I'm starting to look for a C5 to park next to the C4. I don't need a "how to buy a used car" guide. I'm looking for in depth info on model year technical changes and desirable options on C5's. An hour of googling and searching has netted a few ideas, but I was hoping that someone has seen an all inclusive guide.

 

umm basics--- 99 & 2000 offered the first of the "hardtop" body style, followed by the 2001 offering of the z06 on the same hardtop platform. 2000 & up C5s received the ls6 intake manifold. HUDs became avail in late 98s, same with active handling (AH algorithms were updated in 2000 i believe). Look for twilight sentinel and telescopic steering wheel, memory seats in '00 I believe as well. There were fuel injector changes on the 98-99s to 2000, going from 26.6 lbs to 28 i believe...My years may be off, but those are some of the changes/options to look for...Good luck....

 

Hmmm...parking a C5 beside a C4...what a great idea!!

I can't take credit for the following. One of the members on this forum, "chriswtx" took the time to list this in another post. I thought it was an awsome overview of the major changes between the years.

As far as options, HUD's and 3:15 gears always get noticed. Good luck with your hunting

C5 differences

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.

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1998

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)

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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 (returnless fuel system)
Power telescoping wheel becomes an option
? Steering hardware changed to combat wandering
door sill trim plates added

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2000

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)

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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 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)

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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 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

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2003

Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's

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2004
· Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.

 

When the 2001 came out, it had the greatest number of improvements when compared to any other year.

I'd suggest at least a 2001.

RonJ ...

 

There's a book called the Corvette Black Book that details the year to year changes plus it's got production numbers. Got mine from MidAmerica.

 

The black book was very helpful when I bought my 2000. I was able to see the major upgrades for each year, which helped me to decide based on what upgrades I wanted and which I could live without. One thing it didn't tell me, however, was that the Steering Column Lock recall does not affect 01 and newer Automatics, but does affect all C5 years for manual transmission cars. But you can avoid this problem on any year by not having the recall done and installing a CLB (about $49.00) yourself.