Silver TT

I would love to see some of the factors that swayed you in your decision.

One other point of mention is that the $6k is not really $6k when you figure that I will probably get at least $1k off sticker on the '02 (so the difference is probably more like $5k) and then if you subtract the difference between the resale on an '02 vs. an '01 it HAS to be at least $1-2k, maybe even $3k...so add it all up and the difference might only be $2-3k. Following me here??

dbvettez06

Hey big question I am keeping the 01, putting 6 Gs into head cam etc then look for Vipers....Works for me

sdh96

To me, it is a no brainer. Get the 2002 and go whoopin some a$$. There is nothing like power directly from the factory. Everything is tight, guarnteed and you know will last a long long time. Plus, we are talking 405 HP out of a 350(even smaller) cu. in. with a single push rod cam and only 16 valves. The ZR1 had to have two cams, or was it four, whatever, and 32 valves plus a huge fat intake plenum to get that kind of power. I own a LT4 vette and I am dying to get a 2002 Z06. Anyways, I beleive that this is probably the max power GM is going to get out of that size block. If you look, a LT1/4 with ported heads and cam does not even produce 405hp. Spend the little extra cash and get the 2002 405HP Z06. If you get the 2001, all your friends are going to hear is, "I should have bought the 2002."

Silver TT

This is a very interesting post. I have decided to go for the 2002, but the only remaining question is with the '02 405 HP Vette beat the C6 wether it comes out in '03 or in '04 or whenever.

OneRedC5

Silver,

You are going to drive yourself nuts. Just make a decision. Six grand probably won't change your lifestyle.

steve@work

For us, it was a no-brainer: the 20hp wasn't worth the wait for an EB 2002. We found a QS 2001 Z at a nice discount, and jumped at it. We have been in the car a week traveling cross country, and I can honestly say that I don't know what I'd do with more than the 2001 has to offer. I'm just not that good. Hib Halverson may notice the difference, but I doubt I will.

The other factor to consider is whether you're leasing or buying, residual values vs. depreciation, etc.

cyaford

Whoa!! What's all this $6K talk? If you look around, you'll most likely be saving just $2K if you get the '01. For me, the $2K difference was worth the Elecron Blue, new clutch, new oil rings(granted they will work), revised suspension and stronger front brakes. Plus I get to drive the depreciation out of the car myself. Forget about the power increase. Like the others have said, I doubt I will be able to tell the difference and I'm sure the cars will test out about the same once the road tests start coming in. Now if I couldn't have found the great deal on the '02, my butt would have picked up a '01, as I couldn't have paid MSRP on a '02. Of course this is all just my opinion.........

Gene K

'01 is $50,000 - $6,000 = $44,000.

'02 is $51,000 - $3,000 = $48,000.

Difference in resale in spring '04 when you trade for C6 Z06 is $2,000.

Net difference in cost to own for 2.5 years - $2,000.

Buy the '02.

Sandy Wright

The decision to get the '02 was a no-brainer once they came out with the Electron Blue. I have an Admiral Blue now and would only give it up once a color as pretty came out. That is the emotional side of my decision, but the practical part really justifies my getting this car. I agree with the dollar figuring of SILVERTT and GENE K that you really aren't going to be saving $6k by getting an '01. Besides the depreciation and resale, you will be able to save at least $1k on not having to put on some other exhaust. Have you heard the '02 without the pups? Awesome - just like Corsas! With the new increased air intake if you replaced it with a Donaldson you would only add a couple of more hp so would it really be worth the cost? Just the 405 emblem is worth $$$$. Get the '02 and enjoy driving the best thing Corvette has put out so far!

HwyStar

Hi Sandy,

Just saw your post so...I figured I'd say hi and welcome to the forum.

As a 375 HP ZR-1 owner, I can tell you the resale value/depreciation of the lower HP car. Just look at the current ZR-1 pricing. You could get a 375 HP model for almost 1/2 the price. So get the '02.

Rick

theSSthatcould

Get the 02
The 01 will depreciate a heck of a lot more when its time to trade up to a C6.

Mike Siska

Get the 02!

wilcoxdg

Get the '02, the '03 will have more power (Autoweek says so) and you'll be stuck with an '01.

DLSCWBYVT, I'll get some Burgundy and Gold paint and send "ol Nine Toe" (Deon Sanders) to take care of that graffiti on your garage door.

MystCobra

Gene K
You implied 2002 Z06 is $51,000 - $3,000 = $48,000. Do you know a dealer that is discounting 2002 Z06 by $3,000???
Thanks

Gene K

If you look hard enough they are out there. Some Forum memebers got $1,500-2,000 off on initial allotment cars (Z06).

These cars are always a bit more expensive than cars in the next wave.

I actually know one guy who got a Z06 order accepted for $98 over invoice but this was at a One Price Dealer and it will be Jan or Feb before he gets it, if he gets it.

BTW as to the more power for '03. It is now believed the '04 will be a C6 and it ha been widely reported that the C6 powertrain will be used in the last C5. So the '03 C5 might just be a 425 bhp 6.0L. To quote the Chief Corvette Powertrain Engineer on the 20 bhp increase for '02. "Theres lots more where that came from". Or then again the currenrt Z06 might be the base engine for the C6 and the 6.0L be for the C6 Z06. If you constantly worry about next year you will never buy a car.