Z51 Option
 

I'm getting ready to take the plunge, and purchase my first Vette. I don't think it will be for at least a couple more months. My first choices are going to be an '89 Z51 M6 Coupe or the same thing in '96 LT4 trim. The purpose is going to be for an autox car.

I need/want to know, however, if there are any C4 years '85-'96 that the Z51 option was not offered. Also, are there any C4 years (other than '84) that I might want to avoid. The two years above seem to be the best years for a C4 autox car, although I understand '86 was good (but the pre-'88 C4s came with 16" wheels, and that is a distinct disadvantage for tire and traction choices).

BTW, I'm spoiled with a '98 Camaro Z28 LS1 autox car with an almost completely aftermarket suspension. The thought of buying anything less than a '96 LT4 Vette creates the concern that it would feel as powerful in stock trim as my Z28.

Re: Z51 Option (NBM LS1 M6)
 

89' 90' are the best years. 89' was the first year of the 6 speed. 89' and 90' z51's have the stiffest springs and sway bars. These years were made for the Corvette team chalange but corvette pulled out at the last minute in 90'. 89' had the flat dash and 90' had the revised dash. Also fx3 ride control was an opsion, be sure to reprogram or bypass the black box for auto-x. These can be found as low as 7500 +/-.

Re: Z51 Option (NBM LS1 M6)
 

Z51 was offered in all but the Z07 years, when z51 parts were combined with another code for adjustable shocks i think, so Z07 is basically the same thing as Z51.

85-87 have the exact same spring rates for Z51, 380lb/in front and 330 rear. 86-87 have a slightly smaller rollbar than 85.


[Modified by vader86, 2:03 PM 8/4/2002]

Re: Z51 Option (vader86)
 

84' z51 has a stiffer rear but a softer front. check out the specs for 84' thru 96. http://vettenet.org/susp_chart.html