i just sold my camaro ss and i am now in the market for a 01 or 02 z06. however, i wanted to ask everyone what the differences are between both years. all i know of is that the 02 has better catalytics and a slightly bigger cam along with lighter wheels. is there anything else i dont know about? also, is it worth it to pay the $2000-3000 dollar price difference for the 02 z06? what are known problems for both years?
i want someone to talk to me in or out of buying either year.
thanks alot

 

These articles detail all the differences especially between the 01 and 02 cars. Along with some history on the Z06 name.

http://www.z06vette.com/63.php

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/z06/index.html

I'll give you the advice I give other's and take as well. Always buy the newest vette you can afford all else being equal.

Good luck

Tom

 

There's a recent thread 01 vs 02 Z06 that deals with this too.

Basically, the 02 on buys you a more aggressive cam, 405bhp, cooled valves, better rear shocks, a HUD that wasn't available on 01's and better clutch plus less issues on oil burning. Don't discount a good 01 though but only at the right price.

 

I agree that you should aim for the '02 or newer. There are those who favor cars that have been raced and driven hard, but IMO you want one that was a second driver used for spirited weekend outings. Have any used car thoroughly inspected, but especially a vette.
To me there are two distinct paths after purchase. There are those who enjoy loud exhaust sounds and are willing to spend 1K-2K for loud noises and a few more hp. There are those who prefer to minimize road sounds and enjoy the stereo. If you're in the latter group I recommend installing a partition. Most available do a good job of muffling sounds, but the fiber board models are unnecessarily heavy. I would go with a commercial styrofoam model or make your own from sound board. Sound board is designed to muffle sounds at a fraction of the weight and cost of fiber board. If you make one you can purchase fabric that fits well with your interior.
If you've followed the posts you know that there is often a wide difference in the costs of a car. Plan on being patient and knowing that there are going to be future opportunities. No one knows what the introduction of the new Z will do to prices, but the unexpected low sales of the C6 drove prices of the C5 down some. My guess is that the new Z will either lower prices of the used ones, or have no effect at all. I suspect many current Z owners will put their cars on the market so patience again may pay off. Good luck.

 

Hey Tom ... my last 6 VIN is 119671. Which one is this? According to the link you attached, it is supposed to be 100000-105773 for an 01'

 

Drive each year (stock), 01 and 02. That should tell you what to do. The HUD in the 02 is great, mph, etc. right there above the steering wheel. If you buy an 02, get a quick tune (ls1 edit) to eliminate the skip shift, turn on the cooling fans at lower temp, and add timing at certain rpm ranges. Be careful with additional timing because too much, you get detonation.