Visual Differences Through the Years (1997-2004)...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5,684
Likes: 181
From: Pueblo, CO
Visual Differences Through the Years (1997-2004)...
Is there any way to visually tell the difference between the models through the years of the C5?
Earlier generations had differences in the body appointments that made it easy to tell one year from the other, but what about the C5?
Earlier generations had differences in the body appointments that made it easy to tell one year from the other, but what about the C5?
CF "Young" Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 26
From: Cupertino CA
St. Jude Donor '12
First thing I always look at is the wheels, assuming they're still factory ones. After that, if you're knowledgable on the paint codes (I'm not), there's a few choices there to pick between. Unless I'm wrong, there weren't as many drastic outward changes to the C5 as they had on the C3 and C4.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,842
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From: Enid Ok
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
Here's my list of changes over the years.
All of this information was collected from the Corvette Forum message board, so do not take it as absolute gospel. However, it should be somewhat close.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997
Completely new, redesigned Corvette. Base (FE1) and Z51 (FE3) suspension packages.
All Z51 cars include: Power Steering Cooler, xx, xx, ??
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 CA 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 vert change
Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + vert
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
Pup cats added to all models
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 dia 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)
Trans 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 valvesprings
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
Aluminum automatic transmission cooler case (all models)
AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player now standard on Coupe and Convertible
AM/FM/Cassette only available with 12-disc CD changer on Coupe and Convertible
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003
Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's
2003 anniversary edition with Anniversary paint and decal option.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004
Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.
2004 Commemorative Editions. CE Z06 comes with carbon fibre hood and has decal package.
All of this information was collected from the Corvette Forum message board, so do not take it as absolute gospel. However, it should be somewhat close.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997
Completely new, redesigned Corvette. Base (FE1) and Z51 (FE3) suspension packages.
All Z51 cars include: Power Steering Cooler, xx, xx, ??
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 CA 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 vert change
Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + vert
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
Pup cats added to all models
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 dia 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)
Trans 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 valvesprings
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
Aluminum automatic transmission cooler case (all models)
AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player now standard on Coupe and Convertible
AM/FM/Cassette only available with 12-disc CD changer on Coupe and Convertible
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003
Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's
2003 anniversary edition with Anniversary paint and decal option.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004
Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.
2004 Commemorative Editions. CE Z06 comes with carbon fibre hood and has decal package.
CF "Young" Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 26
From: Cupertino CA
St. Jude Donor '12
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,475
Likes: 10
From: Wake Forest NC
"Did you see how fast that 'Vette went by?!"
"Yeah! What year was it?"
"I don't know - it was so fast I couldn't tell if it had the door lock or not!"
But seriously, I was once asked about the body style changes over the years by a guy interested in "buying one that looked as new as possible."
I told him if he bought a '97 and put '00 wheels on it, he might as well be driving an '04 for all the general public could tell.
.
"Yeah! What year was it?"
"I don't know - it was so fast I couldn't tell if it had the door lock or not!"
But seriously, I was once asked about the body style changes over the years by a guy interested in "buying one that looked as new as possible."
I told him if he bought a '97 and put '00 wheels on it, he might as well be driving an '04 for all the general public could tell.
.
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Good list of differences there.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5,684
Likes: 181
From: Pueblo, CO
Thanks for posting this info.
As I suspected, visually, the C5 was virtually unchanged throughout the years it was produced. You have to know what to look for in order to distinguish one year from another.
I distilled the list you posted to just the visual changes:
1998
Convertible becomes available.
The two slots of a 1998 (and possibly late 1997s) curve toward the rear at the bottom. (versus straight down)
1999
FRC "Fixed Roof Coupe" aka the hardtop, becomes available.
HUD introduced.
2000
Millennium Yellow available.
"Thin Spoke" versus "wagon wheel" design wheels become standard.
No keyhole on passenger side doorhandle.
2001
Nassau Blue discontinued.
Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + vert
Introduction of the Z06.
2002
Electron Blue color offered.
2003
2003 anniversary edition with Anniversary paint and decal option.
2004
2004 Commemorative Editions. CE Z06 comes with carbon fibre hood and has decal package.
As I suspected, visually, the C5 was virtually unchanged throughout the years it was produced. You have to know what to look for in order to distinguish one year from another.
I distilled the list you posted to just the visual changes:
1998
Convertible becomes available.
The two slots of a 1998 (and possibly late 1997s) curve toward the rear at the bottom. (versus straight down)
1999
FRC "Fixed Roof Coupe" aka the hardtop, becomes available.
HUD introduced.
2000
Millennium Yellow available.
"Thin Spoke" versus "wagon wheel" design wheels become standard.
No keyhole on passenger side doorhandle.
2001
Nassau Blue discontinued.
Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + vert
Introduction of the Z06.
2002
Electron Blue color offered.
2003
2003 anniversary edition with Anniversary paint and decal option.
2004
2004 Commemorative Editions. CE Z06 comes with carbon fibre hood and has decal package.
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
First thing I always look at is the wheels, assuming they're still factory ones. After that, if you're knowledgable on the paint codes (I'm not), there's a few choices there to pick between. Unless I'm wrong, there weren't as many drastic outward changes to the C5 as they had on the C3 and C4.
I think the C2, C5 and C6 gens are the most homogenous in terms of body styling of all the Corvettes.
Team Owner
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Team Owner
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Melting Slicks
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From: Anaheim CA
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
The bodies themselves didn't change for the entire run, the split-window being the only one-year exception, and even THAT was for the coupe. All other differences body-wise were relatively superficial in nature and basically involved trim, etc. The panels, headlights, taillights, remained pretty constant. I will agree that the C2s are not quite as homogenous as C5s and 6s, but they are FAR more homogenous than C3s and 4s.
Melting Slicks
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From: Anaheim CA
Superficial yes, but also easily visible, which is sort of the topic here.
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Anaheim CA
My point is that things like "year specific colors/graphics" only work for the cars that happen to have them. I'm pretty sure, for example, that black was an option every year, so if you're looking at a black C5, the fact that some other color was only available in year X doesn't help.
The differences between one year's C2 and another's were visible on all of them. (And no, the split window wasn't the only easily visible difference between the '63 and '64.)
Melting Slicks
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From: Wake Forest NC