Segment:
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater sports car
Target Audience:
Performance enthusiasts, owners seeking detailed maintenance and repair information
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911, Audi R8, BMW M series coupes, Nissan GT-R
Performance Focus:
The 2009 Corvette C6 is renowned for its powerful V8 engines and balanced chassis, making it a formidable performance machine.
Manual Value Proposition:
This manual provides the essential technical knowledge to maintain and repair the 2009 Corvette to factory specifications, enabling owners to perform complex tasks with confidence.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain components (driveshaft, axles, differential)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS and traction control), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, starting system, charging system, ignition system, lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), instrument panel and gauges, body control module (BCM), comfort and convenience features, audio system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors)
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, seats, doors, glass, convertible top mechanism (if applicable), HVAC system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic flowcharts
Repair:
Component removal and installation, assembly and disassembly, adjustments, calibration
Technical Updates:
Service bulletins, technical service bulletins (TSBs) relevant to the 2009 model year
Depth:
Comprehensive: includes basic maintenance, advanced diagnostics, component-level repair, and full system overhauls
Detail Level:
Technician-level detail with torque specifications, clearances, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic procedures
Engine Type:
6.2L V8 (376 cu. in.) Naturally Aspirated
Configuration:
V-engine, 90-degree bank angle, pushrod overhead valve (OHV) design
Bore X Stroke:
4.06 in x 3.62 in (103.25 mm x 92 mm)
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower:
430 hp @ 5900 rpm (436 hp with performance exhaust)
Torque:
424 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm (428 lb-ft with performance exhaust)
Induction:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
ECM Type:
GM E38 Engine Control Module (ECM)
Emissions:
Catalytic converters, oxygen sensors (O2 sensors), secondary air injection (if applicable)
Transmission Type:
Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters (optional)
Manual Clutch:
Hydraulic clutch actuation
Automatic Features:
Driver selectable modes (Tour, Sport)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/VI or equivalent (check manual for specific part numbers/approvals)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron VI (GM P/N 88864553 or equivalent)
Length:
175.2 in (4449 mm)
Height:
48.4 in (1229 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.5 in (2654 mm)
Front Track:
62.1 in (1577 mm)
Rear Track:
61.6 in (1565 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,183 - 3,314 lbs (1444 - 1503 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approx. 4,500 lbs (2041 kg)
Cargo Volume:
15.0 cu ft (425 L) for coupe, 13.0 cu ft (368 L) for convertible
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star
Traction Control:
Standard, multi-mode with specific sport settings
Electronic Stability Control:
Active Handling System (AHS)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), ventilated disc brakes (front and rear), performance brake upgrades available
Airbags:
Driver and passenger frontal airbags, side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point safety belts with pretensioners
Security:
Theft-deterrent system, immobilizer
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system (optional), AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 playback, and auxiliary audio input
Navigation:
Optional DVD-based navigation system with touchscreen display
Head Up Display:
Optional Head-Up Display (HUD) with G-meter and performance readouts
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist system
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling
Launch Control:
Not factory standard, but performance driving schools or aftermarket tunes may offer this functionality.
Magnetic Ride Control:
Optional Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, adjustable via driver settings.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (or based on oil life monitoring system)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (initial) then every 2 years or 50,000 miles (subsequent)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Refer to manual; typically around 100,000 miles for automatic, with manual fluid checks recommended
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (GM P/N 19293376 or equivalent meeting GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification)
Coolant:
GM P/N 12378515 (Dex-Cool), Orange Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with deionized water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (GM P/N 88861954 or equivalent)
Differential Fluid:
GM P/N 88862669 (Limited Slip Differential Additive & Fluid - 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil)
Active Handling System Faults:
Occasional 'Service Active Handling' messages due to sensor issues or electrical connections.
Clutch Wear:
Some manual transmission models may experience clutch wear at higher mileage, especially under aggressive driving.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Early C6 models (prior to 2008) had some reported fuel pump issues; the 2009 model is generally more robust.
Interior Rattles And Squeaks:
As with many performance cars, interior trim can develop minor rattles over time.
Legacy:
Chevrolet has a long history of producing performance vehicles, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.
Corvette Generations:
The C6 generation, introduced for the 2005 model year, represented a significant redesign with a focus on improved handling, aerodynamics, and refinement.
2009 Updates:
The 2009 model year saw the introduction of the LS3 engine, replacing the LS2, bringing a power increase and improved torque. Minor styling tweaks and interior enhancements were also made.
Assembly Location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
Production Years C6:
2005-2013
Car And Driver 10Best:
Corvette (various generations including C6) frequently recognized on Car and Driver's 10Best lists.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Corvette has won MotorTrend Car of the Year multiple times (though not specifically for the 2009 model year, the platform was strong).
Consumer Reports:
Generally positive ratings for performance and handling, with mixed reliability ratings in earlier C6 years.
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for its model year.