And, ENJOY in any event!!! 
NEED HELP] Considering between BASE VS Z51
Pro
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 666
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From: USA - Already a great country!
Lots of mention of the NPP exhaust and Mag Ride.
Something to consider, a lot of things offered with the Z51 package were available a la carte, so there is a chance (although slim) that the person who ordered their "base" also ordered some of the Z51 goodies.
They're rare, but they're out there.
My 2016 base non-Z51 has NPP. (NPP was on my "must-have" shortlist)
Figure out your must-haves and go from there.
Here's an example of a non-Z51 base with NPP and mag ride that just sold on Cars and Bids. Kind of a rare bird, I imagine.
https://carsandbids.com/auctions/KPL...corvette-coupe
Something to consider, a lot of things offered with the Z51 package were available a la carte, so there is a chance (although slim) that the person who ordered their "base" also ordered some of the Z51 goodies.
They're rare, but they're out there.
My 2016 base non-Z51 has NPP. (NPP was on my "must-have" shortlist)
Figure out your must-haves and go from there.
Here's an example of a non-Z51 base with NPP and mag ride that just sold on Cars and Bids. Kind of a rare bird, I imagine.
https://carsandbids.com/auctions/KPL...corvette-coupe
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2010
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Race Director
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From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
iclick,
"The base C7 has a slightly smaller front bar than a Z51 and no rear bar, and adding only a Z51 rear bar will still introduce minimal understeer, but just not as much as replacing both bars."
I think we are splitting hairs here. I still think that going with matching front and rear Z51 Bars is the closest you can get to how the GM engineers designed the suspension and the amount of understeer that they think is appropriate for the average driver.
"The base C7 has a slightly smaller front bar than a Z51 and no rear bar, and adding only a Z51 rear bar will still introduce minimal understeer, but just not as much as replacing both bars."
I think we are splitting hairs here. I still think that going with matching front and rear Z51 Bars is the closest you can get to how the GM engineers designed the suspension and the amount of understeer that they think is appropriate for the average driver.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 635
From: St. Louis
iclick,
"The base C7 has a slightly smaller front bar than a Z51 and no rear bar, and adding only a Z51 rear bar will still introduce minimal understeer, but just not as much as replacing both bars."
I think we are splitting hairs here. I still think that going with matching front and rear Z51 Bars is the closest you can get to how the GM engineers designed the suspension and the amount of understeer that they think is appropriate for the average driver.
"The base C7 has a slightly smaller front bar than a Z51 and no rear bar, and adding only a Z51 rear bar will still introduce minimal understeer, but just not as much as replacing both bars."
I think we are splitting hairs here. I still think that going with matching front and rear Z51 Bars is the closest you can get to how the GM engineers designed the suspension and the amount of understeer that they think is appropriate for the average driver.
I agree that GM may have designed the Z51 to under steer a bit. I don't have access to a Z51 to compare it to my modified base car. Some people like cars to under steer at the limit and it makes them feel secure that the tail will not step out. However, on a C7 Corvette, the tail is going to step out even if the car has an under steer balance if you do not control the throttle properly. So setting up the car for mid corner under steer is providing a false sense of security at a cost of less performance if you can (and do) actually drive the car at the limit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 329
I have a 2018 Base. As others have said, the cars limits are well above what you should be doing on the street. I do autox with mine, so the understeer of the Base setup was unacceptable at the limit. I never noticed that even driving it aggressively on the street. But the first time I ran it at an autox, I was hugely disappointing with the handling. So I added the OEM Mag Ride rear sway bar plus OEM standard Z51 shocks and the car is now amazing for autox and just slightly stiffer for street use. I bought a used take off sway bar and new shocks and with a couple hours of work later the car was ready to take on Z51s and Grandsports at autox,
I suggest you get the Base and if you decide you need more handling capability later, you can upgrade with rear sway bar and Z51 shocks.
If you are near STL, come out to our autox this sunday and you can ride in my car to experience how awesome a base car with a couple mods can be!
I suggest you get the Base and if you decide you need more handling capability later, you can upgrade with rear sway bar and Z51 shocks.
If you are near STL, come out to our autox this sunday and you can ride in my car to experience how awesome a base car with a couple mods can be!
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 1,355
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From: St. Louis
Agree that "base" does not describe this car at all! But how else do you differentiate between the different versions of the car. As far as I know, all C7s are Stingrays. They have have the Stingray emblems. A Grandsport or Z06 is still a Stingray, is it not? And Z51 is an option package, so that means it is certainly still a Stingray.
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Agree that "base" does not describe this car at all! But how else do you differentiate between the different versions of the car. As far as I know, all C7s are Stingrays. They have have the Stingray emblems. A Grandsport or Z06 is still a Stingray, is it not? And Z51 is an option package, so that means it is certainly still a Stingray.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 635
From: St. Louis
I just looked at the sales brochure and it seems like the Grandsport and Z06 do not have Stingray badges. Plus the brochure lists them as different models. So a Z51 is still a Stingray, but the others are not.
So it seems like you could refer to the "base" car as a non-Z51 Stingray.
So it seems like you could refer to the "base" car as a non-Z51 Stingray.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2010
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Agree that "base" does not describe this car at all! But how else do you differentiate between the different versions of the car. As far as I know, all C7s are Stingrays. They have have the Stingray emblems. A Grandsport or Z06 is still a Stingray, is it not? And Z51 is an option package, so that means it is certainly still a Stingray.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
"So it seems like you could refer to the "base" car as a non-Z51 Stingray."
And that has been the standard nomenclature on this forum to differential the two since at least 2005 with the C6. Base is not a derogatory name.
And that has been the standard nomenclature on this forum to differential the two since at least 2005 with the C6. Base is not a derogatory name.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 488
From: Leonardtown Maryland
Originally Posted by Walt White Coupe;
If you want the car to handle as it was designed don't cheap out with just a Z51 rear roll bar. Get the larger Z51 front one too. The stock shocks are fine.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 190
If you're a weekend DIY'er, id go base and mod away. I have a '15 2lt ZF1 (Z51 appearance package) and I have added things for the last 6 years cause I love working on her. The cost adds up, but the enjoyment is 100x's better for me than just driving her when I get to... Here are my mods to date:
Leave in jacking pucks
Tinted side markers
Lloyds floor mats
GM splash guards
Z51 sway bars
Easy charge battery charger
Curb alert
ACS zero7 side skirts
AFE cai
Z06 grille and brake ducts
Z06 front aero plate
Z06 stage 1 splitter
Elite engineering catch can
Gorilla lock lugs
Corsa double helix x pipe
Corsa extreme black tips
Lloyds cargo mats
Z06 quarter panel vents
LED interior light
Carbon fiber dash
Stingray sills
Steering wheel spoke cover carbon
PDR Update done (self)
Red seat belts
Red paddles
All carbon fiber int parts
Xo Verona wheels
Michelin pilot sport 4s tires
Tony Mamo ported TB
SOLD chrome wheel set
Bilstein B6 shocks
Xpel Xr Plus window tint
Gm-navigation CarPlay/android auto upgrade
Ceramic coating applied (self) 9/30/21
Wireless CarPlay adapter
ARH mid length headers
Ceramic coating for headers
HP tuners MPVI2+ pro w 2 credits
NGK spark plugs ILTR5E11
MSD spark plug wires 33829
Leave in jacking pucks
Tinted side markers
Lloyds floor mats
GM splash guards
Z51 sway bars
Easy charge battery charger
Curb alert
ACS zero7 side skirts
AFE cai
Z06 grille and brake ducts
Z06 front aero plate
Z06 stage 1 splitter
Elite engineering catch can
Gorilla lock lugs
Corsa double helix x pipe
Corsa extreme black tips
Lloyds cargo mats
Z06 quarter panel vents
LED interior light
Carbon fiber dash
Stingray sills
Steering wheel spoke cover carbon
PDR Update done (self)
Red seat belts
Red paddles
All carbon fiber int parts
Xo Verona wheels
Michelin pilot sport 4s tires
Tony Mamo ported TB
SOLD chrome wheel set
Bilstein B6 shocks
Xpel Xr Plus window tint
Gm-navigation CarPlay/android auto upgrade
Ceramic coating applied (self) 9/30/21
Wireless CarPlay adapter
ARH mid length headers
Ceramic coating for headers
HP tuners MPVI2+ pro w 2 credits
NGK spark plugs ILTR5E11
MSD spark plug wires 33829
Pro
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 654
Likes: 418
A Sting Ray is a model. The Z51 package is an option. Therefore it would be a Sting Ray with the Z51 option. The Grand sport is a model as is the Zo6, the Zo7 package is an option. The Zr1 is a model. Options do not change the model of the car. We are lucky to have 4 C7 models each with it's own characteristics and benefits. I have never considered the Sting Ray to be a base car, just a different model and great in it's own right.
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Well with the popularity of the C8's now, Is the C7 the new C4?
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Both of the cars you are considering would be a solid choice, but from your comments on how you intend to use the car I would lean towards the base one. The money you save by getting the base could be used to personalize the car to your tastes or just keep the cash in your wallet.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
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From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Bought a used '19 2 years ago, not just because it was a loaded 3LT with nearly every Stingray option, but that it including my personal requirement of the F55 mag suspension. Swapped the OEM run flats and 19-20" wheels for 18-19's with non-RF Continentals. Smooth as silk on road trips, and with a twist of the **** from Tour to Track, becomes a mountain road hero.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 15,058
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From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
OP, went through the same decision back in 2016. Decided to go with the Z51 BUT, there is one option that this car had that makes all the difference when deciding between the base and the Z51. My Z51 came with Mag Ride. Mag ride is standard on the GS, but it's an option on the Z51. Mag ride gives the Z51 a ride that's comparable to the base or a ride that's suitable for the track, depending on which ride you select. Very few base cars have mag ride and while many Z51s do have it, many don't. IMHO, it makes a big difference.