What's the difference?

[Hotrod]

I love Corvettes and hope to have one in the next few years but I've never really been around them much. I've looked at them on Autotrader, and I'm curious as to what's the difference in styling between 2000-2002. Wether it's a 2000, 2001, or 2002, they look the exact same except for the wheels. Am I missing something, or do they in fact look the same? Maybe it's hard to tell by just looking at pics. Also, what does HUD mean (probably a stupid question, but some say it and some don't). And finally, is there a conversion kit available to make the headlights a projection headlight just like the new Vettes? Thanks for the info. I'm just day dreaming about driving that Vette but know nothing about them...except that they're fast!

[predator]

to my knowledge from 1997 to 2003 maybe 04 all c5s look the same... (maybe some minor stuff).... HUD is heads up display.... and its freaking sweet... and yes there are headlights... i breathless makes the ones for t/a's im not sure about who makes them for vettes... but they arent cheap $1500ish i think...

sorry cant help you out more... and i want to add to this and know what performance differences there are... what year had what... and if they had egr's, smog pumps, intake differences... so forth...

-me

[Quicksilver Vert]

You're right,styling on C5 Corvettes remained the same throughout the 97-04 production run.Wheels changed to thin spokes in 2000,and HP went from 345 to 350 HP in 2001 due to improvements in the heads and intake manifold.The Z06 was also introduced in 2001 with the 385 HP LS6 engine.HUD became available in 1999,and is a "must have" option in my opion.Good luck with your search!

[mbrownin]

You're right,styling on C5 Corvettes remained the same throughout the 97-04 production run.Wheels changed to thin spokes in 2000,and HP went from 345 to 350 HP in 2001 due to improvements in the heads and intake manifold.The Z06 was also introduced in 2001 with the 405 HP LS6 engine.HUD became available in 1999,and is a "must have" option in my opion.Good luck with your search!
The 1st Z06's were rated at 385 hp. They went to 405 a little later, not sure which year, I think it was '02.

[EE1983]

The 1st Z06's were rated at 385 hp. They went to 405 a little later, not sure which year, I think it was '02.


Thats right. Introduction year (2001) they were 385, then in 2002 they bumped it up to 405.

[Quicksilver Vert]

I stand corrected.The Z06 in 2001 was rated at 385 HP.Thanks Guys!

[Hotrod]

So if they are basically the same styling is there anything that would persuade a person to buy one year as opposed to the next? Obviously mileage but if you could find like a 1998 with low miles would it be worth buying or keep looking for like a 2001 with low miles? If they look the same what's the breaking point on deciding between a 1997 model and a 2001 model? I'd obviously want the LS1 which I'm not sure when that came out but don't understand how you would pick from year to year if your essentially getting the same car? Is it personal preference?

[502ci]

Save money for mods and buy a 97 they are cheaper (older). No HUD available that year though, I`ve managed to live fine without it.:yup:

[Quicksilver Vert]

It is pretty much personal preference when you're looking to buy a C5.
All years were powered by the LS1 engine,which was introduced in 1997.The only other engine,the LS6,powered the 2001-2004 Z06 Corvette.The minor changes to the LS1,which I posted earlier,were made in 2001.Active Handling was also improved in 2001.1997's are basically the the same car,but keep in mind that they are getting close to 10 years old.Most are getting up in milage,or have had multiple owners.1997's were also the fewest C5's produced,and may be harder to find now.