1997 Corvette Overview

1997 began the new generation of Corvette, C5. The Corvette Team faced many tough decisions when designing the new Corvette. They didn't know if they should change the Corvette design drastically, or make the C4 to C5 transition look like natural evolution. Another question they faced was whether or not to change the engine.

Corvette did end up deciding to use the LS1 5.7L V-8. Some Corvette enthusiasts were surprised that their "new" engine still had pushrods but there were plenty of reasons to use that engine. The engine has 345 net horsepower which is plenty for the Corvette. Lastly, it was much cheaper for Corvette to use a pushrod engine, which in turn, made the car a much more reasonable price to the customer.

1997 Corvette Engines

Engine

HP/TQ

0-60

Quarter Mile

• 5.7L V-8 LS1
• 345 HP @ 5600 RPM
  350 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM
• 4.8 sec
• 13.3 sec

1997 Corvette Exterior Colors

Color

Code

• Arctic White
• 10U

• Sebring Silver Metallic
• 13U

• Nassau Blue Metallic
• 23U

• Black
• 41U

• Light Carmine Red Metallic
• 53U

• Torch Red
• 70U

• Fairway Green Metallic
• 91U

1997 Corvette Interior Trim Colors

Color Code

• Black
• 193

• Light Gray
• 923

• Firethorn Red
• 943

1998 Corvette Overview

The 1998 C5 Corvette was the first Corvette to come with the new Active Handling system as an option. The Active Handling system activates when there is a significant difference between how the driver intends for the car to corner and how the car is actually cornering. It works with the ABS and traction control systems needed to apply any of the four brakes to help correct the situation. Active Handling can help to avoid many accidents.

Also during 1998, the LS1 5.7L V-8 engine was distinguished as one of the best in 1998. The Corvette, Camaro, and Firebird are all powered by the engine. The 1998 5.7L V-8 was the most technologically advanced push rod small block of its time. The engine continued with its heritage of 4.40 inch center-to-center bore dimensions and high output.