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Z51 slower or base?

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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 10:55 AM
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Default Z51 slower or base?

The question I have is is the Z 51 slower than the base model C8 cause my friend who has a base says so I tried searching forum couldn’t find this answer comment below

Last edited by kevine214; Apr 26, 2020 at 10:56 AM.
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 11:18 AM
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Originally Posted by kevine214
The question I have is is the Z 51 slower than the base model C8 cause my friend who has a base says so I tried searching forum couldn’t find this answer comment below
They are going to be so close that it may as well be considered a draw. They guy who spends $5,000 on the Z51 option package will likely see it otherwise but in reality it is the same engine, extra weight for the heavy duty Z51 stuff and a minute gearing difference. General consensus has the Z51 equiped C8 possibly running 0-60 about 0.1 second quicker than non while the non Z51 has been shown to run th 1/4 mile a tad faster and about one or two MPH better. Sub 3 second 0-60 along with 11 second 1/4 miles are kick *** for base model Corvettes. The upcoming Z06 will absolutely be a faster straightline vehicle.
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 11:33 AM
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On a road course or HPDE the Z51 has the advantage of gearing, tires, suspension, differential, etc. and should obviously achieve better times. In a straight line the Z51 is faster 0-60 by a thin margin, the base car is faster in the quarter mile by a thin margin. It depends on what you mean by “faster”. Both versions are terrific cars and a fantastic bargain for the average enthusiast.

Last edited by CaryBob; Apr 26, 2020 at 11:33 AM.
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 11:34 AM
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Top speed is slower due to the aero on the Z51 other wise there is no real difference. The Z51 will be faster on the track due to the aero, better tires, E-diff, and brakes.
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 12:10 PM
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I believe for a street-only car, the Z51 is unnecessary... now there is a lot of content there for the money, and the Mag Shocks are great..... but when I bought my 2016, the only important issue was the Dry-sump oil system, and the warranty....

I've changed brakes, wheels, tires already.... so most of the Z51 Stuff is "bolt-on/throw-away".. and for a street car, the base will give a nicer overall ride.

The C8 has Dry-sump..... IMHO, if I intended to use the car for occasional HPDE, I'd consider buying a Base car and building from there....
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by kevine214
The question I have is is the Z 51 slower than the base model C8 cause my friend who has a base says so I tried searching forum couldn’t find this answer comment below
Yes the Z/51 is slower...

The 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Has a Top Speed of 194 MPH, Z51 Is 10-MPH Slower


https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...ray-top-speed/
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 01:02 PM
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Upgrade the base tires with z51 summer tires and around a track they appear to be even closer.
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 01:04 PM
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I'd like to see the 1/4 time for a Z51 without a spoiler. I wonder if the front splitter slows down the top end too.
Some tracks are low downforce (Montreal, Monza) and others are higher downforce (COA in Austin and others).

Last edited by JVi; Apr 26, 2020 at 01:04 PM.
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 01:16 PM
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The high wing on the Z51 is said to be more efficient than the standard Z51 wing and both have the same downforce. I would therefore expect its top speed to be somewhere between a non Z51 and a Z51 with a standard wing.
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 01:19 PM
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the real answer:

the "base" (non-Z51 model) IS faster (TOP END), HOWEVER, the Z-51 cars, due to different gearing are QUICKER.
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 01:26 PM
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For most drivers both the base and Z51 are going perform the same either on the track or street. Buy what works for you ($).

Last edited by TARANTULA; Apr 26, 2020 at 01:27 PM.
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by jcp911s
I believe for a street-only car, the Z51 is unnecessary... now there is a lot of content there for the money,

The C8 has Dry-sump..... IMHO, if I intended to use the car for occasional HPDE, I'd consider buying a Base car and building from there....
The e-dif on the C8 Z51 may be "bolt-on', but getting all the other stuff and the e-dif makes the Z51 better if even doing occasional HPDEs rather than all the retrofit.
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 04:58 PM
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I'm making the slowest C8 configuration you can. A friend of mine is also getting a white C8, but a Z51 (283 cars apart VIN wise), he doesn't like the rear spoiler and wants all season tires since he drives year round. So I'll put the summer tires on mine and give him the all seasons and the rear bumper cover with spoiler will go on mine. Just so it looks right I'll probably add the Z51 splitter too.
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 09:56 PM
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Gear ratios matter and it is something like 4.89 vs 5.31, it was posted on the form, the None Z51 cars have a more hwy friendly diff and the difference shows up on a 1/4 or longer run. Just basic science. I went none Z to get the hwy gearing, all season tires, and a softer ride. Touring GT coupe' comes to mind.
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 10:18 PM
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What about a on z51 with the performance exhaust?
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 10:20 PM
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Originally Posted by General Custer
What about a on z51 with the performance exhaust?
Z51 comes with performance exhaust, part of the package.
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 10:38 PM
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Sorry. Stupid autocorrect. A non z51 with performance exhaust
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To Z51 slower or base?

Old Apr 26, 2020 | 11:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Joe Stingray
the real answer:

the "base" (non-Z51 model) IS faster (TOP END), HOWEVER, the Z-51 cars, due to different gearing are QUICKER.
makes sense when I go over 100 my c8 gets slower at after 70 mph kind of wish I didn’t get z51 package with my car just my thought

Last edited by kevine214; Apr 26, 2020 at 11:15 PM.
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Old Apr 26, 2020 | 11:22 PM
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Hi, made an account just to post a similar question as OP. I guess I have my answer. Plus I'd be changing the wheels and exhaust anyway so feel like the z51 would be a waste. And changing the tires so summers (base comes with all seasons apparently?) should make the small difference even smaller for 0-60 times?
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Old Apr 28, 2020 | 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted by AzDave47
The e-dif on the C8 Z51 may be "bolt-on', but getting all the other stuff and the e-dif makes the Z51 better if even doing occasional HPDEs rather than all the retrofit.
The hardware may be bolt on, but getting the software to work is probably a whole different problem.
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