C5 Corvette Performance Specs

The C5 is the fifth generation of the Chevrolet Corvette. It was in production from 1997 to 2004. The first Corvette was first released in 1953, and it is still being produced as of 2010. The C5 model became a special generation because it was the first Corvette that featured not only new designs, but new powertrains. The 2003 C5 models are also considered unique, as they serve as Chevrolet's 50th anniversary edition model.

C5 Changes

The C5 can be considered the first major redesign of the Corvette model regarding the layout ever since it was released in the 1950s. Not a single engine that was used from the C4 was carried over, and the entire process of producing the vehicle was changed. One of the major changes that affected its performance is the location of the transmission, which was placed between the rear wheels of the vehicle to balance the weight of the engine in front of the car. It was also equipped with a new frame that featured a thick backbone and hydro-formed rails for extra strength.

The C5 was also equipped with a new engine. When it was first released in 1997, it was equipped with an all-aluminum 5.7-liter V8 engine with a rated output of 345 horsepower. This engine utilized an overhead valvetrain with two valves per cylinder, and used a sequential fuel injection for fuel delivery.

There were two engines available for the 2004 C5 models: the 5.7-liter LS1 and the 5.7-liter LS6. Both were V8 engines made of cast aluminum blocks and aluminum cylinder heads. The LS1 came standard on coupe and convertibles, while the LS6 was a standard on the Z06 model. Both engines had a bore and stroke of 3.9 and 3.63 inches, respectively, and a displacement of 346 cubic inches. The LS1 had a compression ratio of 10.1 to 1 and a rated output was 350 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, and 375 ft.-lb. at 4,000 rpm. Its maximum engine speed was 6,000 rpm.

The LS6 had a compression ratio of 10.5 to 1. Its rated output was 405 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 400 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,800 rpm. Its maximum engine speed was 6,500 rpm. The LS1 came standard with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the LS6 came standard with a six-speed manual transmission.