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Chevrolet Corvette C5 (5th Generation)

1997–2004 · C5 · coupe

The C5 launched 1997 with the all-new LS1, the first Gen III small-block, all-aluminum, 5.7L, 345 hp. Hydroformed perimeter frame, rear transaxle, run-flat tires, and a coupe-only debut. Convertible returned for 1998. The Z06 hardtop arrived for 2001 with the LS6 (385 hp, then 405 hp for 2002-2004). Production ended after the 2004 model year; the C6 replaced it for 2005. The C5 is the platform that turned the Corvette into a genuine world-class sports car.

Watch out: Column lock failures on early C5s (later subject to recall) and steering column key-cylinder issues are well-known. Owner reports of leaking targa-top weather seals, harmonic balancer separation on higher-mileage cars, and intermittent CAGS (skip-shift) skip behavior on manuals are common.

What your Corvette takes

The parts and fluids that fit this generation. Specs we publish are confirmed against two independent sources; the rest fill in as we verify them.

  • Wiper blades22" driver · 22" passenger✓ VerifiedView
  • Oil filterParts in catalogShop
  • BatteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Tire sizeNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Engine oilNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Engine air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Cabin air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Spark plugsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Headlight bulbsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • CoolantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Transmission fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Tire pressureNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Key fob batteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Power steering fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Differential fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Serpentine beltNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake padsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Wheel fitmentNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake rotorsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • ThermostatNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • A/C refrigerantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Fuel filterNot catalogued yetFind yours soon

Full clubhouse — owner Garage Lineage, common problems, year-by-year notes, and product picks — is on the build list.

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