I'm interested in getting either a 2001 or 2002 with an automatic and then having a supercharger put on it. Is there much difference between them?

 

No diff.

 

If you are putting a supercharger on the car, there are really no changes that are pertinent to you. I believe 2002 was the 1st year for the ls6 intake which added 5 hp. Still it gives you more performance potential for mods than the original LS1 intake.

 

Here's some of the differences between the various model years:

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.

 

Thanks JDs00PewterCoupe. Very helpful.

 

Not a problem for most but its a known issue on some 01s particularly the LS6 engines. Theres a TSB out on it.

If you plan to mod the engine and have the choice the 02s maybe the better option for you

 

Good stuff JD!

I always enjoy printing out cool stuff like that and adding them to my Vette binder.

I keep stuff like news articles, posts ("Vette Secrets"), etc.

 

You didn't ask, but I'd try for the 3:15's option too. Seeing as your wanting to go for some HP.

 

As noted, some differences but not enough to sway one either way.
It depends on car and the price.

 

nope it was in 01

 

 

and i beleive i read some early production 2002's

 

That was on some 01 Z06's. It was a ring problem that GM attributed to operators driving along at 4,000 RPM's without shifting. Some were re-ringed under warranty. Problem was not present in 02.

 

according to info on corvette action center it was present in 02

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...il+Consumption

 

Your stock 02 A4 is going to have about 300 rwhp. A&A V3 S/C will take this up to about 400+ rwhp. This is pushing the structural integrity limit of the stock drivetrain. You should discuss this with a reputable shop and they'll likely suggest a shift kit for the transmission to reduce slippage during gear changes. The street driveability will be affected a little but it will make your transmission last. The shop will likely also suggest a blower cam which is very mild compared to what someone doing a head/cam package would put in, but it will allow greater hp potential.

I am running...

2002 Coupe A4
3.42 gear (from a Z06)
Ti Z06 catback
shift kit
vacuum modulator
trans cooler package
2600 stall (don't put this in if you want pure street car driveability)
A&A V3 S/C w/ ram air intercooler (restrictor plate to stay under 9 psi)
Thunder Racing blower cam
hardened pushrods
Patriot springs
60# injectors
Lingenfelter high flow fuel pump
ported oil pump
160 deg tstat
NGK T6 plugs
Mickey Thompson ET Street Radial IIs

470 rwhp, 425 rwtq

7.12 @ 98 mph 1/8 mile
11.17 @ 122 mph 1/4 mile

About to go with ARH 1-7/8 LTs w/ high flow cats. This will allow removal of the restrictor plate. If the boost is less than 9, I'll get Andy to ship the next smaller size pulley. This should get me up to about 525 rwhp.

GRINNING FROM EAR TO EAR!!!!

 

you got a lot of good info here good luck with your decision

 

I like what you've got. I'd like to do something similar, maybe even the long tubes but since I'm in California that might cause a problem passing smog here.

 

I see the Z06 changes. Are there any on the base model?

 

The list IS for both base models AND the Z06.

The specific Z06 model ONLY changes are identified by "Z06" in the line item.