Purchase to Z51 or not and Z51-that's the question
#21
I only bought the Z51 because I liked the appearance of the Z51 wheels and like the look of the larger brakes. All the other adders were icing on the cake. If I had to do it again, the Z51 would be purchased again.
#22
Pro
Z51 is worth it for the E-Diff alone. People just don't get how much this feature alone adds to the cars performance. Z-51 package is an incredible bargain for the amount of technology it provides.
All this being said, if you're going to drive like a geezer then don't bother.
All this being said, if you're going to drive like a geezer then don't bother.
Can you please explain how the E-Diff makes that much difference over the non-Z51? I have a M7 without Z51 and curious what I am missing.
#23
Drifting
my 14 was a z51 (ordered that one) my 17 isnt (took it off the lot) honestly they drive the same... I am a drag racer so I don't really race the stingrays (have a drag car) and on the street i notice no real difference.
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Mike Campbell (07-24-2017)
#24
Race Director
Member Since: Oct 1999
Location: Phila PA, Bonita Springs FL
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I drove both base & Z51 cars..
For me, like you, I'm not EVER going to track the car, just street drive it, so the base was a no brainer, comfort wise... If I want to stiffen it up, I can always switch from Tour to Sport modes.
Trust me on this:
Base suspension, with MSRC (MAG ride), and non run flats...
We're talking one super comfortable & quiet ride my friends!
For me, like you, I'm not EVER going to track the car, just street drive it, so the base was a no brainer, comfort wise... If I want to stiffen it up, I can always switch from Tour to Sport modes.
Trust me on this:
Base suspension, with MSRC (MAG ride), and non run flats...
We're talking one super comfortable & quiet ride my friends!
Last edited by YO-EL; 07-24-2017 at 07:11 AM.
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Mike Campbell (07-24-2017)
#26
Melting Slicks
My dad is gonna hate for saying this, but we tracked our cars last Friday and the Z51 overheated. I think it was 95 degrees out. He has a A8 Z51 coupe, and I have a base M7 "ZF1" vert with 19/20 wheels. His Z51 lost enough coolant we were forced to stop at a gas station outside the track and refill. My non Z51 convertible was able to make an additional run with no issues. Not really sure why the difference, as we ran together all day and his car has a 160 degree thermostat. Mine has the stock 195. So much for extra cooling capacity. We weren't really pushing the cars that hard either, as lots of slow people that should be in novice groups chose advanced.
#27
Melting Slicks
In the first couple of model years, the Z51 package was necessary to get the upgraded wheels, spoiler and to get the magnetic ride as mag ride wasn't available on the base package right away. If you bought the base and then added all the cosmetic stuff along with mag ride, the price difference averaged out to be insignificant compared to ordering the car with Z51 and mag ride. For 2018, you can order ala carte so you have more options...regarding your car's options.
#28
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Member Since: Sep 2007
Location: NE South Carolina
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eLSD operates with two clutch packs on either side of the differential. They are activated by a ~3000 psi motor driven hydraulic pump located in the rear. A computer using sensors can activate them hundreds of times per second to supply more of less power to either side. I recall when in was introduced the race team said they wish they could use it but it was banned! Of interest, GM had patents on the system and planned to use it on a high powered, front wheel drive car to manage toque steer!
If racing it's a benefit adding stability in a turn but for street driving if you have to make a quick decision to avoid a car or deer it could help keep the car stable in that transient move.
Think it must of helped as I was testing the max "g" force with my Grand Sport in a moderate speed very tight turn! Rear slide out but with stability control and eLSD car returned and felt very predictable!
Last edited by JerryU; 07-24-2017 at 12:25 PM.
#30
Melting Slicks
On my '17 Z51 M7 deal,the Z51 option was only $2k more.
For me It was worth it and it will probably be a good selling point when I sell.
It's a good compromise between the Base & the GS.
\db2
For me It was worth it and it will probably be a good selling point when I sell.
It's a good compromise between the Base & the GS.
\db2
Last edited by dbaker; 07-24-2017 at 02:06 PM.
#32
Race Director
I'd say 12% off M.S.R.P. is a good deal.