Z51 vs base
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 32,042
Likes: 4,610
I looked at a Z51 before I bought my '16 base and I am pleased with my choice. I'll never track it and the trans cooler, Summer tires, and other things that I do not need are just more things to go wrong. To me, it's sort of the big watch syndrome with people who want tons of hp and handling upgrades but will never approach their car's ability at even the base level. My base is so much more car than my C2 was that it is scary. As a fun car with more than enough power, I couldn't see the need for the Z51 extras. The ride is very comfortable and corners are nothing to this car. The magnetic ride would offer you more options but is the cost difference worth it?
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 79
Likes: 57
From: Jersey Shore
I have a 2015 Z51 M7 with MRC. I have also had a 2002 C5 Z51 M6. Both are great cars, with the C7 of course being more modern, if not more complex. If the road is smooth, it's wonderful and worth it. If not, the firmer ride can get tiring, even on the MRC's softest setting. I agree with what most say, which is that if you are not going track the car, the base is likely the better choice if a more comfortable ride is desired.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 839
Likes: 140
From: Holiday Island AR
I ordered my 2019 Stingray with Z51 because of the added features:
Performance brakes with Black-painted calipers and slotted brake rotors Z51 performance suspension with specific shocks, springs and stabilizer bars Dry sump oil system Performance gear ratios Dual-mode performance exhaust Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) Rear differential and transmission cooling Aero Package with rear spoiler that reduces lift for high-speed stability.
All good stuff. I did not order the MRC because I prefer a firm sports car ride and didn’t think I’d use it. I don’t find the ride harsh and after seeing the cost of replacing leaking shocks, I’m glad I didn’t order MRC.
i am considering buying non-run flat tires when the Michelin AS/3 are toast due to the excessive road noise. Problem is the run-flats have saved my butt more than once. 🤷♂️
Performance brakes with Black-painted calipers and slotted brake rotors Z51 performance suspension with specific shocks, springs and stabilizer bars Dry sump oil system Performance gear ratios Dual-mode performance exhaust Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) Rear differential and transmission cooling Aero Package with rear spoiler that reduces lift for high-speed stability.
All good stuff. I did not order the MRC because I prefer a firm sports car ride and didn’t think I’d use it. I don’t find the ride harsh and after seeing the cost of replacing leaking shocks, I’m glad I didn’t order MRC.
i am considering buying non-run flat tires when the Michelin AS/3 are toast due to the excessive road noise. Problem is the run-flats have saved my butt more than once. 🤷♂️
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 910
Likes: 430
From: MN
If the road is smooth, it's wonderful and worth it. If not, the firmer ride can get tiring, even on the MRC's softest setting. I agree with what most say, which is that if you are not going track the car, the base is likely the better choice if a more comfortable ride is desired.
My use case:
- Crappy Minnesota roads (yes our state has a 17.5B surplus this year and the politicians are still raising taxes but they won't fix our roads to be as nice as our western neighbors ... grrrrr)
- Straight Minnesota roads. Sway bars? I could still add one ... For what purpose? Going around that roundabout faster?
- Track days? Nah, don't have that kind of $$$ (would rather retire early) nor any near by.
Now if I lived in a place with glassy smooth curvy roads, like Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee or spent weekends at Road America, that would be a different situation altogether.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
The ride is softer in a base than a Z51. Difference in wheel size puts more rubber between you and the road.
Also the difference in FE1 in Base and FE3 or FE4 in Z51 makes it a softer ride.
I enjoyed the base and how it drove. It was by no way as squiggly as you describe the 300S to be. It was pretty planted to the road.
The Z51 has more of a Corvette feel to it than a Base. I like the Z51 better.
Also the difference in FE1 in Base and FE3 or FE4 in Z51 makes it a softer ride.
I enjoyed the base and how it drove. It was by no way as squiggly as you describe the 300S to be. It was pretty planted to the road.
The Z51 has more of a Corvette feel to it than a Base. I like the Z51 better.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 998
Likes: 388
From: Tyrone, GA
My son-in-law drove my '16 base yesterday and after having a C5 previously, he could not believe the power of the C7 base. Unless you need to race it or run time trials, you will never need more than 450 hp. I have followed some using the throttle controller and I simply cannot imagine having a more sensitive throttle without being cautious when the road conditions are slippery. The current throttle is pretty sensitive and much more would make it jumpy IMO.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
Likes: 3,501
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
My son-in-law drove my '16 base yesterday and after having a C5 previously, he could not believe the power of the C7 base. Unless you need to race it or run time trials, you will never need more than 450 hp. I have followed some using the throttle controller and I simply cannot imagine having a more sensitive throttle without being cautious when the road conditions are slippery. The current throttle is pretty sensitive and much more would make it jumpy IMO.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 998
Likes: 388
From: Tyrone, GA
I'm only trying to help a person who thinks he needs a Z51 or Z06 for more power and I cannot understand that unless the owner is going to race or track it. I have never floored my car so I can't say what that would be like but I don't think it would be pleasant. To jump up another 200 hp for the street is just insane.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 694
From: Lagrange KY
I'm only trying to help a person who thinks he needs a Z51 or Z06 for more power and I cannot understand that unless the owner is going to race or track it. I have never floored my car so I can't say what that would be like but I don't think it would be pleasant. To jump up another 200 hp for the street is just insane.
Last edited by Squeaky Wheel; Dec 27, 2023 at 01:18 PM. Reason: Added info.