anyone know the production date(s) for the 2002.5 or identifying features that would give it away? I know there were some slight differences in the '02.5 model. mine was produced in april '02 but I'm not sure what else to look for...

 

What are the differences? I bought a 02 and I dident know they changes anything.

 

There is no such thing.

 

That's not neccesarily true. I know the oil jet bolts were upgraded to the 4 hole at a certain pt in the 2002 production.

 

That & if I recall the spark plugs were torqued higher.
Levi

 

also heard the valve spring retainers might be different...

 

It was just the oil jet bolts that changed in the 2002 build year. My car was built in April as well and I have the upgraded 4 hole oil jet bolts on my engine - just checked last month. So the changeover occurred well ahead of the mid-year mark. My engine # is 5072, the lowest reported number having the upgraded oil bolts.

I'm not sure when the spark plug issue arose but everyone should re-torque their plugs just to be safe.

Intake retainers were only changed in 2004+ , the ap1 retainers were not faulty and will not crack unless you over-rev the engine above 9700 rpms or so, if you haven't over-revved the engine they can last the life of the engine.

 

gotcha. I suppose one bolt isn't enough to delineate a 2002.5 but still good to know! any idea what the proper torque on the plugs should be?

 

18-20 ft lbs on the plugs. What is your Vehicle VIN production number and engine production number, it would be good to compare to mine as we have a similar build date. If I have the upgraded oil jet bolts there is a good chance you do too.

 

Early 2002 here
Over 5,000 track miles
Engine still just fine at 65,000 miles