LS1Bird

Hello all, I tried searching about the differences between an 03 and 04 Z06 and haven't found much. I heard that the 04 has a carbon fiber hood, but I also heard it was only on the Z16. Are the shocks also different? Thanks for any help and info.

Morzoff

The only difference between the 03/04 are the shocks/Shift fork, the 04 has both up-grades.
The C/F hood is only on the Z16 CE Z06, and only saves about 7lbs.

xilr8n

if it's an early '03 then the fuel system is upgraded. No video in the '04.

LS1Bird

Thanks for the info, I did notice the shifter felt better in the 04 vs the 03 that I test drove. As for the shocks, was the change performance oriented or just a more comfortable shock?
My concern with the test drive was the 04 seemed to have a noticable rattle in the exhaust.
As far as the video, is it something I need to watch? I know the 03 had a video in the glovebox. Thanks

MaverickC5

If the exaust rattles, have the dealer fix that first. The shifter is better feeling for a more positive shift. Especially when downshifting. ( Remeber the rev liniter is worthless if you are downshifting and hit the wrong gear at the right speed. The shocks seem to maintain or even better the handeling and they make absorbe bumps in a better more comforatble way. It's a nicely designed and refined car to close out the vintage.

Joe’s Z06

Rumours abound too that the 04's are tuned more aggressively than the 01-03's.

Fastgenious

Could explain why the 04's are known to throw codes with some of the aftermarket intake systems(Stinger etc).

LS1Bird

Put the car on a lift today and it's very clean underneath as expected. Seems at one time but not lately may have been a slight amount of fluid around the rear I'm guessing from the vent. Just enough for alittle bit of dirt to accumulate not much.
As far as the exhaust rattle, it does it but it's something internal inside the pipes. It's definately "in" the pipes. Anyone ever had this problem? I'm taking it by a Chevy dealer tomorrow to check service history and see what they think.
Also the car is clattering or pinging upon hard acceleration sometimes. I wonder if reg unleaded may have been put in it lately. The salesman said he didn't but you never know.
Other than that the car seems flawless. The only thing it's missing is memory seats and the dimming mirrors. Guess it didn't get any options. I wonder how hard memory seats would be to install in the system? My wife and I both will drive it and that'd be nice. Thanks again.

LS1Bird

That's very interesting. Something to look into.

rudyarias

I second that, my Z16 throws a code at least once a week. I have a Haltech Stinger in it

rudyarias

At what rpm does the "clatter/ping" starts and ends.

Z06machine

rear ctrl arm bushing material
rear sway bar bushing material
shocks- re valved, better turn in, exit, mid turn feel
shift forks - steel vs alum
pcm program
headliner (fatter, less headroom) who knows why?
ride height slightly lower 1/4" (observered only )
ls6 emblem on throttle body
fuel system vs. early 03 and all 01-02
thermostat config - back to the old way instead of part of housing
O2 sensor location - need extensions with supermaxx on 04 only
Machine silver color offered- the rarest color other than white in 01
Z16 package offered
Polished wheels offered, but never seen them on a non z16
No video-go to zo6vette.com and download it

all I know so far

LS1Bird

Found out the salesman I bought it from filled it up with low octane fuel. He's a nice guy, but he drives a Hyundai and there's a reason why. I should have stopped the evolution when he called on the phone to the manager asking me where the fuel door button was when I was signing the preliminary paperwork.
Just goes to show for Nissan, "look, but don't touch" saying applies on everything.
I ran it down to almost half a tank and filled it up with 93 and problem solved, thanks.

LS1Bird

Thanks man, that's good stuff.

l2vette

Carbon Fiber Hood saves 10+ pounds.

tramminc

anyone have a copy of that video

RAFTRACER

Some of the changes you are stating here actually took place on the '03 model year.

Z06machine

Video is posted on the Zo6vette.com website

Z06machine

I tried to note the late 03 changes. Some early 03's from what I understand did not have all the 03 upgrades. The source is one of the guys the GM techs call when they get stuck. If you have different, or believe some of the info is questionable, lets post it. The only thing I think may be in question is the shift forks change date. one post mentioned an 02 that got a trans replacement in 1/04 and the trans had the alum rods.....go figure.

debmwb

I'm wondering if that is true for the non-Z06's too. My '04 Coupe is quite sensitive to gas, and will pre-ignite in a heartbeat.