Positioning:
The introduction of the C5 Corvette in 1997 marked a significant technological and design leap, establishing it as a premier sports car. This manual reflects that advanced engineering.
Competitors:
The 1997 Corvette competed against performance cars like the Porsche 911 (996 generation), Ferrari 355, and high-performance variants of the Dodge Viper and Ford Mustang Cobra.
Innovations:
The C5 platform introduced a hydroformed 'backbone' frame for increased rigidity, a transaxle for better weight distribution, and the new LS1 V8 engine.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emission controls, engine performance diagnostics
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, repair, and diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, rear axle, differential service and repair
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs, control arms
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion service
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (including ABS), hydraulic lines, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control modules, power accessories, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, exterior trim, interior trim, seating systems
Chassis:
Frame components, structural integrity, corrosion protection
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II) procedures, fault codes, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Rebuild:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including specifications and tolerances
Adjustment:
Component adjustments (e.g., clutch, throttle linkage, parking brake)
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete instructions for disassembling and reassembling all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
Target Audience:
Professional technicians, advanced DIY mechanics
Type:
6-speed manual transmission
Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (4L60-E)
Layout:
Rear transaxle configuration for optimal weight distribution
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III-H ATF or equivalent (check specific manual for exact part number and capacity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III-H ATF or equivalent (check specific manual for exact part number and capacity)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in a comparable format to modern standards; generally considered safe for its era.
IIHS Front Overlap:
Not applicable to 1997 models.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger frontal airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point active seat belts with pretensioners
Chassis Structure:
Hydroformed steel frame designed for high torsional rigidity and crash safety
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles or as per manual specifications.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (GM-specific specifications likely apply, e.g., GM6094M - consult manual for exact spec)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
GM-specified Orange Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent meeting GM 1825M/GM 6277M standards)
Common Problems:
Early C5 models can experience minor issues like sun-faded paint on the nose, occasional HVAC blower motor resistor failures, and early-style clutch pedal assist issues (which were later revised).
Ls1 Engine Specifics:
LS1 engines are generally robust; however, valve springs and the 'opti-spark' distributor system (though not present on LS1, it was a C4 issue, so worth noting the LS1's improvement) are areas of focus in V8 maintenance.
Heritage:
Chevrolet has a long and storied history of performance vehicles, with the Corvette being its halo sports car since 1953.
C5 Introduction:
The 1997 model year marked the debut of the fifth-generation (C5) Corvette, a complete redesign that represented a major technological advancement over the C4.
Platform Design:
The C5 platform featured a rear transaxle for improved weight distribution (50/50 balance), enhancing handling and driving dynamics.
Manufacturing Plant:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
Production Numbers:
1997 production: Approximately 9,752 units
