Thinking about 2008 Corvette

[dennish]

We are considering buying a 2008 Corvette Coupe and doing a museum delivery probably the end of March 2009 -- who knows maybe a tour of Florida and the Keys. What I’m look for is a nice highway cruiser so most of the options are no brainers but what do you guys think about the suspension options - Standard - Z51 - Mag Ride? Due to my wife’s bad knees we will be doing the 6 speed automatic also. :cheers:

 

[dontsleeponit]

I thought that was in bowling green, KY?

the Z51 package is a performance upgrade, so in your situation I would avoid that.

hehe, im thinking about an 08 vette too, wanna pick up an extra for me?

 

[dennish]

I thought that was in bowling green, KY?

the Z51 package is a performance upgrade, so in your situation I would avoid that.

hehe, im thinking about an 08 vette too, wanna pick up an extra for me?

Yep, it is KY but just point south from Bowling Green -- heck it's all down hill for there.!!

Kinda what I was thinking that the Z51 was more performance upgrade but what about the mag ride -- I notice has difference ride settings- Worth it nor not??:cheers:

 

[mixxer]

best bang for the buck c6 z51

 

[Pauly6401]

I've got the Z51 on my 2000 and it rides fine - not too harsh at all. My 2000 Escort ZX2 with factory installed Eibach lowering springs and Tokico struts was more stiff than the Z51 suspension.

But if you and your wife just want a fun car to ride around in and not push to the limits...just get the stock suspension. Why waste the money on something you'll never use, or come close to using?

 

[som08c6]

I just picked up my 08 in early October and it has the Z51 package. I was concerned at first that the ride would be too firm, but after the first 2000 miles I have to say the ride is very comfortable.

 

[Gary Sword]

We are considering buying a 2008 Corvette Coupe and doing a museum delivery probably the end of March 2009 -- who knows maybe a tour of Florida and the Keys. What I’m look for is a nice highway cruiser so most of the options are no brainers but what do you guys think about the suspension options - Standard - Z51 - Mag Ride? Due to my wife’s bad knees we will be doing the 6 speed automatic also. :cheers:

Even the stiffer suspension on my 08 Z06 rides very nice. Sorry to hear your getting an automatic. That's no fun.

 

[Showroom Shine]

Check out the Cadillac XLR, it has the Vette motor. Plus I think you'll like the power top. CLASSY TOO! Prices about the same.:wave:

 

[ScottB]

The newer motor with the 6 speed auto with paddle shifters is quite fun actually, and most can drive it faster and harder than a manual. Do look for some tuning to rid the car of the pesky Torque Management for best fun factor.

I have the Z51 suspension and it was a no-brainer for all the additional options for the price. Tires, brakes, and cooler upgrades. It is harsher however. The new mag-ride suspension is quite nice and a reasonable mid option. Costly however.

 

[MikeyC]

I just want to throw in my 2 cents about the '08 Vette. First, I want to say the C5 was a HUGE step up from the C4 and the C6 was a big step over that. The only complaint I ever had with the C6 was that I felt the interior material quality was still pretty cheap. I saw the '08 a couple weeks ago at the auto show and they have really done a great job addressing that. Interior material quality on the '08 is a big improvement over the interior materials I've seen in prior C6's.

 

[dennish]

Z51 Performance Package

Pos - Best handling of three packages.
Neg - Harsher Ride Than the other two.
Pos - Bragging rights
Neg - Tire wear out in as little as 9000 but need replacing before 15,000 Miles
Neg - Wheel hop or bounce over bumps especially in corners
Neg - Most people won’t even come close to pushing the limits of suspension.
Pos - Not just suspension but extra cooling and bigger brakes

Comments -- Seems that the tires in the biggest difference in handling with suspension upgrades playing a smaller role. The main use of this car will be freeway miles so $1400.00 between $1500.00 for tires ever 8 to 12 months could get costly.

Magnetic Selective Ride

Pos - Can be adjusted between tour and sport.
Neg - Highest cost of three options.
Neg - Price of replace shocks and more complex to repair
Pos - Tour modes is softer and better ride then stock suspension or Z51.
Neg - Sport mode not as good as Z51 still gets some body roll.
Pos - Sport mode better performance than standard suspension
Pos - Don’t get wheel hop in corners on rough roads.
Pos - Lot better tire wear (20,000 to 30,000 Miles)
Pos - Having another neat switch to play with.


Sock Suspension

Pos - Cost.

This is what I have deduced by reading several difference forum and reviews, the problem is on most forums suspension discussions seem to go bad faster than “which wax is the best” and the facts get really clouded so any comments would be appreciate on the above points.

 

[dennish]

Check out the Cadillac XLR, it has the Vette motor. Plus I think you'll like the power top. CLASSY TOO! Prices about the same.:wave:

I only own one Vette now - I just sold my other one last week. I have owned Vettes on and off my whole life and just can't seem me in Caddy.

 

[dennish]

I just want to throw in my 2 cents about the '08 Vette. First, I want to say the C5 was a HUGE step up from the C4 and the C6 was a big step over that. The only complaint I ever had with the C6 was that I felt the interior material quality was still pretty cheap. I saw the '08 a couple weeks ago at the auto show and they have really done a great job addressing that. Interior material quality on the '08 is a big improvement over the interior materials I've seen in prior C6's.

The had brand new 07 and 08 on the floor and just sitting in both of them you can really see a difference in fit and finish. Also they had red 08 and the only really bad orange peel was where the licence plates mounts - just maybe the paint has improved some also. :cheers:

 

[dennish]

The newer motor with the 6 speed auto with paddle shifters is quite fun actually, and most can drive it faster and harder than a manual. Do look for some tuning to rid the car of the pesky Torque Management for best fun factor.

I have the Z51 suspension and it was a no-brainer for all the additional options for the price. Tires, brakes, and cooler upgrades. It is harsher however. The new mag-ride suspension is quite nice and a reasonable mid option. Costly however.

I have a mini cooper with 6 speed paddle - works OK and is fun to drive but I do miss the clutch. I'm starting to lean toward the Mag-Ride.

 

[Gary Sword]

I only own one Vette now - I just sold my other one last week. I have owned Vettes on and off my whole life and just can't seem me in Caddy.

That's my kind of guy. I would still get manual shift.

 

[ScottB]

I just want to throw in my 2 cents about the '08 Vette. First, I want to say the C5 was a HUGE step up from the C4 and the C6 was a big step over that. The only complaint I ever had with the C6 was that I felt the interior material quality was still pretty cheap. I saw the '08 a couple weeks ago at the auto show and they have really done a great job addressing that. Interior material quality on the '08 is a big improvement over the interior materials I've seen in prior C6's.

Your likely talking about the 4LT package. This package adds leather across the dash, doors, and such. Otherwise the interiors are almost exactly the same as the 2005's. Center stack is a different color and steering wheel was changed to the Solstice model in 2006. I personally think the interior is more than adequate, and did not buy a Vette for the interior.