DannyG

Hey all,

I'm looking at picking up a C5Z to turn into a street legal track car. Mainly for HPDE events and the like. Got two possibilities I'm considering right now but having a hard time deciding between the two, so I want your opinions... Both have clean titles, no accidents and will be inspected prior to buying.

Option 1
Black/Black 2002 Z06 with 48k miles
2 Owner car from California, now in WA
Only mods are a C6Z shifter and a Borla axle back
Great condition in and out
$18,500

Option 2
Silver/Black 2004 Z06 with 43k miles
1 Owner car from California, now in WA
Bone stock but making some odd noises under hard acceleration... Rattling sound from rear - May be mufflers?
Good condition with some very minor paint damage in a couple of spots
$20,000

As I write this out, it seems like the 2002 is the better choice but I also know the 2004 have better shocks out of the box, and doesn't have the valve spring issue.

Give this info, which route would you go?

Thanks, in advance!

wscott62893

If you plan to inspect in detail prior to buying, I would lean towards the 04. Considering the several improvements to the later year Zs, it'd be a better starting platform then the 02. You could also use the rattling noise to your advantage. If you are able to figure out what it is, you can use it as a bargaining chip to get the seller down closer to lower his price.

You might be able to end up with the newer, lower mileage car for the same price as the 02. Good luck!

DannyG

One thing I didn't love on the 04 was that the block was super gunked up around the heads - Probably 1/4" thick of black, oil-like residue build up. You can kind of see it in this photo.

ArmchairArchitect

Option 1. While 2002/2003 has the valvespring issue/risk, it's a heck of a lot easier and cheaper to replace than the 2004 fuel tank issues/risk (due to a poor redesign).

And if you're doing HPDEs I would probably preventatively replace the valvesprings anyway, regardless of year.

There are no other "improvements" from 2002 to 2004 as another poster mentioned.

Trash

I'd go for the 2002. $70 for new valve springs if you are so inclined. The difference in shocks is not measurable. Even so, you can purchase 2004 shocks and install them on the 2002. Between that and the valve spring cost it is still less than the as advertised $1500 difference in price and we haven't even touched on the fuel tank issue that was mentioned. And to say the 2004's are immune from the valve spring issue is not accurate.

Old School

Option 1 - Valve springs are cheap and easy fix and you may want to replace the shocks anyway on a 15 yr old car that you want to do some HPDE

Lingenfelter

Vetteman Jack

I'd lean towards the '02, especially since it is in better condition cosmetically and possibly mechanically.

DannyG

Appreciate everyone's feedback here. Sadly, it looks like the 02 isn't going to work out due to timing as they guy is moving out of state this week. Though you've all given me a lot to think about as I continue my hunt. Sounds like an 02 is the way to go - I've had two, both of which were phenomenal, so why not another? Truly appreciate all the feedback!

wscott62893

billy mild

Change the valve springs regardless.

killian96ss

Go for an 02 even if it does need valve springs. They are easy to replace plus you'll have fresh springs to abuse at the track and less to worry about with the fuel system. As far as shocks go for The DRM Bilsteins which are better than the 04 shocks and better for HDPE.

Steve

ElisTwoCents

I'd go with the 1st car listed (2002)

DannyG