The Debut and Improving of the 2002 ZO6 Corvette

   Once again, the Z06 Corvette is grabbing all the headlines during the new model introduction. After  the debut last year to great fanfare, the ultra high performance Z06 returns for its second year of production with more horsepower and torque from its LS6 engine, refinements to the suspension, an improved clutch, and the formerly optional Heads Up display as standard equipment. Instead of leaning back in their easy chairs to gaze upon what has already reached legendary status along with the earlier Vette legends like the ZR1, L88, and LS6 Vette engineers have worked quickly to tweak the Z06 into a better all around performance car than the previous model.

   Before delving deeper into the Z06, we'll touch on the refinements for the standard 2002 Corvette Coupes and Convertibles, which can be considered as mild compared to the changes in the Z06. First, for the exterior, a brighter Electron Blue replaces Navy Blue Metallic, while Dark Bowling Green Metallic goes away entirely, and the magnesium wheels are no longer available. Inside, the AM/FM with in dash CD player becomes the standard entertainment package, with the AM/FM/Cassette unit available when buyers order the remote 12 disc CD player. For weight savings, the automatic transmission case is now constructed from cast aluminum. Likewise, the Z51 suspension package gets lighter weight aluminum front stabilizer links.

   Now on to the good stuff for the Z06, or "Improving on Perfection," as Chevrolet describes the improvements.

   Most notable is the 20 horsepower and 15 lb./ft. of torque increases, which takes the total output to 405 horsepower and 400 lb./ft. of torque. This was accomplished primarily by improving the flow of air through the engine with a revised air cleaner housing, lower restriction Mass Air Flow sensor, higher-lift camshaft in conjunction with lighter weight valves, and the elimination of the dual pup catalytic converters in the exhaust system.

   "We could have chosen to remain satisfied with our achievements for 2001," said Corvette chief engineer Dave Hill. "Instead, we set our sites on breaking the 400 horsepower barrier. At 405 horsepower, the LS6 will match the highest peak horsepower level of the legendary LT5, which powered the ZR1."

   At the front, air enters the air cleaner housing through an opening that is approximately 6.65 square inches larger than last year. The new MAF no longer has the pre sensor grid work known as air channels, so the air flows less restricted through the MAF and into the intake manifold.

   The new cam profile, which opens both the intake and exhaust valves an additional .7mm, is the greatest contributor to the increased LS6 power production. To allow the valves to stay in contact with the cam lobes at higher speeds, the 2002 LS6 also gets new hollow stem valves. On the exhaust side, the valves are filled with a liquid sodium alloy for better heat transfer from the exhaust valves to the valve guides and then to the engine coolant.

   On the exhaust, the new Z06 loses the dual pup catalytic converters that were located immediately downstream of the exhaust manifolds. Eliminating the converters allows for increased exhaust flow, while modification of the under floor cats makes up for the lack of pre cats to meet NLEV emissions standards.

   To withstand the greater torque, the LS6 clutch has been redesigned to increase clamping force by seven percent.

   Corvette engineers also worked to improve the Z06's already superb handling with some tweaks in the suspension. A change to the valving in the rear shocks allows for a smoother, more efficient transfer of the additional horsepower and torque to the pavement. According to Corvette ride and handling development engineer Mike Neal, "Revising the damping allowed us to improve the track performance as well as the everyday ride quality."

    To reduce vehicle mass, the engineers scrutinized areas for weight reduction, settling on using lighter weight cast aluminum front stabilizer links versus rolled rod steel links and switching to cast spun aluminum wheels versus forged aluminum for a 1.3 pound savings. The design and color finish on the wheels remains the same.

   Due to the sports driving nature of the Z06, the Heads Up display is now standard. Externally, the new Electron Blue replaces Speedway White as one of the five available Z06 colors. And to differentiate the 2002 model from last year's predecessor, the Z06 emblems have been updated to include "405 HP."

   With its same unique six speed as last year, Chevrolet says skilled drivers should be able to achieve 0 to 60 mph times in 3.9 seconds and cover the quartermile in 12.4 seconds at 116 mph, a 2/10th and 2 mph improvement over last year.

   "The 2002 Z06 Corvette is the complete package, a vehicle that can be driven at the limit with supreme confidence. It's a true driver's car, designed to provide the driver with the information and feedback required for enthusiastic driving," said Hill. Added Performance Cars assistant chief manager Tadge Juechter, "We realize that the Z06 is not for everyone. But, for the extreme performance enthusiasts, the race bred 2002 Z06 provides them with a vehicle that challenges the threshold of performance and handling, with absolutely no compromises. The 2002 Z06 is a total performance package."