Z51 vs base M7
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 26
From: Miami
Z51 vs base M7
Greetings,
Anyone know if the z51 M7 tranny is stronger or has a different clutch?
What are all the differences?
They have different factory codes as if its a totaly seperate tranny.
Anyone know if the z51 M7 tranny is stronger or has a different clutch?
What are all the differences?
They have different factory codes as if its a totaly seperate tranny.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 222
Likes: 10
From: Las Vegas NV
The M7 in a Z51 has different gear ratios from the base M7.
Check out this link, about halfway down the page:
http://www.chevroletcorvetteusa.com/c7-specs
Check out this link, about halfway down the page:
http://www.chevroletcorvetteusa.com/c7-specs
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 26
From: Miami
Seems like the z51 is not stronger and doesnt have a stronger clutch. I ask because I could supercharge the car for the added cost of a z51.
around me, the base is under $52k and the z51 is $57k
around me, the base is under $52k and the z51 is $57k
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 282
From: Texas
It also gives you larger brakes, front brake cooling ducts,etc....
Last edited by agapsdiver; Oct 27, 2015 at 07:40 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 68
From: Cincinnati OH
I personally wouldn't. I think it all depends on how the person plans to use the car. For me, I didn't want or need the dry sump or e-LSD because that will get swapped out once other options are available anyway.
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 203
From: MI
Thats why i wouldnt buy a base car. the Z51 gives you the electric diff, exhaust, suspension, rims, brakes, and dry sump. the car is completed at this point. only thing it needs is more power.
Now If i was going to buy a base car, and add suspension parts, and new rims. Maybe i wont get a Z51. I just cant buy a base vette, and leave it as is.
it comes down to what you value.
Last edited by MikeLsx; Oct 27, 2015 at 04:17 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,904
Likes: 315
From: Cedar Falls Iowa
In my opinion Z51 isn't some magical thing where the car is noticeably faster or superior. Might be an argument for it if you track the car often. If straight line acceleration is a priority then there's much better ways to spend $5k. I'd say the main problem with going base with SC is if you can live with the base 18/19 wheels. (they look fine to me) If the 18/19s are not your cup of tea, you are looking at least $3495 for the Mag ride if you want the 19/20 Z51 style wheels and spoiler.... or go after market. Either one will put a dent in or add to your mod money.
Some people will make it sound like the base car is somehow significantly inferior to the Z51. After driving both extensively I don't think this is fair at all. It's kinda like saying a 50" TV is awesome but a 49.8" TV sucks.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 12,243
Likes: 97
From: Center of the Universe, Alabama
If you want to increase the performance, your pockets need to be deeper than $5K.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 68
From: Cincinnati OH
These were my thoughts exactly and why I chose the base. I knew I was going to tear it apart and swap wheels, etc because I didn't like any of the factory offerings and would also need wider wheels to support more power down the line. Same with the rear diff. Once we have options, out that goes as well.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,278
Likes: 35
The stingray has softer suspension, smaller brakes, no dry sump, no rear sway, no e diff and 18-19 inch wheels rather than the 19-20 wheels. Aside from the wheels I think the z51 is better in every way( I like the feel of a little side wall flex in my cars rather the wheel condoms that are on the z51). I am not a fan of all the stuff they hang on the cars with the LT2 and LT3. Thats just extra weight imo. I would love to see weights of the different LT packages.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 328
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
My opinion--The only reason to buy the Z51 is to get the 2.73 rear diff ratio--The other options it includes only make the car drive extremely rough and rigid---So best suited for a track day car---The base model has excellent brakes and excellent suspension--Far better than any Corvette ever before--even previous Z06's and Z51's---
The E-diff is still on the fence about any performance gains--To me just more electronics and more things that can go wrong---
Look ---a base model can run 4 second 0-60 times
A Z51 with a 2.73 gear can run high 3 seconds
A Z06 maybe low to mid 3's
It all comes down to traction--The Z06 with 650 HP will have a problem hooking up--so that's why it's not that much quicker than a base model or a Z51---
I've owned them all---Z51's and older Z06's----Without traction it doesn't matter how much HP you have----and who cares about 2-4 tenths faster 0-60 times " on paper "--
In reality and real world-- the base model is still much faster than most older model Z51's and even older stock z06's---
At the last Corvette magic race in Sacramento---My base model qualified quicker than most all others in the 11.50-12.50 class-- it is extremely competitive even with older modded C6 and c5's and stock older Z06's AND with an automatic trans !!!!!!!!
The E-diff is still on the fence about any performance gains--To me just more electronics and more things that can go wrong---
Look ---a base model can run 4 second 0-60 times
A Z51 with a 2.73 gear can run high 3 seconds
A Z06 maybe low to mid 3's
It all comes down to traction--The Z06 with 650 HP will have a problem hooking up--so that's why it's not that much quicker than a base model or a Z51---
I've owned them all---Z51's and older Z06's----Without traction it doesn't matter how much HP you have----and who cares about 2-4 tenths faster 0-60 times " on paper "--
In reality and real world-- the base model is still much faster than most older model Z51's and even older stock z06's---
At the last Corvette magic race in Sacramento---My base model qualified quicker than most all others in the 11.50-12.50 class-- it is extremely competitive even with older modded C6 and c5's and stock older Z06's AND with an automatic trans !!!!!!!!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 331
Likes: 38
From: Florham Park NJ
It really only matters in the way you drive or think you are going to drive. There's nothing wrong with buying a 1lt, saving the money and putting on mods that you really want instead of GM dictating to you what they have in a package, that has some of the stuff you want and alot of other stuff you don't. I chose the 1LT because its a hell of a performance car the way it sits. Power is very good, it handles great and it looks great, I even like the wheels because they are extremely easy to clean and the high gloss black that I have looks awesome. I did order the Z51 spoiler and red brembos . So to sum it up, I do like to just cruise in the car most of the time so the 1LT was perfect for me. I couldn't justify spending more money on a Z51, 2LT or 3LT, it just seemed like overkill to me. I did want more power so I added a ECS super charger and now I have more power than I could ever want.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 861
Likes: 156
From: California
2017 C7 of Year Finalist
In the end, it's about your needs and if your pockets can meet those needs. Personally, I think the Z51 is a great package deal when you consider everything you get for $5k. I dare you to compare the components within the package versus comparable aftermarket parts and you will spend a lot more than $5k which may take away your supercharger or build project...
BTW, I think ECS has won me over unless Procharger can give me a sick deal on a system.
BTW, I think ECS has won me over unless Procharger can give me a sick deal on a system.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 203
From: MI
My opinion--The only reason to buy the Z51 is to get the 2.73 rear diff ratio--The other options it includes only make the car drive extremely rough and rigid---So best suited for a track day car---The base model has excellent brakes and excellent suspension--Far better than any Corvette ever before--even previous Z06's and Z51's---
The E-diff is still on the fence about any performance gains--To me just more electronics and more things that can go wrong---
Look ---a base model can run 4 second 0-60 times
A Z51 with a 2.73 gear can run high 3 seconds
A Z06 maybe low to mid 3's
It all comes down to traction--The Z06 with 650 HP will have a problem hooking up--so that's why it's not that much quicker than a base model or a Z51---
I've owned them all---Z51's and older Z06's----Without traction it doesn't matter how much HP you have----and who cares about 2-4 tenths faster 0-60 times " on paper "--
In reality and real world-- the base model is still much faster than most older model Z51's and even older stock z06's---
At the last Corvette magic race in Sacramento---My base model qualified quicker than most all others in the 11.50-12.50 class-- it is extremely competitive even with older modded C6 and c5's and stock older Z06's AND with an automatic trans !!!!!!!!
The E-diff is still on the fence about any performance gains--To me just more electronics and more things that can go wrong---
Look ---a base model can run 4 second 0-60 times
A Z51 with a 2.73 gear can run high 3 seconds
A Z06 maybe low to mid 3's
It all comes down to traction--The Z06 with 650 HP will have a problem hooking up--so that's why it's not that much quicker than a base model or a Z51---
I've owned them all---Z51's and older Z06's----Without traction it doesn't matter how much HP you have----and who cares about 2-4 tenths faster 0-60 times " on paper "--
In reality and real world-- the base model is still much faster than most older model Z51's and even older stock z06's---
At the last Corvette magic race in Sacramento---My base model qualified quicker than most all others in the 11.50-12.50 class-- it is extremely competitive even with older modded C6 and c5's and stock older Z06's AND with an automatic trans !!!!!!!!
I truly believe 90% of the time people dont buy a Z51 is because they would rather save 5 grand. Which isnt a bad thing, but idk why they cant just say it. Like i said, i would never buy a base corvette because i planed on keeping my car stock. I need most i can get from factory in my price range.
Last edited by MikeLsx; Oct 31, 2015 at 05:55 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 328
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
Careful buddy -- OLD ?? The average age of a Corvette owner is 40+ Not old just but smarter !!! For a daily driver the Z51 option is stiff handing--On a 150 mile trip it wears you out having to keep so alert with the stiffer suspension and quick steering
As I said I am on my 8th new Corvette and have owned them all Z06/Z51/base model
And the C7 base model has better brakes--better handling--smother ride than any other model before--and quicker than previous stock Z06's and stock Z51's--
Someone who has owned and driven all these cars has a better realization to compare all the previous models to the base C7---
Is the Z51 worth the 5-6 k price ? In my opinion NO--The only thing I would have wanted would be the 2.73 rear diff--But that mod is on my to do list for under 1K in the future----
As I said I am on my 8th new Corvette and have owned them all Z06/Z51/base model
And the C7 base model has better brakes--better handling--smother ride than any other model before--and quicker than previous stock Z06's and stock Z51's--
Someone who has owned and driven all these cars has a better realization to compare all the previous models to the base C7---
Is the Z51 worth the 5-6 k price ? In my opinion NO--The only thing I would have wanted would be the 2.73 rear diff--But that mod is on my to do list for under 1K in the future----