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I realize this is open to opinion, but I've read so much info here my eyes have crossed over and back a couple of times. In short, which year Z06 is the better car? I'm looking at a 2001 with 10k miles and a 2004 with 30k miles. Between valve spring issues, crossover gas line, seat bolsters, column lock etc, I'm almost scared to by a C5, but my heart is set on a Z06. I'll take any and all comments. As full discloser here, I already own a '77 an '85 and an 05. Yeah I know, you'd think I'd be satisfied. I have a bad case of CAS. Corvette Acquisition Syndrome. I's not too painful but VERY expensive. Sorry, no pics yet. I am fighting stepping into technology.
I'd go with the "04 as long as it is outside the fuel crossover issue VIN range (or if there is documentation that the problem has been fixed). The column lock will be an issue for any C5 Z06. Install an LMC5, and never worry about it. Good luck. Post up some pics of your fleet.
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I would go with the ‘04. More hp, all the updates, etc. The ‘01s also had the possibility of excessive oil consumption, unless it has been addressed either under warranty or by the owner.
Dont be scared of C5s. They are the best! I agree with Jack and Warlord. 2004 for sure. All of those issues are relatively easy to fix or bypass. Gotta get the extra HP too.
Hmmmm. Seems like each year has it's issues, but that can be said of all the generations. I was leaning toward the '04, just concerned about the crossover pipe/gas tank issue. Seems everyone I find is in that serial number range. So as I understand it, no particular year performs better or different, just the greater horse power in the newer. I've tried to by a Z06 twice in the last three months, but no one will take my money. The last guy said yes to a cahier's check, than after I drove 200 miles, paid 2 bridge tolls, talked my wife into taking me (the biggest problem), he turned the check down flat. I have no idea how to conduct a "safe" transaction without driving around with $30k cash in my pocket, which I will not do. I hate buying from a dealer.
I realize this is open to opinion, but I've read so much info here my eyes have crossed over and back a couple of times. In short, which year Z06 is the better car? I'm looking at a 2001 with 10k miles and a 2004 with 30k miles. Between valve spring issues, crossover gas line, seat bolsters, column lock etc, I'm almost scared to by a C5, but my heart is set on a Z06. I'll take any and all comments. As full discloser here, I already own a '77 an '85 and an 05. Yeah I know, you'd think I'd be satisfied. I have a bad case of CAS. Corvette Acquisition Syndrome. I's not too painful but VERY expensive. Sorry, no pics yet. I am fighting stepping into technology.
I've never owned a C5Z06. But I have had my 2000 C5 to the strip numerous times. So I've heard a lot of bench racing at the tracks. The general talk I've heard at the strip is this:
If you install a set of 1.8 rockers on the '01 Z06, it brings the lift up to 2002-2004 specs. Since the 2001 cam has a tighter LSA, and 3° or 4° more intake duration, the 2001 will then actually make a bit more hp than the later cars do. I believe you'll need new valvesprings, too. That's what I've been told, at more than 1 track, by more than 1 person. But, if you'd put 1.8 rockers on the later cars, well, all bets are off. FWIW.......
I've never owned a C5Z06. But I have had my 2000 C5 to the strip numerous times. So I've heard a lot of bench racing at the tracks. The general talk I've heard at the strip is this:
If you install a set of 1.8 rockers on the '01 Z06, it brings the lift up to 2002-2004 specs. Since the 2001 cam has a tighter LSA, and 3° or 4° more intake duration, the 2001 will then actually make a bit more hp than the later cars do. I believe you'll need new valvesprings, too. That's what I've been told, at more than 1 track, by more than 1 person. But, if you'd put 1.8 rockers on the later cars, well, all bets are off. FWIW.......
Hmmm. Good food for thought. I'll keep watching for the best deal. The Crossover pipe/Tank thing bothers me, but the rest is do-able. Thanks for all the direction folks. I'll have one soon!
From: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)
2002 or 2003. Some of the 2004s have the very expensive to fix fuel tank issue. 2004 does not have more horsepower than 2002-2003 like VetteManJack posted.
2001s have less power and some have oil consumption issues.
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; Sep 13, 2021 at 10:46 AM.
Just turned 20,000 miles on my 01. The only issue I've had, actually have, is a grinding headlight gear that I haven't gotten around to fixing. As far as H.P. , a bottom breather, headers which eliminate 2 pup cats, removal of the screen in the throttle body and a little tuning put it in the 405 H.P. area.
If you get a Z06, some 2001 and all 2002 may have had defective valve springs installed. If they are yellow you most likely have the defective ones. Also as mentioned above some 2004 had fuel tank leak issue. Those with vin #45110258 (Oct 8, 2003) to 45125500 (March 18, 2004). In addition there was a problem with the column lock system for MN and auto from 97-2000 and MN from 2001-2004. The remedy is to install an LMC5 module.
Best C5 Z06
