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Old Feb 21, 2026 | 11:26 AM
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Originally Posted by aklim
Who paid for the PDI? Where was it done?
The dealer did the inspection, the state inspection also goes through a number of items, here is a sample. I am satisfied with it.
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Old Feb 21, 2026 | 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Vader_C5
The dealer did the inspection, the state inspection also goes through a number of items, here is a sample. I am satisfied with it.
So basically the dealer did the PDI and said it's good? Nothing can go wrong with that. I had the same thing. Only things didn't go perfectly. Fortunately I had a 30 day warranty.
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Old Feb 21, 2026 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by aklim
So basically the dealer did the PDI and said it's good? Nothing can go wrong with that. I had the same thing. Only things didn't go perfectly. Fortunately I had a 30 day warranty.
Fair point — though at some level that applies to any used car. If we waited for zero risk, none of us would own Corvettes. 😄

Life goes on!
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Old Feb 21, 2026 | 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Blackcherry20
Good info. I didn’t know that. Learn something here every day
That's where the Corvette Z51 Performance Package truly separates it from the Mustang GT—it turns the already fast Stingray into a legitimate track-ready sports car.

The Z51 package doesn't just offer cosmetic upgrades; it adds a suite of highly engineered hardware focused on braking, cooling, and handling dynamics.

Key Z51 Performance Features

System

Component

Benefit for Performance

Braking

Larger Slotted Rotors (13.6-in front) and larger Brembo® calipers

Significantly better fade resistance during repeated hard braking, crucial for aggressive driving and track use.

Cooling

Dry-Sump Oiling System, integral transmission, and differential coolers

Prevents engine oil starvation during high-G cornering and keeps the high-performance fluids (oil, differential, and transmission fluid) from overheating on a track day.

Traction

Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD)

This is a game-changer. It is computer-controlled to adjust the clutch engagement between the rear wheels almost instantaneously. This provides optimal power delivery out of corners, enhancing stability and traction, especially under heavy acceleration.

Handling

Unique Suspension Components (stiffer springs/dampers)

Reduces body roll and pitch during hard cornering and braking, providing a more direct and planted feel that is crucial for high-speed control.

Aerodynamics

Unique Front Splitter, Rear Spoiler, and Brake Cooling Ducts

Adds downforce and reduces lift at high speeds for better stability, and funnels air to keep the brakes and cooling systems functioning optimally.

Power

Performance Exhaust System (NPP)

A slight bump in power (to 460 hp) and, more importantly, a more aggressive V8 sound, which adds to the exotic feel.

The eLSD is arguably the most advanced feature. The Mustang GT uses a traditional mechanical or Torsen limited-slip differential. The Corvette's eLSD is integrated with the stability control system and can actively manage torque, making the car feel much more balanced and forgiving when pushing its limits.

Essentially, the Z51 takes the Corvette from a fast street car to an exotic-fighting sports car that is designed to be pushed hard on a road course without overheating or losing control.



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Old Feb 21, 2026 | 12:25 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by Blackcherry20
Good info. I didn’t know that. Learn something here every day
It’s easy to confirm a true Z51. Just observe pictures of the engine compartment. Specifically the oil fill cap. If it’s on the left valve cover, the car doesn’t have the dry sump. Thus not a true Z51.
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Old Feb 21, 2026 | 12:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Vader_C5
Fair point — though at some level that applies to any used car. If we waited for zero risk, none of us would own Corvettes. 😄

Life goes on!
Say you buy my car, would YOU be willing to accept my good word? I should hope you aren't that stupid and would want someone who's independent of me to verify that. I've seen too many people find out the hard way that the seller "missed" stuff especially emissions stuff. Carmax has a 90 day warranty so I take it home and do a PDI with a mechanic I trust and have them fix it. Yes, it did happen.

My C7 came out good except for the key which they replaced and reprogrammed on their dime.

My 99 E300 came all warmed up and idling. Only to find that it has a cold start issues which I made them fix with a lot of inconvenient. Fuel lines were leaking and they didn't have it in stockband they're 2 hours away. Fortunately, I anticipated that and bought all the necessary lines at the local MB shop and sold it to them so I didn't have to make yet another trip.

I don't ask for zero risk either. I just feel that "Trust me" is a polite way to say "Fawk You". If you won't take my personal word to pay you back then I won't take your personal word the car is checked thoroughly.
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Old Feb 21, 2026 | 12:44 PM
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Originally Posted by aklim
Say you buy my car, would YOU be willing to accept my good word? I should hope you aren't that stupid and would want someone who's independent of me to verify that. I've seen too many people find out the hard way that the seller "missed" stuff especially emissions stuff. Carmax has a 90 day warranty so I take it home and do a PDI with a mechanic I trust and have them fix it. Yes, it did happen.

My C7 came out good except for the key which they replaced and reprogrammed on their dime.

My 99 E300 came all warmed up and idling. Only to find that it has a cold start issues which I made them fix with a lot of inconvenient. Fuel lines were leaking and they didn't have it in stockband they're 2 hours away. Fortunately, I anticipated that and bought all the necessary lines at the local MB shop and sold it to them so I didn't have to make yet another trip.

I don't ask for zero risk either. I just feel that "Trust me" is a polite way to say "Fawk You". If you won't take my personal word to pay you back then I won't take your personal word the car is checked thoroughly.
There’s no need to call anyone stupid. I don’t think anyone here is suggesting blind trust. A dealer PDI is one data point — not the only one. Independent inspection is always an option, and that’s part of doing due diligence. No need to frame it as “trust me” vs. “stupid.” We’re all just managing risk in our own way.
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Old Feb 21, 2026 | 12:45 PM
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For anyone interested and to keep this thread on track, here is the options sheet for inquiring minds:

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Old Feb 21, 2026 | 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Vader_C5
There’s no need to call anyone stupid. I don’t think anyone here is suggesting blind trust. A dealer PDI is one data point — not the only one. Independent inspection is always an option, and that’s part of doing due diligence. No need to frame it as “trust me” vs. “stupid.” We’re all just managing risk in our own way.
Didn't mean it that way as a personal insult. We can rephrase it with "trusting".
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Old Feb 21, 2026 | 01:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Vader_C5
For anyone interested and to keep this thread on track, here is the options sheet for inquiring minds:
That's odd. I would have expected to see the ZF1 (not Z51) option listed on the sticker.
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Old Feb 21, 2026 | 01:17 PM
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Actually looks like appearance package (spoiler) is under the magride

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Old Feb 21, 2026 | 01:18 PM
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^^^^ Now that I look into it, I don't see the ZF1 option listed for 2016 and newer model years; only shown for 2014 and 2015.
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Old Feb 22, 2026 | 02:48 PM
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What does it mean to have the "Z51 Appearance Package"? It may not be a true Z51 spec. The brake disc's are base (smaller and not slotted) which means it may lack the other Z51 features such as trans and diff coolers, brake ducts, dry sump motor and suspension bits. Other than that it's a nice looking car.
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Old Feb 22, 2026 | 02:53 PM
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Originally Posted by gordoni
What does it mean to have the "Z51 Appearance Package"? It may not be a true Z51 spec. The brake disc's are base (smaller and not slotted) which means it may lack the other Z51 features such as trans and diff coolers, brake ducts, dry sump motor and suspension bits. Other than that it's a nice looking car.
Essentially, the spoiler and wheels. There was a "ZF1" package that included all the C7 Z51 appearance items. This car was just optioned with the Z51-spoiler and wheels upon further investigation, seen above. Thanks for the compliment, I am excited.
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Old Feb 22, 2026 | 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Vader_C5
Essentially, the spoiler and wheels. There was a "ZF1" package that included all the C7 Z51 appearance items. This car was just optioned with the Z51-spoiler and wheels upon further investigation, seen above. Thanks for the compliment, I am excited.
As well you should be! You've got a great car! Enjoy!!
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Old Feb 22, 2026 | 05:50 PM
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I have never gotten a pre-delivery inspection on any car I have bought. I have bought five used Corvettes over the past 22 years. They all turned out fine. I have test driven Corvettes as much as two hours non-stop. I have test-driven some up to 90 mph. One overheated and I did not buy it.

I have purchased brand new cars that turned out to be lemons. A new transmission after just 2,000 miles. Left me stranded along the interstate.

I bought a one year old Mustang, and a careless driver backed into it 12 hours later. The passenger door had to be replaced. Her insurance paid for the repairs.

Life goes on.


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Old Feb 22, 2026 | 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Photomania
I have never gotten a pre-delivery inspection on any car I have bought. I have bought five used Corvettes over the past 22 years. They all turned out fine. I have test driven Corvettes as much as two hours non-stop. I have test-driven some up to 90 mph. One overheated and I did not buy it.

I have purchased brand new cars that turned out to be lemons. A new transmission after just 2,000 miles. Left me stranded along the interstate.
The car has gotten more sophisticated from 22 years ago. Still, if you feel you can do as good a job as a trained mechanic with a rack, I suppose. My 23 Cayenne needs a special tool to reset the oil change or it nags at you. If I had a 24, they don't have a tool besides the dealer that can do that. I don't think my scanner will interrogate the modules in the car. It certainly wouldn't have told me that I had fuel lines that were allowing air in. I doubt there was a way to know that a car I was looking at was jacked up wrong and dented something. I'm not too proud to admit I don't know as much as the tech that deals with that car every day so why would someone want to take a chance on an expensive car? Sure, $3000 car? No problem. Pull the license plate, leave the keys and title on the dash and walk.

True. That said, a new car being a lemon has recourse. A CPO car has recourse. A Carmax 90 warranty gives you recourse. A used "AS IS" car has little to no recourse. New or Used can leave you stranded. With warranty, it isn't my problem. Call the tow truck and get it fixed. No warranty, I have to stay on top of the mechanic to make sure he doesn't bring out the "Parts Cannon". Your money, I don't care. My money and I so care.
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Old Feb 24, 2026 | 10:09 AM
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Originally Posted by aklim
The car has gotten more sophisticated from 22 years ago. Still, if you feel you can do as good a job as a trained mechanic with a rack, I suppose. My 23 Cayenne needs a special tool to reset the oil change or it nags at you. If I had a 24, they don't have a tool besides the dealer that can do that. I don't think my scanner will interrogate the modules in the car. It certainly wouldn't have told me that I had fuel lines that were allowing air in. I doubt there was a way to know that a car I was looking at was jacked up wrong and dented something. I'm not too proud to admit I don't know as much as the tech that deals with that car every day so why would someone want to take a chance on an expensive car? Sure, $3000 car? No problem. Pull the license plate, leave the keys and title on the dash and walk.

True. That said, a new car being a lemon has recourse. A CPO car has recourse. A Carmax 90 warranty gives you recourse. A used "AS IS" car has little to no recourse. New or Used can leave you stranded. With warranty, it isn't my problem. Call the tow truck and get it fixed. No warranty, I have to stay on top of the mechanic to make sure he doesn't bring out the "Parts Cannon". Your money, I don't care. My money and I so care.
Everything I drive has a warranty, including my tractor.




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Old Feb 24, 2026 | 01:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Photomania
Everything I drive has a warranty, including my tractor.
If my lawnmower has a CANBUS and infotainment screen, I will make sure it does. Unfortunately it isn't even fuel injected.
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Old Feb 24, 2026 | 10:20 PM
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Based on the pics, the car looks very nice. If it checks out OK based on your inspection, sounds like a good deal.
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