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I have a pretty good idea about the differences between the base Stingray and Z51 package, so for just cruising around with no plans to track how much of a difference would I notice on the street without the Z51? The car I am looking at is a base level and I am wondering about the mode selection for this level of Stingray. Also is there a big difference between the 9 speaker and 10 speaker Bose system? I don`t want to just settle for a base model because of color and M7 I have a preference for.
Z51 on the street is nice for spirited driving. Not required but the firmer suspension and sway bars, bigger brakes etc. are favored by many. I track and x-cross so the package was a must for me. Check out the differences between 1/2/3LT. Its much more than audio. All I can say is the 10 speaker (with the sub) is average quality compared to my other cars. Not sure what the base system sounds like. Good luck.
My base w/o the Z51 handles better than my ability to drive it. The Z51 brakes make instant dust and need to constantly be cleaned, while the base makes very little brake dust. Plus oil changes are much simpler with less chance of being screwed up by the dealer, and the 1 inch smaller tires on the base gives you a better ride and more protection from pot holes.
Z51 would be noticed on the street, not because of the extra handling as you'd have to drive like a hooligan to find that but because of the stiffer ride.
As far as sound system, the 10 speaker isn't that much better but you'd be missing out on other things from the higher trims like heated/cooled seats, HUD etc over a base.
For street cruising a base C7 is fine. The Z51 goodies are nice on the track but nothing you would actually miss. The 10 speaker system is subpar and not worth a penny more then the 9 speaker system to me. Mode selection only changes the weight or resistance of the steering along with some throttle mapping and traction control slip along with dash display. Without the mag-ride suspension the handling will not change. Without the NPP the exhaust sound will not change either in the various drive modes.
I have a pretty good idea about the differences between the base Stingray and Z51 package, so for just cruising around with no plans to track how much of a difference would I notice on the street without the Z51? The car I am looking at is a base level and I am wondering about the mode selection for this level of Stingray. I don`t want to just settle for a base model because of color and M7 I have a preference for.
For cruising with occasional track use a base Stingray is ideal, and IMO the 2LT package has the creature comfort things for a GT machine. The Z51, GS and Z cars add track parts and systems that really only are useful on the track. If they're not being used, and they're not on the car, they can't break, require maintenance nor repair, and will likely have a lower purchase price. For your intended purpose, you won't be "settling" for a Stingray
Last year I got a '12 GS 'vert because as far as the C6 generation I much prefer the wide-bodies looks and stance. I may be the odd man out on this, but with the C7 I actually prefer the Stingray base/Z51 over the wide bodies as to me it looks so much more streamlined. My '19 1LT base is just that, a base with no MRC or NPP exhaust. In the 150 miles I've been able to drive it I've found it to be a very capable car that can probably do more than I'll ever need or want it to.
I guess the original owner of my car wanted the look , but did not care for the performance of a Z51. He opted for the ZF1 appearance package. You get the bigger wheels and spoiler along with anything that looks like a Z51 other than the performance parts.
Mine is a 1LT with exhaust package that handles and sounds very nice . Not sure the Z51 would have made a huge difference to me since I don't track the car. I have the looks but not the performance.
The 1LT trim package misses a few things that I wish I had, but oh well , that's what I found. i liked it and pulled the trigger.
I think the base C7 is awesome, mine is equipped with many options; heated/ cooled seats,HUD,duel mode exaust, rear spoiler, and an optional cyber grey grill. The ride is great. I did add a z51 rear sway bar just to firm up the rear. You can alter your stingray the way you want and it wont cost you an arm and a leg. Its your best corvette value!!!
Just for "cruising around" you probably don't need the Z51 package. When I am just leisurely driving I usually stay in "Tour", non-performance mode. But when I get to the back road twisties I'm sure the package makes a difference. I do not "track" my car but when I ordered my 2014, I added all the performance upgrades that were available at the time.
Z51 on the street is nice for spirited driving. Not required but the firmer suspension and sway bars, bigger brakes etc. are favored by many. I track and x-cross so the package was a must for me. Check out the differences between 1/2/3LT. Its much more than audio. All I can say is the 10 speaker (with the sub) is average quality compared to my other cars. Not sure what the base system sounds like. Good luck.
Base stereo system I have sounds okay, especially in a relatively noisy car like C7. People I know with the ten speaker system have pretty much the same reaction: meh.
The base level suspension is fine for the street. Z51 is more a track car, but if you buy the base suspension and decide you wish something firmer and better controlled you can add the Z51 sway bars for a few hundred bucks, and then the Z51 shocks for a little more. This is so common a mod that you'll find kits for these two upgrades with everything you need for each one sold as packages. I drive exclusively on the street and haven't felt the need to do this upgrade, and when I have to replace the OE tires I likely will get the all season Michelin run flats, reportedly smoother and quieter that the summer-only tires and of course extending the temperatures at which you can drive the car safely.
I have a pretty good idea about the differences between the base Stingray and Z51 package, so for just cruising around with no plans to track how much of a difference would I notice on the street without the Z51? The car I am looking at is a base level and I am wondering about the mode selection for this level of Stingray. Also is there a big difference between the 9 speaker and 10 speaker Bose system? I don`t want to just settle for a base model because of color and M7 I have a preference for.
On April 24, 2021 it will be 7 years that I've owned my 2014 C7, M7, 1LT with only 5 factory options (Performance Exhaust, Red Calipers, Z51 Carbon Flash Spoiler, Carbon Flash Hood Stripe, and the Battery Protection Package) listed on the sticker, so no Z51. Now I did upgrade my driver side sun-visor to get the garage door openers, upgraded my Infotainment system to get Apple CarPlay, and did some interior mods to add more Red to the dash and door panels to match the seats. It's just a fun car to drive and handles extremely well as noticed when exiting the turnpike, for example, at higher speeds and cornering. I don't miss the Z51 add-ons at all.
On April 24, 2021 it will be 7 years that I've owned my 2014 C7, M7, 1LT with only 5 factory options (Performance Exhaust, Red Calipers, Z51 Carbon Flash Spoiler, Carbon Flash Hood Stripe, and the Battery Protection Package) listed on the sticker, so no Z51. Now I did upgrade my driver side sun-visor to get the garage door openers, upgraded my Infotainment system to get Apple CarPlay, and did some interior mods to add more Red to the dash and door panels to match the seats. It's just a fun car to drive and handles extremely well as noticed when exiting the turnpike, for example, at higher speeds and cornering. I don't miss the Z51 add-ons at all.
I have two C7s. One with the 10 speaker system and one with the 9 speaker system. The only difference for me, and it is worth it, is playing music with heavy base will rattle the speakers in the 9 speaker system. The 10 speaker system with the sub woofer in back takes over and no rattles. Sounds a little more solid. If you like base, you'll prefer the 10 speaker system.
2014 Base Stingray
That would be a 
