Differences
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 52
From: Jefferson City MO
Yes, just look at the VIN. 
I can tell early vs. late, but not good at distinguishing the differences otherwise. Sometimes you can tell by the wheel design. FRC's call for certain years, Z06's are a little easier. C1 - C4's seems to have more markers to tell what year the car is. C5-C7's, not so much in my opinion. Interesting question and never thought about it much. Will be interested to hear from others as well.
I can tell early vs. late, but not good at distinguishing the differences otherwise. Sometimes you can tell by the wheel design. FRC's call for certain years, Z06's are a little easier. C1 - C4's seems to have more markers to tell what year the car is. C5-C7's, not so much in my opinion. Interesting question and never thought about it much. Will be interested to hear from others as well.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 353
From: Little Rock Arkansas
^^^ This is really the gist of it.
Unlike the prior four generations of Corvette, exterior wise it is very difficult to distinguish the year by visuals. If you put a 1997 Torch Red car next to a 2004 Torch Red car it would be very difficult to tell the difference seeing them initially, especially if the '97 owner has upgraded to the later five spoke wheels. There are some obvious ways to tell depending on model, i.e., an FRC is going to be a '99-'00 model and a Z06 is at the least going to be an '01 model.
The lack of a major mid-cycle re-fresh unlike the prior generations I feel has helped with C5 values since there were few fundamental changes throughout C5 production. Value then is up to dealing with the issues of earlier C5s, particular colors or options, and/or mileage.
When you do get down to the nuts and bolts aspect however there was a lot that was changed, near yearly. Some of the highlights include:
- 1997 was the only year model to not have a convertible. Only the targa fastback was offered.
- 1997 and 1998 cars have a different ABS and brake setup than later cars. It's easily distinguishable looking at the rear end of the car where the components are visible behind the rear differential.
- 1997 and 1998 cars utilize a return fuel style setup, distinguishable by the two braided hoses on the passenger fuel rail cover. Later years went to a return-less style, noted by one braided hose only.
- For 2001, all LS1 cars received minor engine revisions producing slightly more power output.
- The 2001-2004 cars utilize a revised EBCM and ABS system which is easier to service. For years it was assumed that pre-2001 owners would have to simply deal with their lot, but a recent thread by an adventurous owner has shown that most of the EBCM issues that has plagued pre-2001 cars will probably become a thing of the past.
There's a lot more and my post could go on and on, and there's plenty of pages online that detail the differences by year.
Again, just like any car, there will be particular items that a good spotter would be able to near immediately tell you the year, like if they see a Commemorative Blue car then they would know it's a two year color (one year for the Z06), or if they see a Nassau Blue FRC it's a two year car ('99-'00)
Unlike the prior four generations of Corvette, exterior wise it is very difficult to distinguish the year by visuals. If you put a 1997 Torch Red car next to a 2004 Torch Red car it would be very difficult to tell the difference seeing them initially, especially if the '97 owner has upgraded to the later five spoke wheels. There are some obvious ways to tell depending on model, i.e., an FRC is going to be a '99-'00 model and a Z06 is at the least going to be an '01 model.
The lack of a major mid-cycle re-fresh unlike the prior generations I feel has helped with C5 values since there were few fundamental changes throughout C5 production. Value then is up to dealing with the issues of earlier C5s, particular colors or options, and/or mileage.
When you do get down to the nuts and bolts aspect however there was a lot that was changed, near yearly. Some of the highlights include:
- 1997 was the only year model to not have a convertible. Only the targa fastback was offered.
- 1997 and 1998 cars have a different ABS and brake setup than later cars. It's easily distinguishable looking at the rear end of the car where the components are visible behind the rear differential.
- 1997 and 1998 cars utilize a return fuel style setup, distinguishable by the two braided hoses on the passenger fuel rail cover. Later years went to a return-less style, noted by one braided hose only.
- For 2001, all LS1 cars received minor engine revisions producing slightly more power output.
- The 2001-2004 cars utilize a revised EBCM and ABS system which is easier to service. For years it was assumed that pre-2001 owners would have to simply deal with their lot, but a recent thread by an adventurous owner has shown that most of the EBCM issues that has plagued pre-2001 cars will probably become a thing of the past.
There's a lot more and my post could go on and on, and there's plenty of pages online that detail the differences by year.
Again, just like any car, there will be particular items that a good spotter would be able to near immediately tell you the year, like if they see a Commemorative Blue car then they would know it's a two year color (one year for the Z06), or if they see a Nassau Blue FRC it's a two year car ('99-'00)
Last edited by Velocity_Vette; May 20, 2016 at 10:06 AM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 501
Likes: 44
From: Aurora Colorado
I know the earlier cars (not sure of the exact year) had a key hole on the passenger door lock. Also the 2003 models have the 50th anniversary emblems on the front and rear and on the instrument cluster.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,439
Likes: 2,183
From: Buffalo Texas
Do not give me credit for this info copied it from here do not know original Poster(thanks to whoever)
Differences in Corvettes by Year
Submitted by wireless on CorvetteForum.com.
All of this information is variously 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
• 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
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 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 door handle
• Passenger airbag 'off' switch added to console (light by TC/AH button) – mid-model year change.
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 key fob
• 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 valve stem 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 differential
• 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
2003
• Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's
2004
• Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.
Differences in Corvettes by Year
Submitted by wireless on CorvetteForum.com.
All of this information is variously 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
• 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
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 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 door handle
• Passenger airbag 'off' switch added to console (light by TC/AH button) – mid-model year change.
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 key fob
• 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 valve stem 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 differential
• 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
2003
• Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's
2004
• Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.
Last edited by Pounder; May 20, 2016 at 02:28 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 775
Likes: 76
From: Mooresboro NC
^^^ This is really the gist of it.
Unlike the prior four generations of Corvette, exterior wise it is very difficult to distinguish the year by visuals. If you put a 1997 Torch Red car next to a 2004 Torch Red car it would be very difficult to tell the difference seeing them initially, especially if the '97 owner has upgraded to the later five spoke wheels. There are some obvious ways to tell depending on model, i.e., an FRC is going to be a '99-'00 model and a Z06 is at the least going to be an '01 model.
The lack of a major mid-cycle re-fresh unlike the prior generations I feel has helped with C5 values since there were few fundamental changes throughout C5 production. Value then is up to dealing with the issues of earlier C5s, particular colors or options, and/or mileage.
When you do get down to the nuts and bolts aspect however there was a lot that was changed, near yearly. Some of the highlights include:
- 1997 was the only year model to not have a convertible. Only the targa fastback was offered.
- 1997 and 1998 cars have a different ABS and brake setup than later cars. It's easily distinguishable looking at the rear end of the car where the components are visible behind the rear differential.
- 1997 and 1998 cars utilize a return fuel style setup, distinguishable by the two braided hoses on the passenger fuel rail cover. Later years went to a return-less style, noted by one braided hose only.
- For 2001, all LS1 cars received minor engine revisions producing slightly more power output.
- The 2001-2004 cars utilize a revised EBCM and ABS system which is easier to service. For years it was assumed that pre-2001 owners would have to simply deal with their lot, but a recent thread by an adventurous owner has shown that most of the EBCM issues that has plagued pre-2001 cars will probably become a thing of the past.
There's a lot more and my post could go on and on, and there's plenty of pages online that detail the differences by year.
Again, just like any car, there will be particular items that a good spotter would be able to near immediately tell you the year, like if they see a Commemorative Blue car then they would know it's a two year color (one year for the Z06), or if they see a Nassau Blue FRC it's a two year car ('99-'00)
Unlike the prior four generations of Corvette, exterior wise it is very difficult to distinguish the year by visuals. If you put a 1997 Torch Red car next to a 2004 Torch Red car it would be very difficult to tell the difference seeing them initially, especially if the '97 owner has upgraded to the later five spoke wheels. There are some obvious ways to tell depending on model, i.e., an FRC is going to be a '99-'00 model and a Z06 is at the least going to be an '01 model.
The lack of a major mid-cycle re-fresh unlike the prior generations I feel has helped with C5 values since there were few fundamental changes throughout C5 production. Value then is up to dealing with the issues of earlier C5s, particular colors or options, and/or mileage.
When you do get down to the nuts and bolts aspect however there was a lot that was changed, near yearly. Some of the highlights include:
- 1997 was the only year model to not have a convertible. Only the targa fastback was offered.
- 1997 and 1998 cars have a different ABS and brake setup than later cars. It's easily distinguishable looking at the rear end of the car where the components are visible behind the rear differential.
- 1997 and 1998 cars utilize a return fuel style setup, distinguishable by the two braided hoses on the passenger fuel rail cover. Later years went to a return-less style, noted by one braided hose only.
- For 2001, all LS1 cars received minor engine revisions producing slightly more power output.
- The 2001-2004 cars utilize a revised EBCM and ABS system which is easier to service. For years it was assumed that pre-2001 owners would have to simply deal with their lot, but a recent thread by an adventurous owner has shown that most of the EBCM issues that has plagued pre-2001 cars will probably become a thing of the past.
There's a lot more and my post could go on and on, and there's plenty of pages online that detail the differences by year.
Again, just like any car, there will be particular items that a good spotter would be able to near immediately tell you the year, like if they see a Commemorative Blue car then they would know it's a two year color (one year for the Z06), or if they see a Nassau Blue FRC it's a two year car ('99-'00)
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 775
Likes: 76
From: Mooresboro NC
)!!!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 353
From: Little Rock Arkansas
Despite owning a '99, I have never really considered the 1999 and 2000 models to have anything that is really noteworthy other than the introduction of the FRC in '99. It's largely a "down time" of sorts for anything notable for C5s, and the Z06's introduction in 2001 along with the minor advancements of the non-Z06 cars for 2001 really overshadowed most anything the FRC brought for those two years. 1998 really hit it out of the park with the introduction of the convertible, the pace car, one year colors like Aztec Gold, Medium Purple Metallic, and the like.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 775
Likes: 76
From: Mooresboro NC
Despite owning a '99, I have never really considered the 1999 and 2000 models to have anything that is really noteworthy other than the introduction of the FRC in '99. It's largely a "down time" of sorts for anything notable for C5s, and the Z06's introduction in 2001 along with the minor advancements of the non-Z06 cars for 2001 really overshadowed most anything the FRC brought for those two years. 1998 really hit it out of the park with the introduction of the convertible, the pace car, one year colors like Aztec Gold, Medium Purple Metallic, and the like.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 478
From: OK
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,439
Likes: 2,183
From: Buffalo Texas
Like I said... NICE job Pounder. SOMEONE has to remember, copy, paste, take the time and post to these questions...doubt seriously if anyone could have come up with ALL that info by themselves, so again THANK you for posting the info...regardless of who posted it first... ur the 2nd man
