Buying a Z06

[Over-rev]

hey guys, new to forums here but am very familiar with cars(been a mechanic for bout 5 years now), and my all time fav is the vette.

im finally looking into buying a c5 zo6 and i have noticed that the 01 year model is way cheaper than the 02-04 405 hp modles. i know the mods to the 02 model years include some mods to the engine including lighter weight valves, less restrictive cats, and a different mass air flow unit, as well as a higher lift cam.

my question is, am i better off saving and getting an 01 instead of an 02 model with the 405 horse? i am going to replace the exhaust and install a high lift cam kit with stiffer springs and lighter valves, also the mass airflow unit (if not too problematic).

is the mass air conversion expensive or problimatic? is there other bennefits to the 02 modles that i am overlooking (differences in the trans/shift linkage/suspension/etc.)?

any help would greatly be apreciated and i hope to be cruising with a sweet zo6 sometime soon!

[dwjZ06]

Originally Posted by Over-rev

hey guys, new to forums here but am very familiar with cars(been a mechanic for bout 5 years now), and my all time fav is the vette.

im finally looking into buying a c5 zo6 and i have noticed that the 01 year model is way cheaper than the 02-04 405 hp modles. i know the mods to the 02 model years include some mods to the engine including lighter weight valves, less restrictive cats, and a different mass air flow unit, as well as a higher lift cam.

my question is, am i better off saving and getting an 01 instead of an 02 model with the 405 horse? i am going to replace the exhaust and install a high lift cam kit with stiffer springs and lighter valves, also the mass airflow unit (if not too problematic).

is the mass air conversion expensive or problimatic? is there other bennefits to the 02 modles that i am overlooking (differences in the trans/shift linkage/suspension/etc.)?

any help would greatly be apreciated and i hope to be cruising with a sweet zo6 sometime soon!

This has been covered alot here. 02's and up have the Head Up Display as well. 01's run very strong and stock for stock can hang just fine with 02-04's. Not all of them had the oil burning issue. Good buy if you plan on modding the car. Lot's of other post here on this issue so search when you can. Welcome to the site! Don

[Over-rev]

thanx for the responce, ill check into other threads for the year differences. a quick question as to the burning oil though. i thought all z06 motors (including the 01) had the pcv moved so it took care of the burning oil issue on earlier model vetts? or was this issue fixed later in the 01 year?

thanx for all the help

[bud miller]

the breather was supposed to be the fix,but ring tension was also an issue on some and its also been in 02's--lots of threads and gm tech bulletins on the whole deal...
but for whatever its worth, i had the valley cover re-seal and breather change on my 01 , and it took care of most of the oil issues..and that was 35k miles ago...love my 01-tires and battery is about all i have replaced in the last two yrs..runs great..check sig, and pic..with the few mods , mine dyoned fine , and will keep up with any stock 02-04, like said above...go with what you like and can afford..they are all great cars...

[dwjZ06]

Originally Posted by Over-rev

thanx for the responce, ill check into other threads for the year differences. a quick question as to the burning oil though. i thought all z06 motors (including the 01) had the pcv moved so it took care of the burning oil issue on earlier model vetts? or was this issue fixed later in the 01 year?

thanx for all the help

It L Go has a great post on all of the differences. Like Bud said the Valley seal issue was part of the oil burning too! Not all of them had a problem. Just look for the best maintained car you can swing, and you will like your choice in cars.

[Over-rev]

yeah thanx a ton guys. ill look into it a little more but from what i am seeing sofar ill prob just end up buying the cleanest and best maintained car for my price range. all the years from 01-04 seem like a good choice especially if im gonna switch out most of the stuff with aftermarket.

[DennyM]

Welcome to and good luck in the quest.
Patience is key.
Here's some links:
Looking at buying my first Z06
Buying a Z, need help!!
01 Z's???