The LS1 Corvette
Engine 1997 NEW CORVETTE
GENERATION III V8 REDEFINES "HIGH-TECH" With an all-new fifth-generation Corvette on the
horizon, the time couldn't be better to introduce the third generation of the
legendary General Motors small block V8 engine. Based on a timeless design by
former Chevrolet Chief Engineer and General Manager Ed Cole, the "Gen III" 5.7
Liter V8 LS1 marks a bright new chapter in the highly respected lineage that GM
small blocks have established for more than 40 years ... with an infusion of
cutting-edge technology. Originally introduced in 1955, the small block V8
changed the way people thought about Chevrolet. Virtually overnight, the
conservative Chevrolet image became synonymous with high performance. Over the
years, the small block V8 has maintained this image, especially because of its
use in the high-performance Corvette. With this legacy in mind, GM engineers
built the LS1, recognizing this as the opportunity to evolve the small block to
the ultimate pushrod V8 engine for the 21st century. The LS1 is characterized by
lots of power and immediate responsiveness. It retains the small block's
simplicity and elegance of design, while maintaining an exceptionally compact
and efficient package size. One of the most exciting LS1 features is its
all-aluminum block, designed for stiffness, strength and low mass. A unique
crankshaft design and replicated ports improve engine breathing, allowing the
engine to fulfill its mission-to produce power! How much power? Try 340 massive
horses under the hood and 350 lb.-ft. of raw, tire-grabbing torque. POWER AND DURABILITY-The LS1 has many refined
features that contribute to the overall power of the engine. One of the most
notable of these features is the 10:1 compression ratio, which helps maximize
LS1's power output. Also, friction-reducing cast-steel roller rocker arms add
stiffness to the valve train structure, enabling higher engine speeds. The intake
manifold is made of a new lightweight composite material that saves weight and
helps air flow more smoothly into the engine, resulting in enhanced performance.
The hydraulic roller valve lifters minimize friction for long-lasting
durability, and help prevent internal power loss. NOISE AND VIBRATION REDUCTION-This important engine
attribute is enhanced in part by a new accessory drive system. The use of
direct-mount accessories and the elimination of fasteners and attachment holes
contribute to overall noise and vibration reduction. LS1's hollow-camshaft
design also helps reduce noise and vibration. EMISSIONS-Several features help reduce engine
emissions in the LS1. The "coil near plug" ignition system produces high
ignition energy, which results in increased combustion and better emissions. The
dual-wall air-gap exhaust manifold improves catalytic converter light-off, which
helps lower emissions. Also, a sophisticated Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
system helps make the LS1 emissions-compliant for years to come. Overall, the
new LS1 small block features a long list of improvements and new features that
fifth-generation Corvette owners will appreciate. These improvements are all
designed with one goal in mind: to provide the Corvette owner with world-class
sports car performance. With the time-proven small block V8 design to build on,
the LS1 is clearly the most technologically advanced pushrod V8 engine GM has
ever produced, and is definitely up to the task of powering the legendary
Corvette.
Coupe - 3246/1472,
Convertible - 3248/1473, Hardtop - 3173/1439
Engine oil
(quarts/liters)
6.0/5.6 (with filter)
Engine coolant
(quarts/liters)
11.5/10.9 (11.8/11.2
with manual transmission)
STEERING
Type
Power-assisted,
speed-sensitive, magnetic variable-effort power rack-and-pinion
steering
Ratio (overall)
16.1:1
Turns stop-to-stop
2.32
Turning diameter
curb-to-curb (ft./m)
40.0/12.2
Turning diameter
wall-to-wall (ft./m)
41.3/12.6
BRAKES
Type
Power-assisted,
four-wheel vented disc with 4-wheel ABS
U. S. STANDARD
METRIC
Gross lining, front/rear(without
grooves)
22.6/8.7 sq. in.
145.8/56.1 sq. cm.
Effective area,
front/rear
22.3/8.7 sq. in.
144/56 sq. cm.
Disc rotor diameter x
thickness, front
12.6 x 1.26 in.
302.3 x 1981.2mm
Disc rotor diameter x
thickness, rear
11.8 x 1.0 in.
302.3 x 1981.2mm
Total swept area,
front/rear
263/158 sq. in.
1696/1018.0 sq. cm.
ENGINES
Type
5.7 Liter (LS1) V8 SFI
Block
Cast aluminum
Cylinder Head
Cast aluminum
Valve Configuration
Overhead (OHV) intake
manifold
Hydraulic Lifters
Yes/roller
Bore & Stroke
(in.)
3.90 x 3.62
(mm)
99.0 x 92.0
Cam drive
Chain
Redline (RPM)
6000
Displacement
(liters/CID)
5.67/346
Compression ratio
10.1:1
Fuel induction
Sequential Fuel
Injection (SFI)
Horsepower/kW @ engine
RPM
345 @ 5600/257 kW @ 5600
Torque/N-m (lb.-ft. @
engine RPM)
350 @ 4400/475 N-m @
4400
Exhaust system
Aluminized stainless
steel
Tailpipe(s)
4, rear center exit
Ignition system
Coil near plug
Alternator (amps)
50 at Idle; 120 maximum
Battery (SAE capacity
rating, cca)
600
Recommended fuel
(unleaded)
Premium unleaded
TRANSMISSIONS
Models
Corvette Hardtop
Corvette Coupe/Corvette
Convertible
Corvette Coupe/Corvette
Convertible
Transmission
6-speed manual(std.)
4-speed elec. automatic
with overdrive(std.)
6-Speed Manual(opt.)
Layout
RWD, mounted ahead
of rear axle
RWD, mounted ahead
of rear axle
RWD, mounted ahead
of rear axle
Gear ratios:
1st
2.66
3.06
2.66
2nd
1.78
1.63
1.78
3rd
1.30
1.00
1.30
4th
1.00
0.70
1.00
5th
0.74
–
0.74
6th
0.50
–
0.50
Reverse
2.90
2.29
2.90
Final drive ratios
3.42
2.731
3.42
1:3.15
with optional Performance Ratio.
CHASSIS
Chassis
Structure/frame
Integral perimeter frame
with center backbone/all-welded steel body frame construction
Body material
Fiberglass-reinforced
plastic
Suspension — front
Type
Independent SLA forged
aluminum upper and pressure-cast aluminum lower control arms;forged
aluminum steering knuckle, transverse monoleaf spring and steel
stabilizer bar, spindle offset, gas-pressurized shock absorbers
Stabilizer bardesign/diameter(mm)
Link/23.0 (28.6
w/hardtop and optional Z51 Handling Package)
Suspension — rear
Type
Independent 5-link
design with toe and camber adjustment, cast aluminum upper and lower
control arms and knuckle, transverse monoleaf spring, steel stabilizer
bar and tie rods, tubular u-jointed metal matrix composite driveshafts,
gas-pressurized shock absorbers
Stabilizer bardesign/diameter(mm)
Ball joint link/19.1
(23.6 w/hardtop and optional Z51 Handling Package)
Extended Mobility (EMT)
Goodyear Eagle F1 high-performance
Tire size
— front
— rear
P245/45ZR-17
P275/40ZR-18
Spare size
Not applicable
1997 Corvette options
Code
Description
MSRP
Quantity
Percent Of Build
1YY07
Base
Corvette Sport Coupe
$37,495
9752
100
AAB
Memory
Package
150
6186
63.4
AG2
Power
Passenger Seat
305
8951
91.8
AQ9
Sport
Seats
625
6711
68.8
B34
Floor
Mats
25
9371
96.1
B84
Body
Side Moldings
75
4366
44.8
CC3
Removable
Roof Panel Blue Tint
650
7213
74
CF7
Base
Roof
-
2078
21.3
C2L
Dual
Removable Roof Panels
950
416
4.7
CJ2
Dual
Zone Air Conditioning
365
7999
82
C60
Manual
A/C
-
1753
18
CV3
Mexico
-
46
.5
D42
Security
Shade
50
8315
85.3
EXP
Export
-
426
4.4
FE1
Base
Suspension
-
8675
89
FE3
Sport
Suspension
(Included With
Z51)
-
1077
11
F45
Selective
Real Time Damping, Electronic
1695
3094
37.1
G92
Performance
Axle Ratio
- 3.15:1
100
2739
28.1
MN6
Six
Speed Manual Transmission
815
2809
28.8
MX0
M30-Automatic
Transmission
-
6943
71.2
NG1
Massachusetts/New
York Emissions
170
677
6.9
R8C
Customer
Pickup
-
9
.1
T96
Fog
Lamps
69
8829
40.5
UN0
Stereo
System Delco-Bose with CD
100
6282
64.4
U1S
Remote
Compact Disk Changer
600
4496
46.1
V49
Front
License Plate Frame
15
2258
23.2
YF5
California
Emissions
170
885
9.1
Z49
Canadian
Options
-
325
2.4
Z51
Performance
Handling Package
350
1077
11
I.D. NUMBERS
The serial number [Vehicle Identification Number -- VIN] was stamped on a plate on the inner vertical surface of the left windshield pillar visible through the windshield.
The serial numbers ranged from 1G1YY22G*V5100001 to 1G1YY22G*V510 9752
My 1997 Corvette: 1 G 1 YY 2 2 G O V 5 10 5769
Bought: 06/06/1997
$40,474.00 MSRP as Sold
to Dimmit Chevrolet, Clearwater, Florida
2164 made in Sebring Silver Metallic
Position
Character
Description
1
US built
United States
2
G
General Motors product
3
1
Chevrolet Motor Division vehicle
4&5
YY
Corvette
6
2 or 3
Body style number
2 = Two door hatchback style 07, 08, 77, or 87
7
2 or 4
2=Active manual belts with driver and passenger inflatable restraint system 4=Active manual belts with frontal and side-impact driver and front passenger inflatable restraint system
A check digit that calculates the characters in the serial number and gives it a single digit code and can be used to verify that the serial number is legitimate
10
V
The model year where 1997
11
5
Bowling Green, KY
12-17
100001 and up
Production sequence for coupes of 9752 made in 1997.