I'm looking to buy a Z06 and don't know much about yearly improvements and problems between "02 and "04.
Can somebody fill me in?
Thanks alot.

 

Im interested to hear this as well, since I own an '02.

 

Better shocks(Which I upgraded to '04), side curtain air bags. That's pretty much it I believe. Performance is identical. If you want the z16 package you get a carbon fiber hood with some racing stripes. And polished z06 rims. Other than that not much.

 

Off the top of my head...
Less headroom as the headliner for 03+ is diffrent.
Fuel system is more expensive 03+ to fix as the fuel pump is in the tank.
04 get better shocks, Z16's got CF hood. 04 supposedly run a bit leaner.

 

I don't believe the 04's got side curtain airbags. Can anyone confirm? Also the aluminum shift forks were changed to steel in about Feb-March 03 I believe.

 

No side curtain air bags, that's not even an option on C5's...

 

The general thought is get the newest you can afford. That being said, the changes were very minor. The biggest being the shocks in '04. Here is a sticky with the differences.


Post #6, here.

Three threads about 04 differnces from 03.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ght=difference

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...es&forum_id=49

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1551656017


Z16 option package
from xilr8n
• Unique Le Mans Blue Metallic exterior paint
• Unique carbon-fiber hood
• Black interior with Commemorative seat embroidery
• Special exterior badging
• Polished Z06 aluminum wheels with Commemorative center caps
• "C5-R Le Mans" stripe scheme

The hood weighs 20.5# the stock hood 31.1#

 

I don't think there may be much difference between the both.The performance rate is very same for both.But the only thing is 04's got the side curtain airbags.
=========================
jackson
Maryland Drug Addiction

 

air bags what frigin side air bags 04 z06 the only side air bags ever in my zzz was when i took my mother-in-law for a ride

 

LOL!!!!!

 

Exactly!

LO PHAT

 

WTH? There are no C5's with the side curtain air bags... Why do people keep saying that?

 

The '02's are the best model year. Dont let the fact that I own an '02 make you think that my opinion is biased in any way.

 

Good one

 

Don't forget the transmission...the early 02's, like mine, have the aluminum shift fork(s). Since I don't force the shifter mine were fine at rebuild time; GMPP felt compelled to replace them during the rebuild.

The vehicles qualification for GMPP may be criteria you want to consider when purchasing. A four year, 32K plan set me back $1100...then the ECBM went...then the tranny. Transmission was not all that bad, but labor to take it out and look is well over 1K in addition to any work on the tranny. I wish my stock picks had the same kind of return on investment

 

Now that's FUNNY!!!!

 

The z06 uses a high -output version of the LS1small block engine.The name was changed to LS6after substantial modifications.The new engine powerplant expels about 12% more power then the LS1 and physically looks identical in external appearance save for the red engine covers.The LS6 produces 405hp (302kw) at 6000 rpm, and 400 ft -lb of torque at 4800 rpm. The engine redlines at 6500 rpm (versus the LS1 6000 rpm redline). The LS6 utilizes a block made of aluminum.It has been modified to allow better bay to bay breathing. Typically the LS1 engine allows too much air in its crankcase developing into parasitic loss thus gaining more power.The LS6 utilizes modified versions of the LS1 pistons .The new pistons are made from M142 aluminum alloy which has proved to be stronger and more durable then the material used in the LS1.The pistons have been reshapeed to have a slight barrel shape. Starting with the 2002 model, the LS6 engine was uprated to 405 hp thanks to a larger volume air intake, stiffer valve springs,lighter sodium filled valves,more aggressive cam phasing and lift,revised pistons, and revised block.While chevrolet officially claimed that the ultimate power output of the LS6 was 405hp ,many dynameter tests have shown that chevrolet underrated the engine by 20 hp giving it an actual total of 425hp hope this helps

 

 

I know they changed the gas tanks / fuel system for 03, but the fuel pump is still in the tank on 01 and 02 model years.

 

(The vehicles qualification for GMPP may be criteria you want to consider when purchasing. A four year, 32K plan set me back $1100...then the ECBM went...then the tranny. Transmission was not all that bad, but labor to take it out and look is well over 1K in addition to any work on the tranny. I wish my stock picks had the same kind of return on investment [/QUOTE

How do you go about getting a GMPP on a car that doesn't have one?
Are any other warranties good?
Somebody told me to check AAA.
Thanks