I will be buying a Z06 shorlty and I am looking at 2002 & 2003's. I know there isn't a lot of difference but is the 50th worth buying for future resale because it is the 50th?

 

I would think so. To many examples with past Vettes.

 

It's worth buying for future resale because it's a year newer.

 

I wouldn't suspect that being a 50th Anniversary year would matter unless you don't like silver Corvette badges vs. the black ones. It's going to be a long time before the car starts recovering after it depreciates, so I wouldn't be too worried about the "investment" possibilities.

There is one key thing to think about IMO. In the second half of '03, GM decided to go with the steel shift forks in the transmission. The aluminum forks are known to bend, so I would consider this. If you don't believe me, just run a search on "bent shift forks" and see what you come up with.

I wish that I had the dates and the VIN codes for you when it changed. I believe it was sometime in March of '03, so it was definitely later in the year.

I'll see if I can dig up some more info for you.

X

 

Thanks for the input.

Thanks X, does anyone know anymore on steel shift forks in the transmission?

 

I just edited my post. I think that the build date is later now. Around March of '03. I'm still trying to dig up some information over on z06vette.com. I know that someone posted the VIN numbers and dates because I've been in several discussions about this.

X

 

Got mine !

 

I just spent a half hour looking through all the past threads on "bent shift forks" and "stuck in gear" and can't find the thread that has the VIN numbers and cutoff dates for you. I do believe that it's sometime in March, so anything made in April '03 or (preferrably) later should be a safe bet.

This is one of the most glaring issues with the Z06, so I would seriously consider looking for a late '03 if I were you. I've known quite a few people that have had problems including me.

The aluminum shift forks are a PITA, even if you're under warranty. Your car is down for at least a couple of weeks while they replace the shift forks, synchro's, etc.. This is if you have a good dealer that doesn't like to hassle you, especially if you have aftermarket parts like a different shifter. Then, some have had issues with the rebuilt trannies. I guess it depends on who rebuilds it.

Believe me.. It's something to be avoided if you have a choice. If you do go with a car that still has aluminum shift forks, pay particular attention to how the car shifts into 3rd and 4th. The symptoms of a bent shift fork or worn synchro's are usually getting stuck in 3rd or 4th gear. Popping out of gear or grinding going into gear.

Sorry that I can't be of more help with the dates and VIN number cut off for when GM started putting steel shift forks in the Z06 tranny.

X

 

Didn't 03's (after some VIN break poibnt have to the new C6 style fuel tanks/senders etc)???

Tom

 

02 = warantee gone

You could get an 03 for maybe $3,000 more.
At least that was the case with my purchase

 

I don't know when they added this either.

There are some other changes as well, but the definitely the most significant IMO is the steel shift forks in the transmission like the Viper. It's beyond me that GM didn't change this sooner or just put the steel shift forks in the transmission in the first place.

X

 

Thanks for all the good info, I'll be aware when I narrow it down!

 

It looks like everyone that has posted is within driving distance (except for NJ). After I get mine we'll probably meet up sometime. I'm from NJ originally so when I get back to my home state I'll get off look you up for the Parkway exit. (NJ joke)