Hello everyone. Sometime in spring ’09 I will be starting my search for a used C5. I was wondering if there is much difference between 2002 and 2004 models. I would like to have as many options as possible, and was wondering if the ‘02s came equipped with as many available features as the ‘04s…

Any input would be appreciated.

Regards,
Lou

 

I really don't know of much difference between the years other than 04 being newer, I believe all options are same or very close. I know 04 uses a different thermostat. I am sure others will chime in.
Bill

 

Except for the availability of the Commemorative Edition color scheme, you won't know the difference. (with the possible exception of price)

 

 

After late Nov. of 02, the fuel filter location changed on the 03 model (which is the same as the 04). As I understand, the filter is now in the fuel tank, and if it ever needs replacement, it will be pricey!

Read more here on the new FFS fuel system & filter:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...placement.html

Plasticman

 

Great place to put that filter... Thanks GM engineers. I guess the stealership could use a few extra bucks

 

something to do with some environmental nonsense...

 

two changes from 02 to 04 that I know of.



1) F45 adjustable ride control changed to F55 Magnetic ride control on 03

2) Fuel tanks are different, as others have mentioned.

 

Go down to your favorite book store and pick up a copy of the Corvette Black Book. ( or browse through is at the store) It will list the options for each year. Remember that not every car had every option so you need to do your home work while checking out prospective cars. Some of the changes are technical/mechanical in nature and won't be listed in the Black Book. Those you will have to learn about on the forum. Things like the fuel filter relocate, the different thermostat setup, the different PCV system and a few others.

 

check the differences between 2002 and 2004 here
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/

 

The 04 is the best a C5 can ever be!

 

Here's the complete list

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.

 

The msrc, aka F55 is a big difference.
03 had the Anniversary edition, and 04 had the Commemorative edition.


<----------And of course the CE vert is the best available.

 

Thanks everyone. It sounds like there is no major difference, at least I know I should be just as happy with an 02 when the time comes. In the end I am trying to get the most car for the least cash. I did not want to spend more by getting an 04 when I could be jsut as happy spending less getting an older one...