Thinking of buying a '02 Z06
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Maypearl, TX
Thinking of buying a '02 Z06 Little background first. I've only recently had this fast car bug. I'd always driven SUV's or PU's. I bought a 82 third gen last year, and had a LT1 dropped in, then a H/C. Runs really well, but...it's not a vette! Always wanted one. I can't afford the price tag on a C6, so I'm looking at a 02/03 Z06. OK...since I'm new to this scene, what will I need to look for when buying a used vette? Are high miles ok with these LSX engines? How well do these cars take to mods, and what would one have to do to pull a 03/04 completely stock Cobra? Thanks in advance!
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Maypearl, TX
Thanks Booost Almighty...it will probably be a after the new year before I plan to make the purchase. I did see your car...very clean and nice, and a great price! I just don't want to be bogged down financially over the holidays; kids would be very very upset with me, LOL.
Any information on what to look for when I do purchase one? I've heard to be kind of leary of the '01's??? Is that true? Any help would be greatly appreciated guys!
Any information on what to look for when I do purchase one? I've heard to be kind of leary of the '01's??? Is that true? Any help would be greatly appreciated guys!
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Lincolnton, NC
THe 01's are fine cars but they did have a oil consumption issue. I would not be afraid of an 01 if the price is right and she was in great shape. However, I would look for an 02-04 as my main focus. The upgrades from year to year are notable with the 02 having the bigger upgrades from the previous year. Go to Z06vette.com and search the threads for more info.
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From: Maypearl, TX
Originally Posted by ram-it
THe 01's are fine cars but they did have a oil consumption issue. I would not be afraid of an 01 if the price is right and she was in great shape. However, I would look for an 02-04 as my main focus. The upgrades from year to year are notable with the 02 having the bigger upgrades from the previous year. Go to Z06vette.com and search the threads for more info.
RT
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From: Puget Sound, WA
All you need to take out a stock cobra in 02-04 Z06 is some seat time. maybe tires/tune to be on the safe side. Z06 has quite a weight advantage and first gear is insane.
As far as buying, I would do either 02 (most bang for the buck) or 04 (best C5 ever built). Keep you options open though - I was looking for 02 but then came across a local 03 that was really clean.
Shoot for low miles or transferrable extended warranty. Not saying it will break, but parts/repairs are crazy expensive on these cars. Look for the one that still has stock tires with little wear - almost guaratees no abuse.
Good luck!
As far as buying, I would do either 02 (most bang for the buck) or 04 (best C5 ever built). Keep you options open though - I was looking for 02 but then came across a local 03 that was really clean.
Shoot for low miles or transferrable extended warranty. Not saying it will break, but parts/repairs are crazy expensive on these cars. Look for the one that still has stock tires with little wear - almost guaratees no abuse.
Good luck!
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I was shopping for the same thing you are last spring. I ended up buying an '02 with 11k miles and the original tires i decent shape, I paid around 32k. I have been very happy with it and have had no problems in the 7k miles I put on it this summer. As far as pulling on stock '03-04 cobra's, I have had no problem with them at the track and a couple of highway runs. I have even taken out a few pulled ones at the track.
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Teching In
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Kansas City, MO
I concur with the above recommendations. My first Vette was my 02. I recently picked up an 01. I would not have bought an 01 but I have built a different motor for it and the stock engine will be removed. As it has been said, some 01s had ring issues, that alone would have shy'd me away from them had it not been for my intent to mod.
Originally Posted by DocT
Thanks for all the input! Still looking, and I'll definitely check out corvette palace.
RT
RT
I don't know if you've checked out his car yet, but "BOOOST ALMIGHTY" has a real clean '02 at a great price!
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...33#post3835833
Originally Posted by Nautilus
I don't know if you've checked out his car yet, but "BOOOST ALMIGHTY" has a real clean '02 at a great price!
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...33#post3835833
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...33#post3835833
You must have missed the first reply to this thread, huh?!?
Originally Posted by DocT
It does deserve a second look! 
It's beautiful! Unfortunately, my loan will only be valid if I buy from a dealer 
It's beautiful! Unfortunately, my loan will only be valid if I buy from a dealer 
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Burleson, Tx
I haven't had any problems with my 01 z06... it runs great and strong! When I was totally stock I put about a car and a half to 2 cars on 03 Cobra's that were stock on the highway. I raced a pullied (15lbs)/tuned/exhaust/filter 03 Cobra awhile back on the highway and I still started to pull on him... at the time I had full exhaust & filter on my z06.
I hope that helps you get an idea as far as your 03/04 Cobra question...
Good luck on your search!
I hope that helps you get an idea as far as your 03/04 Cobra question...
Good luck on your search!
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,157
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From: Texas
Cobras are around 500 MORE lbs then our cars.
So thats a pretty big disadvantage
Z06
Exterior
Length: 179.7 in. Width: 73.6 in.
Height: 47.7 in. Wheel Base: 104.5 in.
Curb Weight: 3116 lbs.
Cobra
Exterior
Length: 183.5 in. Width: 73.1 in.
Height: 52.5 in. Wheel Base: 101.3 in.
Curb Weight: 3665 lbs.
So thats a pretty big disadvantage
Z06
Exterior
Length: 179.7 in. Width: 73.6 in.
Height: 47.7 in. Wheel Base: 104.5 in.
Curb Weight: 3116 lbs.
Cobra
Exterior
Length: 183.5 in. Width: 73.1 in.
Height: 52.5 in. Wheel Base: 101.3 in.
Curb Weight: 3665 lbs.
