putterf

I'm looking hard for a used C7 2LT or 3LT coupe and about 90% have the Z51 option. Since my track days are long gone, the enhanced performance of the Z51 option is not important. I'm just looking for a cool fast car that would be a fun DD and to drive on long distance trips. However, I may need to buy one with it.

Here is my question. How bad are the negatives of having a Z51 optioned coupe as a DD or GT ? You know things like road noise, brake dust, tire wear, oil change expense/time, higher insurance, etc.

Thanks for sharing your experience with a tourist.

BobFic

Really you should drive both, one with and with out z51 package, then decide on your own. I am going through the same dilemma, should I get z51 or not, I'm going to purchase new, used Corvette selection in my area are few to my liking and past ownership upkeep, so for few more bucks I decided to go new, base suspension with magnetic selective ride control, this way I can dial in the shocks for firmer, or softer ride, depending on road conditions. Mostly this Vette will be used for long weekend drives and weekend get a ways..With that I didn't want to feel most of the bumps, roads aren't the best where I live.. Good luck....at the end it's all you, that makes final decision.

onyx_z71

If you're shopping a Z51, look to see if it is equipped with mag ride. My old '14 Z51 with MR had an awesome ride quality in tour mode. My '17 GS isn't nearly as smooth a ride as my '14 was although it also has MR.

MikeyTX

Yup, the latest gen of mag ride is priceless ! Sucks up miles on long road trips.

thill444

I find the Z51 with magride to be very comfortable. That said, the Z51 option does seem excessive based on your post. Have you tried expanding your search for a greater distance? There are far more non-Z51's out there than Z51's so it may just be you are limited based on location. Also if you can wait a few months I would expect more to come up for sale because it is summer and everyone is driving there's

LIStingray

For most years, base coupes and Z51 coupes were about equal in production numbers, although not when you figure in trim levels - Base 3LT's are somewhat rare and there are far more Base 1LT's than Z51 1LT's.
For what you are looking for, a Base 2LT is probably the best combination.
Z51 adds nothing you would really want or need, and it: does ride noticeably harder even with MRSC; brake dust with stock pads is unbearable; insurance is about 10-15% more; oil changes take 3 quarts more oil, so a little more expensive; the tires have about 30% less wear life, although replacement cost is only about $20 per tire more; road noise is very similar, and much quieter than the GS/Z06; imo, the Base looks better without the spoiler.

jcp911s

First, Z51 is not required for DD... only track. The base model will give you a better ride, and a wider choice of tires, and still be an amazing sports car. Also, it should be less expensive, but the price difference in the used market may not be that great.

However, if you do choose a Z51, the mag shocks are a MUST! I track my car, and my wife and I use our Z51 for trips and it is good for 5-7 hours, but I'd still opt for a base 2-3LT for a GT.

rrsperry

Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

LDYSTIG

Road Noise - Easily fixed with non-run flat tires. I have a Z51 and the road noise is super minimal, as I believe it is on the other models/packaged Vettes.

Brake Dust - This is definitely a problem, but I put carbotech 1521's on my Vette and have been very, very happy with the elimination of this issue!

Tire Wear - No different than any other sports car... all a matter of having the proper balance, alignment, and driving habits. I ditched my run flats for Michelin Pilot Sport AS3's and really like them

Oil Changes - Expense for oil change is higher due to the amount of oil these babies take (9.5 qt for our dry sump), but honestly at 7,500 miles each oil change it really doesn't make that material of a difference

Higher Insurance - Call your agent. You'd be surprised to find out that several auto insurers rate several models/packages the same as the base (source, my husband is an insurance agent). The C6 ZR1 was the same price as the Z06. My Z51 packaged C7 is the same price as a C7 Z06, etc. Your credit, additional cars on the policy, garage location, etc. all play very big factors into your rate.

In all honesty, as long as the price is right I don't see why you wouldn't go with a Z51 just because it's a Z51. If you have the color, options, and tranny in mind and the car just so happens to be a Z51 I say go for it!

JNess

I bought my 2017 2LT Z51 with Mag ride to be a DD and not run on the track.

Pro's:
Mag ride
eLSD
Dual mode exhaust
rear spoiler

Cons:
Brake dust
Tire wear/cost

If I had to do it over.... I'd probably go with a 2LT GS with Mag ride. I just couldn't even imagine having more grip than I currently have.

Basically, buy the level that you want with the tech/performance that you want at the price that you can afford. If you are even considering a Z51, buying a base may leave you wishing that you got the Z51. This is how I feel about the GS that was parked behind my Z51 when I bought it.

Steve Garrett

Many people say that you don't need a Z51 if you're not tracking the car. But it will help with resale.

themonk

Spoken like a true boy scout.

Walt White Coupe

LIStingray

By that he means it might be easier to sell; but on a dollars basis, you won't get back anywhere near the $5,000 cost of the Z51 package.

Corgidog1

If you are getting a stick, you might be interested in having performance gearing that comes with the Z51.

harmonyp

I bought a used 2016 Z51 3LT 7M with msrc for my DD. Have put 8K miles on it in less than 6 months. I absolutely LOVE this car as my DD.

I'd be way more concerned about getting the colors and interior trim level you want.

DAFFYDRUNK

Even if you do track, the base is fine too, especially M7s. IMO, the only thing the Z51 brings to the table at the track is 19/20s, and a stiffer suspension. When I'm blasting around in the base I'm not thinking about stiffer suspension. I'm wondering why the Z51s are not faster than me when I've been conditioned to think so from hanging out on this forum. Everything else about the Z51 is gadgets that cost more money to buy and cost more to fix.

Subw00er

I'm selling a 2lt z51. check it out.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...or-loaded.html

traronf

I have a Z51 and just changed the brakes to Power Stop Z26 and virtually no brake dust. If you go with a Z51 there is no reason to worry about brake dust as its an easy fix. The eLSD and additional sway bars in the Z51 make for some great spirited driving and while a base car is great, mine with MSRC is perfect and I love my car.