I really want a Z but I might only be able to afford a 2001 which I believe is the 385hp Z instead of the 405hp Z. Could someone compare and contrast the 2001 zO6 and the 2002+ zO6? Would it be wise to look for a nice, well taken care of 2001 instead of a newer model? Are they that much faster? Any reliability/durability issues?

 

You'll hear alot of opinions here mainly from the guys that have the '02+ and they'll say "blah blah blah"

and also from the guys with the '01's that will say "blah blah blah."


Here's my blah....

I own an '01.... and I also work in a Corvette only dealership that lets me drive everything from a $250,000 irreplacable '67 to a beater C4....

(a link to a $250,000 test drive (1 of 4 in existence that sold for $300k at Barret Jackson....during the last 3 mintues the car is driven as close to full considering it's consigned and irreplacable-- at 6 minutes,15 seconds the video becomes magic!!!) http://videos.streetfire.net/video/A...-of_135072.htm )

The 20hp difference will almost not be felt in most cars.... I've felt freak '01's like mine and dog '04 Commeratives...

Buy your '01 or '02+ and love it because it's YOURS..... with a bigger cam and headers who cares that the '02 has 30 thousands more lift on the cam when you've added one HUNDRED thousands lift and 10 POINTS in duration with an aftermarket camshaft... and who cares if you have 4 cats (01) instead of 2 (02+) when you've got long tube headers and you've deleted the cats anyway...

My $.02

 

What about reliability/durability? They say stay away from the first year of XYZ car usually.

 

I thought that the above post would add some credibility, but judging by the time it took for you to pose your response I doubt you even looked.... or let any comment sink in...

To say it another way...

I drive an '01 and love it.... I'm hard on my cars... I'm easy on cars that aren't mine.... but I drive my stuff like it's stolen (within reason of safety and margin)

Who cares about Zo6's? get a base C5 and you'd be happy...

Have you driven ANY C5?

 

I read it, and I have driven a 1999 A4 Vert (2 of them) a 2001 A4 Coupe and a 2004 zO6 (pewter I believe) but I did not have much seat time with the Z.

 

No Zo6 (04 or ANY year) was ever pewter... if you drove one I'm sure you'd remember.

 

It was a year ago, at Pape Mitsubishi in South Portland, ME. It must have been silver, the test drive was a total of about 5-6 miles, one highway on ramp pull and then nothing but traffic. The car had 8,000 miles on it or so. Why in the hell would I lie about test driving a car? Seriously

 

Fine.... fine...

Good luck man, what I had to say was mainly in my first post...

Maybe others will chime in with their opinions..

I will say though, ANY Corvette bought in good condition is a great automobile to have....

I support America in every way, choosing a Corvette is a great choice.

 

I'm an '02 owner and I say steer clear of the '01's I'm just kidding. The above statement is completely true about modding. The minimal power difference is easily surpassed with a cam. Hell I'm sure an '01 with a CAI, LT's, and dyno tune will pull a bone stock '02. Point being that they're pretty close in my opinion. I say get the best condition car you can afford whether it's an '01 or '02+. They both handle like a dream, look the same (minus the "405HP" on the badge), and you'll be happy in either one.

 

I looked around for a awhile and it was between a 01(red) 02 and 03 electron blue Z06's and I choose the red one cause' it had less miles 47K to the blue 02 60.5K and the 03 50th anniversary model with 55k miles it's quick and now quicker with CAI,full exhaust and a big nasty cam and nitrous going in next week along with a great TUNE!

 

Shop around, 1 year isn't going to make that big of difference.

 

It is if you get an 01 that consumes oil

I say get an 02 + but that's just me. I would not buy a base C5 over a Z. I mean maybe if your driving around in a beater and going to a Vette yeah it would be a nice jump, but I wouldnt buy a Vette if it wasnt a Z or boosted

 

The only way i would buy an 01 is if it was speedway white. the prices shoudl be relitivly coles 01 to 02 and 20 hp is 20 hp. ultimatly its your choice. just my $.02

 

Here is a good website show what is the diffrent from 97 to 04.

http://www.jakelatham.com/c5/misc/differences.shtml

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

 

I have a friend with a 03 Z06 with Vararam Intake and I have a 01 Z06 with Halltech Intake.... Side by side all they until around 130 or so and then thats when his extra power lets him edge me out.... Barely.

I have an 01 Z06 with 19k miles on it and love it!!!! Like JOSHUA said.... There were only a few changes that made the 20hp difference. Change the cam and put a fulle exhaust on it and a 01 will put down what a 02+ will....

Good Luck!!!

 

After reading Moonder's post I would say all you would need is a cam with .025" more lift and ditch the "pupcats" to reach '02+ power levels.

 

i drive an 01 ZO6 and i love it...now there are bullitens about 01's consuming oil(ive heard a select amount of 02's as well) but i have gone 3000miles and was only 1/2 quart MAYBE 1quart low...that bothers alot of people...it doesnt bother me b/c im about to change it at 3k any way...ive had mine dynoed (BONE stock for now) and it dynoed 320.6 whp and 318.3 lbtq....keep in mind most cars lose about %12-15 thru the drivetrain...thats about 60hp...im right where i should be...the way i see it u wont be dissapointed, wether its an 01 or 02