Difference in 2000 to 2002 corvettes
* 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
* 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
The '04s also got some good nuts and bolts differences, some of which have turned out to make some replacements/upgrades a bit cheaper for me than for older models. I'm sure there are just as many things I haven't found that will be more expensive to deal with. I like to buy the last model year of a particular body-style or platform. The engineers have usually worked out the major issues at that point, even if replacements are more expensive you're not as likely to need as many.
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