Z51 Package
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,514
Likes: 1,464
From: Pittsburgh PA
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
OP, This may or may not be helpful. Good visuals showing exactly what MSRC does for you over the base suspension.
Racer
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 386
Likes: 324
From: Baldwin County - "Sweet Home" Alabama
Then that would be a valid statement for just about 99% of all other sport cars avalable today.... anyway... perhaps "overkill" was not the proper word to use in my original message... you have your opinion and I have mine on what is important to consider when shopping for a sport car purchase, lets just leave it at that.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,866
Likes: 10,274
From: Garden Valley CA
Then that would be a valid statement for just about 99% of all other sport cars avalable today.... anyway... perhaps "overkill" was not the proper word to use in my original message... you have your opinion and I have mine on what is important to consider when shopping for a sport car purchase, lets just leave it at that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,361
Likes: 4,804
From: West Burbs of Chicago IL
I have a non Z51. The only thing I "think" I miss is the rear end ratio is slightly higher with the Z51(very slightly). My car game with NPP exhaust and the dealer installed a Z51 spoiler because the car was sitting on their lot. I added a front splitter.
The mag-ride adjustable suspension has all I need for the street. That leaves the E Diff, which is strictly useful on the track. No your Z51 brakes are not going to stop you faster on the street emergency braking. Big Z51 brakes are about heat disputation on the race track not stopping faster.
The mag-ride adjustable suspension has all I need for the street. That leaves the E Diff, which is strictly useful on the track. No your Z51 brakes are not going to stop you faster on the street emergency braking. Big Z51 brakes are about heat disputation on the race track not stopping faster.
^^^^ Exactly.
The eLSD has benefits on the street:
Generally speaking, the eLSD system has an incredible
effect on the vehicle’s performance and handling.
When the driver is off the throttle, more eLSD coupling
adds stability, to a point. When the two rear wheels are
clutched together, in a turn, we are slowing down the
outside wheel and speeding up the inside wheel. This
keeps the vehicle feeling agile throughout the turn.
When the driver is on the throttle, the eLSD system can
shift the torque from the inside wheel to the outside
wheel to minimize inside wheel spin, as well as provide
a much better "feel" on how the car turns with the
throttle. More (but not too much) torque applied to the
outside wheel will help the car turn.
Here are some examples of what the driver may see
while monitoring this screen as it relates to the eLSD
system:
• Driving straight down the road - The eLSD system
will have a bit of coupling to add stability and
on-center steering feel. This will be a relatively
small amount (around 10% - 15%) and the number
will decrease slightly when making a lane change
or other steering input.
• When applying the throttle - The system will
increase the coupling under heavy throttle. The
driver may see around 40 - 50% coupling under
heavy acceleration in a track setting. This is to
maximize rear traction while cornering, while still
maintaining the feel of how the car handles
throughout the turn.
• Extreme lane changes and slalom events -
The largest coupling will occur during the most
aggressive dynamic maneuvers. The eLSD
clutches will nearly lock (100%) to add stability at
the right moment but open back up to allow the
vehicle to steer through a double lane change at
precisely the right times.
• Winter driving - If the vehicle is being driven in the
winter (being equipped with the appropriate tires),
and the driver is attempting to accelerate from a
stop with one wheel on ice and the other on dry
pavement, he or she will notice that the clutch
torque will increase on the DIC as a result of the
single wheel slipping. This will transfer torque to
the wheel with more available traction so that the
vehicle will accelerate smoothly.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...83145-9999.pdf
Generally speaking, the eLSD system has an incredible
effect on the vehicle’s performance and handling.
When the driver is off the throttle, more eLSD coupling
adds stability, to a point. When the two rear wheels are
clutched together, in a turn, we are slowing down the
outside wheel and speeding up the inside wheel. This
keeps the vehicle feeling agile throughout the turn.
When the driver is on the throttle, the eLSD system can
shift the torque from the inside wheel to the outside
wheel to minimize inside wheel spin, as well as provide
a much better "feel" on how the car turns with the
throttle. More (but not too much) torque applied to the
outside wheel will help the car turn.
Here are some examples of what the driver may see
while monitoring this screen as it relates to the eLSD
system:
• Driving straight down the road - The eLSD system
will have a bit of coupling to add stability and
on-center steering feel. This will be a relatively
small amount (around 10% - 15%) and the number
will decrease slightly when making a lane change
or other steering input.
• When applying the throttle - The system will
increase the coupling under heavy throttle. The
driver may see around 40 - 50% coupling under
heavy acceleration in a track setting. This is to
maximize rear traction while cornering, while still
maintaining the feel of how the car handles
throughout the turn.
• Extreme lane changes and slalom events -
The largest coupling will occur during the most
aggressive dynamic maneuvers. The eLSD
clutches will nearly lock (100%) to add stability at
the right moment but open back up to allow the
vehicle to steer through a double lane change at
precisely the right times.
• Winter driving - If the vehicle is being driven in the
winter (being equipped with the appropriate tires),
and the driver is attempting to accelerate from a
stop with one wheel on ice and the other on dry
pavement, he or she will notice that the clutch
torque will increase on the DIC as a result of the
single wheel slipping. This will transfer torque to
the wheel with more available traction so that the
vehicle will accelerate smoothly.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...83145-9999.pdf
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 863
Likes: 365
From: Maumelle AR
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,514
Likes: 1,464
From: Pittsburgh PA
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I am confused on what you are asking?? You said you have FE2 suspension, whereas FE2 is Z51 Performance suspension WITHOUT Mag Ride. I don't know what more would be needed when you already have Z51 Performance suspension? Mag Ride is not something you can add on later, sooo ... I'm a bit confused?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 2,046
From: Columbus OH
I’ll say it again: the sweet spot for a street-only C8 Stingray is a non-Z51 with performance exhaust and Mag Ride shocks. If you have zero plans to track your car, skip the Z51 and save yourself about six grand. Put that money toward options you’ll actually use, or into PPF and ceramic coating.
Don’t buy into the hype that Z51 makes sense on the street—it doesn’t. The eLSD, stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and extra cooling only matter if you’re pushing the car at track-level speeds. On public roads, if you’re driving hard enough to notice those benefits, you’re already breaking the law—and likely risking your license, or worse.
The non-Z51 with Mag Ride is the real-world performance/value sweet spot for a street only C8.
Don’t buy into the hype that Z51 makes sense on the street—it doesn’t. The eLSD, stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and extra cooling only matter if you’re pushing the car at track-level speeds. On public roads, if you’re driving hard enough to notice those benefits, you’re already breaking the law—and likely risking your license, or worse.
The non-Z51 with Mag Ride is the real-world performance/value sweet spot for a street only C8.
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CF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 2,905
From: Charlotte N.C.
So when others disagree with you AGAIN will you keep saying it? Repeating your opinion doesn't negate other peoples opinion. And blue is the best color... 
I’ll say it again: the sweet spot for a street-only C8 Stingray is a non-Z51 with performance exhaust and Mag Ride shocks. If you have zero plans to track your car, skip the Z51 and save yourself about six grand. Put that money toward options you’ll actually use, or into PPF and ceramic coating.
Don’t buy into the hype that Z51 makes sense on the street—it doesn’t. The eLSD, stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and extra cooling only matter if you’re pushing the car at track-level speeds. On public roads, if you’re driving hard enough to notice those benefits, you’re already breaking the law—and likely risking your license, or worse.
The non-Z51 with Mag Ride is the real-world performance/value sweet spot for a street only C8.
Don’t buy into the hype that Z51 makes sense on the street—it doesn’t. The eLSD, stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and extra cooling only matter if you’re pushing the car at track-level speeds. On public roads, if you’re driving hard enough to notice those benefits, you’re already breaking the law—and likely risking your license, or worse.
The non-Z51 with Mag Ride is the real-world performance/value sweet spot for a street only C8.
Pro
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 514
Likes: 265
From: Huntsville
Would it be wrong to assume the majority of SRs have the Z51 package vs non-z51?
I did a search..
A forum post says 65% sold in 2021 had the Z51 package.
Google, referencing NCM data, states just over 50% of SRs sold in 2024 had the Z51 package.
Based on these data snapshots. Having a the Z51 package is more of a standard config for the C8.
Not sure if the stats show the same for previous generations.
I did a search..
A forum post says 65% sold in 2021 had the Z51 package.
Google, referencing NCM data, states just over 50% of SRs sold in 2024 had the Z51 package.
Based on these data snapshots. Having a the Z51 package is more of a standard config for the C8.
Not sure if the stats show the same for previous generations.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,866
Likes: 10,274
From: Garden Valley CA
I’ll say it again: the sweet spot for a street-only C8 Stingray is a non-Z51 with performance exhaust and Mag Ride shocks. If you have zero plans to track your car, skip the Z51 and save yourself about six grand. Put that money toward options you’ll actually use, or into PPF and ceramic coating.
Don’t buy into the hype that Z51 makes sense on the street—it doesn’t. The eLSD, stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and extra cooling only matter if you’re pushing the car at track-level speeds. On public roads, if you’re driving hard enough to notice those benefits, you’re already breaking the law—and likely risking your license, or worse.
The non-Z51 with Mag Ride is the real-world performance/value sweet spot for a street only C8.
Don’t buy into the hype that Z51 makes sense on the street—it doesn’t. The eLSD, stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and extra cooling only matter if you’re pushing the car at track-level speeds. On public roads, if you’re driving hard enough to notice those benefits, you’re already breaking the law—and likely risking your license, or worse.
The non-Z51 with Mag Ride is the real-world performance/value sweet spot for a street only C8.
See post #43 for GM's explanation of the benefits of the of the eLSD on the street.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...m_content=post
Below is Jim Mero's (who can probably out-drive anyone on this forum) opinion when asked if a typical Corvette driver feel the difference between the different suspensions on the street.
"So, addressing the first part of the question. Because of those attributes mentioned above, you would absolutely feel the difference in cornering capabilities on a twisty road between FE1 and FE3 as well as FE2 and FE4.
MRC on FE2 will tie the car down more, but it will not replace the cornering capabilities added by springs, bars and tires for FE4."
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...m_content=post
He went on to say:
"if not, we are wasting a lot of time with all these chassis packages if they all feel the same on anything but the track."
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...m_content=post
Just because you can't feel the difference between the base and Z51 on the street below its limits or don't think they are of value doesn't mean other people can't feel the difference or don't think they have benefit.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 647
Likes: 689
From: Massachusetts
I’ll say it again: the sweet spot for a street-only C8 Stingray is a non-Z51 with performance exhaust and Mag Ride shocks. If you have zero plans to track your car, skip the Z51 and save yourself about six grand. Put that money toward options you’ll actually use, or into PPF and ceramic coating.
Don’t buy into the hype that Z51 makes sense on the street—it doesn’t. The eLSD, stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and extra cooling only matter if you’re pushing the car at track-level speeds. On public roads, if you’re driving hard enough to notice those benefits, you’re already breaking the law—and likely risking your license, or worse.
The non-Z51 with Mag Ride is the real-world performance/value sweet spot for a street only C8.
Don’t buy into the hype that Z51 makes sense on the street—it doesn’t. The eLSD, stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and extra cooling only matter if you’re pushing the car at track-level speeds. On public roads, if you’re driving hard enough to notice those benefits, you’re already breaking the law—and likely risking your license, or worse.
The non-Z51 with Mag Ride is the real-world performance/value sweet spot for a street only C8.
If you’re driving a C8 hard enough to notice the benefits of the non-z51 you’re already breaking the law.
So can someone please tell me what I’m missing? Why is the difference between non-z51 and z51 the difference between street and track?
Last edited by StfDrmsRMadeOf; Sep 9, 2025 at 10:41 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 2,046
From: Columbus OH
Yes, Z51 adds the eLSD, but to really take advantage of it through the Performance Traction Management (PTM), you also need Mag Ride shocks—another $2K stacked on top of the Z51 package. When you add it all up, you’re spending a lot of money for benefits you’ll never notice if you don’t track the car.
I’ll keep repeating it because a lot of new buyers get pressured into thinking Z51 is a “must-have,” when in reality it’s only a “must-have” if you plan to track. That distinction matters, especially for people spending their hard-earned money.
And as for color—blue is still awesome. Just not six-grand Z51 awesome for a street-only driver. 😉
CF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 2,905
From: Charlotte N.C.
I notice it and I have never tracked any of my Corvettes. Corvette does not "must-have" Z51 to track it. It's may give the driver better lap times or "G" numbers but not a must-have. Probably the most fun I have had on a track has been in slow econo boxes, Seat (in Spain), Ford Fiesta, Renault 5 turbo (maybe not a econo box).
Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, absolutely. Too many folks pushing the Z51 act like a Stingray without it suddenly can’t stop or turn, which just isn’t true. The base C8 is already an incredible handling, braking, and stopping machine right out of the box.
Yes, Z51 adds the eLSD, but to really take advantage of it through the Performance Traction Management (PTM), you also need Mag Ride shocks—another $2K stacked on top of the Z51 package. When you add it all up, you’re spending a lot of money for benefits you’ll never notice if you don’t track the car.
I’ll keep repeating it because a lot of new buyers get pressured into thinking Z51 is a “must-have,” when in reality it’s only a “must-have” if you plan to track. That distinction matters, especially for people spending their hard-earned money.
And as for color—blue is still awesome. Just not six-grand Z51 awesome for a street-only driver. 😉
Yes, Z51 adds the eLSD, but to really take advantage of it through the Performance Traction Management (PTM), you also need Mag Ride shocks—another $2K stacked on top of the Z51 package. When you add it all up, you’re spending a lot of money for benefits you’ll never notice if you don’t track the car.
I’ll keep repeating it because a lot of new buyers get pressured into thinking Z51 is a “must-have,” when in reality it’s only a “must-have” if you plan to track. That distinction matters, especially for people spending their hard-earned money.
And as for color—blue is still awesome. Just not six-grand Z51 awesome for a street-only driver. 😉
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,514
Likes: 1,464
From: Pittsburgh PA
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Can you or any one else explain how the suspension, big brakes, and the cooling capacity of the non-z51 make sense on a street only driven C8?
If you’re driving a C8 hard enough to notice the benefits of the non-z51 you’re already breaking the law.
So can someone please tell me what I’m missing? Why is the difference between non-z51 and z51 the difference between street and track?
If you’re driving a C8 hard enough to notice the benefits of the non-z51 you’re already breaking the law.
So can someone please tell me what I’m missing? Why is the difference between non-z51 and z51 the difference between street and track?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 3,996
Likes: 1,836
From: Western WI
The below answer from Tadge, over 5 years ago now, established the baseline but some still like to debate the use cases.
QUOTE:
Tool Hoarder asked:
First line of the track prep guide states "Vehicles without Z51 package should not be used for track events and competitive driving." I Notice it doesn't say cannot be used... I track my cars so got a Z51. However, I know a lot of folks who buy base cars and like to do 1-2 weekends a year in HPDE1. If the car were to suffer a mechanical failure would coverage be denied? I understand if the car suffered overheat issues and/or brake fade issues. Thank you
Quote:
Tadge answered:
This is a tricky one, Tool Hoarder. You are delving into a gray area where everything depends on the specifics of any particular vehicle use.
Let me start with the basics.... Corvette is a sports car. Why don't we just harden them all for the track to avoid this question? The truth is many customers use their Corvette for road driving only and we don't want to penalize those owners unnecessarily. Aside from cost and mass, making our car "track certified", has other trade-offs. We have had a lot of customer interest in more well-rounded rubber. We have had a great reception for our ultra-high performance all season tires. Nobody likes brake dust, but unfortunately the aggressive pads we must use for track durability and performance throw off some dust. That means cleaning your wheels more often. Also, our standard pads are compatible with rotors treated for reduced corrosion. The Z51 pads are not, so the rotors will have more tendency to show some cosmetic rust if the car is not driven. Then there is efficiency: Low drag is achieved by routing air cleanly around the vehicle. Taking air and running it through a tortuous path to get more air on the brakes adds drag. Forcing air through finned heat exchangers adds drag but it is the only way to keep engine, trans and A/C temps under control on a hot day at the track. Front splitters and rear spoilers add down force, but they add drag too. Our Z51 option has a lot of content precisely because it takes all of it to keep the car performing great the hands of a pro driver on a 100-degree day. Some third-party reviews have already validated this performance lap after lap, tanks of fuel at a time.
So, do we just not care about non-Z51 performance? Of course not. The standard Corvette must be a great sports car. We design it for very well-rounded performance, and it can still be driven very hard and fast. The reason we do not recommend it for the track, is that the driver may notice a few things because it wasn't optimized for that usage. All season tires don't use the rubber compounds that can stand extended periods of high-stress, high-temperature use. Therefore, you may get accelerated or uneven wear. As you mention in your question, brake fade could become noticeable as well and this is one area where the C8 driver needs to understand the effects of the cooling airflow balance I described above. With our electro-hydraulic apply system brake fade will appear both in higher pedal effort and in progressively more intrusive warning messages to the driver. Eventually the vehicle speed will be limited if brake pad or rotor damage is occurring. If the early warnings are ignored and the car is pushed to this speed limitation it will need to be serviced at the dealership prior to going back on the track. The car’s powertrain will act to protect itself, so mechanical failure is unlikely although the driver may notice performance pullbacks as the car senses impending thermal stress. For the 2020 Stingray we made a dry sump engine lube system standard ensuring an extra measure of confidence in that area. Bottom line is that most people would not have any serious issues driving an FE1 (non-Z51) car on the track, but GM does not recommend it because the car is not equipped or validated for that use. There are also variable driver skill levels as well to consider. That is why it is a grey area. Thanks for the question.
QUOTE:
Tool Hoarder asked:
First line of the track prep guide states "Vehicles without Z51 package should not be used for track events and competitive driving." I Notice it doesn't say cannot be used... I track my cars so got a Z51. However, I know a lot of folks who buy base cars and like to do 1-2 weekends a year in HPDE1. If the car were to suffer a mechanical failure would coverage be denied? I understand if the car suffered overheat issues and/or brake fade issues. Thank you
Quote:
Tadge answered:
This is a tricky one, Tool Hoarder. You are delving into a gray area where everything depends on the specifics of any particular vehicle use.
Let me start with the basics.... Corvette is a sports car. Why don't we just harden them all for the track to avoid this question? The truth is many customers use their Corvette for road driving only and we don't want to penalize those owners unnecessarily. Aside from cost and mass, making our car "track certified", has other trade-offs. We have had a lot of customer interest in more well-rounded rubber. We have had a great reception for our ultra-high performance all season tires. Nobody likes brake dust, but unfortunately the aggressive pads we must use for track durability and performance throw off some dust. That means cleaning your wheels more often. Also, our standard pads are compatible with rotors treated for reduced corrosion. The Z51 pads are not, so the rotors will have more tendency to show some cosmetic rust if the car is not driven. Then there is efficiency: Low drag is achieved by routing air cleanly around the vehicle. Taking air and running it through a tortuous path to get more air on the brakes adds drag. Forcing air through finned heat exchangers adds drag but it is the only way to keep engine, trans and A/C temps under control on a hot day at the track. Front splitters and rear spoilers add down force, but they add drag too. Our Z51 option has a lot of content precisely because it takes all of it to keep the car performing great the hands of a pro driver on a 100-degree day. Some third-party reviews have already validated this performance lap after lap, tanks of fuel at a time.
So, do we just not care about non-Z51 performance? Of course not. The standard Corvette must be a great sports car. We design it for very well-rounded performance, and it can still be driven very hard and fast. The reason we do not recommend it for the track, is that the driver may notice a few things because it wasn't optimized for that usage. All season tires don't use the rubber compounds that can stand extended periods of high-stress, high-temperature use. Therefore, you may get accelerated or uneven wear. As you mention in your question, brake fade could become noticeable as well and this is one area where the C8 driver needs to understand the effects of the cooling airflow balance I described above. With our electro-hydraulic apply system brake fade will appear both in higher pedal effort and in progressively more intrusive warning messages to the driver. Eventually the vehicle speed will be limited if brake pad or rotor damage is occurring. If the early warnings are ignored and the car is pushed to this speed limitation it will need to be serviced at the dealership prior to going back on the track. The car’s powertrain will act to protect itself, so mechanical failure is unlikely although the driver may notice performance pullbacks as the car senses impending thermal stress. For the 2020 Stingray we made a dry sump engine lube system standard ensuring an extra measure of confidence in that area. Bottom line is that most people would not have any serious issues driving an FE1 (non-Z51) car on the track, but GM does not recommend it because the car is not equipped or validated for that use. There are also variable driver skill levels as well to consider. That is why it is a grey area. Thanks for the question.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 647
Likes: 689
From: Massachusetts
Drive both. If you can't feel the difference in normal street driving then you definitely don't need it and won't miss it. For those that can feel the difference it offers a more tied down, sharper flatter handling car with faster turn in, more responsive barking and a more taut ride on the street regardless of speed, Acceleration is basically the same. You need to drive it to feel the difference. Again if you can't tell the difference, don't waste your money.
Thank you but this question was directed at the people saying non-z51=street and z51=track. Although you are completely right and this is what I seem to be failing to communicate.
Last edited by StfDrmsRMadeOf; Sep 9, 2025 at 11:45 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 712
From: Windermere, Florida
These really ARE quite technical machines ... hence, good reason to buy an extended warranty ... track or not ... I wanted and bought a fully optioned (to MY liking - without "committee" input) 25 HTC WITH Z51 ... and am glad I did.
To each their own - that is why there are "options" and color choices and not just Ford Model T black only!
To each their own - that is why there are "options" and color choices and not just Ford Model T black only!
Pro
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 647
Likes: 689
From: Massachusetts
The below answer from Tadge, over 5 years ago now, established the baseline but some still like to debate the use cases.
QUOTE:
Tool Hoarder asked:
First line of the track prep guide states "Vehicles without Z51 package should not be used for track events and competitive driving." I Notice it doesn't say cannot be used... I track my cars so got a Z51. However, I know a lot of folks who buy base cars and like to do 1-2 weekends a year in HPDE1. If the car were to suffer a mechanical failure would coverage be denied? I understand if the car suffered overheat issues and/or brake fade issues. Thank you
Quote:
Tadge answered:
This is a tricky one, Tool Hoarder. You are delving into a gray area where everything depends on the specifics of any particular vehicle use.
Let me start with the basics.... Corvette is a sports car. Why don't we just harden them all for the track to avoid this question? The truth is many customers use their Corvette for road driving only and we don't want to penalize those owners unnecessarily. Aside from cost and mass, making our car "track certified", has other trade-offs. We have had a lot of customer interest in more well-rounded rubber. We have had a great reception for our ultra-high performance all season tires. Nobody likes brake dust, but unfortunately the aggressive pads we must use for track durability and performance throw off some dust. That means cleaning your wheels more often. Also, our standard pads are compatible with rotors treated for reduced corrosion. The Z51 pads are not, so the rotors will have more tendency to show some cosmetic rust if the car is not driven. Then there is efficiency: Low drag is achieved by routing air cleanly around the vehicle. Taking air and running it through a tortuous path to get more air on the brakes adds drag. Forcing air through finned heat exchangers adds drag but it is the only way to keep engine, trans and A/C temps under control on a hot day at the track. Front splitters and rear spoilers add down force, but they add drag too. Our Z51 option has a lot of content precisely because it takes all of it to keep the car performing great the hands of a pro driver on a 100-degree day. Some third-party reviews have already validated this performance lap after lap, tanks of fuel at a time.
So, do we just not care about non-Z51 performance? Of course not. The standard Corvette must be a great sports car. We design it for very well-rounded performance, and it can still be driven very hard and fast. The reason we do not recommend it for the track, is that the driver may notice a few things because it wasn't optimized for that usage. All season tires don't use the rubber compounds that can stand extended periods of high-stress, high-temperature use. Therefore, you may get accelerated or uneven wear. As you mention in your question, brake fade could become noticeable as well and this is one area where the C8 driver needs to understand the effects of the cooling airflow balance I described above. With our electro-hydraulic apply system brake fade will appear both in higher pedal effort and in progressively more intrusive warning messages to the driver. Eventually the vehicle speed will be limited if brake pad or rotor damage is occurring. If the early warnings are ignored and the car is pushed to this speed limitation it will need to be serviced at the dealership prior to going back on the track. The car’s powertrain will act to protect itself, so mechanical failure is unlikely although the driver may notice performance pullbacks as the car senses impending thermal stress. For the 2020 Stingray we made a dry sump engine lube system standard ensuring an extra measure of confidence in that area. Bottom line is that most people would not have any serious issues driving an FE1 (non-Z51) car on the track, but GM does not recommend it because the car is not equipped or validated for that use. There are also variable driver skill levels as well to consider. That is why it is a grey area. Thanks for the question.
QUOTE:
Tool Hoarder asked:
First line of the track prep guide states "Vehicles without Z51 package should not be used for track events and competitive driving." I Notice it doesn't say cannot be used... I track my cars so got a Z51. However, I know a lot of folks who buy base cars and like to do 1-2 weekends a year in HPDE1. If the car were to suffer a mechanical failure would coverage be denied? I understand if the car suffered overheat issues and/or brake fade issues. Thank you
Quote:
Tadge answered:
This is a tricky one, Tool Hoarder. You are delving into a gray area where everything depends on the specifics of any particular vehicle use.
Let me start with the basics.... Corvette is a sports car. Why don't we just harden them all for the track to avoid this question? The truth is many customers use their Corvette for road driving only and we don't want to penalize those owners unnecessarily. Aside from cost and mass, making our car "track certified", has other trade-offs. We have had a lot of customer interest in more well-rounded rubber. We have had a great reception for our ultra-high performance all season tires. Nobody likes brake dust, but unfortunately the aggressive pads we must use for track durability and performance throw off some dust. That means cleaning your wheels more often. Also, our standard pads are compatible with rotors treated for reduced corrosion. The Z51 pads are not, so the rotors will have more tendency to show some cosmetic rust if the car is not driven. Then there is efficiency: Low drag is achieved by routing air cleanly around the vehicle. Taking air and running it through a tortuous path to get more air on the brakes adds drag. Forcing air through finned heat exchangers adds drag but it is the only way to keep engine, trans and A/C temps under control on a hot day at the track. Front splitters and rear spoilers add down force, but they add drag too. Our Z51 option has a lot of content precisely because it takes all of it to keep the car performing great the hands of a pro driver on a 100-degree day. Some third-party reviews have already validated this performance lap after lap, tanks of fuel at a time.
So, do we just not care about non-Z51 performance? Of course not. The standard Corvette must be a great sports car. We design it for very well-rounded performance, and it can still be driven very hard and fast. The reason we do not recommend it for the track, is that the driver may notice a few things because it wasn't optimized for that usage. All season tires don't use the rubber compounds that can stand extended periods of high-stress, high-temperature use. Therefore, you may get accelerated or uneven wear. As you mention in your question, brake fade could become noticeable as well and this is one area where the C8 driver needs to understand the effects of the cooling airflow balance I described above. With our electro-hydraulic apply system brake fade will appear both in higher pedal effort and in progressively more intrusive warning messages to the driver. Eventually the vehicle speed will be limited if brake pad or rotor damage is occurring. If the early warnings are ignored and the car is pushed to this speed limitation it will need to be serviced at the dealership prior to going back on the track. The car’s powertrain will act to protect itself, so mechanical failure is unlikely although the driver may notice performance pullbacks as the car senses impending thermal stress. For the 2020 Stingray we made a dry sump engine lube system standard ensuring an extra measure of confidence in that area. Bottom line is that most people would not have any serious issues driving an FE1 (non-Z51) car on the track, but GM does not recommend it because the car is not equipped or validated for that use. There are also variable driver skill levels as well to consider. That is why it is a grey area. Thanks for the question.