Z51 too hard?

[Allequipment]

I am looking at an 04 with the Z51. I am coming from an 01 zo6, we are snowed in so I can not test this car. would like to take advantage of 0% by 2/2/04. any opinions on ride quality of the z51. I hear it is far superior to the c4 version and offers much better handling than base.

Thanks
Jim

 

[jayinatlanta]

I hear it is far superior to the c4 version and offers much better handling than base.

The ride is noticably harder than a stock coupe but probably only slightly more than an '01 Z06 (which has a pretty stiff rear spring). However, the Z51 is worth every penny; you couldn't possibly be disappointed with the handling results for the price. The way the car can take corners at high speeds, or handle for autocross, will impress almost anyone.

The web is full of stories of people who bought their cars without Z51 and then wanted it later, so they either spent more money on aftermarket componentry to equal (or slightly better) the Z51 package, or intalled the factory Z51 sway bar, etc., to try to duplicate the results.

Neither I nor my wife find the ride quality too harsh for long trips or driving to work, and we love the racing/handling benefits.

 

[Allequipment]

Thanks, Just what I wanted to hear. I would have thought the zo6 would be stiffer. Do you know of any comparison reviews out there of the three?

Thanks again.

 

[JBsC5]

I've owned a Z51 1999 coupe and presently own a 2001 Z06 so maybe I can lend insight. I believe the non runflats on the z06 make it ride a little nicer than my 1999 C5 did with RUNFLATS..

At about 18,000 miles..I took off the runflats and put on non -runflats...

It truly transformed the car into a silky riding vehicle.

The non runflats had much softer sidewalls for a better ride and the 25 lbs of reduced unsprung weight didn't hurt either..

If your looking for a smooth ride..and staying with runflats..I'd strongly consider the world class F55 magnaride..

Please note that I might have heat cycled my 1999 runflats one too many times as towards the end they were hard as rocks..or at least seemed that way when I switched to non runflats.

HTH

 

[Tuna]

If your looking for a smooth ride..and staying with runflats..I'd strongly consider the world class F55 magnaride..

Please note that I might have heat cycled my 1999 runflats one too many times as towards the end they were hard as rocks..or at least seemed that way when I switched to non runflats.

HTH

I'll second the vote on the F55 MagnaRide - it's wonderful. 2 modes, so you can select the type of ride you want when you want it.

As for the tires, the GY tires all get hard and noisy as they age. Doesn't seem to matter whether they're runflats or not. The F55 makes a world of difference as it seems to be the first suspension system that works with the first generation GY runflats. I'm hoping that the new generation runflats used on the C6 are in my C5 size when the time comes and that they aren't so hard, don't get so hard and aren't as noisy. One can only hope - if not, I'll be looking at Michilen Zero Pressures for the AE when the time comes.

 

[Alex D]

For anyone not doing autocross or racing the Z51 suspension is not really necessary. I agre that the magna ride is one of the best suspensions you can imagine on this car. My first choice is FE1 base and next Magnaride. i would not consider a Z51 if you live in an area where the roads can be bad.

 

[atmmac]

I have the F45 real time dempening and it is awesome. When i put it on tour the bumps seem a lot less noticeable. The mag ride is supposed to be even better!

Either Way ITS STILL A VETTE!
-Andy

 

[Alex D]

In order to learn more about the C5 suspension packages, you should really read this:

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_id=7004&page_number=1

The article was in the September 2003 issue of Car & Driver and is a must read for all C5 drivers interested in suspensions. There are a few tables in the article that are not on the web site.

 

[vettenuts]

I have the Z51 in my convertible and find that ride to be very comfortable, even on long trips. I agree with the others that the Magna ride might be worth a look as those who have it rave about it. If you don't want this option, you can't go wrong with the Z51 IMHO.