For the 2002 Corvette, the 5.7-liter LS6 engine received an additional 20 horses, bringing the small-block V-8 up to a mighty 405 bhp (a healthy 71 bhp per liter). Torque was also up by another 15 lb-ft, now rated at 400 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm. These improvements came about as a result of modifications to make the LS6 breathe more freely, including a new cam profile that allowed the engine's intake and exhaust valves to open .7mm further than before. New hollow-stem valves, a low-restriction mass-airflow sensor, and a new low-restriction air cleaner also contributed to the power boost.
 The 2002 Corvette convertible and hatchback again only saw detail updates for the year,including a lighter automatic transmission case. See more pictures of Corvettes. |
To
withstand the additional torque from the newly revised LS6, the Z06's clutch
was likewise redesigned: The flange-plate thickness was increased by 20
percent, damper springs were revised to increase wind-up rate, and premium
alloy steel wire was now used for the damper springs. All told, the
improvements purported to offer better overall performance and added
durability.
The Z06's FE4 suspension also received several minor improvements for 2002. Among these was revised rear-shock damper valving for improved handling on the track and a less-punishing ride on city streets. Also benefiting the suspension were the use of lighter-weight cast-aluminum stabilizer links (instead of rolled rod steel links) and cast-spun aluminum wheels (replacing the previous forged aluminum set) for an additional weight reduction of nearly two pounds. In addition, new higher-performance brake pads were added in front for improved lining durability and better high-performance fade resistance.
The 2002 Corvette Z06 got the most attention for the year,
with its LS6 engine muscled up to 405 horsepower.
Otherwise, changes were minor for 2002: An in-dash AM/FM/CD player was made standard on coupes and convertibles, making the AM/FM/cassette head unit only available with the optional 12-disc CD changer. Automatic transmission models received a lighter-weight cooler case that was now made out of cast aluminum instead of stainless steel. Finally, the cast-aluminum stabilizer links added to the Z06 were now included with the optional Z51 Performance Handling Package.
Tearing
up the track, a Corvette C5-R, driven by Ron Fellows, Johnny O'Connell, and
British driver Oliver Gavin, was victorious in the GTS class at the 2002 12
Hours of Sebring, the Corvette's 14th class win in the event's 50-year history
and the first win in four tries for the specially modified C5-R. The same team
also dominated its class in the 24 Hours of LeMans for the second straight
year, completing 335 laps around the legendary 8.5-mile circuit and besting the
likes of the Dodge Viper, Saleen S7, and Ferrari 550 racers. The team of Andy
Pilgrim and Kelly Collins took their C5-R to first in class and fifth place
overall at the Road America 500 in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Fellows and
O'Connell placed first in class in the inaugural running of the Cadillac Grand
Prix of Washington, D.C., while Pilgrim and Collins finished second.
Base
prices again rose by about $1,000 each for the 2002 coupe and convertible, now
selling for $41,005 and $47,530, respectively.
Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:
| 1997 Corvette | 1998 Corvette | 1999 Corvette |
| 2000 Corvette | 2001 Corvette | 2002 Corvette |
| 2003 Corvette | 2004 Corvette |
Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
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