Also standard with the golden-anniversary model, and optional on 2003 coupes and convertibles for $1,695, was a new F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension. Similar to the system GM introduced on the 2002 Cadillac STS, the system used a unique damper design to govern wheel and body motion via "Magneto-Rheological" fluid in each shock absorber. Simply put, this is synthetic oil permeated with millions of minute iron balls that float uniformly within the shock fluid. Adjusting the current fed to an electromagnetic coil causes the ball-imbued fluid to change viscosity -- and thus the shock absorber's damping -- with the ability to go from no damping to virtually solid damping.
The F55 suspension was designed to make such adjustments at the blinding rate of about 1,000 times per second, governed by a dual-processor computer chip and based on the car's speed, steering-wheel angle, wheel travel, lateral acceleration, braking, and even the outside temperature. The system was designed to isolate and smooth the action of each tire to help minimize bouncing, vibration, and noise. The result was a quieter, flatter ride with more responsive and precise handling, especially during sudden high-speed maneuvers. The system worked in tandem with both the Corvette's traction-control and antilock braking systems to afford maximum balance and stability over a full range of road conditions. For the heartiest motorists willing to trade some ride comfort for additional road feel, a console-mounted switch afforded a change from "Tour" to "Sport" mode.
Enthusiast-magazine testers came away duly impressed by the F55 system's ability to maintain control and reduce ride harshness when traversing large bumps or dips at speed, and its ability to absorb pavement imperfections and eschew superfluous suspension travel without sacrificing road feel. The alternate "Sport" mode was appreciated, but its greater degree of control and subsequently harsher ride was noted to be more appropriate for running hot laps on a race track than it was in daily driving. The Magnetic Selective Ride Control's added heft, just over 13 pounds, precluded the new system from being offered on the high-performance Z06, however, where every ounce of added weight was looked upon with disdain.
Production on the 2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition was limited only
by the number of orders for the $5,000 package, a small price to pay for such
a fitting tribute to the 50th anniversary of "America's only true sports car."
A host of equipment was made newly standard on coupes and convertibles for 2003, including fog lamps, sport seats, a power passenger's seat, and dual-zone auto climate control. Coupes received a standard parcel net and privacy shade for the hatch area. To accommodate future enthusiasts, special hooks were installed on the passenger's seat to facilitate connection of a specially equipped child seat (which was recommended only to be used in conjunction with a passenger-side airbag-cutoff switch engaged for added safety). All '03 Corvettes came with special silver 50th Anniversary emblems at the front and rear that featured the number "50" along with the car's signature crossed-flags logo.
Prices went up again for 2003, partly due to the birthday trimmings and other added features. The coupe now started at $43,255, the ragtop at $49,700, the Z06 at $50,485. Despite the hikes, sales held steady on model-year production of 36,026, a slim 88-unit gain over the '02 tally.
2003 Corvette Specs
2003 Corvette Retail Prices
2003 Corvette Production Numbers by Model
2003 Corvette Production Numbers by Color
- Quicksilver Metallic
- 2,387
- Electron Blue Metallic
- 2,770
- Spiral Gray Metallic
- 3,299
- Anniversary Red Metallic
- 11,632
2003 Corvette Engines
Engine
HP/TQ
0-60
Quarter Mile
- 5.7L V-8 LS1
- 350 HP @ 5200 RPM
375 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
- 4.9 sec
- 13.4 sec
- 5.7L V-8 LS6
- 405 HP @ 6000 RPM
400 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM
2003 Corvette VIN Decoder
Engine Codes
- ZCA
- 5.7L V-8 LS6 405 HP, 345.69ci (Manual M12 Transmission)
- ZCB
- 5.7L V-8 LS1 350 HP, 345.69ci (Automatic Transmission)
- ZCD
- 5.7L V-8 LS1 350 HP, 345.69ci (Manual Transmission)
Other
- G
- Manufacturer: General Motors
- YY
- Carline/Series: Corvette
- 1
- Body Style: 1=Hardtop, 2=Two door coupe, 3=Two door convertible
- 2
- Restraint Code: 2=Active
- G
- Engine Type: G=LS1 S=LS6
- 5
- Plant: 5=Bowling Green, Kentucky
- 100000
- Production Number: Between 100000-1?????
Example : 1G1YY12G535100000
2003 Corvette Exterior Colors
Color
Code
- Electron Blue Metallic
- 21U
- Millenium Yellow w/ Tint
- 79U
- Anniversary Red Metallic
- 94U
2003 Corvette Interior Trim Colors
Color
Code
2003 Corvette Convertible Top Colors
Color
Code