:. Miscellaneous .:
All of this information is variously collected from the Corvette Forum message board, so do not
take it as absolute gospel. However, it should be somewhat close.
Sources:
1,
1997
- Completely new, redesigned Corvette. Base (FE1) and Z51 (FE3) suspension packages.
- All Z51 cars include: Power Steering Cooler, xx, xx, ??
- 97-00 C5 LS1's produce 345 HP @ 5600 RPM and 350 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM.
1998
- Convertible becomes available
- Active Handling becomes available late in year
- The two slots of a 1998 (and possibly late 1997s) curve toward the rear at the bottom. (versus straight down)
1999
- 26# injectors substituted for 28#
- Fuel pump revised to reduce noise
- FRC "Fixed Roof Coupe" aka the hardtop, becomes available. All FRC's are MN6 (6-speed) cars with the Z51 suspension package, and are about 60lbs lighter than coupes.
- HUD introduced
- only one line in driver's side fuel rail cover (no fuel return line?)
- Power telescoping wheel becomes an option
- ? Steering hardware changed to combat wandering
- door sill trim plates added
2000
- Millennium Yellow available (Couple + 'Vert only)
- "Thin Spoke" versus "wagon wheel" design wheels become standard.
- Pup cats added to CA and New England models for LEV emissions requirements (5hp loss relative to 97-99)
- Steel front swaybar endlinks instead of plastic on Z51 equipped cars
- Z51 swaybar diameters grow (25.4/21.7 to 28.6/21.7 to 28.6/23.6 (note: new rear same as Z06)
- No keyhole on passenger side doorhandle
- Passenger airbag 'off' switch added to console during late model year (light by TC/AH button)
2001
- return to 28# injectors for all models.
- Second Generation Active Handling
- Nassau Blue discontinued
- Alternator 'clutch' pulley added on A4 cars
- New soundproofing + foam in all cars
- Smaller keyfob
- electrochromic dimming rearview and driver's mirrors
- lighter AGM battery
- Thickness + Material in vert change
- Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + vert
- 85MM MAF with integral temp sensor (versus 74mm with separate plug for IAT)
- LS1 cam profile changed to: .500/0.500, 198/208 on 115.5LSA (From: 0.472/0.479, 202/210 on 117)
- All Corvettes now have the LS6 intake manifold
- All Corvettes now have the LS6 engine block (windage passages in block), which includes a beefier oil pump.
- LS1 changes result in new output of 350 HP @ 5200 RPM and 375 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM (MN6)
- Hardtop/FRC discontinued
- Pup cats added to all models
- Stronger synchros in all transmissions
- Exhaust manifolds revised (5hp regained) - thin wall cast replacing SS manifolds
- metal valvestem caps (late year)
- Torque Tube changed from metal-matrix composite to aluminum alloy 6061, increased in dia from 55 to 63 mm.
- Driveshaft couplings have also been upgraded on manual-equipped models for additional strength and durability
- Introduction of the Z06, which has as differences:
- hardtop body style
- rear brake ducting
- screened inlets on front fascia, without foglights
- F1 supercar tires 265-17 front, 295-18 rear, on 17x9.5 and 18x10.5 (one inch wider, respectively
- new LS6 top-end with new style head design (10.5:1 compression, 64cc chamber), LS6 cam (0.525/0.525, 204/211 on 116) - 385hp
- M12 transmission with shorter gearing (1-2-3 analagous to MN6 with 3.90 rear diff
- Titanium exhaust system
- lightweight windshield
- New, stronger clutch with redesigned master + slave cylinder
- Stronger rear differential (shotpeened ring gear)
- Red brake calipers (otherwise identical)
- Trans overtemp warning light on DIC
- 6500 redline gauges with special checkering + Z06 font
- redesigned PCV system to help combat oil burning
- Red LS6 Fuel Rail Covers (FRC's)
- FE4 Z06 suspension - uprated springs, bars (30mm/23.6mm), shocks (note front spring and rear bar same as Z51)
2002
- Z06 Changes:
- Z06 LS6 cam changed to: 0.551/0.547, 204/218 on 117.5
- Less restrictive intake airbox lid
- Descreened MAF
- Removal of pup-cats (total with changes = 405hp)
- Z06 shocks revised with less rebound for better launching
- Z06 brake pads revised for better stopping (generate more dust)
- Lighter, sodium filled valves w/ stronger valvesprings
- higher tension rings installed to prevent oil burning problems
- slight piston redesign *
- clutch strength upgraded.
- HUD available on Z06 (not avail '01 model year)
- Wheel supplier changed to Speedline, moved from forged to cast. Weight nearly identical
- Electron Blue color offered
- Steel endlinks changed to aluminum
2003
- Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's
2004
· Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.
Cam Specs
Here is a table of camshaft specs over the years, courtesy of Don DeArman:
| Year |
Lift |
Duration |
LSA |
Timing |
| 1997 |
.490/.472 |
207/199 |
117 |
113/121 |
| 1998 |
.490/.472 |
207/199 |
117 |
113/121 |
| 1999 |
.490/.472 |
207/199 |
117 |
113/121 |
| 2000 |
.500/.500 |
209/198 |
115.5 |
112/119 |
| 2001 |
.479/.467 |
207/196 |
116 |
117/115 |
|