I have begun looking at C5's gaining information - which obviously lands me at this wonderful spot. THANKS ALL - the place is rock solid. I have several modded motorcycles that I am considering trading/ migrating a few for a Corvette. (Can only ride 1 at a time.)

I'm wondering what is a good place (or best place) is to understand what changes were made and available during the C5 years.

As I become more serious about purchasing my 2nd Corvette - I keep migrating newer and newer. If this continues to occur - I'll have plenty of time to do my research because of the cost curve I keep moving up. I can't climb the C6 Curve at this point in my life. I drove an 01 Z06 earlier today - just missed out on it before it was traded in on a truck (hmmmmmmm what rhymes with Truck? indeed.)

Therefore, my goal is to understand what tradeoff's I am willing to best afford. Please feel free to suggest any reference materials (books, websites, threads, friends, clubs, etc. (I live NE of St Louis)). Thank you for any assistance!

I see the sticky above here - it is great information and substantially appreciated.

 

There hasn't been very many cosmetic changes to the exterior unlike the C4. I know that they removed the keyhole on the passanger door.

The HP went from 345 to 350 I think in 2001 The Z06 went from 385 to 405 in 2002. Also they changed the wheels.

I know there is a website out there that has a list of the changes

 

C5 General is your best reference material... ...there are a lot of people that know a lot of stuff on here. Throw out some more specific questions...everyone on here is great, we'll help ya out.

 

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/index.html

 

Consider getting the Corvette Black Book - it is a good reference for changes made to the car.

 

Keep in mind that if your going to mod the car, the HP ratings won't matter. Maybe pay more attention to the options you would like to have.

 

Huge Thanks for the link; it's perfect!

And idea on Black Book - I will seek out more info on that option as well. I'll also ask here but don't want to ask the questions folks are already bored with answering (sorry in advance).

I think I will venture to Bloomington Gold in June via the scenic route on a Goldwing. Thanks to y'all (and available resources) I will be very informed by the middle of June.

thanks again!!

 

Solid idea too - Indeed, I'd prefer to get the car I want as opposed to trading through 3-4 and incurring those transaction costs.

 

Here's my list of changes over the years.

All of this information was collected from the Corvette Forum message board, so do not take it as absolute gospel. However, it should be somewhat close.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 (no fuel return line?)
Power telescoping wheel becomes an option
? Steering hardware changed to combat wandering
door sill trim plates added

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Aluminum automatic transmission cooler case (all models)
AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player now standard on Coupe and Convertible
AM/FM/Cassette only available with 12-disc CD changer on Coupe and Convertible

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003

Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's
2003 anniversary edition with Anniversary paint and decal option.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004

Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.
2004 Commemorative Editions. CE Z06 comes with carbon fibre hood and has decal package.

 

Stock Man - reads like music. Thanks!