[Z06] C5 2002Z vs 2003Z
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,411
Likes: 5
From: Tallahassee Florida
C5 2002Z vs 2003Z
First off sorry for such a basic question that has probably already been beaten to death back in the day.
I have done a search and found a few things (and the sticky feq). A few friends are looking for some nice Z's and one found a nice 2002Z with 11K miles all stock. From what I gather, there really isn't much difference between the years .... the 03 with the 50th badging and I think the 02 has a cheaper shifter fork? I'm not sure what is involved with that upgrade if needed (if fork on shifter on in tranny).
Is there any reason you would hold off and look for the 03Z instead of the 02Z?
This 02 car has the stock valve springs so do most of you change them out at a certain mileage (or period of years) just to have that extra comfort level?
I have done a search and found a few things (and the sticky feq). A few friends are looking for some nice Z's and one found a nice 2002Z with 11K miles all stock. From what I gather, there really isn't much difference between the years .... the 03 with the 50th badging and I think the 02 has a cheaper shifter fork? I'm not sure what is involved with that upgrade if needed (if fork on shifter on in tranny).
Is there any reason you would hold off and look for the 03Z instead of the 02Z?
This 02 car has the stock valve springs so do most of you change them out at a certain mileage (or period of years) just to have that extra comfort level?
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: May 2007
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
The shifter fork is inside the transmission. That part is a nice upgrade, but there's plenty in any C5 transmission to fail (usually the cheap stamped keys get sheared and stuck internally)
Personally, I'd pass on any late '03 or all '04s
There was a fuel system change including in-tank fuel filter that you can't change and there are now lots of cases of leaking fuel tanks (cracked crossover junctions) dripping gas onto hot exhaust pipes.
Expensive to fix too.
If you do get an '03, get one with a vin # before -VIN 35111542 before
beginning on date Nov. 25, 2002 that way you'll have the older (better) fuel system.
Here's the thread about the fuel issues:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...or-smells.html
Personally, I'd pass on any late '03 or all '04s
There was a fuel system change including in-tank fuel filter that you can't change and there are now lots of cases of leaking fuel tanks (cracked crossover junctions) dripping gas onto hot exhaust pipes.
Expensive to fix too.If you do get an '03, get one with a vin # before -VIN 35111542 before
beginning on date Nov. 25, 2002 that way you'll have the older (better) fuel system.
Here's the thread about the fuel issues:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...or-smells.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,262
Likes: 39
From: Goldsboro NC
The shifter fork is inside the transmission. That part is a nice upgrade, but there's plenty in any C5 transmission to fail (usually the cheap stamped keys get sheared and stuck internally)
Personally, I'd pass on any late '03 or all '04s
There was a fuel system change including in-tank fuel filter that you can't change and there are now lots of cases of leaking fuel tanks (cracked crossover junctions) dripping gas onto hot exhaust pipes. Expensive to fix too.
If you do get an '03, get one with a vin # before -VIN 35111542 before
beginning on date Nov. 25, 2002 that way you'll have the older (better) fuel system.
Here's the thread about the fuel issues:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...or-smells.html
Personally, I'd pass on any late '03 or all '04s
There was a fuel system change including in-tank fuel filter that you can't change and there are now lots of cases of leaking fuel tanks (cracked crossover junctions) dripping gas onto hot exhaust pipes.
Expensive to fix too.If you do get an '03, get one with a vin # before -VIN 35111542 before
beginning on date Nov. 25, 2002 that way you'll have the older (better) fuel system.
Here's the thread about the fuel issues:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...or-smells.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
I wouldn't pass on nice o3 regardless of the fuel system change, I have one and nobody I know has to date had a problem, not to say others don't. The choice is yours, go with the car that will make you
good luck with your choice
good luck with your choice
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
From: Omaha NE
ditto don't get too caught up in semantics....you'll talk yourself out of buying ANY car
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Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
You're taking a chance either way.
'02 - potential valve spring issue, could grenade your engine
'03+ - potential fuel system issue, could cost up to ~$2k (or more) to fix
I bought my Vette used and it's had some issues. The water pump went out and cost a fortune to fix. Luckily that has a lifetime guarantee now though from GM.
And the P1416 code keeps popping up that I need to get fixed eventually (usually keep an OBDII scanner in the car and just clear it on the fly when it pops up).
'02 - potential valve spring issue, could grenade your engine
'03+ - potential fuel system issue, could cost up to ~$2k (or more) to fix
I bought my Vette used and it's had some issues. The water pump went out and cost a fortune to fix. Luckily that has a lifetime guarantee now though from GM.
And the P1416 code keeps popping up that I need to get fixed eventually (usually keep an OBDII scanner in the car and just clear it on the fly when it pops up).
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi Texas
Get an 02 and throw a new cam with double valve springs in it! Fix all...good luck. I really wanted an 03 as well and then a perfect 02 came along at the right price and local, couldn't pass it up! And I couldn't he happier with my choice.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 491
Likes: 2
From: Arlington Hts. IL
I have a late 02 with 36k, the springs are not broken (yet) no leaky butt, key fobs work, door locks work, windows go up and down, still on the factory clutch. I guess the 02 must be OK maybe because its silver 
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Air Capitol Kansas
Same thing happened to me. 