I am looking to buy a C5, in 01 the LS1 got the LS6 intake and a more mild cam which gave it alot more power lower in the rpm range without hurting the peak power and torque. I drove a 99 and wasn't impressed with the acceleration so I would want to do some intake an possibly exhaust improvements without changing any internal engine components. Is it better to start with a pre 01 C5 for a performance oriented car or is the 01 better?

 

I'd go pre 01 if you're gonna mod it because you'll be switching out all the 01+ upgrades anyway.

 

I have a 2000 and I'd say get the 01+. You get the bigger MAF, cheaper tire pressure monitors and the LS6 intake (which you can actually sell for a good amount of $$$ when you swap it out).

 

Yep, worth it just for the TPS alone!

 

Go for the late 01's. They had the ring upgrade.

 

Late 01 had piston upgrade. 02 had ring upgrade (after first two weeks of production) Late 01's and up had better Active Handling (actually came in earlier). The 2000 had a better cam though, only that year for some reason. Don't remember what year the end links on the sway bars were changed but the later years assure the metal links. Basically, the later you go the more refinement you will get.

 

Late 01 had piston upgrade. 02 had ring upgrade (after first two weeks of production) Late 01's and up had better Active Handling (actually came in earlier). The 2000 had a better cam though, only that year for some reason. Don't remember what year the end links on the sway bars were changed but the later years assure the metal links. Basically, the later you go the more refinement you will get.




late '01 had the piston upgrade then the first two weeks of '02 didn't and then they upgraded the pistons or did they upgrade them again???
Bill

 

As I recall, new coated pistons came into production in March 01 catching the end of the 01 model year. New higher tension napier rings were introduced at the beginning of 02 production for the LS6 and two weeks into 02 production on the LS1.

 

Thanks for all the feedback, I'm trying to talk the wife into a 2002+ Z06 but she likes the removeable top. I'm leaning towards a 2002+ C5 with the better rings.

 

Also what build date would I look for to ensure I got a C5 with the new rings?

 

My early build 01 has been great. No problems and doesn't have the ring problem. I passed up an 04 with slightly higher miles than my 01 even though everyone on the forum told me to go with the 04. I had a better feeling about the 01. I just felt it had been better cared for. After six months of ownership I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

This is my second Vette and each time I looked and looked through a number of cars before I felt comfortable. I've been fortunate to find well cared for cars that don't have many of the quirks that can be troublesome. My recommendation get a low mileage car and the newest you can afford and in this economy don't settle. Good Luck

 

Gentleman please resource your information , otherwise its just speculation or 'hear-say'.

According to Asst. Chief Engineer of Gen 3 Engine program John Juriga in a press conference at Irwindale in 2002, the new higher tension (13 lbs) oil ring was changed along with a more aggressive Napier scraper faced design for the number two (2) compression ring. The OEM 2001 M/Y engines have Napier scraper faced desgined ring but the new 2002 M/Y and warranty engines (http://www.rjsmith.com/gm-894549.html) are more aggressive. Napier scraper faced ring went into the 2002 model year (M/Y02) LS6 engines from day one , with the LS1 production engines receiving the new ring pack "within a couple of weeks afterwards". So it is across the board on both engines in 2002M/Y for rings.


Piston changes are different matter. Again same press conference with both Dave Hill , then Chief Corvette Porject Engineer (GMPT) and Asst Chief Engineer John Juriga addressing the redesigned "cold start piston knock" complaint piston; In mid-April 2001, there was a change to the LS1/LS6 piston that carried over to the 2002 model year (M/Y2002). This piston reduced the piston to cylinder wall clearance. Also added an anti-friction polymer coating to the lower piston skirt. These newer pistons were not a recall item but a customer "pleasability issue". Also noted were the facts that neither the new ring or piston changes showed lower power loss as might be expected with increased friction.

 

From the information I have seen on here you mentioned you wanted the Z06 but the wife wanted a removable top. So this is telling me that performance is not really the main concern. I have had two 99's a 2001 and an 02 all were M6 vehicles. In my opinion it does not seem like its gonna matter if you have bigger or better coated pistons or a better intake and so on I would then lean more towards having a model with better gearing such as the M6 with 3:42 gear ratio which will pull stronger from bottom than the auto and at the same time save three grand or so. On the flip side if you look and wait and be patient you will find some owners selling their 02 models and even 04 models for give away rock bottom deals. Just my multiple 02's

 

My opinion I would go for 2001 and up.

Many improvements – not the least of which is an improved Active Handling System.

My driver is a 2000 and I am very happy with the car, but the 2001 & up have lots of upgrades.

Good luck with your hunt.


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Funny thing,Corvette prices havent dropped a penny down here!

 

I am currently looking for a well maintained vette, year 2000 an down run about $13,000, year 2000 and up about $15,000 or $13,000 with higher miles within the 100,000 mile range. My question is with the piston and PCV pluming upgrade for the more reliable LS6 engine, would the dealership change the piston rings if they create a problem. I dont know since it wasnt a recall.

 

LOL That ship has long sailed!!!!!!

 

Haha....thats funny.....i guess im better going with the 01+ models, i dont want to do the mods to the 97- early 01 and change to the LS6 intake.

 

no problems with my 01, just lots of top down fun.