2002 Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06 Review

My review of the C5 Z06 Corvette.
More on the aftermarket seats: • How to install afterma...

[@alexbrutlag8038]

Honestly one of the better reviews I’ve seen. No idiotic music, or “Please subscribe” in the first 5 seconds. Just informative and straight to the point

[@valausgarage7318]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Viper3048]

Something else you may not have realized... your car's taillights have been modified. They sit more flush with the bumper. The stock ones were more in set and pushed further back, which I personally prefer. But just wanted to point that out. The tail lights originally didn't look that way.

[@Zam___]

Owned my 03 z06 for almost a year. got it from the original owner with 50k miles. i have loved every single second of owning it. Also it is my daily

[@thubb6]

When he said the stock shifter is “absolute trash” 🤣🤣😭😭 Couldn’t agree more

[@TheTschikof]

I changed the stock shifter last month and put a new MGW shifter in the car. Soooo much better.

[@CheesyAssBalls]

GM engineers patented it the "ThroCast"

[@TheTschikof]

I own a c5 z06 torch red, and I love it so much.I drive it in Europe, so it is a vey rare care here. Love Vettes

[@mikeel23]

My dream car as a kid and still is as an adult 😍

[@KA-te7xk]

I own a original 2003 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Corvette Special Red. ONLY 1,800 ORIGINAL MILES SHOWROOM CONDITION. 6SPD MANUAL 2 Targa Tops !

[@michaellau4856]

Nice! Highly recommend you go drive it some - it's even more fun while it's moving I promise you!

[@KA-te7xk]

@@michaellau4856 💯💯

[@bcarss1970]

Good for you Maverick!

[@merlingt1]

Good review but preferring a targa over the fixed roof couple in a car like this is plain gross. The FRC is probably the most defining feature that makes this car stand out from the base....and yes I know there were base FRCs but those are even more rare.

[@cnknguyen]

good review, no stupid intros and more signal w/ less noise. I love my 02 Z as well.

[@CheesyAssBalls]

yea but that pokemon hat...

[@a-stiffie4183]

DUDE! Great video! my channel is legit all about me doing POV Driving in my C5 Z06 and god are they great cars! Keep up the good work!

[@srvmotoman]

Great review. I'm looking to buy my first sports cars and this was informative about the C5 Z06.

[@bcarss1970]

Exhaust did not seem too loud. Those crooked exhaust tips would bother me. I would get an air intake and clean up the engine, heads, intake etc. I know a couple of guys who have had these cars and yes the audio is bad. I drove both of them on some twisties and they are fun. Only better car I drove was 1998 Viper. I am waiting for one in the color I want with reasonable miles that is a one owner, bone stock. Looks like a nice buy. Congrats.

[@LonewolfDusk]

Got one exactly like this one last summer with 14K miles. Favorite car I've ever owned

[@valausgarage7318]

geraud bartels nice! 14k!!! That means its been driven less than a thousand miles a year since it was new. Amazing!

[@LonewolfDusk]

Valau's Garage Yep! Still has new car smell. I’m up to around 16K now but I’m actually just trying to keep things nice. Only drive on weekends

[@rickhunter6513]

geraud bartels what did it cost you to get one with that low miles?

[@CheesyAssBalls]

@@valausgarage7318 ok boomer

[@darrylsjodin7184]

Hey, I have a black 03 Z and love it! I noticed with your ghetto mod air filter that water can run in through the crack in the front hood joint and get the filter wet. They make a black gasket that sticks to the nose cone joint where the screws are and seals to the hood, preventing water and dirt infiltration, to keep your filter dry! FYI

[@Viper3048]

Another note: I love seeing Asians embaracing cars like these. It is SO stereotypical to see them driving Japanese cars... people are so surprised when they see an Asian guy driving a car like this. To be honest, I feel many Asians are pressured into certain cars just based on what their friends drive and many never even get to experience a car like the C5 Z06. It's good to see that brand bias isn't affecting some of the newer generation of performance car enthusiasts. The C5 Z06 is a beast of a car and deserves more attention from the automotive community. Most people don't realize how capable these cars are, whether in stock form or modified. I hope you enjoy it, it's refreshing to see a young Asian guy enjoying a car that carries the unfair stigma of being an "older guy's car" when in reality it is a performance beast capable of keeping up with the world's best. EDIT: I've owned 2 base model C5 Corvettes. I'm 27 years old and really respect these cars, they are awesome to own.

[@CheesyAssBalls]

you should see the JDM brand on his ass

[@daniellocke9534]

I still have my 2001 Z06!i am the original owner

[@rickhunter6513]

C5 is one of my favorite corvette body styles. It actually looks like a corvette unlike the current iteration. ZO6 is the one to own👍🏼

[@MF-Rell]

And trust me they say the master cylinder has issues, just get a stage 2 clutch from clutch max on ebay, the shit is underrated and it comes with a year warranty just make sure you break it in. No more clutch pedal sticking to the floor.

[@MF-Rell]

You can order that door part for 5 bucks, I addressed all the petty shit for cheap

[@OraclesofGod777]

That face he made was hilarious when he played that Bose radio speakers lol! Thank you for the review!

[@MrGflan]

Nice Z!! I originally test drove a black C5z like that and loved it. I ended up buying a white Ron Fellows C6Z last year and it’s also super fun. Someday I do want to pick up a C5z like yours though!!

[@odfarmboy]

I think the stock seats are fine, the interior doesn't look "gross", and my Bose system sounds decent, maybe there is something wrong with yours.

[@tonywestbrook6436]

I spent an extra 13K getting mine where GM left off before they should have. C5 Z's are the best bang for the buck. Interior just plain sucks and your Corbeau seats are a definite upgrade. Check out Caravaggio Corvettes and get an upgraded steering wheel that looks stock but is much better and completes the interior with a better modern look. And for handling, install GM T1 sways and it'll light the vette up in the curves. Of course I have to throw in an opinion about your exhaust. Corsa is better than the BB. And they look better in appearance. And they're loud but only when you stomp it. Hardly no drone under cruising speeds. You got a good deal on your vette as long as everything works. LS motors don't even get warmed up until they hit 100,000 miles and getting more HP from these motors are endless without compromising the Integrity of the motor. Check out mine if you'd like. Look up "Vengeance Racing C5 Z06" to see one of my vids. Have fun but stay safe.

[@michaellau4856]

Thanks for the comment! I definitely agree - I would love a Corsa exhaust but just have found the budget or time to get it done. Will definitely check out the sway bars and the steering wheel though. sound legit!

[@superspeeder]

Dude, I'm not going to try to convince anyone that the C5 interior is high quality, but about 80% of what's wrong with yours is because previous owners screwed it up royally. I have an '02Z as well with over 120k miles and the interior is still in great shape. The only issue with mine is the foam in the lower driver's side seat cushion has started to degrade and I can feel one of the springs through the leather. With high mileage like this I'm willing to give it a pass, and it might be a good reason for a seat upgrade. I've had mine since 2004 and I have no regrets. Even today it's a plenty fast car, and with super sticky Nitto R compound tires the limits are so high in corners there's no way you can explore them on the street. Congrats on the cool car!

[@tonywestbrook6436]

It was a downer to see how bad his interior looks. The engine was dirty, too. Somebody didn't care about that Vette and it pissed me off a little. I recommend a set of Corbeau A4 racing seats. I love mine.

[@ugutierrez55]

Best way I can describe how the corvette drives is like driving a truck, feels like a truck because of the wide turn radius and feel of the steering wheel but in twisties as capable as a 2 door 4 banger.

[@michaellau4856]

Never thought about it that way but now that I think about it, you're absolutely right

[@darrylsjodin7184]

@@michaellau4856ya, the steering felt heavy at first and it didn’t feel agile like a Miata, but when you get used to it, it is tough and really sticks in the corners!

[@AB-sr9mc]

im surprised these had HUD.. back in 2002. nice feature!

[@irishuwould5185]

My buddy had a late 80s Oldsmobile with a HUD

[@jdmsi00]

Nice C5Z, one suggestion, it shouldn't have green coolant, you should replace it with the proper antifreeze fluid.

[@michaellau4856]

That is a great suggestion. I would've never noticed. Thank you!

[@chbrules]

Literally it makes no difference. The composition of the fluid is near identical to the "GM-approved" brand. The process to get GM's approval costs manufacturers money just for a logo so suckers who think it matters will buy it. As long as you're running any modern name-brand 50/50 antifreeze, you're fine. It's like buying GM-approved Dex brand ATF, gear, or motor oil. As long as the viscosity weight is right for your application, you're fine. I literally run the same Mobil 1 gear oil in my race car C5Z diff and transmission. After many race weekends over the years, and rebuilding both, there was no abnormal wear. Just keep temps under control and you're solid.

[@Stclairm1]

Keep an eye on the rear diff for leaks at the axle seals.

[@jairmartinez2246]

Do more vids in the c5z im working on getting one, god first. Its just so sexy imo. Subbed man! Good job G!

[@timsgta]

glad too see you get on it a little! at 6:28

[@chbrules]

In stock form, it's a fun car. The transverse leaf springs work great for street driving fun. Get some Billstein modded shocks from Doug Rippie Motorsports, though ($500). It's honestly the most beautiful Corvette GM ever produced. I miss those curves not on the C6/7. No way does this thing hold up as a track car stock, though. Trust me, I've dropped $50k into my C5 Z06 race car build over the past couple years to make it stand up to the rigors of racing abuse, and there's still a ways to go. I got my 2002 Z06 with 90K miles for $17.5k in 2015. Now it's a PNO'ed race car, gutted, caged, and with full racing safety systems. I rebuilt my entire driveline with a frorged rotating assembly, cam upgrade, Aviaid LS-D 3 stage dry sump, LG race exhaust, one solid aluminum and one poly coupler with new SKF bearings in the torque tube, fully rebuilt T-56 transmission with some minor upgrades, and a Quaiffe hardened geared racing diff. I added transaxle bracing and replaced the mounts with solid mounts with a little poly padding. You're right that the stock shifter is trash. I had so many problems shifting from 2nd to 5th by accident. I got an MGW short throw, and it's so solid it feels like a rifle bolt action. In terms of suspension, get yourself at least some poly bushings for the control arms (spherical bearings are optimal), go with the static chamber kits from aFe (as the OEM can slip and kill you on track), I got the GM T1 racing sway bar setup, and, finally, I have aFe's Johnny O'Connel black edition racing adjustable coilovers. A major must-have upgrade are the SKF wheel bearing hubs, as the stock ones will melt after a few race weekends. So far I've kept the stock ECU, and the HUD still works! However, I'm going to have to go with an aftermarket ECU and dash setup (MegaSquirt) in the near future.

[@michaellau4856]

Sounds like a sick race car you got going! I'm sure I'm going to be doing more mods to the car as I take it to the track more often - maybe I'll do another video of it then!. I've heard great things about the MGW shifter - glad you're enjoying your car!

[@superspeeder]

Sounds like you spent a lot of that $50k on "wants" rather than needs. For track duty the C5Z needs tires, brakes, cooling, suspension (optional) and a better seat. Unless there's something worn out or broken in the driveline there's no need to touch the hard parts. Clutch hydraulics probably, shifter absolutely. It already has enough power to embarrass many cars costing much more, and unless you're a pretty advanced driver you'll be good with the power it has stock. Sounds to me like you built yours for a certain class of racing, which is fine, but don't say it's not a good track car. It's flat-out better than most sports cars as a track car, even more so when you consider how cheap they've gotten. The stock C5Z was good for 7:53 around the Nurburgring even with the HORRIBLE GoodYear Supercar tires it came with back then. With modern tires these cars are very good. Keep in mind, your race-prepped Z with spherical bushings, T1 bars and poly everywhere is going to ride like a racecar too. Not what someone wants to drive on the street to have fun with.

[@SubieandFriends]

@@superspeeder I agree with you man, the z06 was designed and built from factory to be raced at the race track....so not sure what that guy was saying....maybe he wanted 1000 horsepower or something...but for the rest of us 400hp is damn mighty fine good enough, shit man 400hp is damn scary enough for me.....not to mention that true car fans will even enjoy going around a race track in a 150hp Mazda Miata or a 197hp Acura Integra type R or a 200hp Subaru BRZ..

[@superspeeder]

Well said! Yes, 400+hp and 3100lbs is potent for all but the fastest of tracks, and as you said you can have boatloads of fun with way less if you're able to check your ego at the curb. My '02 Z with Nitto RIIs is a weapon, even today. It might not be king of the highway pulls, but it still puts a very wide smile on my face all these years later. Bought it in '04 and haven't regretted it for a minute! LG headers, sounds incredible, just enough "hot rod" for me. Cheers!

[@SubieandFriends]

@@superspeeder nice car man! the C5 Corvette is my favorite generation....I will eventually get myself one...even a base C5 would be plenty for me....the most powerful car I ever owned was a 1997 Camaro Z28 LT1 350 V8 285HP and 325lbs torque was exhilarating!!! Especially with the 6 speed manual! Shit man I even test drove a 97 z28 with a 4 speed auto and that thing also felt fast and responsive...on a second note, I love the following phrase and agree with it 100%... it's more fun to drive a slow car fast than to drive a fast car slow.

[@bcarss1970]

Tail lights are ovals not circles on that year. Try high 4's on 0-60 stock.

[@Viper3048]

Great video, but less than a minute in I have to point out a mistake. You mentioned the 4 circular taillights that have been around since the "second generation" but you showed a C3 aka "3rd generation" Corvette. Nice video, but it might be time to do more research. The Corvette is a great car that has innovated many new technologies that have changed the game, it's time people understood just how important they are in the world of performance.

[@Basketballerphx]

shut up lmao

[@Joey856721]

Well even if he didn’t show it the 2nd Gens did still have them either way so

[@bwb8499]

Nice video I wanna buy one so bad

[@keithr6827]

I want to get a z06, but at the same time I want the trunk space of the targa top version. 50hp more or more space. Hmmm

[@904C5ZOSIX]

Hey, is that green coolent? 😮

[@hondamancl450]

That's it I am getting one soon👍

[@metalheadgamer5751]

pure american muscle

[@richysoto6332]

Beautiful vette bro ! 👍

[@naranjoceidy]

Hey buddy do you still have the c5 z06?

[@sweetnesisbeast]

Man I’m debating on a 2002-2004 z06 or a 2015-16 Hellcat. I know the pricing is much different but that’s what my current debate

[@michaellau4856]

Test drive both!

[@dalow7828]

Vette Bru p

[@GavinMalm]

Awesome review man! I'm considering trading in my 335is for a 04 Z06

[@michaellau4856]

The 335is is definitely a better daily driver tho!

[@GavinMalm]

I would definitely agree but it just doesn’t give me the fizz... Everyone loves it but me lol.

[@Joey856721]

That would def be one spicy trade

[@ah4800]

03 is the best year to get

[@rrttyy11229]

I’m in love

[@seanausome7529]

How do you pass California emissions test? Last time I was in California gas was $5 and traffic was stopped around lax.

[@michaellau4856]

I actually sold the car to my buddy a couple 2 months ago and we got it smogged with no issue. I'm not sure if the exhaust is legal but cats and everything are still in place so should be fine?

[@jmenterprise3764]

Buddy, you have the wrong antifreeze in the coolant system. Change that out asap, if you haven't done so already

[@thatgingar8765]

In the trunk from factory there would be covers for those holes with latches and they did come with run flats from factory

[@kemicala]

My 93 Acura legend had memory seats..so I don't think a 2002 car having it is that special. The legend was a coupe as well

[@Joey856721]

That’s a luxury car

[@davidramossalsologoporexse2469]

For the year is not bad at all

[@larrypope259]

Pipes are very crooked out back need to fix them then they will look really good 👍

[@alexstangeland7069]

Where the hell did you find a C5Z for 14k??

[@rickhunter6513]

He got it with 100k on it and it’s been modified. A stock one with lower miles will fetch a higher price

[@lolomgwtfism]

@@rickhunter6513 Yeah, and you can get one for about $14-16,000 with higher mileage, and that LS engine is an absolute beast. There's one C5 in the National Corvette Museum with 770k miles on the original motor.

[@rickhunter6513]

lolomgwtfism the C5 is pretty bulletproof. I’d say it’s only Achilles heel is that EBCM module that has a tendency to fail. Pain in the ass. Besides that, I think it’s one of best cars Chevy has ever made 👍🏼

[@stephendibari5010]

This was in 2018 and the previous owner(s) looks like didn’t take very good care of this one. The interior has taken a beating. the front bumper is far from pristine. A ton of rock chips and major scuff marks.

[@Bbronson]

What would be a better option as a fun daily, a base c6 or a z06 c5?

[@Joey856721]

C5Z for sure

[@str8upkills60]

C5Z. The c5zs are faster than the base ls2 c6 and just as fast as the ls3 c6 and they look better imo

[@zacharybennefield1047]

What kind of shifter knob do you have?

[@michaellau4856]

It's the MGW race shift knob - I really like it

[@scottsmith6571]

I didn’t see the 405 badges

[@dauth78]

02 was 385 hp. 03 04 had 405

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

Dan Auth No, 01’ had 385, 02’-04’ had 406 Edit: Typo, 405**

[@timsgta]

dude must be short lean that seat back a little ffs, 80 yo grannies drive in that position

[@youngestson6537]

👍🏾👍🏾

[@user-uj8rb6be4f]

Z5 C06

[@JTJUlian]

Those are some crooked tail pipes. Nice car tho ha

[@michaellau4856]

Tell me about it! I need to get those fixed.

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

Asian guy in a corvette ? I’m so confused

[@michaellau4856]

Wait until you see my Asian girlfriend tearing around in it that'll really blow your mind

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

Michael Lau I’m Filipino and thinking about buying one . I’ll probably be the only one in Houston .

[@michaellau4856]

Highly recommended! Its fast as hell!

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

Michael Lau I wasn’t looking at the z06 tho. I was seriously considering this one . Check the mods done in the details . Only issue is it has 6 owners . www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourceContext=untrackedExternal_false_0&newSearchFromOverviewPage=true&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d1&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity2=&zip=77202&distance=500&searchChanged=true&showNegotiable=true&modelChanged=undefined&filtersModified=true#listing=211314621

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

Michael Lau houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/2003-corvette-z06/6670251442.html this is the other one , definitely seems like the better deal, it’s a z06 but it’s a salvaged title .

[@Carenthusiastsjohn]

O to 60 in 3 seconds range lol please state your joking

[@michaellau4856]

It's in the high 3's from all the testing I've been able to find online

[@Carenthusiastsjohn]

You never get that in there without mods and most people can't get 700 HP in a hellcat in 3s so this isn't no where on forms hitting 3s at all stock

[@michaellau4856]

The Hellcat's also more than a half ton heavier. Yes I agree it takes some driver skill to get the best 0-60 time for any manual transmission vehicle., but from what I've see getting the Z06 into the 3's is totally doable and has been replicated by many people!

[@c5vette943]

@@Carenthusiastsjohn a hellcat weighs as much as a tank so do the math there and as for numbers my car is pushing 425 hp to the wheels and i can do 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds .

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

There are a couple magazine reports of 3.9 and 4.0 sec 0-60 stock, most ran in the 4.4 sec range. It’s certainly possible, under perfect conditions

[@jakelewis996]

Does anyone else have problems with a lot of air noise from the windows of the car? Apparent on my 03 Z06 the windows don seal properly and I’ve tried just about everything to fix them.

[@michaellau4856]

Definitely some air noise - doesn't bother me too much as the exhaust drone I get from highway speeds is way louder than the air noise

[@michaelsands4389]

Bruh same here but only at very high speeds

[@mptorecon]

Open your eyes before you crash!

[@MF-Rell]

Really?? You gotta be racist?

[@mptorecon]

Nice.