I am shopping for an 03 or 04 Coupe. I have read through the post at the top but am looking for information specific to those years.

Specifically, if there are any typical issues in either of those years which would lead one to be better than the other. I am leaning towards the 04 just because it will be newer but I can probably get a better price on the 03.

Also, I want the 1sc package but am curious if the Z51 package is worth worrying over. This will be my daily driver and I dont want to spend extra on something which would make the car more uncomfortable.

Any advice or links to previous discussions would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Early model 03's have aluminum shift forks, later models were changed to steel. I believe 04's have upgraded shocks and the fuel filter was moved out of the gas tank and back inline on the frame. I doubt there will be a huge difference in resale between the two in later years though.

 

My feeling is that they make improvements every year, some major, others minor, but still improvements. So I would say, with equal cars, go with the newer. But since I have an '04 my thoughts may be slightly influenced

A Hog fan in NC???? Hope they can take UF this weekend. GO HOGS

 

I bought an 04 based on a friends opinion(he has sold performance cars for over 30 years). He suggested the 04 as they were the last C5s built and he thought they would hold their value better than the other years.

 

Thanks for the info! I will be looking to buy in the next couple of weeks. I want an A4 (because I am lazy and dont want to clutch in every 5 seconds for an hour stuck in Charlotte traffic) in either Electron Blue or Yellow. Any leads please pass my way.

Don't worry. If we have even decent QB play, we should handle UF. McFadden is awesome and should win the Heisman next year. Felix Jones is the backup and just needs 37 yards to have 1000 for the season! Go Hogs!

 

No electron blue in '04. The blue available since '04 is Lemans blue.

 

If you want a low maintenance, also fairly low volume, you might go with Medium Spiral Gray Metallic (but, of course, I'm biased). Happy hunting!

 

Other than colors available, there are few differences between model years '03 and '04. Partway through model year 2003 (starting with 2003 VIN 35114929 produced on 11/25/02, so I've read), GM totally redesigned the C5 fuel system to accommodate future LEV 2 emission requirements. For 2003 Corvettes only, this system was designated by RPO code FFS, which can be found on the car's Service Parts Identification (RPO) Label. However, the name "FFS" has been unofficially applied to all vehicles with the new system. All 2004s have the redesigned FFS fuel system. You can read more about the redesigned FFS fuel system at the following link:

Redesigned FFS Fuel System.

Too there are a few other minor differences that I can't recall off the top of my head at this moment. One I believe is in the thermostat housing for '04. In any event, I would consider the mileage on the car as much or more so than the year when it comes to the '03 and '04.

Also, the 1SC Preferred Equipment Group (PPEG) you mentioned differed for most model year that it was available. For model year 2003, 1SC was the 50th Anniversary Edition Option Package and for 2004, 1SC was the Commemorative Edition Option Package. You can read more about the options available for each of the C5 model years at the following link:

C5 Corvette Facts

As for the Z51 Performance Handling Package, we ordered it on our '03 vert. The Z51 package consists of the RPO FE3 Sport Suspension and a power steering cooler and it is my favorite of the C5 suspensions. The Z51/FE3 is firm, but certainly not what I would consider as being harsh. We take our car on several road trips a year and my wife and I are very pleased with the ride quality. But, where the Z51 really comes into it own is in the twisties and turnies with its flat roll response. However, everyone's likes and dislikes are different and I would highly recommend to anyone that they drive cars with each of the different suspensions to determine which they prefer. Too, keep in mind that each of the C5 suspensions can be modified to a certain degree. The following link contains some more info on the 2003/2004 suspensions:

2003-2004 Corvette Suspension Comparison

Hope this helps and good luck finding the right C5.

 

Only the Z06 shocks were revised with new shock valving. See New for 2004 at the top of the page at the following link:

2004 Ordering Guide

All 2004's have the redesigned FFS fuel system introduced partway through model year 2003 with the fuel filter inside the left fuel tank. See following link:

Redesigned FFS Fuel System.

 

Good luck finding your C5. Either year would be a good choice. I always try to get the newest, lowest mileage car I can find that has the options I want on it.

 

I kinda like the 04 for some reason

 

I see that you want the 1SC package and according to my paperwork the 1SC option on an '04 is the Commerative Edition. The 1SC in 2003 was the AE package so the color choice already made in the 1SC preferred equipment group.

You can get a Z51 or CD changer as an option and with the '04 MSRC was an option, but standard on the AE.

 

Gray C5, That is an excellent 2003 summary. I am saving all for future reference. Thank You, Navsafe

 

Well, you can only get LeMans Blue in '04... so... '04.

 

Weird, in the "C5 Corvette Facts" For 2003 they didn't list Speedway White as an optional color. Hmmmm.

Also in "Suspension Facts" I believe they have the spring rate/lbs. frt./rear backwards. They list the rear spring rate 1st.???
Interesting. Didn't know A4's had a little stiffer spring in the rear. Hmm.
Thanks for the great info.!!!

 

I believe that they are pretty much the same, except you can get the 50th annaversary edition with the 2003 which Is pretty nice. Also the new for 03' Spiral Gray Is available on the 04' as well. I love that color.

 

Very Cool pictures... Nice looking C5

 

Just to clarify - 1SC for 2003 included the F55 MSRC suspension; Z51 was not an option with that package. In 2004, 1SC did not include F55, so Z51 could be ordered.