1997 C5 Chevrolet Corvette Model Guide
History, Specifications, VIN, Options, Performance, & More
1997 Corvette Research
The Ultimate 1997 Corvette Database
In-Depth Guide / Special Models / Videos & Pics / Technical Research / Colors / Engines / The Market / Latest
Everything You Want to Know About the 1997 Corvette, All in One Place.
For Corvette enthusiasts the world over, March 7, 1997, was a date that would be long remembered. After the 13-year production run of the C4, Chevrolet had declared this date as the day that the first all-new Corvette would be made available for sale to the public. Given the massive amount of fanfare that surrounded the arrival of the C5 Corvette, it was little wonder that there was such an overwhelming clamor for this amazing new variant of the legendary sports car.
The arrival of the C5 had been announced some time earlier and there had certainly been plenty of information made available to consumers and enthusiasts alike long before its actual arrival. The new Corvette was celebrated as “bringing a new level of sophistication to the franchise.” Further, it was abundantly clear that this new Corvette was truly going to be unlike anything that had ever come before it. While these types of catch-phrases were synonymous with the introduction of any new car – especially a sports car – there was a great deal of truth behind them, as would soon be discovered by the world over.”
To begin with, the C5 Corvette had a completely new look that was at once elegant, seductive, and a testament to the long lineage of sports cars that proceeded it. As was stated by Interior Designer Jon Albert, “You won’t find a car in the Corvette’s price range that provides the same level of quality, power, ride, handling, and refinement.” As Albert explained further “We designed the (C5) with a synchronous mindset. We focused on individual goals, such as improved performance, reduced mass, and increased reliability, with the overall framework of the whole car. We evaluated and balanced each charge so as to optimize the entire car.”
1997 Corvette - The Ultimate Guide
Of all the innovations made during the development of the C5 Corvette, none was more significant than the development of the rear mounted transaxle. This design was considered after GM engineers observed the continued successes experienced by the Ferrari Daytona and the Porsche 944 (both of which use the same configuration).
1997 Corvette Special Editions
Our friends at Callaway gave us the C12 in 1997 and never looked back. We also saw a 1997 Corvette be torn up and improved all in the name of creating the "Tiger Shark" concept in 2001.
1997 Corvette Technical Research & Data
Dig into the numbers behind the 1997 Corvette and check out these hand-curated research papers and data-driven reports, including VIN information, production numbers, pricing/options, color samples, and more.
1997 Corvette Engines
Looking for information on the engines powering the 1997 Corvette? Look no further.
1997 Corvette Market & Sales Data
1997 Corvette auction and sales area. We share upcoming auctions, recent auction results, cool 1997 Corvettes we find for sale and commentary on the current market for the 1997 Corvette.
The Best Resource for 1997 Corvette News, Auctions, Reviews & Videos
Get all the latest news stories, upcoming auctions, prices, videos and more about the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette! The latest headlines here.
When Chevrolet introduced the fifth-generation Corvette in 1997, Callaway immediately began development of a platform that would compliment and enhance the all-new C5 model. Reeves Callaway,...
In 1997, Reeves Callaway introduced the Callaway C7R GT1, a thoroughbred racing machine constructed with a full monocoque chassis. It...
If you own a C5 Corvette and haven’t gotten this error message yet, chances are high that you will if it has not been addressed, as it is one of the most common issues affecting the fifth-generation Corvette. There were adequate previous fixes, and even “dealer fixes” but then the...
Do you remember where you were when you saw the first one in the wild? I recall thinking the C5...
These are the best exhausts for 1997-2004 C5 Corvettes. The installation of a custom exhaust provides a great way to...
Perhaps one of the 1997 Corvette’s most significant achievements is that the C5 was immediately recognized as one of the fastest Corvettes of all time and was one of the fastest cars in the world that year. When equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in just...
The C12 was introduced at the 1997 Geneva Auto Show as was one of the highlights of the show. It was considered...
For Corvette enthusiasts the world over, March 7, 1997, was a date that would be long remembered. After the 13-year...
When the C5 Corvette was finally unveiled critics were quick to notice a thundering new powerplant. It carried the LS1 designation, serving as the C5 Corvette’s base engine for the duration of the production run. Ironically, the C5 Corvette would only ever leave the factory with one of two individual engines. This included the aforementioned 5.7L LS1, as well as the all-powerful 5.7L LS6, which powered the C5 Z06.
For all 1997 Corvettes, the Vehicle Identification Number was stamped on a plate on the inner vertical surface of the left windshield pillar visible through the windshield.
You can download for free this exclusive 1997 Corvette sales brochure for more information about the car. To everyone who ever fell in love with a Corvette, we say: Get ready to do it all over again. To enthusiasts everywhere, we say: Come celebrate with us the stunning renewal of a performance legend.
The 1997 Corvette was maturing as both a performance platform and as an aesthetic knockout. Get all the options, pricing, and color data here.
The following list of common issues is intended for individual reference only, and may not reflect the specific issues of every 1997 Corvette.
Looking for information on how to maintain your 1997 Corvette? We've curated resources to help you keep your Corvette in great shape for years to come!
See the complete technical specifications and performance information for the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette, including engine specs, acceleration, & quarter mile.
We have curated the ultimate collection of the 1997 Corvette Wallpapers and HD backgrounds for you to enjoy. Free to download
1997 C5 Corvette RPO Codes, Options Codes & Order Guide If you are looking to decode your 1997 Corvette RPO’s...
The Chevrolet Corvette is such an iconic sports car. In 1997 this Corvette was produced. It was the first year of the C5 generation of Corvettes. This particular one was smashed into a Palm Tree by it’s original owner and was purchased for a father-son project. In the end it...
The LS1 is the spiritual successor to the “small block V8” that GM uses in rear-wheel-drive cars, trucks, and vans. It was introduced in 1995 as the “GEN III” engine and it only shared rod bearings, lifters, and bore spacing with its predecessors (which was in production 1955 until 2003). Little did GM expect for the LS1 has become a legend.
This Owners Guide contains important information regarding the operation and maintenance of your 1997 Corvette. In order to obtain maximum enjoyment and usage from your car, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the contents...
