🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

2003

Platform Code:

C5

Vin Code:

1G

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Performance Sports Car, Luxury Grand Tourer

Competitors:

Porsche 911, Ferrari 360 Modena, Dodge Viper, Ford Mustang Cobra

Design Philosophy:

Front-engine, Rear-wheel-drive, Transaxle design for optimal weight distribution

Body Styles:

Coupe, Convertible

Manual Value Proposition:

Essential for owners seeking to maintain, repair, or fully understand their 2003 Corvette, replicating dealer technician capabilities.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Models & All Repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Book

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

LS1 V8 Engine (5.7L / 350 cu. in.) - Complete Overhaul, Diagnosis, and Repair

Transmission Manual:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (Tremec T-56) - Service, Diagnosis, and Overhaul

Transmission Automatic:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4L60-E) - Service, Diagnosis, and Overhaul (if applicable to specific trims)

Drivetrain:

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), Driveshaft, Axles, Differential (Limited Slip)

Suspension:

Front & Rear Independent Suspension, Magnetic Ride Control (if equipped), Bushings, Ball Joints, Shocks, Springs

Brakes:

Front & Rear Disc Brakes, ABS, Traction Control (ASR), Brake Fluid Specifications, Bleeding Procedures

Steering:

Power Steering System, Steering Column, Steering Gear

Cooling System:

Radiator, Fan Assembly, Coolant Type, Capacities, Thermostat, Water Pump

Fuel System:

Fuel Pump, Injectors, Fuel Filter, Fuel Pressure, EVAP System

Exhaust System:

Catalytic Converter, Mufflers, Exhaust Manifolds, Emissions Control

Electrical System:

12V Battery, Alternator, Starter, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays, Lighting Systems

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Convertible Top (if applicable), Interior Trim, Seats

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System, Refrigerant, Compressor, Controls

Diagnostics:

OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Diagnostic Procedures, Scan Tool Usage

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Tire Rotation, Brake Pad Replacement

Repair:

Engine Component Replacement, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement

Troubleshooting:

Systematic Diagnosis of Common and Uncommon Problems, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Charts

Alignment:

Wheel Alignment Specifications and Procedures

Torque Specs:

Detailed Torque Specifications for all fasteners

Depth:

Comprehensive: From Basic Maintenance to Full Engine & Transmission Rebuilds, Advanced Diagnostics

Documentation Type:

Factory Technician Level Detail

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Professional quality print, bound for durability

Quality:

High-resolution diagrams, clear text

Binding:

Perfect Bound or Spiral Bound (depending on original publication style for ease of use)

Paper:

Durable, gloss or semi-gloss paper stock suitable for workshop environments

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

Gen III Small Block LS1

Displacement:

5.7 Liters (350 Cubic Inches)

Configuration:

V8, 90-degree, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Bore X Stroke:

3.90 in x 3.62 in (99.0 mm x 92.0 mm)

Compression Ratio:

10.1:1

Valvetrain:

Pushrod Actuated Overhead Valves, Hydraulic Roller Lifters

Horsepower:

350 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

375 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Induction Type:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline, 91 Octane or Higher Recommended

Fuel Pump Pressure:

55-62 psi

ECU:

PCM (Powertrain Control Module) with Integrated ECM (Engine Control Module)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Tremec T-56 6-Speed Manual

Transmission Type:

4L60-E 4-Speed Automatic (typically standard on base models, check specific options)

Manual Gear Ratios:

1st: 2.66, 2nd: 1.78, 3rd: 1.30, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.74, 6th: 0.50

Manual Final Drive Ratio:

3.42:1 (standard on manual transmission models)

Automatic Gear Ratios:

1st: 3.06, 2nd: 1.63, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.70

Automatic Final Drive Ratio:

3.15:1 (standard on automatic transmission models)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (or equivalent spec)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III H Automatic Transmission Fluid

📐 Dimensions

Length:

179.7 inches (4564 mm)

Width:

73.1 inches (1857 mm)

Height:

47.8 inches (1214 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.5 inches (2654 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 3100-3200 lbs (1406-1451 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 3200-3300 lbs (1451-1497 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4000 lbs (1814 kg)

Cargo Volume Coupe:

15.2 cu ft (430 L) combined front & rear

Cargo Volume Convertible:

13.0 cu ft (368 L) (top up)

Standard Wheel Size:

17x8.5 inch front, 18x9.5 inch rear

Standard Tire Size:

245/45ZR-17 front, 275/40ZR-18 rear

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120.65 mm (4.75 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5 Star

NHTSA Side Impact:

4 Star

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Standard Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)

Stability Control:

Not Available on 2003 Models

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seat Belts:

3-Point Active Shoulder Belts with Pretensioners

Structure:

Hydroformed steel frame rails, composite body panels

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Optional Bose Premium Sound System with CD Player, AM/FM Radio, Cassette Player

Display:

Analog gauges with digital Driver Information Center (DIC) display. Optional Heads-Up Display (HUD).

Ride Control:

Optional Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) system for adaptive damping

Onstar:

Optional OnStar telematics system integration

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require shorter intervals.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Replace every 100,000 miles (typically platinum-tipped plugs).

Coolant Flush:

Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (using GM approved coolant).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SM or SN)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 12346740 (Orange) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM P/N 12345365 (Dexron VI ATF) or equivalent

Common Issue Lsd:

Rear differential pinion seal leaks, clutch pack shudder in limited-slip differential (addressed with friction modifier additive).

Common Issue Suspension:

Worn rear leaf spring bolts, worn ball joints, occasional issues with active handling system sensors.

Common Issue Electrical:

HUD (Head-Up Display) pixel degradation, HVAC blower resistor failure, occasional power window motor issues.

Common Issue Engine:

Exhaust manifold leaks (easy fix with replacement gaskets), PCV system issues leading to oil consumption in some early LS1 engines (less common by '03).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand History:

Chevrolet, established in 1911, a division of General Motors, known for performance and accessible automotive innovation.

Corvette Heritage:

The Corvette, America's sports car, has evolved through multiple generations since its 1953 debut, consistently representing performance and style.

C5 Generation Introduction:

The C5 generation was introduced for the 1997 model year, representing a significant redesign with a rear transaxle for improved weight distribution.

2003 Model Year Updates:

For 2003, the C5 received minor updates including revised suspension tuning, optional Magnetic Ride Control (Z06 and select coupes/convertibles), and new wheel options. The 50th Anniversary Edition was also introduced, featuring distinctive badging and trim.

Production Plant:

Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA

Production Years C5:

1997-2004

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Award:

MotorTrend names Corvette a 'Best Handling Car' multiple times during the C5 generation.

Car And Driver Award:

Car and Driver 10Best lists often featured the Corvette throughout its C5 lifespan.

Performance Credentials:

Widely recognized for its balanced chassis, powerful V8 engine, and competitive performance figures against European sports cars.