While I am currently shopping for a C5 what are the differances in the car overall that I should consider. I know the 02 came equipped with a LS6 manifold, but not sure of anything else. I am currently looking at 2 00's but want to know what to expect from other years. Thanks

 

This will help.......
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/.../2001over.html

If you didn't find out already, you'll probably want to stay away from the 2001's because of a possible oil burning problem.

I just (Nov) picked up a 2002 based on my research.

1999's also have the ugly wagon wheels as standard.

My advice, try and swing a 2002 if you can, if not, get a 2000.

Ken

 

Hey!! Easy there!

No offense taken

 

By whose standards??
I resemble that remark!

but I guess thats why they make different wheels , so everyone can go broke personalizing their toy...

 

I can guarantee you can't tell the difference in any of the years. I've driven all of them.

 

as mentioned: 99 = wagon wheels
01 = LS6 intake & loose rings :o

 

My '01 doesn't burn oil.

 

THe LS6 manifold became standard in 2001. The info on the Corvette Action center is good, read through that link posted above.

Lots of other upgrades in 01 that were only standard pre 01.. HUD (heads up display) became standard on 01's Improved 2nd Generation Active Handeling the list goes on.

Not every 01 has oil burning problems. I have an 01 and it runs great, no oil burning issues.

good luck finding the car you want

 

I have an early 00 that burns oil. Goes to show it's not just some of the 01's.

 

Great thanks guys. I found an awesome 00 wit ther mods I like simi local. If I can get the seller to reach an agreement I will fly out next weekend and drive it home. I really like the F45 suspension (I think thats it) but I will lower the car on the stock bolts so it does not matter. Eventually I want a lingenfelter LS6 polished intake, so a 02 is not needed. I just wanted to see if there was something huge that stood out from the rest. I will read through that article as it looks like it gets pretty indepth. Thanks again.

 

HUD is NOT standard on 01+. Buddy of mine has an 01 with NO hud, and so did I at one point. Also almost bought a brand new 03 coupe in 03 that had NO hud..

 

2001 had a lot of changes that were not visable to the eye.

The AH/TC software was upgraded - so that it didn't intrude as much while in the Competitive Driving mode.

and starting 2001, all A4's did not have the column lock mechanism.

2002 was the last year the manual heater controls were available and the last year for the non-sport seats.

 

2000 started the key for the door is only on the drivers side. Also Thinner spoke wheels, then 01s and up.
01s went to 350 hp from 345 hp.

 

I think it's only the very early 01's that burned oil. And the dealer probably replaced the rings on some of those. We have a late model year 01 A4 that does not burn any oil.

If you are getting an automatic, try to get 01 or newer to avoid the steering column lock recall and associated headaches.

 

I got some chrome wagon wheels I will sell you if you get a 00' or newer.
A polished LS6 intake! It's black plastic. If you are talking about an aftermarket polished aluminum, unless you are building a show car only, stay away from it. There is a reason Chevy went to plastic manifold. It's because it doesn't hold the heat like an aluminum manifold does. If you want something polished, put on a Maggie.

 

100%

RonJ ...

 

Here's my list of differences I post whenever the question is asked. I hope it helps.

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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

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

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

 

HUD was always optional on coupes/verts.
From 98-00, it was available as a standalone option.
In 2001 and later years, it was only available with the high-end option package (1SC in 01/02, or 1SB/1SC in 03/04 when 1SC were anniv/comm editions).

HUD wasn't an option at all on 01 Z06's, but oddly enough, was standard on 02 and up Z06's.

 

 

And 01s get torque to go from 350 to 375 (in the 6-speed)

And someone already mentioned 2nd generation active handling...

OH wait... someone already put all the differences earlier...