The C5 Corvette (1997–2004)

C5 Corvette history

The fifth-generation Corvette arrived for 1997 as an essentially all-new car. A hydroformed chassis, an aluminum LS-series V8 and a transmission moved to the rear as a transaxle gave the C5 a stiffer structure and better weight balance than the C4, and it was widely regarded as a world-class performer.

The car launched as a coupe with a removable roof panel, the convertible followed for 1998, and a third body style, a fixed-roof hardtop, arrived for 1999. That hardtop became the basis of the 2001 Z06, which revived a name from 1963 with the LS6 V8.

The C5 era also produced the factory C5-R race cars, which took one-two class finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2001, 2002 and 2004, and the street car marked the Corvette's 50th anniversary in 2003 before ending with a Le Mans Commemorative Edition in 2004.[1],[2],[3]

Years and production numbers

Generations and key variants

Engine and drivetrain facts

• The C5 introduced the aluminum LS1 small-block, rated at 345 hp and raised to 350 hp for 2001.
• Moving the transmission to the rear axle as a transaxle, connected to the engine by a torque tube, improved the car's weight distribution.
• Chevrolet lists the Z06's LS6 at 385 hp for 2001 and 405 hp for 2002–2004, always with a six-speed manual.

Sources:[1],[2],[3]

What changed, generation by generation

1. 1997All-new C5 coupe with the LS1, hydroformed frame and rear transaxle.
2. 1998Convertible returns; Indy 500 pace car replica.
3. 1999Fixed-roof hardtop joins the range.
4. 2001Z06 replaces the hardtop with a 385 hp LS6; base LS1 rises to 350 hp; C5-R takes a Le Mans class one-two.
5. 2002Z06 rises to 405 hp.
6. 200350th Anniversary Edition.
7. 2004Le Mans Commemorative Edition; final C5 year.

Sources:[1],[2],[3]

What to check before you buy one

• Confirm the body style and engine: coupes and convertibles use the LS1, while only the Z06 has the LS6 and a six-speed manual.
• Check that the electronic steering column lock works normally and ask whether it has been serviced.
• Look for loose or corroded electrical grounds, which can cause intermittent electrical faults on any C5.
• On a Z06, ask whether the LS6's valve springs have been inspected or replaced, and get records of any engine work.
• Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm that any open campaigns have been completed.

Engine guides: LS1 5.7L V8.

How to verify a C5 Corvette's factory options

Every C5 has a 17-character VIN, so the factory build record can confirm what the car was ordered with, such as the Z51 suspension, transmission, paint and interior codes, and special editions. GM's build data lists the ordered-option RPO codes for the VIN, not every code on the car's original equipment label, and coverage varies by car.