Z51 versus stock suspension
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 172
Likes: 17
From: Canada
Z51 versus stock suspension
So I am close to buying a C7 and wondering about the real life experience between the two suspensions. Around here it's difficult to test drive as dealers don't want to demo them. I just sold my C5 with base suspension and was quite happy with it. The C7 will not be tracked, raced, but used as a "cruiser" and fair weather car.
In particular:
- how much firmer is the Z51 over stock in everyday use.
- I realize you get a lot of exrtras but is it worth it?
Any comments or thoughts appreciated.
In particular:
- how much firmer is the Z51 over stock in everyday use.
- I realize you get a lot of exrtras but is it worth it?
Any comments or thoughts appreciated.
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 102
Likes: 3
From: Wilmington MASSACHUSETTS
I have a '15 C7 with the Z51 package. Better for tracking although I don't do that. Has a dry sump oil system, better brakes, exhaust, ground effects for better grip.I got it with Magnetic ride, Z51 and Mag ride well worth it.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 461
Likes: 327
From: PDX
In everyday use, I think you'll like the stock suspension better. I've yet to wish mine was firmer for regular driving...but there have been plenty of times that I thought to myself about how I'm happy it wasn't firmer (potholed roads, uneven road surfaces, etc).
Both are great, you get a lot for the Z51 package, but only if you plan on using it. After driving the Z51 at Spring Mountain, I didn't feel like I was missing much (anything) by driving my base C7. I would recommend getting the performance exhaust though, which adds $1200 to the price of the base model, but it's included in the Z51 package. If you want the larger wheels, active differential, etc...It doesn't make sense not to get the Z51. For me, I'd rather spend the $4500 for the Z51 on performance exhaust, skirts and splitter, and the PDR. My only regret is not getting the PDR option.
Both are great, you get a lot for the Z51 package, but only if you plan on using it. After driving the Z51 at Spring Mountain, I didn't feel like I was missing much (anything) by driving my base C7. I would recommend getting the performance exhaust though, which adds $1200 to the price of the base model, but it's included in the Z51 package. If you want the larger wheels, active differential, etc...It doesn't make sense not to get the Z51. For me, I'd rather spend the $4500 for the Z51 on performance exhaust, skirts and splitter, and the PDR. My only regret is not getting the PDR option.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 542
Likes: 52
From: El Paso Texas
In everyday use, I think you'll like the stock suspension better. I've yet to wish mine was firmer for regular driving...but there have been plenty of times that I thought to myself about how I'm happy it wasn't firmer (potholed roads, uneven road surfaces, etc).
Both are great, you get a lot for the Z51 package, but only if you plan on using it. After driving the Z51 at Spring Mountain, I didn't feel like I was missing much (anything) by driving my base C7. I would recommend getting the performance exhaust though, which adds $1200 to the price of the base model, but it's included in the Z51 package. If you want the larger wheels, active differential, etc...It doesn't make sense not to get the Z51. For me, I'd rather spend the $4500 for the Z51 on performance exhaust, skirts and splitter, and the PDR. My only regret is not getting the PDR option.
Both are great, you get a lot for the Z51 package, but only if you plan on using it. After driving the Z51 at Spring Mountain, I didn't feel like I was missing much (anything) by driving my base C7. I would recommend getting the performance exhaust though, which adds $1200 to the price of the base model, but it's included in the Z51 package. If you want the larger wheels, active differential, etc...It doesn't make sense not to get the Z51. For me, I'd rather spend the $4500 for the Z51 on performance exhaust, skirts and splitter, and the PDR. My only regret is not getting the PDR option.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,278
Likes: 35
no rear swaybar, really soft springs, no e diff, smaller brakes, no dry sump, softer bushings and smaller wheels.... the Stingray is a de tuned corvette. You would get a better deal getting an Camaro SS.... It has the same motor, same kind of diff, soft suspension, smaller brakes.... and it's cheap compared to the stingray
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 129
Likes: 40
From: British Columbia, Canada
So I am close to buying a C7 and wondering about the real life experience between the two suspensions. Around here it's difficult to test drive as dealers don't want to demo them. I just sold my C5 with base suspension and was quite happy with it. The C7 will not be tracked, raced, but used as a "cruiser" and fair weather car.
In particular:
- how much firmer is the Z51 over stock in everyday use.
- I realize you get a lot of exrtras but is it worth it?
Any comments or thoughts appreciated.
In particular:
- how much firmer is the Z51 over stock in everyday use.
- I realize you get a lot of exrtras but is it worth it?
Any comments or thoughts appreciated.
You could also get the stingray with the magnetic shock option, and if you want the bigger wheels and a nice interior, go with the spice red package to get the19 and 20" wheels. Just a thought.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 68
From: Cincinnati OH
no rear swaybar, really soft springs, no e diff, smaller brakes, no dry sump, softer bushings and smaller wheels.... the Stingray is a de tuned corvette. You would get a better deal getting an Camaro SS.... It has the same motor, same kind of diff, soft suspension, smaller brakes.... and it's cheap compared to the stingray
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
Well the base Stingray will go 0 to 60 in about four seconds and accomplish a turn at up to 1.0 g. Not to shabby! I am happy with my selection, saved thousands and have not come close to the limits.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 290
Likes: 8
From: 60 miles from BGKY
Any car that can nudge the rear tires accelerating in a straight line, in second, at 60% throttle is going to be too much car for most people. The electronic nannies in modern performance cars are remarkable, keeping idiots alive and making average drivers better in terms of lap time. The 1LT is perfect if you want a GT that still requires a little sawing at the wheel to stay between the lines.
Last edited by LivinTheDream; Apr 16, 2017 at 10:45 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 466
From: Long Island New York
Is it worth it - depends upon what you want to do: for track and autocross work, it definitely is is, although I wouldn't waste my money for a Z51 for the track since a Grand Sport is only $3k more, and offers far higher grip. On the street, most people who say a Z51 is far superior are just spouting bs- the specs are very close, and few people run their cars at 10/10ths on the street, ever!
I had a 2014 Base with Z51 sway bars, and now have a 2017 GS. I bought the GS mostly for its capability to do track days. For just tooling around or a trip to Long Island's wine country, I frankly enjoyed the ride of the base car a whole lot more than the GS, which pounds pretty good over bumps and imperfections. In 99.9% of street driving I have never said to myself the GS does things the Base C7 can't: corner at 0.95g-Check, accelerate 20-100 mph-Check, slam on the brakes from 80-40 mph for an exit ramp-Check.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 13,180
Likes: 10,515
no rear swaybar, really soft springs, no e diff, smaller brakes, no dry sump, softer bushings and smaller wheels.... the Stingray is a de tuned corvette. You would get a better deal getting an Camaro SS.... It has the same motor, same kind of diff, soft suspension, smaller brakes.... and it's cheap compared to the stingray
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 4,785
Likes: 1,417
I can use every bit of some of the parts of the Z51 package on the street.
I can use 100% of the brakes. ;-) I can use the NPP exhaust.
Seriously. If you can afford it, get the Z51 with the MRC shocks. It rides fine in touring mode. (way better than my old Mini Cooper S with Koni's and springs) If you don't use the other stuff, at least it's there, and makes a wider audience if you need to sell it.
I can use 100% of the brakes. ;-) I can use the NPP exhaust.
Seriously. If you can afford it, get the Z51 with the MRC shocks. It rides fine in touring mode. (way better than my old Mini Cooper S with Koni's and springs) If you don't use the other stuff, at least it's there, and makes a wider audience if you need to sell it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 172
Likes: 17
From: Canada
Update
First, thanks to all who replied I appreciate the commends and recommendations.
So the wife and I took a Z51 out and both agreed the ride was not as rough as expected. Sure it is firm but tolerable. Best of all she was ok with it so I can always hold her to it.
In any event we now own a 2017 Stingray, 3 LT, Z51. So far very impressed coming from a C5 which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thanks forum.
So the wife and I took a Z51 out and both agreed the ride was not as rough as expected. Sure it is firm but tolerable. Best of all she was ok with it so I can always hold her to it.
In any event we now own a 2017 Stingray, 3 LT, Z51. So far very impressed coming from a C5 which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thanks forum.
Cruising
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
Just for the record I work for GM and chose the base Stingray and have added all the mods I wanted and paid for none that I didn't care about.
If I would have gotten the Z51 I would have changed the exhaust anyway. from the headers back. Would have upgraded the suspension anyway. Would have gotten forged wheels anyway. So for some people it just does not make sense to spend 5k+ on the z51.
Granted I got it at a price that would make most peoples head spin, and blood vessels pop, so I may be bias.
So if you have a z51, why don't you take your de-tunned Grandsport and put a smile on your face around some nice curvy backroads and stop belittling people.
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 102
Likes: 3
From: Wilmington MASSACHUSETTS
I can use every bit of some of the parts of the Z51 package on the street.
I can use 100% of the brakes. ;-) I can use the NPP exhaust.
Seriously. If you can afford it, get the Z51 with the MRC shocks. It rides fine in touring mode. (way better than my old Mini Cooper S with Koni's and springs) If you don't use the other stuff, at least it's there, and makes a wider audience if you need to sell it.
I can use 100% of the brakes. ;-) I can use the NPP exhaust.
Seriously. If you can afford it, get the Z51 with the MRC shocks. It rides fine in touring mode. (way better than my old Mini Cooper S with Koni's and springs) If you don't use the other stuff, at least it's there, and makes a wider audience if you need to sell it.
1000%