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[Z06] Which Z06 should I buy

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Old 02-22-2006, 06:08 PM
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z76232
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Default Which Z06 should I buy

Hi Guys
I was going to by a 2000 Convertible but decided to go the Z06 route. My question to you guys is which year should I buy in the 2002 - 2004 models? Is there a difference? I know the 2001 has less HP and didn't come with HUD but does it matter in the 2002 -2004 models.
Thanks
Dave P.

PS: If anyone has or knows of a nice low mileage Z06 for sale drop me a PM or E-mail at prine1@***.net or phone me @ 623 340-2379
Old 02-22-2006, 07:11 PM
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bb609
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Differences are small but the later models do have some improvements (more like corrections) over previous models. Buy the newest you can afford.
Old 02-22-2006, 07:19 PM
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StealthZ06
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04's had an improved fuel system which carried over to the C6.


Here's the full list, most are just differences between 01's and 02-04's

Originally Posted by LS1Tech

differences between 2001 & 2002 & up:

1. The LS6 engine standard in the Z06 increased from 385 to 405 horsepower. Torque increased from 385 to 400 lb-ft.
2. Front fender badges for Z06 models included the 405 HP designation.
3. LS6 exhaust back pressure was reduced by 16%
4. Cam shaft was redesigned resulting in increased lift and a 5% increase in air flow
5. Valve spring material composition was changed to increase seat load by 14%.
6. LS6 intake and exhaust valves were a new, lighter design.
7. The valve train weight was reduced by 0.81 pounds, which improved valve seating at high rpm.
8.Airflow over the LS6 MAF sensor was increased by removing grid work
9. MAF software was re calibrated
10. LS6 air cleaner housing had a larger intake
11. Wheels looked the same BUT they were cast spun instead of forged for a weight savings of 1.3 pounds per car
12. rear shock valving was changed
13. Improved clutch
14. Thicker front anti-sway bar
15. New front brake pads
16. HUD was standard (HUD was not avaliable in 2001 cars)
17. 2004 introduced a new fuel system which carries over into the new C6.

Last edited by EricR-TX; 02-22-2006 at 07:48 PM.
Old 02-22-2006, 07:37 PM
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DoubleZ06
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A late model '03 like mine(June '03) will have all of the '04 upgrades. Check the glove box label for the installed option codes.
Old 02-22-2006, 08:02 PM
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C66 Racing
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Originally Posted by EricR-TX
04's had an improved fuel system which carried over to the C6.
Many will debate how much of an improvement that was. The new fuel system which appeared mid-model year 2003 moved the fuel filter from the driver's side frame rail by the tranny to inside the tank, meaning to change the filter you need to drop the tank. GM will say the filter is good for life. I change mine every season.

The 04s also had upgraded shocks over the prior years, but these can easily be bought and installed on an 02-03.

I agree with the above recommendation to buy the newest one you can afford.
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Old 02-22-2006, 08:20 PM
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l2vette
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Originally Posted by bb609
Differences are small but the later models do have some improvements (more like corrections) over previous models. Buy the newest you can afford.
Good advice!!
Old 02-22-2006, 09:49 PM
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skeet
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'02 to '04 are basically the same. I would look for the lowest mileage you could find.
Old 02-22-2006, 10:58 PM
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ZZOOM06
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Another thing to consider is that the tranny was upgraded to steel shift forks during the '03 model year.
Old 02-22-2006, 11:05 PM
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z76232
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Default Which Z06 should I buy

Thanks Guys
The tranny thing is interesting. I'll have to check into it. Now I just have to find the right car. I found a 04 in Vegas for $35K but was a day late. Should have jumped on it when I had the chance but was waiting to hear on the 2000 Convertible.
Thanks Guys
Dave P.
Old 02-22-2006, 11:58 PM
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bud miller
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have an 01-love it..best bang for the $$-don't kid yourself,all yrs have good and bad ,based on previous owner , care taken ,and mods given,
.
whoppie-steel shift forks and hud.in 02-04's....if its $5k less and is in great condition..i would look at price and owner not necessarily the yr of the Z...at least get the color ya like..
Old 02-23-2006, 12:07 AM
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look at allvette.net I bought mine from Lou I got an '02 with only 9000 miles it was and is perfect, I think he has a couple more, good guy to deal with. good luck! Ed
Old 02-23-2006, 12:11 AM
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crazyv6
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I am biased, but, for me it was an 04 CE Z06 or C6. Like others have said, they retuned the suspension(shocks), upgraded some tranny parts and fuel system. It was a car and driver 10 best. It was the last year of the C5 and the most refined. Even if it is little improvements, it's still improvements. Just my .02! That being said, you cannot go wrong with any Z06! Good luck.
Old 02-23-2006, 10:10 AM
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bobby777
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01-04=all great Z06 vettes--I like the 01 because of its first year since 63 and all the hype it got--20 poinies are nothing to me or in a race--
Old 02-23-2006, 12:51 PM
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SMR 67
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Originally Posted by crazyv6
I am biased, but, for me it was an 04 CE Z06 or C6. Like others have said, they retuned the suspension(shocks), upgraded some tranny parts and fuel system. It was a car and driver 10 best. It was the last year of the C5 and the most refined. Even if it is little improvements, it's still improvements. Just my .02! That being said, you cannot go wrong with any Z06! Good luck.
Old 02-23-2006, 12:52 PM
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lt1george
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Originally Posted by Subdriver
Many will debate how much of an improvement that was. The new fuel system which appeared mid-model year 2003 moved the fuel filter from the driver's side frame rail by the tranny to inside the tank, meaning to change the filter you need to drop the tank. GM will say the filter is good for life. I change mine every season.

The 04s also had upgraded shocks over the prior years, but these can easily be bought and installed on an 02-03.

I agree with the above recommendation to buy the newest one you can afford.
Good Advice. Good Luck. You'll love it. Save the Wave.>George
Old 02-25-2006, 09:46 PM
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Originally Posted by bud miller
have an 01-love it..best bang for the $$-don't kid yourself,all yrs have good and bad ,based on previous owner , care taken ,and mods given,
.
whoppie-steel shift forks and hud.in 02-04's....if its $5k less and is in great condition..i would look at price and owner not necessarily the yr of the Z...at least get the color ya like..
Love my '01. I got if for $27K with 15k miles. I added a $100 HUD unit I pieced together from ebay. Don't count the 01's out because of the 20hp. If the car was taken car of and either had the rings redone, or there are no oil consumption problems, you can get one a little cheaper than 02-04, and spend the money on mods.
Old 03-04-2006, 11:34 AM
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I also think 01's are a great buy. Aren't the 01's about 45lbs lighter?

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Old 03-04-2006, 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by ZZOOM06
Another thing to consider is that the tranny was upgraded to steel shift forks during the '03 model year.
That is the single improvement in the 02-04 range that got my interest. That said, I still bought an 02.
Old 03-04-2006, 12:04 PM
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C66 Racing
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Originally Posted by tcal95z
I also think 01's are a great buy. Aren't the 01's about 45lbs lighter?
I think the 01s are heavier than the 02-04 Z06s because of the pre-cats (which are removed easily enough I guess), but maybe that was a wash with the addition of the HUD. I believe the pre-cats went away in 02 which is one of the reasons the 02 picked up 20 HP over the 01s.
Old 03-04-2006, 09:51 PM
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buy as much vette as you can comfortably afford

there were improvements with each year


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