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The 5th Generation Corvette presents incredible state-of-the-art sports car technology and revolutionary power production, delivered by the all new Generation 3 small block Chevrolet engines designated the LS1 and LS6 engines.
The completely new C5 was
introduced in 1997 as a Corvette
Coupe, with the Convertible being
available for the1998 model year
and a Hardtop, with a more rigid
chassis, being available in 1999.
This was the first time in the history
of Corvette that 3 distinct body
styles were made available as the
Coupe, Convertible and Hardtop
models.
The C5 Corvette features a new
chassis, frame, and body that
represent innovative technological
developments. The chassis
structure is the stiffest in Corvette
history consisting of two full-length
frame rails, formed from a
sophisticated hydro-formed
procedure that creates frame rails
from a continuous steel tube that
attach to a backbone tunnel
structure. This single piece of
tubular steel frame replaces the
14 part frame structure and
reduces 34% of the components
from the previous model Corvette, which helps to diminish the
undesirable rattling noises that were evident in previous designs.
This new structure with reduced components also helps to improve the manufacturing process for a C5 Corvette that only takes 55 hours to build, which is significantly less than the 70 hours required to produce a C4 Corvette.
The C5 also has a rear mounted transmission that helps to provide near equal weight distribution with 51.4% at the front and 48.6% of the weight located at the rear.
The LS1 and LS6 are 346 cid engines that
are referred to as 5.7 liter engines by GM.
The 346 cid engine displacement consists of
3.90” bore pistons and 3.62’” stroke
crankshaft that operate in a new,
re-designed aluminum block with four-bolt
mains cross bolted to the block for rigidity.
The LS1 block is made from 319 aluminum
with iron cylinder liners that are
centrifugally-cast into the block. The Iron
liners are both thin and strong due to the
centrifugally forced casting process that
increases the density of the iron cylinder
sleeves.
This Generation 3 aluminum block weights
107 lbs. which is 53 lbs. lighter than the
previous Generation 2 Corvette LT1 & LT4
iron blocks that weigh 160 lbs.
The most significant performance feature of the
Generation 3 small block engine is the cylinder
heads. The all new aluminum cylinder heads
have a unique design with tall symmetrical
intake ports and exhaust ports that are a
spread-port pattern. The replicated intake and
exhaust ports are exactly the same, for each of
the eight cylinders, which help to eliminate
combustion inconsistencies between cylinders
that are caused by variances in port flow
quantity and quality. The equal distribution of air and fuel from the replicated intake ports and the equal discharging of exhaust gases from the spread pattern exhaust ports, help to develop equal power in each cylinder, which improves total power output and provides faster engine acceleration.
Another important feature of the
LS1 & LS6 intake port is better
"injector targeting" which is made
available from the tall intake ports
that allow the fuel injector to squirt
fuel directly to the back of the
intake valves. This helps to produce
more power and improve engine
emissions.
The LS1 & LS6 heads also have
15 degree valve angles, the
significance being that with V8 engines’ having less valve angle is better for power production, as airflow in and out of the cylinder is less
restrictive. In comparison, all other production small block Chevy Corvette cylinder heads have 23 degree valve angles and the Bow Tie Race heads have 18 degree valve angles. The superior technology of the LS1 head is what makes the LS1 engine so powerful.
The aftermarket high technology LS1 heads from Dart have superior flow capabilities and effecient combustion chambers that improve power and performance.
The Dart Pro 1 LS1 Heads come in two intake port sizes with two different intake valve sizes. Click on the Rolling Thunderz Dart LS1 Cylinder Heads button below to view the Dart
Cylinder Heads image gallery.
The intake manifold is also unique and made of composite material for weight savings and improved airflow.
Aluminum valve covers have separate ignition
coils mounted close to each spark plug for
better ignition efficiency. Spark timing signals
are sent by crankshaft and camshaft sensors.
The spark timing sequence is revised from the
previous small block Chevy firing order of
1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 to 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 for the
LS1 and LS6.
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The ZO6 Corvette is introduced in 2001
with a new LS6 engine option that
produces 385 hp and 385 lb-ft of
torque. The LS6 aluminum block is a
modified version of the LS1 engine
with more durability for higher output
operation. New LS6 cylinder heads are
also upgraded versions of the original
LS1 heads that improve airflow
efficiency and also provide higher
10.5:1 compression with smaller,
redesigned combustion chambers.
The ZO6 engine also develops more
power from a new high lift camshaft
profile with intake and exhaust valve
lift at .525 inch.
A better breathing air intake system helps to flow more air into the engine and a new titanium exhaust system flows more exhaust out from the LS6 engine. These upgraded components for the LS6 help to develop 385 hp for an additional 40 hp over the original LS1 engine that produces 345 hp.
The ZO6 performance option is only available with a new close-ratio six-speed transmission which is equipped with higher numerical gears for improved acceleration. Since the manual transmission equipped Corvettes can run 0.3 seconds quicker than the automatic transmission cars, the new close ratio transmission can provide even quicker acceleration for the ZO6 from the use of better gear ratios.
| 1997 – 2004 Corvette Transmissions Gear Ratios |
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4-Speed
Automatic |
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6-Speed
Manual |
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6-Speed
Manual |
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| Application: |
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Standard
Equipment |
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Optional
Transmission |
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Z06
Transmission |
| 1st Gear |
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3.06 |
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2.66 |
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2.97 |
| 2nd Gear |
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1.63 |
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1.78 |
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2.07 |
| 3rd Gear |
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1.00 |
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1.30 |
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1.43 |
| 4th Gear |
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0.70 |
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1.00 |
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1.00 |
| 5th Gear |
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-- |
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0.74 |
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0.84 |
| 6th Gear |
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-- |
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0.50 |
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0.56 |
| Reverse |
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2.29 |
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2.90 |
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3.28 |
| Rear Gear |
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2.73 (standard)
3.15 (optional) |
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3.42 |
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3.42 |
The Z06 is also lighter than the C5 Coupe and Convertible by 117 pounds. The weight saving comes from the titanium exhaust system, the use of thinner glass and less sound insulation.
The ZO6 features a more powerful LS6 engine with 40 additional horsepower, improved transmission gears for faster acceleration and reduced weight for a better power to weight ratio, making the 2001 ZO6 model a superior Corvette. |
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The 2002-2004 LS6 V-8 has a 405 hp rating at 6,000 rpm and torque is increased to 400 pounds-feet at 4,800 rpm. The LS6 is also reported to be very well engineered and under rated with power output actually being in the 425 hp range.
The 2003 Z06 is similar to the 2002 model, with new 50th-Anniversary exterior badges.
The high performance LS6 engine and the standard equipment LS1 Corvette engines are both 346 cid 5.7-liters Chevy small block V-8’s.
The LS6 version of the 5.7-liter produces 405 hp and 400 ft-lb torque, which is an additional 55 hp and 25 lb-ft of torque over the base model LS1 Corvette with power rated at 350 hp and 375 ft-lb torque. Additional power for the ZO6 package comes from the higher compression ratio LS6 engine, which has better cylinder heads with lighter valves and stronger valve springs, along with a higher lift camshaft profile. The ZO6 also benefits from better breathing from the intake manifold, air cleaner, and titanium exhaust system.
The 2002 Z06 camshaft provides
higher .550 inch intake valve lift
and .547 inch exhaust valve lift.
The 2002 LS6 camshaft provides
significantly higher valve lift over
the 2002 LS1 camshaft which has
.466 inch intake valve lift and
.477 exhaust lift.
The LS6 has a new and more efficient cylinder head design. The intake valves are hollow and lighter for higher rpm capability. Exhaust valves, with higher operating temperatures, are also hollowed but filled with a liquid alloy that contains 78% potassium and 22% sodium for better heat transfer. Total valvetrain weight for the LS6 is reduced by 0.81 pounds, which helps to improve valve seating at high rpm.
The LS6 also has new intake and exhaust manifolds with improved air flow rates; a special high lift camshaft profile is used with higher valve spring pressure rates for improved valvetrain stability. Higher capacity fuel injectors increase fuel delivery and a new PCV system contributes to reducing crankshaft pressure.
Power Ratings for LS1 & LS6 Engines
1997-2000 LS1 Engine
345 hp @ 5600rpm/350lb-ft torque @ 4400rpm
2001-2004 LS1 Engine
350 hp @ 5600rpm/375lb-ft torque @ 4400rpm
2001 LS6 Engine
385 hp @ 6000rpm/385lb-ft torque @ 4800rpm
2002-2004 LS6 Engine
405 hp @ 6000rpm/400lb-ft torque @ 4800rpm
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The 50th Anniversary Edition Corvette is a sophisticated sports car, with special Coupe and Convertible models that feature the innovative Magnetic Selective Ride Control system, considered to be the fastest-reacting suspension system in the industry.
The adjustable ride control system uses an electro-magnetic coil to alter fluid consistency within the shock absorbers to instantly adjust damping for road surfaces and conditions. The wheel sensors at each wheel instantly adjust damping force, as the electromagnetic system responds five times faster than previous mechanical suspension systems. |
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The 2004 Commemorative Edition Z06 features a new hood using carbon fiber material. The carbon fiber hood, which is only available on the
Commemorative Edition version of the 2004 Z06 weighs only 20.5 pounds, which is 10.6 lbs. less than the standard hood. This additional weigh savings also contributes to even better weight distribution for the Commemorative Edition Corvette.
The 2004 Commemorative Edition Corvette represents the last of the Generation 5 Corvettes. |
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The 5th Generation Corvette was selected as the Official Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 race in 1998, 2002, 2003 and 2004.
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Performance test results can vary for a variety of reasons, including the performance of the motor, efficiency of the car, track conditions, weather and driver skill. The following ranges in test results represent the diversity of performance with a professional driver.
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| 0-60 mph |
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4.7-5.0 seconds |
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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13.3-13.4 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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109-107 mph |
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| Top speed |
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172 mph |
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| 0-60 mph |
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4.7-5.0 seconds |
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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13.3-13.4 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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109-107 mph |
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| Top speed |
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172 mph |
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| 0-60 mph |
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4.7-5.0 seconds |
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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13.3-13.4 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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109-107 mph |
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| Top speed |
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164 mph |
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| 0-60 mph |
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4.7-5.0 seconds |
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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13.3-13.4 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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109-107 mph |
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| Top speed |
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172 mph |
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| 0-60 mph |
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4.7-5.0 seconds |
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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13.3-13.4 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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109-107 mph |
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| Top speed |
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164 mph |
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| 0-60 mph |
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4.7-5.0 seconds |
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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13.3-13.4 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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109-107 mph |
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| Top speed |
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172 mph |
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| 0-60 mph |
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4.7-5.0 seconds |
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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13.3-13.4 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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109-107 mph |
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| Top speed |
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164 mph |
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| 0-60 mph |
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4.5-4.8 seconds |
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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13.1-13.2 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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111-109 mph |
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| Top speed |
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172 mph |
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| 0-60 mph |
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4.5-4.8 seconds |
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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13.1-13.2 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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109-107 mph |
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| Top speed |
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164 mph |
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| 0-60 mph |
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4.3–4.6 seconds
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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12.6–13.1 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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114–112 mph |
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| Top speed |
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171 mph |
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| 0-60 mph |
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4.0–4.4 seconds |
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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12.4–13.1 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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114-115 mph |
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| Top speed |
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174 mph |
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| 0-60 mph |
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4.8-5.0 seconds |
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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13.2–13.6 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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109–107 mph |
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| Top speed |
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172 mph |
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| 0-60 mph |
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4.0–4.4 seconds |
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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12.4–13.1 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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116-114 mph |
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| Top speed |
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174 mph |
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| 0-60 mph |
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3.5 seconds |
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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10.3 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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136 mph |
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| Top speed |
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200+ mph |
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| 0-60 mph |
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4.0–4.2 seconds |
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| ¼ mile elapsed time |
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12.4-12.5 seconds |
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| ¼ mile speed |
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116-115 mph |
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| Top speed |
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174 mph |
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Ned Erkman
Author of The Read for Corvette Speed
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Intro
| 1953-1962
| 1963-1967
| 1968-1982
| 1984-1996
| 1997-2004
| 2005-2013 |
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