I am looking for an explaination of all the C5 models from the Z06, to a FRC, to a Vert, to anything in between, and the different perfomance option packages that came with each. The reason being is that i was intitally thinking of getting a Z06 but now i am thinking that i may get somthing else like a Vert or FRC and supercharge it (same cost in the long run with more power). Is there a thread that you guys can direct me to, or can you break it down for me here?

Thanks.

 

Check here:

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

 

Thanks for the link now just ro clarify...

MN6 = 6 speed correct?
There were 4 body styles - targa, Vert, Z06(01=385/02-04=405hp), and FCR (Z06 is a FRC), correct?
The years to buy are 2001+ for the 350hp correct?

 

MN6 = 6 speed Manual

4 body styles - Coupe (targa) Vert, Z06, and FRC (fixed roof coupe)

The Z06 and FRC are very similar on the outside. Z06 has better handeling, different engine (more hp), and some other light weight things.

 

Here's my list of differences.

All of this information is variously collected from the Corvette Forum message board, so do not take it as absolute gospel. However, it should be somewhat close. Sources: 1,
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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.

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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)

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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

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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)

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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)

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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
Aluminum automatic transmission cooler case (all models)
AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player now standard on Coupe and Convertible
AM/FM/Cassette only available with 12-disc CD changer on Coupe and Convertible

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2003

Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's
2003 anniversary edition with Anniversary paint and decal option.

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2004

Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.
2004 Commemorative Editions. CE Z06 comes with carbon fibre hood and has decal package.

 

Stock Man to the rescue! This is very helpful for all. Thanks for listing some of the more notable differences.

 

Thanks for the info, that was what i was looking for. Now what about the Z51 package when was that available, what models (all?), and what does it consist of? How is it different from stock?

 

Do ALL 2000 FRC's have the Z51 package??

If you do not have the switch next to the TC button on the console, does that mean you do not have the Z51 package or is this two different options?? Sorry.. only had my car for a month now

 

the switch on the console is related to ACTIVE HANDLING - this is NOT to be confused with the Z51 suspension - the Z51 suspension is special shocks/sway bars - i want to guess that the Z51 cars probably came with and without A/H

 

Good question! I just purchased a 2000 FRC, I assumed they all had Z51, integral to being part of an FRC. My RPO sticker shows FE3, and on my buildsheet FE3 H/D Susp. (Springs AY JF ) ???

 

I don't have a build sheet.. Is there any way to actually look and see if it has the Z51?

 

I ordered the build sheet and copy of the window sticker from the Corvette Museum. I was amazed at the options the car had that the original owner hadn't told me of. It's just a few bucks, well spent.

 

I have a ton of info and different specs on the Vettes here:

Clicky

 

With all due respect - find yourself a copy of The Corvette Blackbook by Mike Antonick and look up each of the model years. The book is not 100% perfect by any means, but it is a must have by every Corvette enthusiast. It's $15.95 and available from the Corvetted Museum. http://store.corvettemuseum.com/detail.aspx?ID=888

 

Look at your RPO sticker.
97/98 inside left rear storage compartment lid
99-04 glove box

FE1 = base suspension, coupes & verts

F45 & F55 = adjustible shocks only with FE1 coupes & verts

Z51 package includes the FE3 Sport suspension, coupes & verts

99 & 00 fixed roof coupes (FRC) "hardtops" all had 6-speeds with the FE3 suspension.

 

In your trunk there are three "wells", take the cover off the one on the left side. On the bottom side of the cover is a sticker with your build codes. If you have Z51 suspension the code will be there.

 

Found the FE3!

 

But the FE3 doesn't mean it has the Z51. This must be two different options..??

 

As has been said above, all '99 & '00 FRC's have the Z51 suspension.

You should see Z19, FE3, Z51, MN6, and a few other things on that card on the glove box lid if you've got a hardtop. That is a combination of RPO codes and build-time stuff from the factory, AFAIK...

Sorny

 

No offense taken, thanks for the link.