Model Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Body Style:
Coupe, Convertible, Hardtop (Z06)
Segment:
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car
Competitors:
Porsche 911, Ferrari 360 Modena, Jaguar XJ220 (though more niche), Dodge Viper, BMW M3
Defining Characteristics:
Iconic American sports car, advanced composite body construction, rear transaxle for optimal weight distribution, powerful V8 engines, driver-focused cockpit
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs compared to dealership or independent mechanic labor; enhances understanding and appreciation of the vehicle's engineering
General Coverage:
All models, engines, trims, and transmission types
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical factory service manuals range from 2,000 to 3,500+ pages)
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, driveline, axles, driveshafts
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS and traction control), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), lighting system, instrument cluster, HVAC controls, audio system, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), anti-theft system, airbags, diagnostic procedures
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, bumpers, glass, convertible top mechanism, paint and coatings
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-offs, brake pad replacement, tire rotation
Repair:
Engine repair (disassembly, assembly, component replacement), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation, electrical circuit tracing, mechanical component diagnosis
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, dimensional data
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, in-depth electrical diagnostics)
Quality:
High-quality scans/digital reproduction, typically including clear diagrams and photographs
Binding:
Not applicable (digital download)
Paper Quality:
Not applicable (digital download)
Device Compatibility:
Compatible with PC, Mac, tablets, and smartphones via Adobe Reader
Required Software:
Adobe Reader (free download)
Engine Type 1:
LS1 V8 (Gen III Small-Block)
Displacement 1:
5.7L (346 cu in)
Bore X Stroke 1:
3.90 in x 3.62 in (99.0 mm x 92.0 mm)
Compression Ratio 1:
10.1:1
Horsepower 1:
345-350 hp @ 5600 rpm (varies slightly by year)
Torque 1:
350-375 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (varies slightly by year)
Fuel System 1:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Ignition System 1:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-near-plug
Engine Management 1:
GM Engine Control Module (ECM)
Z06 Engine:
LS6 V8 (Gen III Small-Block)
Z06 Displacement:
5.7L (346 cu in)
Z06 Horsepower:
405 hp @ 6000 rpm
Z06 Torque:
400 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Transmission Type 1:
Tremec T-56 6-speed Manual
Transmission Type 2:
4-speed Automatic (4L60-E)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by year and model, but typically include overdrive gears for highway cruising.
Automatic Features:
Driver-shift control, performance shift modes
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GM specified Synchromesh (e.g., ACDelco Synchromesh) or equivalent GL-4 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III / Dexron VI compatible automatic transmission fluid.
Length:
Approx. 179.7 inches (4564 mm)
Width:
Approx. 73.1 inches (1857 mm)
Height:
Approx. 47.7 inches (1212 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.5 inches (2654 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,245 - 3,320 lbs (1472 - 1506 kg), varies by model and equipment
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star (for driver and passenger)
Traction Control:
Standard (often referred to as Active Handling System)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side impact airbags (optional on some models)
Structure:
Stiff chassis, crumple zones, integral roll cage in coupe models
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system available, typically with cassette and CD player. Later models often feature a more integrated head unit.
Traction Control System:
Active Handling System (AHS) combines ABS, traction control, and stability control for enhanced vehicle dynamics.
Onboard Diagnostics:
OBD-II compliant, allowing for advanced diagnostic scanning with appropriate tools.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect at 7,500 miles, replace as needed (often around 20,000-30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Typically replaced around 100,000 miles (iridium plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 45,000-100,000 miles (depending on driving conditions). Manual: Inspect and change as needed, often at higher mileage intervals.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 synthetic engine oil (API Certified)
Coolant Type:
GM specified Dex-Cool (Orange) coolant or equivalent OAT (Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid
Common Problems 1:
Drivetrain Clunk: Often due to wear in the rear cradle bushings or universal joints. Manual Transmission Bearing Noise: Particularly common in T-56 transmissions, can manifest as a whine or grind.
Common Problems 2:
Window Motor/Regulator Issues: Common in many GM vehicles of this era. Power Antenna Failure: The antenna often seizes or fails to retract.
Common Problems 3:
Oil Pressure Sending Unit Failure: Can lead to inaccurate oil pressure readings. Headlight Motor Failure: The pop-up headlight mechanism motors can fail.
Heritage:
Chevrolet has a long-standing legacy in performance and sports cars, dating back to the original Corvette in 1953. The Corvette is considered America's sports car.
C5 Introduction:
The C5 generation was a significant departure from the C4, featuring a rear transaxle for better weight distribution, a stiffer chassis, and the highly acclaimed LS-series V8 engines.
C5 Enhancements:
Key updates throughout the C5's production included power increases for the LS1 and introduction of the higher-performance LS6 engine for the Z06 model, along with minor styling tweaks and feature upgrades.
Production Period:
1997-2004
Manufacturing Plant:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
Design Awards:
The C5 Corvette received numerous accolades for its design and performance from automotive publications and organizations.
Automotive Press Reviews:
Consistently praised for its value, performance, and handling relative to more expensive European exotics.
