What are the differences in the Corvette from year to year?

[Vindicated]

I'm thinking about getting a C5, probally a 97-99 due to the price. But I was wondering if there are any differences between the yaers for the engines and such like f-bods(LS6 intake, EGR, cam etc...)

any help is appreciated..

:)

[Joey Walnuts]

Alls I can tell you is that vettes don't have EGR.

[MillenniumVette]

97-99 I think the engines were pretty much the same. I believe there were only cosmetic changes during those years. 99 was the first year for thr FRC (Fixed Roof Coupe).

[Patman]

X-trooper has a huge list on here of all the changes from year to year, so if he sees this he'll post it I'm sure.

[XTrooper]

Here you go! :cool:

When I go to Carlisle this year, I'm going to pick up the 2004 Edition of the Black Book and I'll add the last two years for the C5 to this list.

Improvements made over the 1997 model year for the 1998 model year:
Noise reduction measures included revised accessory drive tensioner, removal of the alternator rear brace to eliminate high-rpm whine, and clips to better hold window glass to seals during high-speed operation. A quieter electric fuel pump was used after the start of the 1998 production.
Steering castor angle was increased for improved tracking and Selective Real Time Damping was modified for better wheel control.
The transmission cooler changed from copper-nickel to stainless steel.
The multi-piece cooling fan shroud was replaced by a one-piece unit.
A second-gear start select mode was added to automatic transmissions to limit wheel spin on slippery surfaces.
Improvements made over the 1998 model year for the 1999 model year:
Steering hardware was modified for extra sensitivity and less "wander."
Improvements made over the 1999 model year for the 2000 model year:
The passenger-side key cylinder lock was eliminated. It was deemed unnecessary with keyless entry, since the driver's side cylinder lock could still be used in case of battery failure.
The tension of the spring that located the shifter between first-second gear gate and the fifth-sixth gate in manual transmissions was increased to provide a better sense of gear location and selection (interim 1999).
Two seals were redesigned to reduce water intrusion. The seal at the top of the windshield pillar was changed to minimize water entry when a door was opened. The coupe hatch seal was changed to better direct water away from the interior when the hatch was opened (interim 1999).
Seat belt lap retractor snorkels were added to smooth lap belt webbing retraction. Also, the angle of the seat belt latch plates was changed to ease the buckling-in action.
Dual Zone Air Conditioning calibrations were revised to improve comfort and defrosting, to clarify memory function, and to reduce noise.
Seat materials and construction were changed to improve long-term durability. Some changes were phased in during 1999 production.
Improvements made over the 2000 model year for the 2001 model year:
LS1 horsepower increased from 345hp to 350hp.
Manual transmission synchronizers were upgraded with carbon blocker rings on all forward gears. Automatics were smoother at engagement due to new alternator clutch pulley that allowed lower engine idle. Automatic transmission case weight was trimmed by 3.3 pounds.
Maximum oil change interval increased from 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
Second-generation active handling was standard with all 2001 models.
Convertible top noise was reduced with better weather stripping and a new, double-thickness twill material. Noise in all models was reduced by addition of an expandable foam baffle inside the lower lock pillar.
Lighter, more durable Absorbent Glass Mat batteries were standard with all 2001 models.
Improvements made over the 2001 model year for the 2002 model year:
Automatic transmission cooler cases were changed from stainless steel to aluminum.
Floor mats were standard with all models.
Front stabilizer links were changed from rolled rod steel to aluminum for weight savings. Intended for Z51 or FE4 (Z06) suspensions, the links were used on all 2002 models for assembly consistency.
Convertibles equipped with head-up display and all Z06s had a thinner 4.8mm windshield compared to the standard 5.4mm, a weight savings of 2.65 pounds per car. Convertibles without head-up display and all coupes continued to have the thicker windshield.
The LS6 engine, standard with all Z06 models, increased in output from 385 to 405 horsepower. Torque increased from 385 to 400 lb-ft. Front fender badges for Z06 models included the 405 HP designation.
LS6 exhaust back pressure was reduced 16% by the removal of two small catalytic converters in the takedown pipes, leaving only the larger, primary under-floor converters. Though the shape and size of the two larger converters remained the same, their internal composition of palladium and rhodium was altered so that Nationwide Low Emissions Vehicle standards could be met. The camshaft was redesigned with the highest lift in small-block Chevy history. The increased lift resulted in a 5% increase in air flow through the cylinder chamber. Valve spring material composition was changed to increase seat load by 14%.
LS6 intake and exhaust valves were a new, lighter design. Intake valves were hollow. Exhaust valves, which operate at higher temperature, were hollow but filled with a liquid alloy of 78% potassium and 22% sodium for better heat transfer. The valvetrain's weight was reduced by 0.81 pounds, which improved valve seating at high rpm.
Airflow over the LS6's MAF sensor was increased by removal of gridwork that had been used to smooth air flow. MAF software was recalibrated to read air flow without the grid. Also, LS6's air cleaner housing had a larger intake to increase air flow about 5%. The air cleaner element itself was unchanged.
Appearance of Z06 aluminum wheels was the same, but they were "cast spun" instead of forged for weight savings of 1.3 pounds per car.
Other Z06 upgrades included revised rear shock absorber valving for better traction and smoother ride over rough surfaces, improved clutch, thicker front anti-sway bar, and a modified steering rack that reduced turning radius by about two feet. Z06 and export models also had new front brake pad composition for reduced fade and increased durability.

Information obtained from the "Corvette Black Book 1953-2002" by Mike Antonick.

[Vindicated]

Thanks Xtrooper thats exactly what I was looking for
:2thumbs: :beer:

[XTrooper]

Originally posted by slow and low
Thanks Xtrooper thats exactly what I was looking for
:2thumbs: :beer:

You're very welcome! :cool:

[MagRedC5]

Originally posted by XTrooper
You're very welcome! :cool:

Hey Steve,

What is your opinion of the C6 coming out next year? I'm not thrilled about the front end Chevron Smilie face but the lateral view is starting to grow on me, very slowly. The front end of the C6 looks like a C5 had a late night cruise with a Viper, then 9 months later came baby C6.

I just think the C5, especially 2001 & up, is a masterpiece that only needed a little refinement with the interior in the C6 upcoming version. However, the added 50hp out of the factory is :D .

BTW, I'm looking forward to the C6 Z06 with the possible 500bhp :eek:

Always appreciate your input. BTW2, when you & yours moving down to San Antonio, TX? ;)

[XTrooper]

Originally posted by MagRedC5
Hey Steve,

What is your opinion of the C6 coming out next year?

Always appreciate your input. BTW2, when you & yours moving down to San Antonio, TX? ;)

Hey, Cary! :D

The Corvette is and always has been "America's Sports Car" and I see way too much Japanese and European influences in the C6's styling to suit my tastes. I don't care for it.

I'd move tomorrow if possible, but we have Judy's elderly parents to consider so the move is on hold.

[MagRedC5]

Originally posted by XTrooper
Hey, Cary! :D

The Corvette is and always has been "America's Sports Car" and I see way too much Japanese and European influences in the C6's styling to suit my tastes. I don't care for it.

I'd move tomorrow if possible, but we have Judy's elderly parents to consider so the move is on hold.
Hello Steve,

Well, we are in definite agreement over the C6 Coupe. I wonder if the C6 Vert will have any unique saving qualities? I am looking forward to the Z06 version that I've heard may be a little different in appearance & have 500bhp straight out of the factory.

I certainly respect & appreciate the move being on hold. Now, you realize your in-laws would just love Central Texas. ;)