[Z06] 2002 vs 2004
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Victoria BC
2002 vs 2004
Hey there guys
I have a 1994 LT1 and am thinking of trading. I see a 2002 Z06 and a 2004 Z06 for sale for a good price. Can you guys tell me the differences between them? Is it worth the extra 5000 dollars? Thanks.
I have a 1994 LT1 and am thinking of trading. I see a 2002 Z06 and a 2004 Z06 for sale for a good price. Can you guys tell me the differences between them? Is it worth the extra 5000 dollars? Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas NV
In 2004, the shocks were revalved which changes the dampening rates - easily bolted on if you're interested. Also there is a tuning difference - the 2004 is leaned out a bit which will cause it to throw codes if you go with an intake like the Vararam and result in it needing to be tuned.
Dogface
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 25,974
Likes: 120
From: At the Beach, FL
St. Jude Donor '15, '17
In 2004, the shocks were revalved which changes the dampening rates - easily bolted on if you're interested. Also there is a tuning difference - the 2004 is leaned out a bit which will cause it to throw codes if you go with an intake like the Vararam and result in it needing to be tuned.
Good Info. Don
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 31,976
Likes: 487
From: Guinness Its whats for B'fast JAWGA
CI 3-4-5-9 Veteran
In 2004, the shocks were revalved which changes the dampening rates - easily bolted on if you're interested. Also there is a tuning difference - the 2004 is leaned out a bit which will cause it to throw codes if you go with an intake like the Vararam and result in it needing to be tuned.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,030
Likes: 6
From: Maryland
The 2004 will also have different valve springs (a very few of us have had issues with the 2002 springs--it is somewhat rare) and a steel 3-4 shift fork in the trans. Also, the fuel tank is different, with the 2004 filter very inexcessible/expensive to replace.
The springs can be replaced inexpensively if desired. The shift fork should not be an issue unless the owner really abused the trans. (but that does happen).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 894
Likes: 0
From: Humble The Republic of Texas
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09
I have the 02' and I just installed the Koni FSDs from L.A.P.D., they have completely changed/improved the ride of my Z.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,920
Likes: 2
From: North Bend WA
I would strongly consider the 2004 if for nothing else than the steel shift fork. It will also likely have strong resale value over time since it's the final year of a Corvette generation. Good luck! 
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,639
Likes: 39
From: Winston-Salem North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
, either way, I'd check them both real closely, and if everything else is equal, i'd take the 02, and save the 5k for mods etc...
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
From: Meriden Ct
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 31
From: Central Florida
You are alway ahead in the game if the Corvette you buy remain under the 36/36 warranty or is covered by a GMPP extended warranty.
There is alway risk in the driving habits and skill of all previous owners. Many new owners of used Corvettes discover belately that the transmission and clutch are less than perfect. Should that be you, you'll treasure the risk mitigation of warranty/GMPP coverage.
Ranger
There is alway risk in the driving habits and skill of all previous owners. Many new owners of used Corvettes discover belately that the transmission and clutch are less than perfect. Should that be you, you'll treasure the risk mitigation of warranty/GMPP coverage.
Ranger
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Phoenix Arizona
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,639
Likes: 39
From: Winston-Salem North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 599
Likes: 1
From: Katy Texas
You are alway ahead in the game if the Corvette you buy remain under the 36/36 warranty or is covered by a GMPP extended warranty.
There is alway risk in the driving habits and skill of all previous owners. Many new owners of used Corvettes discover belately that the transmission and clutch are less than perfect. Should that be you, you'll treasure the risk mitigation of warranty/GMPP coverage.
Ranger
There is alway risk in the driving habits and skill of all previous owners. Many new owners of used Corvettes discover belately that the transmission and clutch are less than perfect. Should that be you, you'll treasure the risk mitigation of warranty/GMPP coverage.
Ranger
i got bit by this one in my 02 with 44k on the clock
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,639
Likes: 39
From: Winston-Salem North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '08-'09