Z51 - is it a model or an option?

I've seen this debate surface many times here, but never a thread dedicated to it.
Let's look at the 5th VIN digit that denotes model / equipment (from the Corvette Black Book)

A - 1LT mt
B - 1LT at
C - 2LT mt
D - 2LT at
E - 3LT mt
F - 3LT at
G - 1LT mt Z51
H - 1LT at Z51
J - 2LT mt Z51
K - 2LT at Z51
L - 3LT mt Z51
M - 3LT at Z51
N - 1LZ mt
P - 1LZ at
R - 2LZ mt
S - 2LZ at
T - 3LZ mt
U - 3LT at
V - 1LT mt GS
W - 1LT at GS
X - 2LT mt GS
Y - 2LT at GS
Z - 3LT mt GS
1 - 3LT at GS
2 - 1ZR mt
3 - 1ZR at
4 - 3ZR mt
5 - 3ZR at

The base Stingray, Z51 and GS all get the "LT" designation. The Z51 gets denoted the same way the GS does here. Do we all agree the GS is a model?
The Z06 and ZR1 get their own "LZ" and "ZR" designations, while the GS does not.

Window stickers are interesting too. At the top center the sticker states what the car is. Here we see w/Z51 called out the same way GS, Z06 and ZR1 are.
For example:
2019 Corvette Stingray Coupe
2019 Corvette Stingray Conv
2019 Corvette Stingray Coupe w/Z51
2019 Corvette Stingray Conv w/Z51
2019 Corvette Grand Sport Coupe
2019 Corvette Grand Sport Conv
2019 Corvette Z06 Coupe
2019 Corvette Z06 Conv
2019 Corvette ZR1 Coupe
2019 Corvette ZR1 Conv



Notice the Grand Sport Perf Package is listed under Standard Equipment. I assume that is because for the GS model, that equipment is standard, NOT optional.

Here is a Z51 window sticker, note that just like the Grand Sport the Z51 Performance Package is listed under Standard Equipment, NOT an option.



It is my opinion the Z51 is a unbadged model, not an option. If GM had only added badges, there would be no debate. There are 5 models. Stingray, Stingray w/Z51, GS, Z06 and ZR1 - All available as Coupe or Convertible.




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You raise a good point. The MSRP for a Stingray w/Z51 is higher than a Stingray w/o Z51. Like you'd expect of a different model.

 

Z51 is an option package. It couldn't be any more clear. All of GMs literature calls it the "Z51 Performance Package".

The VIN digit thing is weird, I'll give you that. I think it has something to do with different emissions certifications. But it's still a Stingray with an option package. Z06 and GS aren't "Stingray w/ Z06" or "Stingray w/ Grand Sport". They're their own thing.

At the end of the day, why does it matter?

MSRP for Stingray with 3LT is higher than 1 and 2LT. They're not models. They're packages.

 

My bad. I should have written 'Standard Vehicle Price', not MSRP. The 2LT and 3LT are listed as options, and each have their own associated package price that is added to the Standard Vehicle Price, along with any other options on a particular model. With Z51, the Standard Vehicle Price is bumped up, and the Z51 Performance Package components are included under the heading of Standard Equipment.

Doesn't matter; just an interesting point to ponder.

 

It’s an option. Most of us have a base C8. There are a lucky few with a C8 Z. I consider it a base car regardless of how many options one chooses.

 

I wonder if Tadge or any of the GM team have ever thought of this.

 

My Service Parts Identification label ('option code' label) lists Z51. Sounds like GM was thinking option.

Do Z06s have Z06 listed on the label? And what about GS and ZR1? I'm guessing those codes aren't present (certainly not GS, anyway).

 

Yes and no. Chevrolet has made a practice of this, and though technically yes, it is an option package, Chevrolet carries the Z51 as part of the model designation to distinguish it, just as they do on other models such as a 1LE Camaro, etc.

 

I agree that Z51 is an option BUT....

Chevrolet confused the issue for the first couple years of the C7.

The window sticker title for our 2016 says, "Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible"

Under Mechanical Features, it lists "Z51 Suspension Handling Package"

The Options List (with the prices) does not have any reference to Z51.

I believe the situation changed for 2017 when the Grand Sport appeared and Z51 went back to being only an option rather than a model.

 

It's an option until it's built then it's a model

 

Look at the window sticker under the option section as shown in Post 1. Is the Z51 package listed there? NOOO, so it must not be an option.

 

The C7 Corvette had 4 models;

- Stingray
- Grand Sport
- Z06
- ZR1

Lots of options, packages, trim levels, etc. Z51 is a package.

 

Exactly. A group of options packaged together for optimum performance and profit😁

 

Was the Z51 package available on GS, Z06 or ZR1?

 

No. The options all came standard.

 

This reminds me of the old SNL skit for New Shimmer. "New Shimmer is a floor wax....no, it's a dessert topping"

 

Yes, a Z06, Grand Sport (Z16) and a ZR1 will all have their respective codes on the Service Parts Identification Label. Just like a Z51 does.

 

The Grand Sport's window sticker also lists the "Grand Sport Performance Package". It's the same as the Z51 which lists the "Z51 Performance Package".

Other than the Grand Sport having badges that say Grand Sport I see no difference at all between it and the Z51.

If you look at the Z51 window sticker above you can see the Z51 Performance Package is NOT an option. It is in fact standard equipment for the model it is on.

 

My thoughts - it is an option.

 

Its an option. When you ordered a C7 Stingray Z51 was an option not a model. The build and price was Stingray, Grand Sport, Z06, ZR1.

Z51 was an optional performance package available if you selected a Stingray. Its similar to selecting the Z71 off road package for trucks, these are not their own models, its simply a package regardless of what the VINs denote or how the Window Sticker denoted it.