i'm seriously considering trading in my modified '90 for a C5. the next one also must be a 6 speed. thinking of '97 thru '02. looking to spend anywhere from $15k-23k.

any advice as to what years not to buy? good points/bad points on others?

any help would be much appreciated

 

Here's a break down.

Differences in Corvettes by year:

1997
 Completely new, redesigned Corvette. Base (FE1) and Z51 (FE3) suspension packages.
 All Z51 cars include: Power Steering Cooler
 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)

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 all 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 Convertible change
 Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + Convertible
 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
 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 diameter 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)
 Transmission 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 valve springs
 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

2003
 Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's

2004
 Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.

 

Does anyone else really have to reply ?

 

NO

 

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

 

Only thing I would add is that I think you would be better off with a 2001 or newer model as a number of improvements were made with the 2001 models.

Might want to read the following sticky.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927

 

I had the same delema when I bought mine. I didn't know about the forum then, and used the following approach. I set my budget and was strict to stay within it. I developed a list of "must haves" and "like to haves" and then went shopping for the best car that met my criterea. It came down to 2 cars, a 2000 and a 2003. Both were very nice cars, same price, but the 2000 had 1/3 of the miles on it as the 2003. I bought the 2000 because I felt I could drive it for a few years before it reached the milage of the 03. I have been totally satisfied with the car.

 

I'd look for the best kept, lowest mileage one in your budget. I tend to stay away from 01 b/c of the oil burning issues, and 98+ w/ Active Handling is a big upgrade.

Josh

 

Get a FRC!! (I'm biased)

 

I traded my 94 in on a 98 and I would never trade again stealerships will not give you what your car is worth.

 

2000
 Millennium Yellow available
 "Thin Spoke" versus "wagon wheel" design wheels become standard.
 Pup cats added to all 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)

Pup cats added to all models for LEV emissions requirements (5hp loss relative to 97-99)

To make up for the 5hp loss GM used a larger cam in the 2000.

 

I believe in 01 HUD also became standard equipment on all non-zo6 cars

 

 

Pretty much what this guy said, lowest mileage/best condition C5 in your budget. Active Handling is not necessary unless you are a mediocre driver and forget to respect the car on occasion and need something to save you. Mine doesn't have it, I don't see what the big deal is.

If any option was available, get one with a HUD.

 

They discontinued the hard tops in 2001? How come I still see hard tops for sale then on autotrader newer than 00?

 

good luck on the new vette, you wont regret it !!

 

 

Get one with a HUD and the LS6 engine 02

 

Seeing as you don't have the Active Handling, maybe you just don't know what you're missing. I consider myself an excellent driver. However, the Active Handling system is a very complicated system that can save you if you make a mistake in your driving. By doing this, it will allow you to be more comfortable with your vehicle, and thus push it harder, right to the edge of the car's limits. Without it, you can rely on your good driving all you want - but only true professionals can comfortably push it to the limits.

It's got a good chance of saving you from an accident, especially if road conditions are not favorable. They can keep their traction control, but the AH is a wonderful system.

THE FRC/Hardtop model was discontinued in 2000, but was re-created in 2001 as the Z06.
If you want HUD, search for it - it's a wonderful option. Besides that, their not as easy to source as they used to be. That said, you can add it later, it's just going to take longer to find the parts. The LS6 Engine only came in 01-04 Z06 models, and is probably pushing the limits of his budget.

 

thanks to everyone for the links and other helpful comments. i'm going to make the plung in another couple months.

i'd love to find an '02 Z, will be on the lookout. probably will be very tough to find a good one for $23k.