[Z06] Buying a 02-03 c5 z06! Need Feedback
11-30-2015, 03:49 PM
#1
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Buying a 02-03 c5 z06! Need Feedback
Hi there, my name is Govani im looking to purchase a c5 z06 corvette in the beginning of Jan 2016. I have never own a Chevy car before. Im coming from a 2jz platform on a lexus sc300. My question is what should i look for as far as the pros and cons. Im looking to find a low milage no more than 60k what should i expect to replace? Is there anything i should look at when taking a look at a c5 zo6? I dont want to get screwed lol
Is there a better year i should get as far as it goes from the 1997-04? I just know that the 02 or 03 have about 405 whp.
I have always loved the look on the c5 but have never thought of owning one until now.
Thanks cant wait to own one soon.
Sorry for the noob questions...
I'm in Socal California
Is there a better year i should get as far as it goes from the 1997-04? I just know that the 02 or 03 have about 405 whp.
I have always loved the look on the c5 but have never thought of owning one until now.
Thanks cant wait to own one soon.
Sorry for the noob questions...
I'm in Socal California
Last edited by c5z06GM; 11-30-2015 at 03:50 PM. Reason: location
11-30-2015, 05:33 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
2001 is the first year of the Z06; 385HP
2002-2004 came with 405HP
One thing to watch for, particularly pre 2004, is if the valve springs have been replaced. If not, do.
2002-2004 came with 405HP
One thing to watch for, particularly pre 2004, is if the valve springs have been replaced. If not, do.
12-01-2015, 01:43 PM
#7
Moderator
What's your budget? Plan on spending about 20-22k depending how clean it is with 60k miles . I saw one for as low as $18k here and that was a good deal. A lot start at $25k or more. I'd get an 04. I just got an 04 Z last July. Pretty clean with 66k for $21.5. I can't tell how cool these cars are. You just need to drive one to know. Make sure to get it up on a lift with a good corvette mechanic so he can show you the goods and caution items if there are any. I'd take my time and look for one that's babied and stored during winter. Not in the rain even better. If it's been tracked the risk is higher even though they are designed for it. It's just higher wear and tear, = more money to maintain for you. Check carfax or equivalent. Also it's 405 hp at the crank not the wheels.
Last edited by Zjoe6; 12-01-2015 at 01:52 PM.
12-01-2015, 02:01 PM
#8
What's your budget? Plan on spending about 20-22k depending how clean it is with 60k miles . I saw one for as low as $18k here and that was a good deal. A lot start at $25k or more. I'd get an 04. I just got an 04 Z last July. Pretty clean with 66k for $21.5. I can't tell how cool these cars are. You just need to drive one to know. Make sure to get it up on a lift with a good corvette mechanic so he can show you the goods and caution items if there are any. I'd take my time and look for one that's babied and stored during winter. Not in the rain even better. If it's been tracked the risk is higher even though they are designed for it. It's just higher wear and tear, = more money to maintain for you. Check carfax or equivalent. Also it's 405 hp at the crank not the wheels.
I was hoping someone would point that out.......
Shakey
Last edited by Shakeydeal; 12-01-2015 at 02:02 PM.
12-01-2015, 02:22 PM
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What's your budget? Plan on spending about 20-22k depending how clean it is with 60k miles . I saw one for as low as $18k here and that was a good deal. A lot start at $25k or more. I'd get an 04. I just got an 04 Z last July. Pretty clean with 66k for $21.5. I can't tell how cool these cars are. You just need to drive one to know. Make sure to get it up on a lift with a good corvette mechanic so he can show you the goods and caution items if there are any. I'd take my time and look for one that's babied and stored during winter. Not in the rain even better. If it's been tracked the risk is higher even though they are designed for it. It's just higher wear and tear, = more money to maintain for you. Check carfax or equivalent. Also it's 405 hp at the crank not the wheels.
yea budget is around 21-22k but might be able to squeeze a bit more for the right one.
12-01-2015, 02:22 PM
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12-01-2015, 03:04 PM
#11
Melting Slicks
No. Basically the 02s and early 03s had the valve spring issues due to a bad batch of valve springs. The later model 03s are using the same springs as the 04.
The 04 have some unique issues as well, They put the Fuel filters in the gas tank on the 04 models, meaning you effectively have no changeable fuel filter
The 04 have some unique issues as well, They put the Fuel filters in the gas tank on the 04 models, meaning you effectively have no changeable fuel filter
Last edited by bikeriderga; 12-01-2015 at 03:11 PM.
12-01-2015, 03:08 PM
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No. Basically the 02s and early 03s had the valve spring issues due to a bad batch of valve springs. The later model 03s are using the same springs.
The 04 have some unique issues as well, They put the Fuel filters in the gas tank on the 04 models, meaning you effectively have no changeable fuel filter
The 04 have some unique issues as well, They put the Fuel filters in the gas tank on the 04 models, meaning you effectively have no changeable fuel filter
12-01-2015, 09:22 PM
#14
Pro
I think 2004 went to the new fuel tanks that also were going in the 2005 C6.There were some vendor issues with faulty crossover tubes.Here are a few links.http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...h&summary=truehttp://www.ncrs.org/forums/archive/i...p/t-80282.html
12-01-2015, 09:50 PM
#15
Pro
since you are new to c5's the best thing to do is find a good shop that can do a ppi (pre-purchase inspection) on the car to make sure it checks out ok.
it doesn't cost much to replace the valve springs.the updated gm springs are $60-$70 and it's 2-3 hours labor.you can probably post in the socal section and find someone that could help you change them out.the can also recommend a good shop for the ppi.
it doesn't cost much to replace the valve springs.the updated gm springs are $60-$70 and it's 2-3 hours labor.you can probably post in the socal section and find someone that could help you change them out.the can also recommend a good shop for the ppi.
12-01-2015, 10:31 PM
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since you are new to c5's the best thing to do is find a good shop that can do a ppi (pre-purchase inspection) on the car to make sure it checks out ok.
it doesn't cost much to replace the valve springs.the updated gm springs are $60-$70 and it's 2-3 hours labor.you can probably post in the socal section and find someone that could help you change them out.the can also recommend a good shop for the ppi.
it doesn't cost much to replace the valve springs.the updated gm springs are $60-$70 and it's 2-3 hours labor.you can probably post in the socal section and find someone that could help you change them out.the can also recommend a good shop for the ppi.
12-01-2015, 11:46 PM
#17
Melting Slicks
1. Read the FAQ sticky, its very informative.
2. Take your time. I spent a year looking for the right one, flew to the top of Montana and drove it 1600 miles home on a road trip I'll never forget.
3. Change all fluids of course, check tires, many owners of low mile ones seem to keep the original goodyears on, hard crap with age. C6 or aftermarket shifter is a huge upgrade, stock looks like its out of a truck. And ditch the 2' tall stock antenna for a shorty. And if not already lowered, lower it and then get it aligned or your front tires will be toast in 2 weeks. Use the pfadt street/track alignment, its easy on the tires and wakes the car up.
And we humor the Red owners, everyone knows Yellow is the fastest! Just ask the Race team!
2. Take your time. I spent a year looking for the right one, flew to the top of Montana and drove it 1600 miles home on a road trip I'll never forget.
3. Change all fluids of course, check tires, many owners of low mile ones seem to keep the original goodyears on, hard crap with age. C6 or aftermarket shifter is a huge upgrade, stock looks like its out of a truck. And ditch the 2' tall stock antenna for a shorty. And if not already lowered, lower it and then get it aligned or your front tires will be toast in 2 weeks. Use the pfadt street/track alignment, its easy on the tires and wakes the car up.
And we humor the Red owners, everyone knows Yellow is the fastest! Just ask the Race team!
12-02-2015, 03:16 AM
#18
1. Read the FAQ sticky, its very informative.
2. Take your time. I spent a year looking for the right one, flew to the top of Montana and drove it 1600 miles home on a road trip I'll never forget.
3. Change all fluids of course, check tires, many owners of low mile ones seem to keep the original goodyears on, hard crap with age. C6 or aftermarket shifter is a huge upgrade, stock looks like its out of a truck. And ditch the 2' tall stock antenna for a shorty. And if not already lowered, lower it and then get it aligned or your front tires will be toast in 2 weeks. Use the pfadt street/track alignment, its easy on the tires and wakes the car up.
And we humor the Red owners, everyone knows Yellow is the fastest! Just ask the Race team!
2. Take your time. I spent a year looking for the right one, flew to the top of Montana and drove it 1600 miles home on a road trip I'll never forget.
3. Change all fluids of course, check tires, many owners of low mile ones seem to keep the original goodyears on, hard crap with age. C6 or aftermarket shifter is a huge upgrade, stock looks like its out of a truck. And ditch the 2' tall stock antenna for a shorty. And if not already lowered, lower it and then get it aligned or your front tires will be toast in 2 weeks. Use the pfadt street/track alignment, its easy on the tires and wakes the car up.
And we humor the Red owners, everyone knows Yellow is the fastest! Just ask the Race team!
I will leave the yellow being the fastest color alone... We all know the truth
12-02-2015, 05:05 AM
#19
Racer
I agree with all of the above, all solid advice. Best of luck to you OP in finding the right car for you. It will be a world of difference(in a good way) compared to the Lexus world.
Everyone knows the Electron Blue Z's are the best looking and the fastest
Everyone knows the Electron Blue Z's are the best looking and the fastest
12-02-2015, 08:05 AM
#20
Safety Car
Try to get a ZO-6 ,a friend just brought an 02 32,000 miles ,have to look hard but some still around.. most under 50,000 miles need nothing also if tires shot not cheap to replace so can use that tire deal when making the deal if need to be replaced $1000.00 to $1500.00+ easy .. and old tires if got good tread still not good on a Corvette need to be replaced .. Push all the buttons make sure it all works nothing on a Corvette is cheap to have fixed nothing.. After you do all that one heck of a ride ..