Old Fart ?
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 212
Likes: 73
From: Walnut Creek CA
I'm going from a non Z51 C6 to a Z51 C8.
When I got the C6, I decided I'd never track my car, and I didn't like the idea that the tires on the Z51 wore out much faster than the non Z51 tires.
Then I joined a local Corvette Club and that was one of the best decisions I've made in my life. I've still never "tracked" my car, but I did get introduced to Auto Crossing by the Corvette Club and that is a total blast.
I competed with my non Z51 Corvette, but I was usually competing against other drivers that were in Z51 cars. I eventually swapped my stock non Z51 Sway Bars for Z51 Sway Bars and when it came time to get new tires, I opted for stickier rubber.
My car became more competitive against the other cars.
Regardless of how the car was set up, I had ton of fun driving it, but I have to say, its more fun to finish in the middle of the back, than at the back of the pack in the Auto Crosses
Get what you want and you can afford, don't let anybody guilt you into anything one way or the other.
When I got the C6, I decided I'd never track my car, and I didn't like the idea that the tires on the Z51 wore out much faster than the non Z51 tires.
Then I joined a local Corvette Club and that was one of the best decisions I've made in my life. I've still never "tracked" my car, but I did get introduced to Auto Crossing by the Corvette Club and that is a total blast.
I competed with my non Z51 Corvette, but I was usually competing against other drivers that were in Z51 cars. I eventually swapped my stock non Z51 Sway Bars for Z51 Sway Bars and when it came time to get new tires, I opted for stickier rubber.
My car became more competitive against the other cars.
Regardless of how the car was set up, I had ton of fun driving it, but I have to say, its more fun to finish in the middle of the back, than at the back of the pack in the Auto Crosses
Get what you want and you can afford, don't let anybody guilt you into anything one way or the other.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 3,658
Likes: 1,939
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 488
From: Leonardtown Maryland
I find the availability of performance goodies pretty amazing compared to previous years and I guess people didn't factory order as many Vettes as today. No idea what the statistics are, but when I look at C3's and C4's for sale I see very few offering factory performance upgrades like the LT1 engine or "gymkhana suspension" for one. I think we are in a good place now with both Corvette technology and the ability to afford and enjoy them.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 14
From: Westchester County, New York
I got the Z51 package because when I bought my C8 that was the only way to get the spoiler. I know that's a lot to spend on a spoiler, but I didn't want to compromise and I really wanted the spoiler from the factory.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 13,300
Likes: 2,510
From: Bluffton SC via Canton Oh
I flipped my 20 non z51 c8. All the pricing apps deducted 2800 for lack of z51. You can do the math. Made 31% more then I paid 6 months earlier. Dealer added 10k and sold it in 2 days this past June.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 5,767
Likes: 2,968
From: Rural NW Georgia. GO DAWGS!
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I went non-Z51. I had it on my C6 and C7 and after driving my C8 through some very curvy roads 15-20MPH faster than I would my C6 or C7 I don't regret my decision. I opted for MSRC and the performance exhaust. I love the ride of the all-season Michelins. This car rides so much smoother than my C6 or C7.
By the way, when I sold my C6 and C7 neither buyer told me the Z51 package mattered in their decision to buy those cars.
By the way, when I sold my C6 and C7 neither buyer told me the Z51 package mattered in their decision to buy those cars.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 38
Likes: 9
From: St Louis MO
I agree Art! Good for you. I have a couple of bikes, BMW S1000R and a KTM Super Duke 1290R, that I take out on the backroads near me to get my adrenaline going and I don't get close to using the 160hp.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 95
Likes: 51
From: US
Not a boomer, and I did not get the Z51 package. I personally don't think it is needed since my C8 will be a daily on small town roads. Plus, who says you have to have Z51 to track your car? I do plan on tracking every once in a blue moon for the fun of it, but just cause I might track once a year or less doesn't mean i need to have the Z51 package. Hell I've done 120 in a Camry - didn't have Z51 on that.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 156
Likes: 114
I got it because I know my nature. I would forever be trying to upgrade mine to be on par with a Z51, so I saved myself all the pain and anguish and purchased it right off the bat. Will I track it, maybe once or twice but that's it. I am OCD perfectionist, I can't stop thinking how I can make things better...
Pro
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 550
Likes: 352
From: Maryland
Not planning on Z51. I plan on using mine as a GT car. Secondly, I'm satisfied with a proven mechanical limited slip. Electronic LS just seems like another electronic failure point. Third, I don't like wings on a street car. The Subaru WRX kids can have them. And finally I think the C8 looks more exotic without a wing.
