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being the 04 was the last C5 model a lot of improvements were made during the course of the C5 model run and all of those improvements are found on the 2004.
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. Sources: 1,
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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.
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)
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
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)
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)
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
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.
OP,
there were certain 2004's that had a serious fuel tank issue. It was within a certain Model Serial number range.
If that was not repaired previously on recall, I believe it is very expensive now, to do. You need to find out!
You can search, to find which Serial Numbers on exactly which cars were involved, or others might chime in with the information.
I don't think any other model years had that issue.
Good luck.
Ditto on the fuel tank connector issue. Before I bought my 2003 coupe, I looked at two 2004 Commemorative Edition coupes. One was a misrepresented piece of junk and I walked away. The other was a nice car and a little overpriced at a dealer, AND its VIN fell within the range of cars with the potential for the fuel tank connector issues. Dealer could not produce any record that the tank repair had been made, and wouldn't budge off its price. I walked on that one too.
I bought an '04 vert with the potentially problematic fuel tank. I'm in my 3d year of ownership, have put 30k miles on it and have had no problems with this car. It was a garage queen when I bought it, but no longer. Now it is driven all the time because nobody can pry me out of it. It's a fabulous car.
The '04 C5 had all the updates to the platform over the years. As with any car, much depends on how well the car was maintained and how the car was driven over its life.
I bought an '04 vert with the potentially problematic fuel tank. I'm in my 3d year of ownership, have put 30k miles on it and have had no problems with this car. It was a garage queen when I bought it, but no longer. Now it is driven all the time because nobody can pry me out of it. It's a fabulous car.
The day I bought her
Yellow was my first choice in the two years I spent searching for that perfect yellow, with automatic transmission, at the price I felt I could afford.
When my 2004 mag red convt came up on my computer, I just knew I had to check it out.
It was located in SanDiego, and it was a great ride back to Los Angeles in my "new" Vette.
As soon as I saw it, I said That's it, I found the Vette I want.
True, it wasn't yellow, but it had low miles, and was well taken care of.
I have grown to love the color combination, and glad I chose it.
Today, I think a 78 year old guy driving around in a yellow convertible is just a bit over the edge for me.
The mag red suits my age just fine.
A bit more conservative for an older dude.
True, I still admire the yellow ones, and actually think it is the best color for a C5.
I have toned down some things in my golden years,(except doing the work on my car) and I still think flash is a good thing, as long as it is a bit on the conservative side.
Yellow was my first choice in the two years I spent searching for that perfect yellow, with automatic transmission, at the price I felt I could afford.
When my 2004 mag red convt came up on my computer, I just knew I had to check it out.
It was located in SanDiego, and it was a great ride back to Los Angeles in my "new" Vette.
As soon as I saw it, I said That's it, I found the Vette I want.
True, it wasn't yellow, but it had low miles, and was well taken care of.
I have grown to love the color combination, and glad I chose it.
Today, I think a 78 year old guy driving around in a yellow convertible is just a bit over the edge for me.
The mag red suits my age just fine.
A bit more conservative for an older dude.
True, I still admire the yellow ones, and actually think it is the best color for a C5.
I have toned down some things in my golden years,(except doing the work on my car) and I still think flash is a good thing, as long as it is a bit on the conservative side.
Bob.
Funny you said that. I pulled the trigger on a mag red but the seller backed out at the last minute. He couldn't part with his beauty. I can't say I blame him. Yellow was my second choice. I bought this car because of its condition and its features (HUD, M6, Z51).
mine is a 2004 torch red/black, a4, coupe, european export. VIN affected (between that numbers)
when I bought it in 2013, previous owner told me he had to fix the fuel tank thing and it was like (2$ material price, 1000$ of hours of work )
BTW it happened when car had 81.000 kilometers. Now it has 125.000 and no issues.
my c5 is equiped with f55, if the one you're interested is too, check it: very expensive if damaged.
climate control dimming display is a common issue too (and easy to fix)
if its convertible, check the plastic material that prevents water from entering inside is in good shape, just where it bends (thats a weak part)
04-19-2017, 08:54 PM
I also have an 04 and love it never any issues, 
)
