Z51 VS NON-Z51 TECHNICAL BREAKDOWN | CAN YOU SWAP BRAKES/COOLING/AXLES? LETS FIND OUT
TLDRThe video discusses the differences between the z51 and 9 z51 C8 Corvette models, highlighting key aspects such as tires, brakes, suspension, exhaust, performance rear axle ratio, ESD limited slip, the Arrow package, and the heavy-duty cooling system. The narrator shares insights on how these features impact performance and personal preferences, providing viewers with valuable information to make an informed decision between the two models.
Takeaways
- 🚗 The Z51 and 9Z51 C8 have several differences that are not widely advertised, including performance aspects not covered by the GI.
- 🏁 The Z51 comes with better tires (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S) for improved performance on warm days and while tracking.
- 🚘 The brake setup on Z51 models features thicker calipers and wider, thicker rotors, including a specific rear electronic parking brake.
- 🌡️ Z51 models have a more robust suspension system with coilovers that are about 20% stiffer and adjustable, providing better handling.
- 🚙 The exhaust on Z51 models is unique and comes with performance valves for adjustable noise levels, but the difference between stock and Z51 exhausts is minimal.
- ⚙️ The performance rear axle ratio on Z51 models provides better acceleration and handling, with thicker axles for enhanced performance.
- 🔇 The ESD (Electronically Controlled Limited Slip Differential) on Z51 models offers improved stability and acceleration even with the stability control system fully disabled.
- 🏎️ The Z51 package includes an Arrow spoiler and front splitter for improved aerodynamics, which are not present on base models.
- 🌡️ Z51 models have an enhanced cooling system with larger radiators and an additional radiator for DCT cooling, as well as brake cooling scoops for better performance on track days.
- 💡 The host is considering various upgrades for his base model, such as a Z51 brake conversion and potentially adding the Z51 sway bars for improved performance.
- 🎥 The host promotes a charity sweepstakes for MS research with a chance to win a new Z06 and $20,000, using a promo code to get more tickets for the draw.
Q & A
What are the main differences between the z51 and the 9 z51 C8 discussed in the video?
-The main differences include tires, brakes, suspension, exhaust, performance rear axle ratio, ESD limited slip, the Arrow package, and the heavy-duty cooling system.
How does the tire performance differ between the z51 and non-z51 cars?
-The z51 comes with 4S tires, which are better for warm climates and track use, while the non-z51 comes with All-Seasons, which perform better in cooler temperatures and wet conditions.
What are the specific differences in the brake setup between the z51 and non-z51 cars?
-The z51 has thicker and larger four-piston calipers and wider, thicker rotors compared to the non-z51. The rear electronic parking brake is also specific to the z51.
How does the suspension differ between the two models?
-The z51 has coilovers that are about 20% stiffer than the non-z51's non-adjustable shocks. The z51 also comes with a stiffer sway bar at the rear.
What is unique about the exhaust system in the z51 compared to the base model?
-The z51 comes with a performance exhaust system that adds 5 horsepower and features performance valves for adjustable noise levels, while the base model has a stock exhaust without these features.
What is the function of the electronically controlled limited-slip differential (ESD) in the z51?
-The ESD works to stabilize the rear end during hard acceleration or sharp turns, minimizing wheel spin and tire hopping, even when the stability control system is fully disabled.
What components make up the Arrow package in the z51?
-The Arrow package includes a z51 spoiler at the rear and a small lip at the front, enhancing the car's aerodynamics and appearance.
How does the z51's cooling system differ from the base model's?
-The z51 has larger radiators at the front, an additional radiator for the DCT cooling, and brake cooling scoops under all four corners for better heat dissipation during track use.
Is it possible to retrofit the brake cooling system from the z51 onto a base model?
-Yes, GM sells a kit for $400 that allows the retrofitting of the brake cooling system onto a base model, enhancing the cooling for track days.
What was the speaker's personal preference for the tires and brakes?
-The speaker preferred the 4S tires for their performance on warm days and the z51 brake conversion for its ease of installation and quicker performance compared to the All-Seasons and non-z51 brakes.
How does the speaker describe the driving experience of the z51 versus the base model in daily driving conditions?
-The speaker found the driving experience of both models to feel almost identical in normal daily driving conditions, with the tires being the most noticeable difference.
Outlines
🚗 Introduction and Charity Promotion
The speaker begins by expressing initial hesitation about making the video, but upon further research, discovers many interesting aspects not widely known about the differences between the z51 and 9 z51 C8. The speaker highlights various features such as tires, brakes, suspension, exhaust, performance, rear axle ratio, ESD limited slip, the arrow package, and the heavy-duty cooling system. Before diving into the main content, the speaker promotes a charity event for MS research, providing a link for viewers to participate and win a new Z06 and $20,000. The speaker also briefly discusses their garage project and the arrival of new fabrication parts.
🏎️ Detailed Comparison of Z51 and Non-Z51 Features
The speaker compares the tires, brakes, and suspension of the z51 and non-z51 models. They note that the All Seasons tires on the non-z51 are suitable for cooler temperatures and wet conditions, while the 4S tires on the z51 are better for warm days and track use. The brake setup is more robust on the z51, with larger calipers and rotors. The suspension on the z51 comes with coilovers that are stiffer and adjustable, as opposed to the non-adjustable shocks on the non-z51. The speaker also mentions their interest in the rear rotors being larger than the front on both models, which is unusual.
💨 Exhaust, Performance, and Cooling Systems
The speaker discusses the exhaust system, noting that the z51 comes with a performance exhaust for an added 5 horsepower, and the NPP feature which allows for a quieter exhaust tone. They also mention their plans to modify their exhaust for a deeper tone. The performance rear axle ratio on the z51 is highlighted as a key difference, providing a better performance ratio. The ESD limited slip differential is discussed, with its ability to stabilize the rear end and minimize wheel spin, even when the stability control is disabled. The speaker expresses a preference for the mechanical differential due to its simplicity and ease of control. The Arrow package and its effects on the car's appearance are briefly mentioned. Lastly, the speaker details the superior cooling system of the z51, including the additional radiator and brake cooling features, which are beneficial for track days.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Z51
💡Tires
💡Brakes
💡Suspension
💡Exhaust
💡Performance Rear Axle Ratio
💡ESD
💡Arrow Package
💡Cooling System
💡Track Days
Highlights
The speaker initially hesitated to make the video due to perceived lack of value, but found interesting details not widely advertised about the differences between the z51 and 9 z51 C8.
The z51 and 9 z51 C8 have notable differences in tires, brakes, suspension, exhaust, performance rear axle ratio, ESD limited slip, arrow package, and heavy duty cooling system.
The speaker promotes a cause for MS research and offers a chance for viewers to win a new Z06 plus $20,000.
The All Seasons tires that come standard on the z51 are better for cooler temperatures and wet conditions, while the 4S tires are recommended for warm climates and track use.
The brake setup on the z51 has thicker and larger calipers and rotors compared to the non-z51, with the rear rotor being notably larger than the front.
The z51 comes with coilovers and a stiffer suspension, which is adjustable up to 3/4 of an inch, providing a better stance and handling.
The performance exhaust adds five horsepower to either package and includes performance valves for noise control, while the stock exhaust is not bad but the speaker preferred a deeper tone.
The z51 car has thicker axles, a performance rear axle ratio, and an electronically controlled limited slip differential (ESD) for improved performance and stability.
The z51 package includes an arrow package with a spoiler and a front lip, enhancing the car's aerodynamics and appearance.
The z51 has an improved heavy-duty cooling system with larger radiators and an additional radiator for the DCT, as well as brake cooling for all four corners to combat brake fade.
The speaker plans to retrofit some z51 features onto their base model car for potential track use, creating a hybrid setup.
Despite the differences, the speaker found the driving experience of both the z51 and base model to be almost identical under normal daily driving conditions.
The speaker believes the z51 would outperform the base model on a track, and the tire difference was the most noticeable between the two.
The speaker expresses frustration with delays in fabrication and parts delivery, but remains optimistic about future modifications.
The next video will be about the completion of the exhaust modification, but the speaker acknowledges the challenges of meeting deadlines due to the current situation.