Looking for some feedback. Finding dealers where I can drive all 3 back to back is impossible, so need some help here gang. Looking for feedback on what I'm reading. Not sure if I want to go magnetic vs Z51:

As good as the C6 Z51 package is, however, the current Z06 still has it beat in ultimate grip and power. The 2005 Z51 package concedes some handling in favor of ride and does not produce quite as much horsepower (yet) as the outgoing Z06. Still, it's significant that it offers nearly the same level of performance in the much more useful coupe and convertible body styles.

While the Z51 was definitely a hoot to push hard around VIR, the Magnetic Selective Ride package ($1675) is truly the thinking man's alternative when it comes to suspension. In its normal touring mode, it offers a ride as supple as the base car's but with the added benefit of virtually flat cornering thanks to the fast-reacting shocks filled with magnetic-rheological fluid (a magic mix of iron particles and suspension oil) that, when energized by an electromagnet, stiffens the dampers to counteract body roll.

The system has been changed to have two settings, touring and performance (as opposed to three settings last year). Unlike the previous switch, which didn't prevent the system from going into full performance mode automatically, the touring reacts much slower than the performance mode, producing a little more compliance and body lean. The performance mode ensures flat cornering no matter what the speed. In a way, the MSR system inspires a bit more confidence when pushing the car hard around the track — it prevents the body from becoming unsettled when the suspension loads and unloads over undulating surfaces. The compromise is the slightly slower turn-in. It just doesn't feel as razor sharp as the Z51 when attacking a corner's apex. The real value in the MR system is that it nearly eliminates the surprise factor out on the open road when encountering a pothole or other unseen road irregularity.

 

A "thinking man" might also think about complexity and durability before going with that magnetic suspension. GM has a really poor track record with advanced electronic features. I was about to say that it is just one more thing to go wrong, but actually, when I think about it, its about eight more things to go wrong with the car. I personally like to keep things simple. I'd get the Z51 if you think you can live with it day to day -- its not really that harsh and it definately handles better, or just go with the standard suspension.

 

My thought is, the magnetic sounds like a nice ride and versatile. I like the other upgrades from the Z51, especially the brake upgrade. If the seat of pants for non-track driving of the non-Z51 brakes are close to the Z51, that may sway me towards trying the magnetic. I just hope the magnetic suspension actually works and is not "gimmecky". I'd hate to buy it and then find I have it on 1 setting, keep it there, and dont really see a big difference from the standard suspension.