Z51 compared to non Z51

Spoiler, the standard rims are different, the significant difference is dry sump vs. non dry sump, 20" rear and 19" front tires, functional ducting for the brakes, I believe the brakes are a little different on the Z51 as well. These are the high lights,

For the money the package is a steal. I ordered a Z51 and had to get a non Z51 because of constraints. I am not disappointed at all, I did as the spoiler and the average Joe would never know the difference. The braking is unbelievable, I can't imagine how the breaking could be better in the Z51
 
The z51 has the sway bars, front and back and the gear ratios are different. Yes, larger grooved brake rotors. The suspension system is also upgraded. And the NPP exhaust is included in the package. For the money I think it is worth going the z51 route, although you can't go wrong with the base C7. Either way, it is a great car.
 
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The brakes are dusty and dirty on the Z51, your wheels will keep getting dirty , just the nature of the beast so bigger brakes but messier. Unless you want to track the car the Z51 has very little advantage. Depending on the look you want the Z51 might be your choice, now the options are less clear to me how to get that look. I ordered the ZF1 package on my 2014 base car which gives you the Z51 wheels and spoiler, outside of Corvette owners no one would be able to see the difference between it and Z51. So far as handling etc. the C7 is a wonderful car base or Z51.
 
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The shocks are heavier duty, the differential is electronic, the front sway bar is heavier and the non Z51 has no rear sway bar, the rear spoiler is added, the aero package is different, the brakes are larger and vented rotors are included, the wheels and tires are larger and are nicer IMO. The engine is a dry sump, the performance exhaust is included. Different gear ratio due to larger wheels. The ZF1 would be the same.

I rented a non Z51 and it was great to drive I bought a Z51 and love it.
 
Some with experience with the Z51 suggest you get the Magnetic Ride Control if you do decide to go that way. There have been concerns raised about the rougher ride without it in the Z51. You can google it and find all kinds of posts about that issue , pro and con.
 
The brakes are dusty and dirty on the Z51, your wheels will keep getting dirty , just the nature of the beast so bigger brakes but messier. Unless you want to track the car the Z51 has very little advantage. Depending on the look you want the Z51 might be your choice, now the options are less clear to me how to get that look. I ordered the ZF1 package on my 2014 base car which gives you the Z51 wheels and spoiler, outside of Corvette owners no one would be able to see the difference between it and Z51. So far as handling etc. the C7 is a wonderful car base or Z51.

Yes, the brake dust is pretty bad ... I switched the pads to Carbotech 1521. What a difference. The wheels needed cleaning almost after every trip, now maybe once or twice a month. About a 90% reduction in the brake dust. Ezeruss is bang on regarding the Z51. You can get a car that looks like the Z51 or you can get the Z51 with the options. If you track it, go Z51, if not then like I stated earlier, either way you are getting an awesome car.
 
Some with experience with the Z51 suggest you get the Magnetic Ride Control if you do decide to go that way. There have been concerns raised about the rougher ride without it in the Z51. You can google it and find all kinds of posts about that issue , pro and con.
I love my MRC. Some people say you can't tell the difference, but I can definitely feel the car tighten up as I move the mode from Touring to Sport or Track. Again, on of those things that is 'a nice to have' and you'd still have a great car without it, but even without tracking the car, if you are one of those guys that geeks out over handling and performance you will certainly appreciate the MRC.
 
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