RedSkull3000

I know when the Corvette c5 coupe first came out it had 345 hp. In 2001 that's when they made it to 350 hp. Is there really any difference in performance, speed and acceleration? With just 5 extra horsepower?

Ducati Guy

about 20 ft lbs more torque as well. The hp bump might not be noticeable. But the torque bump is.

Velocity_Vette

Torque differences is a lot more noticeable than horsepower in a C5. It was one of the things that surprised me the most when I first started driving them. Anything else is going to be butt-dyno claims.

That being said though there are not a lot of performance differences between non-Z06 C5s, despite the minor differences in HP and TQ. The other really good thing is that the LS1 is exceptionally responsive to performance modifications. A good full exhaust package - headers, crossover, cat back, with an accompanying tune - can easily pick up near 40 HP in some applications.

If you want to know the largest discrepancies in the cars from the earlier ones to later ones they are as follows;

- 1997 and 1998 cars utilize a return-type fuel setup. This is noted by the two hoses going into the fuel rail covers. For 1999 onwards, the setup was changed to a return-less type.

- 1997 and 1998 cars have a unique ABS setup. You can easily see this because the module is located behind the rear differential. This was changed for 1999 onwards to a setup that was moved up front. None of this affects if you want to upgrade the brake package, such as installing a C6 Z06 setup that is becoming a lot easier to do than a decade ago.

- Starting with the 2001 model, the LS1 received the LS6 intake. This is what really bumped up the performance numbers that you see, as the LS6 intake is a very good modification for the LS1 cars. Along with the intake swap, the PCV setup was changed to the better LS6 style setup. [The LS6 intake/PCV swap is a very popular modification on pre-2001 C5s]

There are also differences with the EBCM, steering position sensor, and other small wiring issues.

You will likely come across lower prices on 1997-2000 cars which will make them more enticing. If you are worried about the minor differences in HP and TQ you can probably make them up and more in the price savings over the later cars with entry level performance modifications (I mean more than a CAI...). 350 rated TQ is not a low number by any means though, especially when you're dealing with a vehicle that puts out more TQ than HP and of the C5's caliber.

mrmagloo

As the others stated, the performance is a slight tick better in the later C5's. I've heard in real life, anywhere between .2 to .4 tenths quicker, give or take.

However, forget all that. You absolutely positively want the 2001+ due to the updates in the TPMS and other electrical items mentioned earlier. That's a big deal. Getting new TPMS sensors and remotes is very expensive and you avoid all that with the 2001+. Also, the trans doesn't have the paper gaskets and a number of improvements that I keep stumbling on with my 2000. The cost of all these updates is getting out of hand.

Pounder

Mr. Steve /// 73Corvette posted this the other day, I thought very good read !!!

C5 improvements made on the 2001 and up models…

2001

return to 28# injectors for all models.
Second Generation Active Handling
Nassau Blue discontinued
Alternator 'clutch' pulley added on A4 cars
New soundproofing + foam in all cars
Smaller keyfob
electrochromic dimming rearview and driver's mirrors
lighter AGM battery
Thickness + Material in vert change
Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + vert
85MM MAF with integral temp sensor (versus 74mm with separate plug for IAT)
LS1 cam profile changed to: .500/0.500, 198/208 on 115.5LSA (From: 0.472/0.479, 202/210 on 117)
All Corvettes now have the LS6 intake manifold
All Corvettes now have the LS6 engine block (windage passages in block), which includes a beefier oil pump.
LS1 changes result in new output of 350 HP @ 5200 RPM and 375 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM (MN6)
Hardtop/FRC discontinued
Pup cats added to all models
Stronger synchros in all transmissions
Exhaust manifolds revised (5hp regained) - thin wall cast replacing SS manifolds
metal valvestem caps (late year)
Torque Tube changed from metal-matrix composite to aluminum alloy 6061, increased in dia from 55 to 63 mm.
Driveshaft couplings have also been upgraded on manual-equipped models for additional strength and durability
Introduction of the Z06, which has as differences:
hardtop body style
rear brake ducting
screened inlets on front fascia, without foglights
F1 supercar tires 265-17 front, 295-18 rear, on 17x9.5 and 18x10.5 (one inch wider, respectively
new LS6 top-end with new style head design (10.5:1 compression, 64cc chamber), LS6 cam (0.525/0.525, 204/211 on 116) - 385hp
M12 transmission with shorter gearing (1-2-3 analagous to MN6 with 3.90 rear diff
Titanium exhaust system
lightweight windshield
New, stronger clutch with redesigned master + slave cylinder
Stronger rear differential (shotpeened ring gear)
Red brake calipers (otherwise identical)
Trans overtemp warning light on DIC
6500 redline gauges with special checkering + Z06 font
redesigned PCV system to help combat oil burning
Red LS6 Fuel Rail Covers (FRC's)
FE4 Z06 suspension - uprated springs, bars (30mm/23.6mm), shocks (note front spring and rear bar same as Z51)

Vetteman Jack

This might help.

Corvette#2

Actually those cam specs are wrong. The 2000 model year has a .500/.500 lift cam with a 115.5 LSA. The 01-04 cam is slightly moderated in comparison.

Also the Z51 suspension is the same between 00-04. the 97-99 setup is different.

I test drove a 2001. On paper, 25 ft/lb doesn't seem like a huge difference, but you can really notice it between 1k-3k RPM. Also the clutch pedal is lighter on the 01-04 cars.


The price difference between TPMS sensors and key fobs is trivial stuff. But the steering wheel position sensor is unavailable on certain years of the older C5s. 99 and 00 I believe. Failure seems pretty rare. But without it, you lose magnasteer. (speed variable power steering assist)

And you can't get new 97-00 EBCM spares. Without that part working, you lose ABS. And JL4 active handling, if equipped. I've seen anecdotal reports of malfunctioning active handling systems sending cars into guard rails. Actually glad my car doesn't have that option.

In summary, if you have two identical cars to choose from, 97-00 or 01-04, the newer C5s are better. But I wouldn't avoid the older ones. The condition of the individual car is more important than model year IMO.

Mike98SilVert

Good info here: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/c5/index.html