C5 vs. Z06 handling

[Vette Virgin]

I decided, after many sleepless nights, to opt for the convertible rather then paying the same price for a Z06 (mostly because my wife likes convertibles).

However, I can understand the improvements in the engine for the Z06 over the C5 but in regards to the handling aspect, what exactly does the Z06 have over the C5 in that department?

I wouldn't mind thinking about slowing but surely integrating Z06 parts into my Roadster to help it handle a tad better.

Suggestions?

 

[justafamilyman]

Hi V. Virg,
One of the car mags (I think Road and Track) had an article about 4 Vetts with the different suspension layouts : base, Z-51, Z06, MagRide in the Ann. Ed. It summarized the differences rather well. You're looking at differences in the swar bar diameters, size of springs, and size of shocks. You amy have wanted the Z-51 for the convertable, or maybe the MagRide if availible.
Just my $0.02.
Enjoy the ride and don't forget to wave.
Blue Borg Brian 1 of 58

 

[trumperZ06]

Hey V V, either the Z-51 or the Mag ride will work fine for your Convertible. Unless ur gonna Track it on a Road Course, you should be happy with either choice.

If DE EVENTS at places like VIR or Road Atlanta is in your future...you really need a Z06.

 

[Vette Virgin]

I do wish they had the Mag Ride available to me when I bought the '03 (last new '03 on the lot).

 

[Vette Virgin]

I'm just learning this Vette lingo...

"Z-51". What does this mean?

Is this the suspension that the Z06 uses?

es

 

[Tuna]

Re: I'm just learning this Vette lingo...

"Z-51". What does this mean?

Is this the suspension that the Z06 uses?

es

Z51 is the optional performance handling package for coupes and convertibles. It is not the same as the suspension that comes on the Z06 model.

In 2003 and 04 for that matter, there are 4 suspension configurations. Three of them apply to the coupe and convertible, the other one is on the Z06 model.

Base - coupes and convertibles
Z51 - coupes and convertibles
F55 - Magnetic Ride Control - coupes and convertibles

Z06 - gets you different springs, shocks, roll bars, tires and wheels.

As you noticed, most dealers did not order the MagnaRide system for the showroom stock. If you really wanted this particular suspension option, you would need to order a car or track down one in dealer stock somewhere else or buy a new/used Anniversary Edition (all AE's are so equipped).

I wouldn't mind thinking about slowing but surely integrating Z06 parts into my Roadster to help it handle a tad better.

One thing you can do for better handling is to change the original tires to some with better traction and you'll more than likely have to give up the run-flat kind. Just changing to a better handling tire will make a ton of difference.

I have the MagnaRide on my 03 AE vert and it does very well - probably because the MagnaRide is the first suspension that really works well with the GY F1 run flats.

BTW, welcome to the CAC.

 

[Vette Virgin]

How can I tell if I have the Z51 package or not?

 

[Gorgon]

Inside the glovebox on the door is the list of RPO codes that are installed on your car. Scan that list for the Z51 RPO. If it is not listed then you do not have that option.

Leon

 

[fhturner]

Re: I'm just learning this Vette lingo...

Well, I started this post earlier, but got sidetracked. Most of this has already been covered, but here it is anyway...

"Z-51". What does this mean?

Is this the suspension that the Z06 uses?

No, the Z51 suspension is the suspension option ("Z51" is the Regular Production Option, or RPO code) available on the coupe and convertible that is stiffer than the base suspension for those who are interested in a more "race-like" setup. It has beefier springs, shocks, sway bars, plus a power steering fluid cooler (and something else I'm forgetting). The four suspension packages available for Corvette are:

FE1 - Base suspension
F45/F55 - Selective Ride Control/Magnetic SRC; has adjustable stiffness shocks, switched via a dial on the console; the F55 MSRC became available in 2003, replacing F45, and provides essentially real-time damping adjustments (based on road surface, speed, etc.), as it is controlled magnetically, rather than mechanically
Z51 - Autocross/Gymkhana suspension described earlier
FE4 - the suspension package for the Z06, which is similar to the Z51; but, I believe one of the springs or sway bars (can't remember if it is front or rear) is stiffer in this package compared to the Z51 option

According to the article in Car & Driver, the biggest handling difference they saw was when they switched from the stock coupe/convertible wheels & tires to the meatier Z06 wheels/tires. One other thing to note is that the Z06 body design (fixed roof) yields even more stiffness, which translates to add'l handling prowess...

L8r,
Fred

 

[Vette Virgin]

FE1 us what I have.

So you would recommend that I just start with the tires/wheels of the Z06?

es

 

[fhturner]

So you would recommend that I just start with the tires/wheels of the Z06?

Well, if the cost of upgrading to those tires/wheels doesn't bother you, I say, go for it! The Z06 wheels are pretty sharp looking, especially if you get the polished ones. You might also consider stiffer shocks. From what I've read here (do a search for this), the 2004 Z06 shocks have upgraded valving for both improved handling and ride quality (I believe).

Someone else more knowledgeable want to make a recommendation?

 

[powderski13]

My 02 A4 vert started with the base suspension which was confortable but floaty with to much body lean. The 1st suspension mod a made was Z06 sway bars which reduced the body lean. After that I replaced the base springs with the Z51 springs and added Bilstein Sport shocks. This package has really improved overall handling. The trade-off being a stiffer ride. The 3rd mod was Z06 18' wheels and Michelin Pilot Sports. The car corners like it is on rails.

 

[Vette Virgin]

May I be so bold and ask what these changes cost?

 

[97RedCorvette]

see below

 

[97RedCorvette]

According to a friend who has both a 2001 and 2002 Z06, the Z06 has more than just a beefier engine with additional ponies. Upgrades have been made to the suspension, rear wheel width has increased, it rolls on specially manufactured Goodyear Supercar tires, transmission gearing is different, the car is lighter than stock, and the overall handling characteristics have been tuned for racing.

To help reduce weight, the windshield glass has been shaved thinner, the stock cat-back system has been replaced with a super lightweight titanium exhaust system. On paper, the Z06 is about ½ second quicker making it to 60mph than the stock C5.

I’ve been fortunate enough to drive every year C5 as well as every year Z06 . There is a very notable difference between the overall feel between the two models. The Z06 is tighter in the gears, more responsive, faster/quicker compared to the non-Z06. Drive a Z06 and assess it for yourself. For some, the increased price tag is more than worth the return. For others, there may be little appreciable difference compared to the stock C5 to justify the price difference -- it depends on what you’re looking for.

 

[Remo]

Z06 vs. Vert

V.Virg,

Not unlike you I had to make the choice between a convertible or a Z06. I ordered a loaded vert and made sure to get the Z51 suspension. I love the car and it's a blast to drive with the top down. It's plenty fast, the suspension is firm and the car looks great with the top up or down.

I plan to buy a 2006 C6 and I'll have to make the same decision again. Too bad GM can't get the C6 and vert combination worked out. I know they like the stiffer FRC body for LS6 power train but think about this. They produced 435 HP convertibles from the mid 60's to the early 70's. It didn't seem to be a problems then.

Remo :cool

 

[vettepilot]

There's really no problem with either the Vert or regular Vette Coupe in respect to having 405 HP like the Z06. The main thing was that the FRC was the lightest and stiffest frame/body combination, this is because it has the halo cross member like the coupe and the rear cross member in front of the trunk opening like the Vert. The Z06 was made to be a streetable race car, or was it a raceable street car.... well at any rate it's one brutaly fast, great handling car right from the factory.
The suspension parts from the FE4 suspension can be purchased and installed on the other two vette types. I haven't priced everything, but one site is trying to get a group purchase going on the 2004 Z06 shocks. That is probably one of the best mods for the pre-04 Z06, as well as the non-FE4 Vettes.

vettepilot