Can someone point out the differences by year of the C5 series, 1997 to 2004, or point me to a website that does so? Is one year considered more desirable than the rest? I like the C5 series but don't know enough about them yet.

 

http://www.c5registry.com/facts.htm

 

here's more info - though the page is incomplete:

http://mikemercury.home.att.net/identify.htm

 

Found it on the forum some time ago, hope it's what your looking for


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997

Completely new, redesigned Corvette. Base (FE1) and Z51 (FE3) suspension
packages.
All Z51 cars include: Power Steering Cooler, xx, xx, ??
97-00 C5 LS1's produce 345 HP @ 5600 RPM and 350 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400
RPM.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998

Convertible becomes available
Active Handling becomes available late in year
The two slots of a 1998 (and possibly late 1997s) curve toward the rear at
the bottom. (versus straight down)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999

26# injectors substituted for 28#
Fuel pump revised to reduce noise
FRC "Fixed Roof Coupe" aka the hardtop, becomes available. All FRC's are
MN6 (6-speed) cars with the Z51 suspension package, and are about 60lbs
lighter than coupes.
HUD introduced
only one line in driver's side fuel rail cover (no fuel return line?)
Power telescoping wheel becomes an option
? Steering hardware changed to combat wandering
door sill trim plates added

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000

Millennium Yellow available
? "Thin Spoke" versus "wagon wheel" design wheels become standard.
Pup cats added to CA models for LEV emissions requirements (5hp loss
relative to 97-99)
Steel swaybar endlinks instead of plastic on Z51 equipped cars
Z51 swaybar diameters grow (25.4/21.7 to 28.6/21.7 to 28.6/23.6 (note: new
rear same as Z06)
No keyhole on passenger side doorhandle
Passenger airbag 'off' switch added to console (light by TC/AH button)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002

Z06 Changes:
Z06 LS6 cam changed to: 0.551/0.547, 204/218 on 117.5
Less restrictive intake airbox lid
Descreened MAF
Removal of pup-cats (total with changes = 405hp)
Z06 shocks revised with less rebound for better launching
Z06 brake pads revised for better stopping (generate more dust)
Lighter, sodium filled valves w/ stronger valvesprings
higher tension rings installed to prevent oil burning problems
slight piston redesign *
clutch strength upgraded.
HUD available on Z06 (not avail '01 model year)
Wheel supplier changed to Speedline, moved from forged to cast. Weight
nearly identical
Electron Blue color offered
Steel endlinks changed to aluminum

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003

Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004
· Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm
bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.

 

Nice post Bk93...that was informative.

 

Thanks, but the credit doesn't belong to me I just know how to copy and paste I forget who originally posted it

 

Well that is very modest of you but it saved me wondering...as I was about the differences also. So kudo's to your copy/pasting and thanks again.

 

Good Info to have