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[Z06] 02-04= Essentially same? And mods vs value

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Old May 15, 2016 | 11:21 AM
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Default 02-04= Essentially same? And mods vs value

I'm looking at getting a Z after owning a very nice Coupe for a while. I have researched and there is a TON of difference it looks like between a Coupe and a Z. Looks like appreciable difference as well between an 01 and 02. So two questions please:

1. Is an 02 (which I'm looking at) the same virtually as 03 and 04?

2. With a bone stock very low mileage Z, which arguably will hold better value than a standard C5- do you run the risk of hurting the value modding it? Perhaps not if just CAI and exhaust and keep all parts? That way one can always revert to "as factory"??

Thanks!
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Old May 15, 2016 | 12:32 PM
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Only minor differences from 02-04. External fuel filter on 02- mid year 03's. Later models had in tank non serviceable filter. Better shocks in 04. Issue with valve springs in some 02-03's, if they are original I would replace with new springs. I dont think any mods 'hurt' the value of the car, just that you could add $10k+ in mods and its not going to add to the resale value in most cases. A lot of people prefer to buy a stock car, a lot better chance it wasnt raced, abused as much. Mine was bone stock when I got it 5 years ago. I dont expect the minor mods Ive done so for to help or hurt the value at all.
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Old May 15, 2016 | 01:11 PM
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You may have a more difficult time selling a modded car, but as long as it's done right, it shouldn't hurt the value. I have all the OEM goodies from my '04, just in case the next owner would like to return the car to factory stock.
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Old May 15, 2016 | 01:40 PM
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Pay attention to 02 valve spring issues.
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Old May 15, 2016 | 02:17 PM
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Thanks... It is as new, very low miles and bone stock. We have a reputable dealer here and they specialize in Vettes and have the $$ Vette techs. I will at least start there with an inspection. I'll ask directly about column lock (that recall notice is in included in the paperwork so I'm hoping GM shows it's done) and certainly ask about springs. I can get those parts myself and take it to perhaps a Chevy shop or other (<125hr) dealer to have replaced.

Last edited by RoninC5; May 15, 2016 at 02:18 PM.
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Old May 15, 2016 | 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by RoninC5
Thanks... It is as new, very low miles and bone stock. We have a reputable dealer here and they specialize in Vettes and have the $$ Vette techs. I will at least start there with an inspection. I'll ask directly about column lock (that recall notice is in included in the paperwork so I'm hoping GM shows it's done) and certainly ask about springs. I can get those parts myself and take it to perhaps a Chevy shop or other (<125hr) dealer to have replaced.
The GM recall doesn't actually fix the column lock issue. But a "column lock bypass" only runs about $40, I believe. You can install it yourself. Must have.
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Old May 15, 2016 | 02:23 PM
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Originally Posted by TorchRedLS6
You may have a more difficult time selling a modded car, but as long as it's done right, it shouldn't hurt the value. I have all the OEM goodies from my '04, just in case the next owner would like to return the car to factory stock.
The stock exhaust is surprisingly docile at first blush...My thoughts are really just- CAI,exhaust,tune and shifter. That's it. I'll also need tires as these are the factory Eagles... They look great but, that's just a touch old..

Oh, the 3ft antenna has to go... I'll research a shorty. I saw that somewhere on the site..

Last edited by RoninC5; May 15, 2016 at 02:27 PM.
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Old May 15, 2016 | 02:30 PM
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Originally Posted by RoninC5
The stock exhaust is surprisingly docile at first blush...My thoughts are really just- CAI,exhaust,tune and shifter. That's it. I'll also need tires as these are the factory Eagles... They look great but, that's just a touch old..
The stock exhaust really opens up at WOT. Sounds like a good plan. That was my exact plan when I bought my '04. Instead of a catback exhaust though, I would suggest you look into long tube headers. Lighter, more air flow, gobs of horsepower and torque, and best of all, way more growl. They may not be quite as loud as an aftermarket catback, but boy do I love the exhaust note on my car.

(Blackwing Intake, LG SuperPros 1-3/4" longtubes)

Last edited by Verrückt ZR1; May 15, 2016 at 02:31 PM.
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Old May 15, 2016 | 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by RoninC5
The stock exhaust is surprisingly docile at first blush...My thoughts are really just- CAI,exhaust,tune and shifter. That's it. I'll also need tires as these are the factory Eagles... They look great but, that's just a touch old..

Oh, the 3ft antenna has to go... I'll research a shorty. I saw that somewhere on the site..
Sounds familiar...
I started with a shorty antenna from IIRC Southern Corvette. The factory ham radio unit is ridiculous.
First winter came TSP headers, modified Magnaflow X, Magnaflow cats into the Ti mufflers. TSP mail order tune including knocking out the 1-4 shift and dash light, reduce fan temps by 10deg.
That spring I shortened the factory shifter shaft by about 1 1/4" and plopped a TwistedShifterz 1 7/8" **** in place.
K&N intake replaced the stock unit.
Change rear (Amsoil Torque Drive) and tranny (Amsoil) fluids also.
I run F1's, but new.
Have fun!
Edit: the Ti mufflers sound amazing with headers.

Last edited by grantv; May 15, 2016 at 04:17 PM.
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Old May 15, 2016 | 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by grantv
Sounds familiar...
I started with a shorty antenna from IIRC Southern Corvette. The factory ham radio unit is ridiculous.
First winter came TSP headers, modified Magnaflow X, Magnaflow cats into the Ti mufflers. TSP mail order tune including knocking out the 1-4 shift and dash light, reduce fan temps by 10deg.
That spring I shortened the factory shifter shaft by about 1 1/4" and plopped a TwistedShifterz 1 7/8" **** in place.
K&N intake replaced the stock unit.
Change rear (Amsoil Torque Drive) and tranny (Amsoil) fluids also.
I run F1's, but new.
Have fun!
Edit: the Ti mufflers sound amazing with headers.
Thanks- yeah I made some MP3 Cd's. That is all I listen to on the occasions I even have it on. The shorty is cosmetic.

Hmm. Keep Ti and go headers... Possibility. Last car I looked at (Z) had SLP C coated headers and also had a history of failing emissions. Not sure if they are related but unfortunately I live to close to Boulder...
I'll look at all fluids....
Already ordered a LMC5...
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