Move up to C7
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 147
From: dalton ma
Move up to C7
Been reading the ads, watching ebay and steady customer on "iseecars". All I'm looking for is a nice cruizer, no autocross, no track time. The question is what are the downsides of a Z51 package that I don't think I need but will probably cost a premium .
Tough enough finding a manual shift convertible, but most are LT1's and I want bells and whistles so LT2 is my minimum and would prefer an LT3. Do I dare say I want red or will I have to shop another year or two ? Thanks Bob C
Tough enough finding a manual shift convertible, but most are LT1's and I want bells and whistles so LT2 is my minimum and would prefer an LT3. Do I dare say I want red or will I have to shop another year or two ? Thanks Bob C
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 136,140
Likes: 2,433
From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
One big advantage in the Z51 (if handling, etc aren't what you're after) is the heavy duty cooling system, ELSD (and cooler) and tranny cooler (nice in humid, hot climates) and bigger brakes At least in my book and YMMV
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,768
Likes: 297
From: Plano TX
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 395
Likes: 194
From: Goderich, ON
I was completely set on Z51 since it has so many excellent features. After researching the matter further, base is plenty good for a nice cruiser. To answer your question about downsides of Z51:
Rougher ride.
More expensive replacement tires.
Oil change procedure has a bit of twist if whoever is doing it is unfamiliar with it.
On a positive note, Z51 car will be easier to resell.
Rougher ride.
More expensive replacement tires.
Oil change procedure has a bit of twist if whoever is doing it is unfamiliar with it.
On a positive note, Z51 car will be easier to resell.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
While I have Z51 3LT the things I enjoy most are the mag-ride suspension and performance exhaust. I would be bummed to have a C7 without those two things. Everyone is different... so test drive a few and see what YOU like
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 2,535
From: New Jersey
I was in your position in 2015 and bought a 3LT convertible with a stick and no Z51. Bought it as a cruiser and fits the bill perfectly. The car handles like it is on rails for aggressive street turns. The car is fast-make that very fast for street driving and the stick makes it more fun. I also got crystal metallic red with a kalahari interior and top.
I do not have any brake dust which the Z51 brakes give off and my car takes less oil in a much less complicated system.
The only thing I really would have liked in the Z51 package is the performance gear ratios.
I do not have any brake dust which the Z51 brakes give off and my car takes less oil in a much less complicated system.
The only thing I really would have liked in the Z51 package is the performance gear ratios.
Last edited by Corgidog1; Jan 24, 2019 at 06:47 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 136,140
Likes: 2,433
From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
(as I said, YMMV)
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 12,261
Likes: 4,750
From: SE WI
The biggest downside is that you won't have a Grand Sport. 
In all seriousness, if performance is the highest priority to you, def want the Z51. If it's not then, as in anything else, you're paying for something you don't want. Not good. Think about what you want, not what you don't want. Much simpler.
In all seriousness, if performance is the highest priority to you, def want the Z51. If it's not then, as in anything else, you're paying for something you don't want. Not good. Think about what you want, not what you don't want. Much simpler.
Last edited by Zjoe6; Jan 24, 2019 at 06:53 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,697
Likes: 1,180
From: Raleigh
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 12,261
Likes: 4,750
From: SE WI
I do see people post this now and then on this forum. I'm here to tell that does while it may apply you, it does not apply to me. I don't track it but I love the handling of all the track goodies. Started out with a 2004 Z06 and loved how it handled. There's no way I'd ever buy a base vette but that's just me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 409
From: Lake Placid, FL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 2,084
From: Lehigh Valley PA
Im assuming when you said EBay you are in the USED market (if Im wrong, then please post a reply)...
So, assuming USED, why would you not get EVERYTHING you want? Youre already saving so much money - why even tinker with a lesser optioned car? Now Z51 is nice (I have one) but its totally unnecessary if your not going to be consistently racing or at least driving spirited. Sounds like your just looking for a nice cruiser with bells and whistles. So to me, you want NAV, top notch leather, a great stereo, etc. If that's the case then you want a 3LT (which gives you everything including NAPA leather). If you dont care about the upgraded leather, then a 2LT is the minimum you should go.
7-spd is better overall given all the tranny issues with the automatics and oh yeah a convertible is a must if you want the ultimate cruiser...
So you decision really boils down to this:
Convertible / 7-spd / 2LT (Z51 is a nice to have & better for resale)
or
Convertible / 7-spd / 3LT (Z51 is a nice to have & better for resale)
One last thing - look on Craigslist and AutoTrader - most likely you will find more Vettes that are local to you.
So, assuming USED, why would you not get EVERYTHING you want? Youre already saving so much money - why even tinker with a lesser optioned car? Now Z51 is nice (I have one) but its totally unnecessary if your not going to be consistently racing or at least driving spirited. Sounds like your just looking for a nice cruiser with bells and whistles. So to me, you want NAV, top notch leather, a great stereo, etc. If that's the case then you want a 3LT (which gives you everything including NAPA leather). If you dont care about the upgraded leather, then a 2LT is the minimum you should go.
7-spd is better overall given all the tranny issues with the automatics and oh yeah a convertible is a must if you want the ultimate cruiser...
So you decision really boils down to this:
Convertible / 7-spd / 2LT (Z51 is a nice to have & better for resale)
or
Convertible / 7-spd / 3LT (Z51 is a nice to have & better for resale)
One last thing - look on Craigslist and AutoTrader - most likely you will find more Vettes that are local to you.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 147
From: dalton ma
Seems like a lot of folks are insinuating their desires into my needs and wants. In summary I don't need or want the "bigger,more expensive tires" that wear faster and cost more. Likewise I don't need/want a multi quart "tricky" oil change. Neither do I hardly ever exceed the speed limit by more than a touch, ask my wife, so standard gear ratios are fine with me. Probably couldn't even tell the difference anyway. Based on the above it looks like to me Z51 should be a deduct from the normal price ! Although Z51 MIGHT be a plus for resale somewhere down the road it is not now a concern.
As far as my desire for an LT2, I now have a C5 and I like the memory package and HUD and wouldn't like to lose them. Obviously I am not a typical Corvette fan and am not a performance fanatic. Although I am no fan of great gobs of speed I do appreciate ACCELERATION in a big way . Let's see if I can find my dream car which may not be suitable for anyone else. Thanks to all who contributed to my understanding of the Z51 mystery.
As far as my desire for an LT2, I now have a C5 and I like the memory package and HUD and wouldn't like to lose them. Obviously I am not a typical Corvette fan and am not a performance fanatic. Although I am no fan of great gobs of speed I do appreciate ACCELERATION in a big way . Let's see if I can find my dream car which may not be suitable for anyone else. Thanks to all who contributed to my understanding of the Z51 mystery.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 2,084
From: Lehigh Valley PA
Took me 3 min to find these - may or may not be exactly what you want - but at least this can help start your search beyond EBay:
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,746
Likes: 916
Seems like a lot of folks are insinuating their desires into my needs and wants. In summary I don't need or want the "bigger,more expensive tires" that wear faster and cost more. Likewise I don't need/want a multi quart "tricky" oil change. Neither do I hardly ever exceed the speed limit by more than a touch, ask my wife, so standard gear ratios are fine with me. Probably couldn't even tell the difference anyway. Based on the above it looks like to me Z51 should be a deduct from the normal price ! Although Z51 MIGHT be a plus for resale somewhere down the road it is not now a concern.
As far as my desire for an LT2, I now have a C5 and I like the memory package and HUD and wouldn't like to lose them. Obviously I am not a typical Corvette fan and am not a performance fanatic. Although I am no fan of great gobs of speed I do appreciate ACCELERATION in a big way . Let's see if I can find my dream car which may not be suitable for anyone else. Thanks to all who contributed to my understanding of the Z51 mystery.
As far as my desire for an LT2, I now have a C5 and I like the memory package and HUD and wouldn't like to lose them. Obviously I am not a typical Corvette fan and am not a performance fanatic. Although I am no fan of great gobs of speed I do appreciate ACCELERATION in a big way . Let's see if I can find my dream car which may not be suitable for anyone else. Thanks to all who contributed to my understanding of the Z51 mystery.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 270
Likes: 93
From: Tampa Bay
I was completely set on Z51 since it has so many excellent features. After researching the matter further, base is plenty good for a nice cruiser. To answer your question about downsides of Z51:
Rougher ride.
More expensive replacement tires.
Oil change procedure has a bit of twist if whoever is doing it is unfamiliar with it.
On a positive note, Z51 car will be easier to resell.
Rougher ride.
More expensive replacement tires.
Oil change procedure has a bit of twist if whoever is doing it is unfamiliar with it.
On a positive note, Z51 car will be easier to resell.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,800
Likes: 2,653
From: Down south in Dixie
Been reading the ads, watching ebay and steady customer on "iseecars". All I'm looking for is a nice cruizer, no autocross, no track time. The question is what are the downsides of a Z51 package that I don't think I need but will probably cost a premium .
Tough enough finding a manual shift convertible, but most are LT1's and I want bells and whistles so LT2 is my minimum and would prefer an LT3. Do I dare say I want red or will I have to shop another year or two ? Thanks Bob C
Tough enough finding a manual shift convertible, but most are LT1's and I want bells and whistles so LT2 is my minimum and would prefer an LT3. Do I dare say I want red or will I have to shop another year or two ? Thanks Bob C
Last edited by Rebel Yell; Jan 25, 2019 at 12:50 PM.
