I'm about to place an order for a C8 hardtop convertible. It will likely be my last Vette and definitely my last sports car.

I plan to order all the goodies, but am not sure if I should add Magnetic Ride to the Z51 package I definitely will order. I don't plan to track the car and at my age want the smoothest ride possible (I'm too used to the ride of my MB). Resale value isn't an issue either.

I know opinions are like noses, but I have always gotten good advice from these forums and trust the judgment of my fellow Vette enthusiasts.

 

My vote is non Z51 with msrc.

 

Hmm, if 1947 is when you were born, I'm 5 years older and hope I never want a '57 Caddy ride!

Forgetting ride quality, you're getting the Z51 "performance package" so assume you use WOT from time to time. Heck I use it all the time to merge into traffic from a stop sign at the end of a rural road into ~70+ mph traffic on a 4 lane divided highway! One is the only way to leave the Country Club where I live. This time of year traffic can be very heavy with folks going to and leaving Myrtle Beach. You must acclerate merge or wait a long time for a break in traffic! Those RVs, Motor homes and Log trucks don't stop very fast so I avaoid them having to brake for me and accelerate quickly.

I have been driving for 6 months 90% of the time in Z MODE with POWER set to TRACK. It's the ONLY mode where you can set Power- can't even in MY MODE. In my case I have my Z51 MRC RIDE set to Sport BUT if you want the smoothest ride you can set RIDE to Touring. Can set steering, eBoost and NPP where you would like.

This is what you'll get anytime you push the Z MODE button on the steering wheel. Press it again to turn it off and you'll be in Touring. Never have to touch the Mode Wheel! Here is why I have my Z MODE set to Power in Track and at the end a video by a poster to show how it's a different car WITH POWER SET TO TRACK:

• The car will upshift at much higher rpm than when in TOURING, SPORT or MY MODE.
• It will seldom shift past 5th gear. It will shift to 6th >~72 mph. (Note 4th and 5th are OD ratios, like 6th, 7th and 8th) providing engine torque with modest throttle increases WITHOUT downshifting.
• It will not go into V4 mode.
• Max throttle response, not slower tip-in as in Touring or Sport
• When braking it will downshift at higher rpm and rev match makes it perfectly smooth in each gear.
• Note, if desired to can still use the shift paddles. So if it's in 5th and your cruising pull the upshift paddle and you can shift to 6th or 7th. If making an aggressive turn you can downshift at whatever rpm you'd like as you brake. But you’ll fine when braking hard it will downshift aggressively by itself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI9M...annel=jrock702

PS: The C8 will never ride like a heavy MB or Caddy (although both today won't ride like the '57 Caddy "boat!"

This is a comparison of Spring Rates for the Base and Z51. Shocks can make the ride stiffer but MRC cannot make the C8 Z51 ride like your MB. For the softest ride get the Base NOT a Z51.

 

If you want the smoothest ride possible you will need Magnetic Ride Control, especially if you option the Z51 package.

 

As an owner of a 2020 convertible with Z51 and Magnetic Ride, I can strongly recommend you go with Magnetic Ride. It's a game changer and offers the highest technology possible. I have 2500 miles on mine now and absolutely love how it handles.

 

I have had vehicles with and without Magnetic Ride. It is a nice option with the best technology that is on the market today. I would add the option with the Z51 package or if you are going to track the car. I have the base C8 without it and it provides a smooth ride in tour mode. It is so much more refined than my C7 was. In my case I live in a northern climate with extreme cold winters. Owning and driving a Cadillac in our climate for 3 to 4 years will result in these shocks leaking. Replacing these shocks is a very expensive endeavor. I recommend an extended warranty if you decide to go with this option. Test drive the C8 if you are able to before ordering so you can make an informed decision.

 

At the price level it sounds like you are considering, spend "the extra nickle" and get the MSRC. You won't regret it and if you don't get it, you will most likely get buyer's remorse sooner or later!

 

My question is why wouldn't you get MRC on your loaded Z51 HTC? I did... I did save a bit by not getting the 3lt interior. I did order the GT2 seats in microfiber. Along with the black roof and nacelles, mirrors and wing, and the black wheels and the Red Mist paint and the edge red calipers. Anyway, MSRP was still 88,805... including MRC. It was a no brainer.

 

If this is really your last sports car go all out. Or maybe you can get it in the next life.

 

I have a Z51 with MRC on my HTC. Rides very nice in tour and even in sport on most roads it's pretty comfortable. Get it.

 

FWIW, since you asked, had a C6 Z51 and a 2014 C7 Z51 WITHOUT MRC. Drove in Track Mode with no affect on Ride. Was fine for our relatively good roads in Eastern SC.Had the Track nannies AND fastest Throttle response NOT the slow tip-in I discovered when I bought my 2017 Grand Sport. It came with MRC-no choice. Until I paid for the MRC software upgrade had to use Touring as the ride even in Sport was harsh when I hit a bump.

Wasn't happy with the slow tip-in with my M7. Particularly noticeably from my 2014 M7 taking off. Bought a Vitesse throttle controller. Did not use the “boy racer” #9 setting. Used 4 or 5 Vitesse says is linear, was about like my 2014 Z51 in Track. Nannies still an issue. Bought the MRC software upgrade, was able to drive in Sport. Better Nannie control (less intervention) an throttle control. Removed the Vitesse.

Now, for the C8, as I said, I spent the extra bucks for my Z51 with MRC. Use it to provide the ride that fits me and our roads. Since I ride in Z MODE 90% of the time with Power set to Track I get the fastest throttle response. I set Ride at Sport- good for me. But OP can set whatever in Z Mode like Ride in Touring.

If the OP wants the softest ride get the base car with softer springs and smaller sway bars. If he is buying the Z51 package because he wants “every option” - Wrong reason! The ride will be stiffer and be prepared to install low dust brake pads or be cleaning the wheels every few 100 miles. I installed Carbotech 1521 ceramic low dust street pads on my C8 week one. .Did the same with my 2017 Grand Sport and foolishly waited ~6 months to swap pads on my 2014 Z51! Was cleaning my wheels every ~200 miles of local (albeit aggressive) driving or in addition to the dust making the car look bad it was pitting my black wheels.

 

+msrc

 

I have a 2021 Z51 HTC. Get the magnetic ride. A small price to pay for total flexibility. I also had it on my C7 convertible. You can make it feel like a Cadillac. You won't be sorry.

 

Smoothest ride possible get the non-Z51 and add magnetic ride control. If you get Z51 then absolutely get the magride. Either way, get magride

 

 

Wrong thread possibly?

 

I've shared this in the past and been told they're full of crap but this is what another user received from GM when they asked about getting the softest ride possible.
Up to you if you believe it or not.

 

I can't imagine not having Magnetic Ride. I vote yes get it. I get it ignorance is bliss for many who've never had it, but I'd rather have something and enjoy it then not know what I'm missing out on. Very few who've has an MRSC vette go back to the standard suspension. If you think this is your last one I say load it up, live it up, and don't look back.

 

 

Ditto, you have no need for any of the Z51 items, which are solely intended for track duty. I also recommend a base car with MSRC. Use the money you save on Z51 for other upgrades, e.g. 2/3LT.