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.

 

Thats great information. Based on the replies that I received here, I didn't buy the 1998 or the 2000, instead I looked around and found an extremely nice 2 owner silver 2002 6spd. with 33,000 miles. It has new run flat tires, clean carfax, headup, glass top, cd changer, and some other options. It also has 3years/22,000 miles left on GM bumper to bumper warranty. Best of all, I got it for thousands less than the other two cars. I can't thank you guys enough. If any of you are ever down in the Vero Beach, Florida vicinity, pm me, and I'll gladly buy you a couple cold ones. Many thanks again, Mike

 

That's great!!! Glad to hear that we were of some help to you. When you get it have a cold one for me.