NEED HELP] Considering between BASE VS Z51
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
NEED HELP] Considering between BASE VS Z51
Hello,
I might be getting my first Corvette in few weeks.
But, I'm in the Chaos, between Base and Z51 now.
So, I decided to ask to my ancestors and mentors here.
Let me explain myself little bit.
I would say I'm kind of enthusiast.
I'm not a track person.
Maybe It'll be great to go to
But, I love to push hard sometimes like mountains.
The corvette which I'm considering to buy for my DD and some mountain runs is 17' Stingray 2LT, non-Z51.
I think It's perfect for DD and Mountain.
The features and things in Z51 package looks interesting but I don't think It's "must-have" for me.
So, what you guys think?
Base or Z51 in my situation?
It's gonna be using for DD and mountain, Zero track.
I know the brakes, dry-sump, tuning, aero and more stuffs in Z51 is so much cheaper than getting aftermarket's.
But, is it necessary for me?
Thank you for reading this essay of newbie.
I might be getting my first Corvette in few weeks.
But, I'm in the Chaos, between Base and Z51 now.
So, I decided to ask to my ancestors and mentors here.
Let me explain myself little bit.
I would say I'm kind of enthusiast.
I'm not a track person.
Maybe It'll be great to go to
But, I love to push hard sometimes like mountains.
The corvette which I'm considering to buy for my DD and some mountain runs is 17' Stingray 2LT, non-Z51.
I think It's perfect for DD and Mountain.
The features and things in Z51 package looks interesting but I don't think It's "must-have" for me.
So, what you guys think?
Base or Z51 in my situation?
It's gonna be using for DD and mountain, Zero track.
I know the brakes, dry-sump, tuning, aero and more stuffs in Z51 is so much cheaper than getting aftermarket's.
But, is it necessary for me?
Thank you for reading this essay of newbie.
Corvette Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,797
Likes: 2,721
From: So. Cal.
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I have a 16 base that makes me happy. It's my daily driver. It meets all my needs. I like it because it's basic. Less stuff to go wrong. If I want to go fast I have other cars for that.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 157
Likes: 45
From: Illinois
I went through this myself when I bought my 2019 new. I ended up going with the Z51 over the base and have no regrets. I also have the magnetic ride. Since I don’t track the car the dry sump I have is not needed but no big deal to have or maintain. The Z51 has better gearing, electronic differential along with upgraded brakes and NPP adjustable exhaust. For the times you will want to occasionally push it through mountain roads the Z51 will be the better car to have. When I go through some sharp turns through the wooded area by me I put the dial in sport or track mode and the suspension tightens up and the car feels like it’s on rails through the turns. With a base car you are going to experience body roll through the turns which will limit how far you can push the car. The
Z51 has sway bars which the base doesn’t have. IMO I would get the Z51 package.
Z51 has sway bars which the base doesn’t have. IMO I would get the Z51 package.
Hello,
I might be getting my first Corvette in few weeks.
But, I'm in the Chaos, between Base and Z51 now.
So, I decided to ask to my ancestors and mentors here.
Let me explain myself little bit.
I would say I'm kind of enthusiast.
I'm not a track person.
Maybe It'll be great to go to
But, I love to push hard sometimes like mountains.
The corvette which I'm considering to buy for my DD and some mountain runs is 17' Stingray 2LT, non-Z51.
I think It's perfect for DD and Mountain.
The features and things in Z51 package looks interesting but I don't think It's "must-have" for me.
So, what you guys think?
Base or Z51 in my situation?
It's gonna be using for DD and mountain, Zero track.
I know the brakes, dry-sump, tuning, aero and more stuffs in Z51 is so much cheaper than getting aftermarket's.
But, is it necessary for me?
Thank you for reading this essay of newbie.
I might be getting my first Corvette in few weeks.
But, I'm in the Chaos, between Base and Z51 now.
So, I decided to ask to my ancestors and mentors here.
Let me explain myself little bit.
I would say I'm kind of enthusiast.
I'm not a track person.
Maybe It'll be great to go to
But, I love to push hard sometimes like mountains.
The corvette which I'm considering to buy for my DD and some mountain runs is 17' Stingray 2LT, non-Z51.
I think It's perfect for DD and Mountain.
The features and things in Z51 package looks interesting but I don't think It's "must-have" for me.
So, what you guys think?
Base or Z51 in my situation?
It's gonna be using for DD and mountain, Zero track.
I know the brakes, dry-sump, tuning, aero and more stuffs in Z51 is so much cheaper than getting aftermarket's.
But, is it necessary for me?
Thank you for reading this essay of newbie.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 32,139
Likes: 4,618
Hello,
I might be getting my first Corvette in few weeks.
But, I'm in the Chaos, between Base and Z51 now.
So, I decided to ask to my ancestors and mentors here.
Let me explain myself little bit.
I would say I'm kind of enthusiast.
I'm not a track person.
Maybe It'll be great to go to
But, I love to push hard sometimes like mountains.
The corvette which I'm considering to buy for my DD and some mountain runs is 17' Stingray 2LT, non-Z51.
I think It's perfect for DD and Mountain.
The features and things in Z51 package looks interesting but I don't think It's "must-have" for me.
So, what you guys think?
Base or Z51 in my situation?
It's gonna be using for DD and mountain, Zero track.
I know the brakes, dry-sump, tuning, aero and more stuffs in Z51 is so much cheaper than getting aftermarket's.
But, is it necessary for me?
Thank you for reading this essay of newbie.
I might be getting my first Corvette in few weeks.
But, I'm in the Chaos, between Base and Z51 now.
So, I decided to ask to my ancestors and mentors here.
Let me explain myself little bit.
I would say I'm kind of enthusiast.
I'm not a track person.
Maybe It'll be great to go to
But, I love to push hard sometimes like mountains.
The corvette which I'm considering to buy for my DD and some mountain runs is 17' Stingray 2LT, non-Z51.
I think It's perfect for DD and Mountain.
The features and things in Z51 package looks interesting but I don't think It's "must-have" for me.
So, what you guys think?
Base or Z51 in my situation?
It's gonna be using for DD and mountain, Zero track.
I know the brakes, dry-sump, tuning, aero and more stuffs in Z51 is so much cheaper than getting aftermarket's.
But, is it necessary for me?
Thank you for reading this essay of newbie.
I like the way you're thinking.
However, if you street and highway race? Z51, hands down. "Race," is anytime you're breaking the law by speeding.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,990
Likes: 330
From: Key Largo Florida
Wow prices have gone up. Bought my new 2016 1LT M7 Z51 for $49 and change as a leftover towards the end of 2016, MSRP was $61.
Are the cars you're looking at stick or auto??
If memory serves Z51 was $5K on my car give or take,, should get that back on the back end. It's a good deal as far as I'm concerned as you get a lot for that $5K.
2016 Corvettes - What's in a Trim Package? - MacMulkin Corvette - 2nd Largest Corvette Dealer in the World!
Are the cars you're looking at stick or auto??
If memory serves Z51 was $5K on my car give or take,, should get that back on the back end. It's a good deal as far as I'm concerned as you get a lot for that $5K.
2016 Corvettes - What's in a Trim Package? - MacMulkin Corvette - 2nd Largest Corvette Dealer in the World!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 203
Likes: 124
From: Prescott Valley, AZ
I bought a '17 Z51 and enjoy it. That said, I did a hot lap at Road America in a base and it is still a great ride. Drive both and see. Chances are, something else about one of them will turn you off or on and help you decide.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
Likes: 3,501
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
Since you stated that you are "I'm kind of enthusiast" you most likely would want the Z51 with Magnetic Selective Ride Control. Not that you would need it, but is appears to me you like to have a little fun with this type of car. The Z51 and MSRC will provide that. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,248
Likes: 767
From: Lindenhurst, IL
In my opinion, it all depends on how hard you will push your car on the street. If you like to drive aggressively through the turns (like I do), you will likely be much happier with the Z51. If you typically drive your cars casually, get the base.
Your tire selection will also have a major impact on handling....as well as braking & acceleration. As far as brake pads / dust go.....Brake pads are relatively inexpensive; and you can easily swap them out yourself if you're at all handy.
Your tire selection will also have a major impact on handling....as well as braking & acceleration. As far as brake pads / dust go.....Brake pads are relatively inexpensive; and you can easily swap them out yourself if you're at all handy.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,909
Likes: 2,701
From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
I went with the base because I wanted the softest ride and didn't need all the stuff that the Z51 came with. I don't track the car but do on occasion push the limits. The base comes with hardened brake rotors that now at 25,000 miles still look new and the pads produce zero dust. The Z51 doesn't have this.
I think this is still available, that for around $400 you can buy a kit that includes everything you need to add the rear Z51 roll bar (the base has no rear roll bar) and the matching front larger diameter front Z51 roll bar. They can be installed for around $125. Try Cultrag Performance for parts.
[size=13px]So, I have all the performance I want and still maintain the softest riding suspension.[/size]
I think this is still available, that for around $400 you can buy a kit that includes everything you need to add the rear Z51 roll bar (the base has no rear roll bar) and the matching front larger diameter front Z51 roll bar. They can be installed for around $125. Try Cultrag Performance for parts.
[size=13px]So, I have all the performance I want and still maintain the softest riding suspension.[/size]
Pro
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 666
Likes: 422
From: USA - Already a great country!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 402
Likes: 271
I have a Z51 and it is awesome, I wouldn't have said no to a 2LT base but I got a great deal on the Z51 and didn't look back.
Perhaps the most important question to ask yourself is, "after a while of owning the Base would you have any remorse and wonder what it would be like to have the Z51", this happens quite often. Drive both Cars if you can and make a decision on which one you feel tick all the boxes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,058
Likes: 2,159
From: Schaller Iowa
I have both, '16 Z51 vert and '19 base coupe. On long hauls the base rides a bit smoother vs the z51. When pushing the cars in corners I may be able to tell a slight difference. However the base Stingray is a VERY capable car and IMO it's performance limits are far beyond most owner's skills.
If you have years and years of driving high performance cars then yes the Z51 may be just what you're looking for. If not, a base Stingray will surprise the hell out of you at what it can do.
If you have years and years of driving high performance cars then yes the Z51 may be just what you're looking for. If not, a base Stingray will surprise the hell out of you at what it can do.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 519
Likes: 128
I have a Base, Mag ride, NPP. Pilot Super Sports and a Z-51 spoiler and wheels. I use mine as fun weekend toy. Do lots of mountain canyon runs with club. Lot of twisties. Car is more capable than me and I drive it hard. Drove friends Z-51, not much difference other than a bit stiffer and corner maybe just a tab flatter. Base is amazing. Love the ride and performance. Glad I got it how I did.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 23
From: pulaski ny
I am with walt white. Bought a base but it was a little soft for my liking.z51 sway bar set from cultrag and some bilstien b6 shocks and I think it is damn near perfect for our crappy roads here in upstate NY. Z51 like for a fraction of the cost