I have loved the C5 Z06 Corvette ever since it was introduced in 2001. I am now in a position to buy one and am trying to figure out which year(s) I should be looking for. I know that the 2001 cars have the 385Hp engine due to the valve train and also do not have the HUD so even though it was the only year that they were offered in white 2001 is out. The only information that I have been able to find on the differences between the 2002-2004 cars is that there might have been a suspension change in 2004. I have not been able to find any real good data to support this. Do the 2004 cars have an upgraded suspension? Are there any other differences between 2002-2004? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

minor changes. Not too worry about

Just go find the 2002-2004 Z06 in red and go for it

 

Shifter fork, revised shocks.

 

Do you know when the shift forks were changed? I do remember hearing this now that you mention it and I think I remember hearing that it was a mid model year change.

 

yes, '04 has a different shift fork, stiffer rear spring, slightly firmer shocks, and a different fuel pump setup.

 

2003-2004 headliners are different. Not as tall-people friendly.

 

Not sure if this will help, but I've found of the 4 year C5 Z06 run, it's cheaper to insure the 2002 and 2003 Z06. The 2004 was the highest, with the 2001 right behind it. This was thru State Farm, Allstate, and Geico. Depending on several factors (age, driving history, past claims, etc) the rates varied more. None of the companies could explain the reason for price variations for what would seemingly be the "same car". This may be irrelevant, but it's still a cost factor. Good luck with your search. It's half the fun!

 

KWIKSILVERZ

Not Thread Related.


I LOVE YOUR AVATAR!!!!!

 

Nothing you couldn't change yourself if you wanted to.

Go for the best available car that suits your taste, but study them closely and drive as many as you can.

 

Some 02s were prone to valve spring failures. If I was buying again I would hold out for an 04 model.

 

Thanks

 

NOTHING.

2004; new shocks, LS6 sticker on TB, QS replaced w/ MachineSilver, Z16 replace EB

mid year 2003, new fuel system; 2003 diff headliner

2003 new p/s and alt. bracket, we could go on about the little things...........

but, it's all about color/miles/condition

I vote for the 2002 w/ 40-80k miles for 20k

Want a cheap Z??????, SILVER is ALWAYS 1-2k behind all other colors, very soft

above comment on 2002 valvesprings? never saw a GM article on that

2002 MY 131,000 miles, buy it, drive it, don't look back

 

Get yourself a copy of the corvette black book, by Mike Antonick, it will tell you the changes from one year to another, all the way back to 53. it gives the improvements made along with some other info like production numbers and options.

Any decent bookstore will have them there about 20 bucks I have been useing one of these for the last 10 or more years, whenever I decide on a different model.

 

Buy the newest model with the lowest mileage you can afford. My two cents. You should also get it in red, it is the fastest color. ☺

 

I've been asking myself the same questions. Pretty much they are the same car. 04 having more changes than the rest. I know 2 people with 03's currently and one who sold an 02. The only problem between the 2 03's I know of has been the service column lock, and one or two other stupid things.

The 02 I didn't know of any problems with it and it was beat pretty hard.

I was told to hold out for an 03. I can tell already in a short time looking im going to have to do some serious searching. Prices are all over the map. Some of them are so ridiculous it makes me mad lol. For instance I have a local dealer with an 02 13K miles black, looks perfect, they want $28,995. Saw another one online but an 03 42K miles for the same price. IMO they are both on the high side but the price on the 42K mile car is way outta line. There are still some people that think they are going to get 30,000+ for their cars too.

In the end I think its going to come down to price, mileage, and condition whether it be an 02,03,04. I doubt in my case I end up with an 04. My guess is 02/03 since im drawing the line at $26,000 I think.

 

Quick thought.
Good info here, guys.
Learning, learning, learning......

cc

 

your line is off.

02/03 are selling for 20/22hi w/ 30-50k miles

2010's are a month away, Kerbeck will have 2010's for 42,000, 1LT's

I drive my car, 02-04 all the same

from experience.

 

'03 is the 50th Anniversary year.

 

The 2002 Electron Blue Z is a chick magnet - they're the fastest too !

 

Your Z is beautiful.
Great pics.