rickmc17

Hi Everyone!
Great forum! Preparing option listing for my 2019 2LT. I live in Minnesota where winters produce some really tore up roads. Will a Z51 Option make the ride too harsh? I do not intend to track the car.

Thanks in advance!

Zymurgy

If you get it with MSRC (Magnetic Selective Ride Control), the Tour setting will be only slightly stiffer that the non-Z51.

Foosh

If you're worried about that, you should order it w/ MSRC. Without, the Z51 has been described as stiff or harsh by many. MSRC gives you comfort when you want it, and a stiffer suspension for handling when you want it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zymurgy

If you get it with MSRC (Magnetic Selective Ride Control), the Tour setting will be only slightly stiffer that the non-Z51.

That was with the old calibrations. The new MSRC calibration is reportedly softer in Tour, and all 2019s will have the new calibrations.

Kracka

I've driven across most parts of MN in my Z51; just make sure you get MRSC if you go with a Z51 model. Even that was harsh, especially in northern MN on the rural highways.

My dad keeps talking about upgrading his C6 to a C7 and I've urged him to look at a base Stingray instead of a Z51 for that very reason.

Foosh

The base suspension on rough roads could have you bouncing your head off the roof. The whole idea of MSRC is to stabilize the suspension and keep it planted.

teejake

Definitely MSRC, I’d say that even if you didn’t have rough roads. I’ve had three Cettes with it and a 4th on the way. Wouldn’t personally buy without it.

rickmc17

Thanks everyone for the quick and thorough feedback! I’m adding the MSRC and skipping the Z51!

Thanks again!

tcinla

Since I swapped out the run-flats with non-run flat Michelin pilot AS3's, I've noticed a somewhat less harsh ride. But, I have base wheels (18 / 19) and that may also be somewhat of a factor for ride quality.

I don't know what difference 18/19 in non run flat (as opposed to 19/20 with stiff sidewall runflats) would have with a z51/magnetospherical ride control suspension.

Gearhead Jim

Depending on how you use the car, you might want to consider the Z51 with MSRC.

We had Z51 on our 2001, 2006, and 2009. The ever-worsening roads of the Midwest got pretty annoying with the 2009, so I replaced the factory Z51 shocks with Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks, which are actually a kind of medium duty and noticeably more comfortable than the factory Z51 shocks. For me, that was a nice setup that worked well for touring or autocross.
On a C7, switching between Tour and Sport gives a similar effect but c be done with a turn of the **** instead of a day with wrenches.

In addition to it's handling benefits; the Z51 also includes some extra cooling that can come in handy when enjoying the twisties, and a different rear axle ratio that makes the car peppier.

Only you can decide...

Billy346

Get Mag Ride, but keep in mind that it won’t transform your sports car into a Sedan de Ville. The first time I drove a Corvette with Mag Ride, I couldn’t tell the difference between the settings.

Skid Row Joe

You won't know until you test drive both a Z51, and a non-Z51 Corvette.....

Have you??

Skid Row Joe

Unless you've driven BOTH, MSRC, and non MSRC Z51, how would you know the differences?

What would a "Sedan de Ville" have to do with anything??

Skid Row Joe

Again......unless he drives both, he won't experience the difference(s)....to decide.

Billy346

Skid Row Joe

The OP....not you!

FunDriver

I like all the Z51 goodies on my2016 but the ride is harsh on rough roads. I'd like it to be softer. I don't have the mag shocks but from what I've read, I don't know how much that would help with the low profile tires, springs, etc.

Foosh

As I said above, supposedly the new available calibrations are softer in Tour, which I'll find out soon with a new Z51 coming. However, with a DSC MSRC controller, you can have either a plush ride or a track monster with the flick of the dial.

After evaluating the new calibrations in my new car for a few hundred miles, there is no doubt the DSC from my old Z51 will be going back into the new car.

rickmc17

Great discussion! Yes I’ve driven both but I was down in Florida where the roads are quite a bit nicer. I noticed a stiffer ride with the Z51 set up. Was looking for input to how that translated to MN roads from those who know... Thanks again to all who responded!

JerryU

IMO and from my experience with a 2014 Z51 without mag shocks and now my Grand Sport (granted it's a 2017 without the "latest" Mag Shock software update that is not out yet) I can confirm what Tadge said early on about ride C7 softness!

The softest ride is the base car. It has softer springs, a smaller diameter front sway bar, 36 mm shocks (assuming you don't get the mag shocks option) and no rear sway bar. When he made the comparison mag shocks on the base car was not an option. He rated them this way:

Softest - Base car.

Next Z51 with mag shocks set at Touring.

Then what I drove for 4 years a Z51 without mag shocks but with the stiff springs, large front sway bar, a sway bar in the rear and HD 45 mm Bilstein shocks.

Then the Z51 with mag shocks set at Sport

Finally the stiffest Z51 with mag shocks shocks set at Track. (One forum poster said you could feel if going over a dime!)

I have one modestly rough road where I drive and can validate the Grand Sport set at Touring is slightly softer than my prior Z51 Z51 without mag shocks. Not a night and day difference.

Set at Sport it is stiffer than my non mag shock Z51 as Tadge it was. For that reason I drive in Touring.

Set at Track I can validate the poster who said you can feel if going over a dime! The size of the front sway bar on the Grand Sport looks like a solid axle! If hitting a bump with one wheel you will feel it.

IMO and observation mag shocks with whatever programming cannot make up for stiff springs and a sway bar the large size on the Grand Sport!

I will get the new mag shock software when available for my 2017 Grand Sport just to see but expect the Base car, perhaps with the mag shock option would be the softest ride.

If your're not pushing the car near its limits why bother! I do and all my 5 Vettes have had HD suspension as did most of my other DDs over the years where I often added sway bars, polyurethane sway bar bushings, HD shocks etc.

musclecar6

Good move.