All 2002 Corvettes had a second-generation Active Handling system. It featured dynamic rear brake proportioning to prevent rear wheel lockup, plus rear brake stability control to assist drivers in maintaining control under light braking and high-acceleration conditions. It also had integral traction control calibrated to allow better power and handling, while controlling excessive wheel spin. The system’s on/off switch and “Competitive Mode” enable drivers to disengage traction control without giving up Active Handling’s other benefits
The 2002 automatic transmission cooler case was constructed of lightweight cast aluminum, replacing stainless steel. Coupes and convertibles received an AM/FM/In-dash CD system as the new standard entertainment system. An AM/FM/cassette system was available when buyers ordered the remote 12-disc CD changer, which was also available with a CD radio.
Standard on the C5 coupe was air conditioning, a driver airbag, a passenger airbag, alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, an anti-theft system, cruise control, a rear defogger, remote keyless entry, power locks, power mirrors, heated side mirrors, power steering, power windows, an AM/FM anti-theft radio with cassette, a leather-trimmed power driver’s seat, a tachometer, tilt steering, an automatic transmission and the Traction Control system. The C5 convertible came with all of the same standard equipment, plus a power antenna.
The Z06 Corvette was aimed at the upper end of the high-performance market. For 2002, a 20-hp boost made the Z06 the quickest production Corvette ever. This improvement was the result of new hollow-stem valves, a higher-lift camshaft, a low-restriction mass air flow (MAF) sensor and a new low-restriction air cleaner. Eliminating the PUP converter from the exhaust system enabled better flow of spent gasses and reduced vehicle weight without compromising the car’s NLEV (National Low Emission Vehicle) status.
A Z06-specific FE4 high-performance suspension featured a larger front stabilizer bar, revised shock valving, a stiffer rear leaf spring and specific camber settings – all calibrated for maximum control during high-speed operation. The Z06 also had new rear shock valving for a more controlled ride.
Although retaining the 2001 design and color, the unique aluminum Z06 wheels were cast, rather than forged. The magnesium wheel option for coupes and convertibles was dropped. Hydroformed frame rails and a four-wheel independent suspension with cast-aluminum upper and lower front A-arms were other Z06 features.
The Z06 (and C5 Corvettes equipped with the Z51 package) now had aluminum front stabilizer bar links and reduced weight. The rear suspension had a transverse leaf spring system. Now standard on Z06s, the Head-Up Display (HUD) system projected gauges digitally on the windshield, ahead of the steering wheel, enabling the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road.
New high-performance front brake pads on the Z06 provided improved lining durability and fade resistance in high-performance situations. Electron Blue took the place of Speedway White as one of five Z06 colors. An AM/FM cassette/radio was optional and no automatic transmission was offered.
Corvettes for 2002 were numbered 1G1YY[1/2/3]2[G/S]515100001 and up. The first symbol 1 indicates US built. The second symbol G indicates General Motors product. The third symbol 1 indicates Chevrolet Motor Division vehicle. The fourth and fifth symbol YY=Corvette coupe or convertible; YZ=Corvette Z06 Hardtop. The sixth symbol indicates body style: 1=Z06 hardtop, 2=two door coupe GM styles 27, 37, 47 or 57 and 3=two door convertible GM body style 67. The seventh symbol indicates restraint code: 2=Active manual belts with driver and front passenger inflatable restraints system.
Which engine your 2002 Corvette had is revealed by the eighht symbol that indicates: G=RPO 346ci-350hp LS1 5.7-liter sequential multiport-fuel-injection (MFI) Cheverolet V-8. S=RPO 346ci 405hp LS6 5.7-liter sequential multiport-fuel-injection (MFI) Chevrolet V-8. The ninth symbol is a check digit that varies. The 10 symbol indicates model year 2=2002. The 11th symbol indicates the assembly plant 5=Bowling Green, KY. The last six symbols production number starting with 100001.
Corvette Racing ran 11 races in 2002 and won 10 of them. Ron Fellows took the ALMS Driver Championship and Chevrolet was the winning manufacturer. CR-5s took first and second places in GTS class at the 24-Hours of Le Mans. Corvette Racing also won its first American Le Mans Series driving championship in 2002. The ALMS Driver’s Championship that went to pilot Ron Fellows was also the first of four in a row that Corvette Racing would capture.
Automobile Magazine named the Corvette the “Racing Car of the Year” and noted its incredible track success, as well as the CR-5’s strong connection to the C5 production car. The Corvette won its second consecutive J.D. Power IQS award. J.D. Power gave the Bowling Green Assembly Plant its Silver Award for being the industry’s second highest quality plant in North America.
