and CPO certification are all going to play into the price of a used C7, not to mention different dealer mark-ups. My point is, look for the best deal, but don't get hung up on price difference for the Z51 option because it's only going to be one factor for you.