Segment:
Luxury Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking performance, style, and American sports car heritage.
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911, Ferrari 360 Modena, Jaguar XKR, BMW M3/M5 (earlier generations), Mercedes-Benz SL.
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on powerful V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, and balanced handling.
Design Philosophy:
Advanced chassis technology (hydroformed frame rails, composite transverse springs), driver-centric cockpit.
Value Proposition:
Performance and luxury at a more accessible price point compared to many European exotics.
Coverage Summary:
Comprehensive coverage for all aspects of 2002 Chevrolet Corvette operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
Specific Systems:
Instrument Cluster, Entertainment, Climate Controls, Lighting, Driver Controls, Locks & Security, Seating & Safety Restraints, Driving Operations, Customer Assistance, Cleaning, Maintenance, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel, Air Filter, Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories.
Estimated Page Count:
Estimated 200-300 pages (typical for an owner's manual of this era).
Electrical Systems:
Instrument cluster functions, indicator lights, warning chimes, basic entertainment system operation (radio, CD), climate control operation, exterior and interior lighting.
Powertrain Systems:
Engine oil specifications, fuel information, air filter type, refill capacities for engine oil and coolant, basic engine compartment overview.
Chassis Systems:
Locks and security features (keyless entry, alarm system), seating adjustments, safety restraint system (seat belts, airbags), braking system (basic operation, warning lights).
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate controls (manual and automatic temperature control), power windows, power locks, seating adjustments, steering wheel adjustments.
Maintenance Procedures:
Checking and adding engine oil, checking and adding coolant, checking tire pressure, jump-starting the battery, replacing wiper blades, refuelling procedures.
Driving Procedures:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection (automatic transmission), parking procedures, driving in various conditions, use of cruise control.
Troubleshooting Guidance:
Interpretation of dashboard warning lights and messages, basic advice for common operational issues.
Safety Features Operation:
Proper use of seat belts, understanding airbag system operation, child seat installation guidance.
Diagnostic Level:
Consumer-level troubleshooting and basic maintenance identification.
Repair Depth:
Limited to very basic tasks like fluid checks and wiper blade replacement; not a service or repair manual.
Information Focus:
Emphasis on safe operation, understanding vehicle features, and routine checks.
Engine Type:
5.7L (350 cu in) V8, naturally aspirated, pushrod design.
Bore X Stroke:
3.90 in x 3.62 in (99.0 mm x 92.0 mm)
Compression Ratio:
10.1:1
Horsepower:
350 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane recommended.
Engine Location:
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration (though engine is in front, transaxle is in rear).
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with electric fan.
Air Intake:
Corvette's front fascia provides a direct air intake path to the engine compartment.
Transmission Type:
6-speed manual transmission (Tremec T-56)
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (4L60-E) with overdrive.
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios for 6-speed manual are detailed in service manuals, but operationally cover a wide range for performance.
Automatic Features:
Driver-selectable modes (e.g., Performance, Economy) and often includes paddle shifters or a manual mode on higher trims.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification, often Dexron VI for later service).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil (specific viscosity recommended).
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
5-Star (Driver & Passenger) - typical for this era's Corvettes.
IIHS Ratings:
Likely 'Good' in frontal offset tests, but specific ratings may vary by year and organization's testing protocols.
Traction Control:
Active Handling System (AHS) - integrates ABS, traction control, and stability control.
Anti Lock Brakes:
4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution.
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, side-impact airbags (standard). Passenger-side airbag deactivation switch.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Security System:
Factory-installed theft-deterrent system, keyless entry.
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with AM/FM stereo, CD player, and often cassette player. Some models may have CD changer capability.
Display:
Central digital display for climate, audio, and vehicle status. Analog gauges in instrument cluster.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Remote keyless entry fob for door locks and trunk release.
Auxiliary Ports:
No factory-installed USB or Bluetooth connectivity as standard. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require shorter intervals.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles depending on driving environment).
Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 2 years or 30,000 miles thereafter (for extended life coolant).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 synthetic or synthetic blend engine oil, API certified.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.2 L) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346868 (Orange, silicate-free, extended life antifreeze/coolant) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear (manual transmission), torque tube issues (rare but possible), suspension bushings, wheel bearings, fuel pump (older units).
Oil Consumption:
LS1 engines can consume oil; regular checks are recommended.
Electronics:
Occasional issues with window regulators, interior electronics, and instrument cluster readouts.
Oil Filter Example:
ACDelco PF2057 or equivalent (verify with specific part supplier).
Air Filter Example:
ACDelco A3124C or equivalent (verify with specific part supplier).
Legacy:
Chevrolet's flagship sports car, introduced in 1953, synonymous with American performance and style.
C5 Introduction:
The C5 generation was introduced for the 1997 model year, marking a significant departure with its hydroformed frame and transaxle design.
2002 Updates:
The 2002 model year saw minor refinements, including potential suspension tuning updates and interior trim enhancements. The Z06 model was introduced in 2001.
Manufacturing Location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
Production Years C5:
1997-2004
Car And Driver 10Best:
Corvette C5 line, including the Z06 variant, was consistently recognized on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production run for performance and value.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While the C5 generation overall was a strong contender, specific model years like the 1997 Corvette were finalists and received significant accolades from various automotive publications.