kapureef

What's the best year to buy C5 Zo6?

grantv

Generally the last year in a line is best. 02 to 04 had a bit more power. Later years had minor refinements... but they're all good I'd say.

ArmchairArchitect

I'd go 02 or 03, just plan on replacing the valve springs (cheap and easy) for safe measure.

04 has a design flaw with the fuel tank crossover prone to failure and it's extremely difficult/costly to fix.

kapureef

thank you for your input.
Any thoughts on the 01 Zo6? I know they have less power, but any mechanical problems to worry about?

WA 2 FST

Piston design of the '01 created some oil consumption issues, if I recall ... at least that was the early reports.

~Josh

I have an 01z and it does consume oil I'd say 3 quarts per 4k mile interval. That's partly because I drive the car pretty hard and its said that piston ring flutter is mainly the cause of consumption. Flutter happens when you rev match to a lower gear for braking or getting set for a turn at speed, hold through the turn and rpm out of it then bang the next gear. North Ga mountains make for a nice run.

The 01 had 20 less HP due to the .025thousand less cam lift and 4 cats instead of 2.
Changing the cam and headers wipes away any gain the 02+ has if both cars get the same mods.

All that said, I agree that 02-mid 03 are the best choices all things considered.

AwesomeC5

I have a 2002 Z06.....and am biased.....love the car!!

vazo6

only a few 01s had this issue i believe.

I jave never had to add a drop of oil between changes.

ZEEZERO-6

04, last year and you don't have to worry about valve spring failure, if the gas tank was going to be an issue it would have manifested by now the car is 14 years old ... but nothing wrong with any choice you make.

01 does not have HUD

kapureef

Thank you all for your input. I can now make a better decision when I buy.
I have been gathering input for a couple of months. I know I don't know it all but every little bit helps.
Thanks again

Quickshift_C5

I'd disagreee with the others and say a LOT of 2001's had oil consumptions issues. Both the folks with 01's had the problem, and now I'm adding to it. So that's 4 out of 4 cars.

I have two 2001 C5Z's, both with oil consumption issues even when driven lightly. It's not the end of the world, you just keep it full. Both cars I found that worked for me just happened to be 2001's. Since I mod them, the year was irrelevant.

The 2003 model is the only I know of with no reported history of issues, but the 2004 is great as well. For anyone looking for a ZO6, I usually steer them toward the 03/04 models. As mentioned, you can't go wrong with any year ZO6 though...especially if you mod the things.

vazo6

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-z06-discussion/poll-1504944-2001-z06-oil-conmption.html

looks like 3 out of 10 cars for 2001 did burn oil.

RomanNYC

04 had steel shift forks, my 03 doesn't and this issue is going to cost $$$$$

the 2004 is the only year with the steel fork upgrade.

Spaggs

From what I've heard, the late 2003 and 2004 models had their fuel filter placed inside the fuel tank. If anybody knows different, please correct me.

I've got an early 03'. Fuel filter on the outside.

Spaggs

nsogiba

I'd say 2017 is the best year to buy a C5Z. Better hurry though, only a month left.

radar502

Yes the fuel filter is on the inside of my 04 and the pump comes out from the top so YEP have to drop the tank PITA for sure .. I am sure that all 04s have the inside filter and have the pump coming from the top of the tank .. The 04 is the best C-5 but a few things have been changed on them like the fuel pump that make working on harder than should be ,I think just the fuel tanks..I have a 04 Z great ride ..

gmanflying

Early 2002 is the best year. Right before all the major valve issues and great power. Basically all the strengths with very little weaknesses.

Lingenfelter

This is true. I did research before I bought mine (02) and found no problems concerning the valve issues on the early '02's. Mine has a built date of 8/01. But you can't go wrong with
Any of them.

zeevette

My '02 hasn't had the valvespring issue; built 11/01, but I put Trickflow heads on it in about 2005.