KBlanke

What is different if anything between the two? :confused: I may be looking to upgrade.

Tom T.

The shocks are definitely different, not sure if there's anything else.

TT :cheers:

1%r

:iagree:
That's all folks!
:seeya

Shylor

There are actually other minor interior differences that started in 2003. The headliners were thicker and the A-pillers and B-pillers were modified. LATCH child seat hooks were also added.

Beer:30

Also the rear sway bar bushings were softened.
On the interior there is aditional padding on the roof hoop above the driver head.
Also the shift boot was changed to vinyl. :rolleyes:

Goody

Besides what was already mentioned:

Mostly price difference is all. Seems like GM is wanting to charge a premium on every other color now........

Save your money. You can buy the shocks for $300. The Z16 is the only '04 worth upgrading too, but those are ugly expensive compared to all the other Z's at most dealerships.

Up to you though as it is your money. :yesnod:

DKTZ06

Don't forget the better A-arm bushings from the '03+ models. Not much noticeable performance gain ... more of a maintenance headache for us '02 owners.

smook

There is a major difference. The 02's can get the "piston-slap". NOT 03's or 04's !!

From 03 to 04, shocks and some suspension changes. That's it.
Price wise... 03 is the winner!!
Some people DO NOT like the ride difference from 02/03 to 04. 04 is not as firm a ride. I've driven both. Prefer 03!!

I had a yellow 02 and traded in to get a 03 black. Much happer with the ride and the way the entire car handles. GO TEST DRIVE A 03 and 04. Might be hard to find a 03 now.

GOOD LUCK.
Bill.

Shylor

So the 2004's Nurburgring tuned shocks are a softer ride? I thought they were supposed to be stiffer in the turns.

LTC Z06

They way you like you car to feel on the entrance and exit ramps is not necessarily the best way to be fast around a track. A suspension has to move, and the way shocks help carry a car through a corner and accelerate away from that corner are very important. Softer or not, I'd like to see the shock valve specs for all 4 years of the Z06. :yesnod:

GasmanZR1

They also took out the accessory wiring harness in the passenger footwell in 2004. I'm glad I didn't wait to get an '04 when I got my '03 Z, as this would really make me mad. I've got my V1 hardwired there in both my Vettes.

pnielsen

Not in my new torch red 2004 Z06. It is definitely leather... :jester

pnielsen

What wiring harness is this? Would the absence of this make a difference if installing a CD-changer?

NavyVet

DKTZ06 - Does this resolve the problem with the lower a-arms "sliding back" on the bushings? I'm planning to buy & this is a concern. Thanks, Paul :flag

DKTZ06

That is what the newer bushings were intended for. If you're getting an '04 (as your sig indicates), then it's already been done. You should have no worries.

Also, I forgot the fuel pump difference. The '03+ models have the fuel pump relocated (under the saddle bag tanks, IIRC?), thus making it harder to upgrade if need be in the future. Probably not a concern for those who plan to stay NA.

-Don

Goody

Little OT, Paul you coming to the next event out here? Which car you running if you do?

Shylor

You are incorrect. Starting in 2003 all Corvettes use vinyl shift and parking brake boots. Pull your shifter boot out and look at the back side to confirm this.

NavyVet

Kevin - I'm planning to come over for the practice day May 16th. I'm racing the '89. Got open track days or region SCCA events conflicting with almost every event until then. Plus getting ready for Convention in June. :flag

pnielsen

Ok if the parking brake boot is also vinyl, I stand corrected. One thing is for sure, they're both of the same material...