Vehicle Class:
Sports Car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and professional mechanics maintaining or repairing C5 Corvettes
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911, BMW Z3/Z8, Mercedes-Benz SL, Dodge Viper
Chassis Design:
Front engine, rear-wheel drive, lightweight composite body panels, hydroformed steel frame
Performance Focus:
High performance, advanced handling, driver-oriented cockpit
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, lubrication, cooling system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, engine diagnostics and testing
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission (MG9) disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission (4L60-E) disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair, torque converter
Drivetrain:
Clutch system, drive axles, differential, rear-wheel drive components
Suspension:
Front suspension (unequal length A-arms), rear suspension (transverse leaf spring), shock absorbers, struts, wheel bearings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, power steering pump
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (Bosch 5.3), brake hydraulics, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, ignition, horn, wipers, power accessories
Body And Frame:
Frame construction (hydroformed steel), body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, convertible top mechanism
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components and service
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim panels, airbags, safety restraints
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, scan tool usage
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems
Troubleshooting Guide:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common issues
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, electrical values, fluid capacities
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits and systems
Special Tools:
Listing and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capability:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including sensor readings, actuator testing, and module programming (where applicable)
Assembly Instructions:
Detailed step-by-step assembly and disassembly instructions with exploded views and diagrams
Engine Type:
5.7L V8 (346 cu in) Naturally Aspirated, Overhead Valve (OHV), Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI), Aluminum Block and Heads
Horsepower:
345 hp @ 5600 rpm (1997-2001), 350 hp @ 5600 rpm (2002-2004)
Torque:
350 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (1997-2001), 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (2002-2004)
Bore X Stroke:
3.90 x 3.62 in (99.0 x 92.0 mm)
Compression Ratio:
10.1:1
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane recommended
Fuel Tank Capacity:
18.5 gallons (70 L)
Transmission Type Standard:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Tremec T-56)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (GM 4L60-E)
Manual Transmission Gear Ratios:
3.62:1 (1st), 2.20:1 (2nd), 1.31:1 (3rd), 1.00:1 (4th), 0.79:1 (5th), 0.70:1 (6th), 3.15:1 (Reverse)
Automatic Transmission Gear Ratios:
3.06:1 (1st), 1.63:1 (2nd), 1.00:1 (3rd), 0.70:1 (4th), 2.29:1 (Reverse)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Dexron III/Mercon compatible (or equivalent specified synthetic)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III/Mercon compatible (or equivalent specified synthetic)
Length:
179.7 in (4564 mm)
Height:
47.8 in (1214 mm) (Coupe/Z06), 48.2 in (1224 mm) (Convertible)
Wheelbase:
104.5 in (2654 mm)
Front Track:
62.1 in (1577 mm)
Rear Track:
62.0 in (1575 mm)
Ground Clearance:
4.5 in (114 mm)
Curb Weight:
3,100 - 3,200 lbs (1406 - 1451 kg) (approx., varies by model)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
3,750 lbs (1701 kg) (approx.)
Cargo Volume:
13.0 cu ft (368 L) (Coupe), 11.7 cu ft (331 L) (Convertible)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-Star (Front Passenger)
ABS:
Standard (Bosch 5.3 Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Stabiliy Control:
Optional (Active Handling System on later models)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger frontal airbags, side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on year)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners
Security:
PassLock III theft-deterrent system, remote keyless entry
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (Platinum tipped)
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil (API SL or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (GM 12347025 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (GM 12361422 or equivalent)
Cracked Exhaust Manifolds:
Common issue on LS1 engines, especially earlier models. Manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
Clutch Hydraulic Issues:
Potential for leaks or master/slave cylinder failure. Manual covers bleeding and replacement.
Window Motor Failure:
Power window motors can fail. Manual details removal and installation.
Active Handling System Warnings:
Can sometimes trigger falsely. Manual provides diagnostic routines for the system.
Chevrolet Performance:
Chevrolet has a long history of performance vehicles, dating back to its earliest days.
C5 Introduction:
The C5 Corvette was a significant redesign, introduced for the 1997 model year, featuring a new hydroformed steel frame and transaxle layout.
C5 Enhancements:
Key updates included increased horsepower for the LS1 engine in 2002, introduction of the higher-performance Z06 model in 2001, and refinements to suspension and electronics throughout its lifecycle.
Manufacturing Plant:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
C5 Sales Volume:
Over 200,000 units produced during its lifespan.
