Fifth generation · C5 · 1997–2004
1997Chevrolet Corvette
A clean-sheet C5 with the new LS1 V8 and a rear transaxle for balance. The hardcore Z06 returned for 2001 with the LS6, reviving the badge after a 38-year absence.
Photo: “1997 Chevrolet Corvette, white, rear right side, DQ Littleton Car Show 2026-08-02.jpg” by Xnatedawgx / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick facts
- Engines
- 1offered5.7L LS1 V8
- Top output
- 345hp5.7L LS1 V8
Body stylesCoupe
Start here
What do you need to know?
This page covers the whole 1997 Chevrolet Corvette model year. Choose your task first; exact trims and engines are separated where the factory offered different versions.
Documented lineup
Find your exact 1997 Corvette
Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.
Exact factory pairings documentedHow this lineup was verified
These source-backed records identify published body, engine, and transmission combinations. Exact pairings do not by themselves assert that every factory option or special edition is represented.
Corvette Coupe with removable roof panel — 4-speed automatic
- Body
- Coupe with removable roof panel
- Engine
- 5.7L LS1 V8
- Gearbox
- 4-speed automatic
- Built
- Regular production
Corvette Coupe with removable roof panel — 6-speed manual
- Body
- Coupe with removable roof panel
- Engine
- 5.7L LS1 V8
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual
- Built
- Regular production
No factory configuration matches those filters.
The 1997 model year
Overview
The fifth-generation Corvette arrived for 1997 as a clean-sheet design with the new aluminum LS1 V8 and a rear-mounted transaxle for near-50/50 weight distribution. It was a major leap in refinement, structural rigidity, and everyday usability.
Specifications
- Engines
- 5.7L LS1 V8345 hp
- Transmissions
- 4-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
- Body styles
- Coupe
Year over year
What changed
- All-new C5 platform with the first-generation LS small-block (LS1).
- Rear transaxle layout for improved weight balance.
Worth knowing
Notable
- Introduced the LS engine family that defined modern GM performance.
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- The LS1 is a famously durable engine; C5s are among the more usable classic-era Corvettes.
Maintenance & service parts
Keep your 1997 Corvette on the road
Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.
Service desk
What this car needs & when
Use this as a service-planning checklist for 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. Start with the interval, confirm which engine or configuration you have, then use an exact ordering reference when one is verified.
- Service topics
- 2
- Factory intervals
- 1
- Fitment-scoped
- 2
- Exact references
- 1
Before orderingIdentify your engine, options and build date.Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.
Engine oil and filter
Sourced interval available
Follow the GM Oil Life System and change at least once each year even when the message has not appeared.
Source: General Motors Heritage Archive — 1997 Chevrolet Corvette Vehicle Information Kit · Service and Maintenance / Engine Oil Life System · checked
Engine oil filter — catalog fitment
Exact reference available
Manufacturer-catalog fitment only; use the engine-specific option below and verify the VIN before ordering.
Baldwin B31 cataloged fitment
This manufacturer application record establishes replacement-filter fitment only; it does not alter Chevrolet's service interval.
Source: Parker/Baldwin Filters — 2025 Automotive Applications catalog · Chevrolet 1997 Corvette V8-350 5.7L FI, VIN G (LS1) application row — Lube — B31 · checked
Verified ordering references
- Validated equivalentBaldwin B31
Qty. 1 · Engine lubricating-oil filter · catalog-listed
Cataloged for the 1997 Corvette V8-350 5.7L FI, VIN G (LS1); verify the VIN and installed filter dimensions.
Catalog: Parker/Baldwin Filters — 2025 Automotive Applications catalog · Chevrolet 1997 Corvette V8-350 5.7L FI, VIN G (LS1) application row — Lube — B31 · checked
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Sources
Other Fifth generation years
Explore the C5 generation →All Fifth generation · C5 years →