z51 versus ''base'' c6
 

z51 and base c6 , how do they compare ? ride , handling , [??] what is difference and advantage of z51 . i'm talking 2008-2012 and to repeat i know nothing of c6 but , thanks to YOU , i'm learning . . .peace.

This is information that was in the 2005 GM literature.

I realize you were asking for newer car info.

I have a 2007 Coupe with Z51 option. The Z51 package includes bigger drilled rotors, a slightly more aggressive (sporty) suspension including sway bars, and slightly different final gearing. I appreciate the tighter ride on my car as I've ridden with others in base packages and watched some have their rear ends get lose when mine stays glued down. (I also have Mich PS ZP not the stock GY tires). I also appreciate the appearance on the Z51 brake package as they look a lot tougher with the larger drilled rotors. When I was out shopping I was looking for Z51 cars and I'm am glad I found one.... The ride is stiffer than a non- Z51 car or a Z55 car but I got the vette for aggressive driving and I don't find it too stiff to be annoying when highway cruising...

Z51 also has IOC and Differential cooler which I don't believe the base coupe has...

keep in mind everything except the transmission is easily deleted or added making converting from one to the other fairly easy, also gives the option to modify to your particular driving if one or the other isn't exactly what you want eaxmple: add Z51 sways to base or get rid of sticky but short life Supercar tires in favor of loger lasting all season, or changing shocks, ...

the Z51 option was last offered on 2009 models, f y i...

Also, I believe cars equipped with the Z51 option and manual transmissions came equipped with
extra-capacity oil cooling & transmission cooling. I don't think the automatics had the latter...

Right. The Grand Sport replaced the Z51 option for MY 2010.

The Z51 option provides superior performance when auto crossing on smooth, flat, dry pavement in the summer. The optional F55 adjustable magnetic suspension, on the other hand, is more appropriate for year around use on everyday roads at various temperatures and in wet weather, comes with the same larger cross-drilled brakes as the Z51 option, and offers the choice between touring and sport setting with the flick of a center console selector switch. The standard tires on the F55 suspension will last twice as long and cost less to replace than those on the Z51 suspension.

I had an 05 Z51 COUPE.Then I had an 08 Z51 COUPE.Now I have an 08 base car.I couldn't believe it,but the ride in this base car is actually slightly better then in the Z51.I don't notice anything from a power stand point.I hit it,it goes.There is a difference in temps,slightly,since this car has no coolers at all.I was worried about not having the Z51 option,but so far,I'm ok with this base car.Of course,it does have headers,Vararam and a mild tune on it which helps.:D I don't notice much difference in the shifting either.Both of my 08's were and are far superior to the 05.

I went from an '08 A6 coupe to an '08 MN6 vert with Z51.

The Z51 corners better and flatter and the ride is significantly rougher than the non-Z51 car (but I don't mind).

The MN6 in the Z51 car feels like it accelerates better than my A6 and the traction control comes on often when I accerate a little hard. I'm just getting used to that.:rock: The comparison is a pretty good one as I found that the original supercar tires on the vert were replaced with the same tires that came on my base coupe.

I wanted Z51 and I am glad I have it but if this vette was to be a DD like my previous vettes I'd have to reconsider the MN6 as well as the Z51.:thumbs:

The base suspension makes the car feel like a lumbering boat. I fixed that with Pfadt Johnny O'Connell sways and shocks. I like that the base brakes are so cheap to replace. If I upgrade it will be to an aftermarket caliper like Wilwood, while still using the base brake rotor sizes.

thanks folks you have made thing crystal clear for me . . .peace

'''''''''Yawn'''''''''

my 09 csc ,z51 equipped ,also includes "diff" cooler..
Attachment 48147432
bud

Well, my "lumbering boat" sure provided lots of grinnin' yesterday on some of my favorite curvy roads around town. I had the F55 set on "Sport" and it sure was fun.

F55 is not the "base" suspension.

I bought my 06 a week ago, and mine has the F55, but I was between mine and a 07 with base suspension and I can tellyou that the difference was night and day, even in the touring mode mine handles way better than the base model. We will see how it does this sunday at the autoX race!!!

Guess that's why it was so much fun...:thumbs:

I figured he meant the the Z51 option made the car feel like it was not a 'lumbering boat' and anything else was not worthy.

Enjoy your version of the Beast

Nope. The base suspension felt boat like. I like to mod so I figured the best way to start was with a base model. No need to pay money for options I'm just going to take off.