Model year changes?
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Valencia CA
Model year changes?
Hey gang. I just read the sticky above, but for the life of me, I couldn't find the model year changes! 
I was also wondering which year you guys recommend (ok, I know, if I had all the cash you'd say '04
)
But are there any major changes that make a year significantly better than the other? Thanks again!
I was also wondering which year you guys recommend (ok, I know, if I had all the cash you'd say '04
)But are there any major changes that make a year significantly better than the other? Thanks again!
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From: Mustang OK
Thread Starter
Instructor
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From: Valencia CA
Originally Posted by GrayC5
Thanks Gray...that's EXACTLY what I was looking for. Seems like '01 is the year to get!
Melting Slicks
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From: PNW Cougar Country WA
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Think a big difference is getting one that has been taken care of very well and low miles....then you will find differences in options etc through the years. Would buy as new as you can for the money you want to spend. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Chicago il
biggest difference is between the 97-00 and the 01-04... the rest are the same...
i drive the 00 and drive the 01, most noticible change is the exhaust tips and oil dipstick location... same thing thru its 7 year reign tho.
i drive the 00 and drive the 01, most noticible change is the exhaust tips and oil dipstick location... same thing thru its 7 year reign tho.
Team Owner
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From: Plano Texas
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St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Originally Posted by Saint_Spinner
Thanks Gray...that's EXACTLY what I was looking for. Seems like '01 is the year to get!
Do a search on the VIN (through the dealer) and ensure that if the car you are looking to buy either had the rings replaced or was not one that was affected.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Valencia CA
Wow. Great replies everyone. Well, after reading your replies it seems like I've come up with this conclusion: You can't go wrong with any year C5!
Goonie, so are you saying that you can't feel much difference between these C5's? I know the '01 has the LS6 block...does it make a huge difference from an '07?
Coming from an NSX, the '97 6speed 290 hp is like nite and day with the earlier 5-speed 270 hp ones...Is it the same for the C5 or are the differences minor?
Another question thats been bugging me the most is the sound deadening foam placed in '01. Is there much of a difference in road noise between earlier and later C5s?
How about the Active control thingy? I believe that came out in '99, right? Is it standard on all C5s afterwards?
Goonie, so are you saying that you can't feel much difference between these C5's? I know the '01 has the LS6 block...does it make a huge difference from an '07?
Coming from an NSX, the '97 6speed 290 hp is like nite and day with the earlier 5-speed 270 hp ones...Is it the same for the C5 or are the differences minor?
Another question thats been bugging me the most is the sound deadening foam placed in '01. Is there much of a difference in road noise between earlier and later C5s?
How about the Active control thingy? I believe that came out in '99, right? Is it standard on all C5s afterwards?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Chicago il
saint i dont see any difference in performance, i actually think my 00 is performing way better than the 01...
its all the same in the end... u picked a vette to buy youre BUYING A VETTE...
go for the lowest milage! best bang for the buck.
its all the same in the end... u picked a vette to buy youre BUYING A VETTE...
go for the lowest milage! best bang for the buck.
Advanced
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
Originally Posted by GrayC5
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From: Mustang OK
Originally Posted by Saint_Spinner
How about the Active control thingy? I believe that came out in '99, right? Is it standard on all C5s afterwards?
Model Year 1998 Press Release - Corvette Active Handling System Debuts
The second generation active handling came out at the start of the 2001 model year and it also became a standard feature that year.
Model Year 2001 Press Release - More Agility...
Race Director
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From: Mustang OK
Originally Posted by Saint_Spinner
How will I know whether the car has the active handling system or not? Is there a button somwhere?
Chevrolet Corvette C5 RPO Code List
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Valencia CA
Originally Posted by rhubarb74roadster
There is a big difference between Active Handling I and II .. I have had both and the original Active handling was too aggressive for me .. AH II is much better .. and the main reason I got an 01.
Sorry to bug you folks again. You mentioned that the gen. II is intrusive than gen. I, but how are they at saving your butt. I don't think I'd mind the intrusion (I'm a total track newbie), but am more concerned about the safety. Will a gen I suffice?
Is there a huge difference between JUST traction control and Traction Control + Active Handling? Thanks again! 
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Haw River North Carolina
Originally Posted by TOPLS90
Think a big difference is getting one that has been taken care of very well and low miles....then you will find differences in options etc through the years. Would buy as new as you can for the money you want to spend.
Big Time. One with more options that's been poorly cared for is not as good as an older one given lots of TLC
