c7 Z51 vs base C8
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 239
Likes: 51
From: Wesley Chapel Florida
c7 Z51 vs base C8
I currently have a 14 C7 with z51 package. I absolutely love driving this car and the handling is incredible. I am considering trading into a C8 non-Z51. I'm wondering if the modern tech of the newer car will still feel as planted without the z51 package? I don't track the cars but I do rip up some back roads on the weekends. Would love input from anyone that may have made this transition as dealers don't really like handing out test drives on corvettes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 5,193
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From: Pasadena, MD
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I currently have a 14 C7 with z51 package. I absolutely love driving this car and the handling is incredible. I am considering trading into a C8 non-Z51. I'm wondering if the modern tech of the newer car will still feel as planted without the z51 package? I don't track the cars but I do rip up some back roads on the weekends. Would love input from anyone that may have made this transition as dealers don't really like handing out test drives on corvettes.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: NJ
2025 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I had a 19' C7 Z51. I felt that it handled a bit better and was more nimble than the 19' Z06 Convertible (non Z07) I traded it for.
I then traded the Z for a base C8 and the C8 handles the same or better than the C7 Z51. The power alone coupled with the handling is excellent. You won't be disappointed with the base C8.
I then traded the Z for a base C8 and the C8 handles the same or better than the C7 Z51. The power alone coupled with the handling is excellent. You won't be disappointed with the base C8.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,719
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From: Colorado
I honestly dont think that if you dont track it in some form, that the z51 is all that necessary. It's incredibly worth it for the price, as the gear ratio change alone would eat most/all of the cost of having somebody do the work, much less the LSD.. but I still doubt 99% of z51 owners would notice if you secretly swapped those out on them one night.
Take it to a track and I'd wager you'd notice on the first corner exit... or 3 laps in when temps are all climbing.
Take it to a track and I'd wager you'd notice on the first corner exit... or 3 laps in when temps are all climbing.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 239
Likes: 51
From: Wesley Chapel Florida
I’ve only done one track day in the last 10 years at Sebring in Florida in a C6 grand sport. I do like to Autocross as that is way more affordable. I can only assume the z51 package would pull a few tenths at most tracks, at best with a proper driver.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,973
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From: Key Largo Florida
I had a 16 Z51 M7. Loved it, put 90K on the clock. I bought a base car, it drives great and I love it but I'm upgrading to some Z06/Z51 bits because I can. No regrets not getting Z51.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,719
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From: Colorado
Yea, totally. More car than almost all of us will ever use. I'd just be concerned with the heat.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Omaha
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
C8 non-Z51 will be a noticeable improvement for you. The C8 has soo much more rear end grip, and more importantly it communicates much better with the driver, making it easier to exploit the capabilities of the car. I had my non-Z51 23 HTC for 10 months and 8K miles before getting my Z06, and much of that was driving on twisty backroads (in north GA, TN, AR, MO and SD), including Tail of the Dragon and many other mountain roads that I have driven C6 GS/ZR1 & C7 Z51 on. The C8 non-Z51 is a big jump on those kinds of roads over any previous front engine Corvette, you will not be disappointed.
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Advanced
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 91
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From: Atlanta
I also went from a 2014 Z51 to a 2023 C8 with FE1 suspension. Both were daily drivers. Here is my honest feedback:
1 C8 has much better rear grip. It was easy for my C7 rear to break loose under rapid acceleration from a stop. Never happens with the C8.
2. I will say from a handling standpoint, the edge goes to C7 Z51. C7 was flatter in the turns. Phenomenal handling car. C8 is a great handling car too and never loses grips, but there is a slight amount of body roll not present in the C7.
3. C8 is far more comfortable and quiet, especially on crappy pavement. C7 always let me know i was on crappy pavement... and then things in the car would rattle.
4. I couldn't wait to replace the OEM tires on the C7 with all seasons. I live in Atlanta and the summer performance tires are dangerous in the winter and would lose grip easily. C8 base comes with all season tires.
4. If I had to do it all over again I'd probably buy FE4 and then replace the tires with all seasons. That said, I love my C8. It's 9 out of 10. I'm already looking at some suspension upgrades to get it to 10 out of 10.
Hope this helps.
1 C8 has much better rear grip. It was easy for my C7 rear to break loose under rapid acceleration from a stop. Never happens with the C8.
2. I will say from a handling standpoint, the edge goes to C7 Z51. C7 was flatter in the turns. Phenomenal handling car. C8 is a great handling car too and never loses grips, but there is a slight amount of body roll not present in the C7.
3. C8 is far more comfortable and quiet, especially on crappy pavement. C7 always let me know i was on crappy pavement... and then things in the car would rattle.
4. I couldn't wait to replace the OEM tires on the C7 with all seasons. I live in Atlanta and the summer performance tires are dangerous in the winter and would lose grip easily. C8 base comes with all season tires.
4. If I had to do it all over again I'd probably buy FE4 and then replace the tires with all seasons. That said, I love my C8. It's 9 out of 10. I'm already looking at some suspension upgrades to get it to 10 out of 10.
Hope this helps.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 8,420
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From: Omaha
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Or just do a non-Z51 with MagRide, my 23 SR in that spec had zero body roll. I truly think for a street car, that MagRide makes a bigger handling difference than Z51.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 415
From: San Diego
mag ride is mandatory. its that damn good. stupid to get a car that doesnt have it especially if ordering a car. a given customer had a chance to get one and didnt..? i'd just be shaking my head. can't take your money with ya when you die but you carry regret forever so get the better car.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,918
Likes: 2,028
From: Columbus OH
I completely agree.
For a street-only C8, the non-Z51 with mag ride (FE2 suspension) is the sweet spot in my opinion. Throw in the performance exhaust for a little extra sweetness.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,918
Likes: 2,028
From: Columbus OH
mag ride is mandatory. its that damn good. stupid to get a car that doesnt have it especially if ordering a car. a given customer had a chance to get one and didnt..? i'd just be shaking my head. can't take your money with ya when you die but you carry regret forever so get the better car.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 611
Likes: 653
mag ride is mandatory. its that damn good. stupid to get a car that doesnt have it especially if ordering a car. a given customer had a chance to get one and didnt..? i'd just be shaking my head. can't take your money with ya when you die but you carry regret forever so get the better car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,049
Likes: 665
From: Norcal
A lowered C7 with Z51 is a better handler then a base C8 IMO. My C7 handles great, no body roll, and it is just tracked to the ground. It is lowered on stock bolts. I ordered my C8 without NPP and MRC for the very reasons I knew I would replace exhaust, lower (Eibach), and I have never tracked my cars. I am a builder/tinker and like my cars modded. In the C8 going over dips on the freeway the car will bounce. OK its hard to explain and its not bad, but its not stiff at all. Perhaps my springs are causing this? Perhaps I have a false expectation? Who knows. Would I like to have Z51? Well thats a catch 22. I would lower again and all these issues I read about lowered mag cars makes me think I made the right decision. Would it be nice to have something alittle more stable at high speeds? Yes At this point I think a really nice set of coilovers and a rear sway bar are in my future.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 407
From: Bremerton Wa.
Step up to a premium summer tire. The Michelin Sport 4 S would be a great choice. Someone with more knowledge can help me out here, but does the base Stingray not come with a rear sway bar like base C7 did? That would be a cheap upgrade as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,049
Likes: 665
From: Norcal
Yep thats another option. Ironically I have a new set of summer onlys to replace my all seasons in the next couple months when they are done. That wont make a difference with MY experience but a sway bar will. I have read multiple posts where folks mention upgrading the rear Z51 bar to the least. If I do it I will just go aftermarket if I am going to take the time.