Shopping for Corvette parts was never easier than stopping by southerncarparts.com. They have many of the Corvette accessories you need to keep your Vette looking and performing at its finest. Save big on Corvette Floor Mats as floor mats shipping is FREE!
Corvette Facts and Information
1997 began the new generation of Corvette, C5. The Corvette Team faced many tough decisions when designing the new Corvette. They didn't know if they should change the Corvette design drastically, or make the C4 to C5 transition look like natural evolution. Another question they faced was whether or not to change the engine.
Corvette did end up deciding to use the LS1 5.7L V-8. Some Corvette enthusiasts were surprised that their "new" engine still had pushrods but there were plenty of reasons to use that engine. The engine has 345 net horsepower which is plenty for the Corvette. Lastly, it was much cheaper for Corvette to use a pushrod engine, which in turn, made the car a much more reasonable price to the customer.
The 1998 C5 Corvette was the first Corvette to come with the new Active Handling system as an option. The Active Handling system activates when there is a significant difference between how the driver intends for the car to corner and how the car is actually cornering. It works with the ABS and traction control systems needed to apply any of the four brakes to help correct the situation. Active Handling can help to avoid many accidents.
Also during 1998, the LS1 5.7L V-8 engine was distinguished as one of the best in 1998. The Corvette, Camaro, and Firebird are all powered by the engine. The 1998 5.7L V-8 was the most technologically advanced push rod small block of its time. The engine continued with its heritage of 4.40 inch center-to-center bore dimensions and high output.
The 1999 Corvette Series had 3 cars to choose from, the Coupe, the Convertible, and the new addition, the Hardtop. Some Corvette customers wanted a lighter, stiffer, more agile high performance Corvette and that is just what the Hardtop is. The Hardtop came equipped with a Z51 suspension, designed for racing competition or for drivers who demand the ultimate Corvette handling package. The suspension features stiff springs, large stabilizer bars and large monotube shock absorbers.
The Hardtop, believe it or not, was actually cheaper than the Coupe or the Convertible. If Coupe or Convertible owners preferred the Z51 suspension to be installed on their car, it would carry a price tag of $1,165. The downside to the Hardtop was that it was not the most luxurious of all Corvettes. It came with minimal options.
The only option that were available to the Hardtop were a power driver seat, the JL4 active handling system, a custom-designed Bose audio system, a CD changer and body side moldings. It also only came with one available interior, black leather, and five exterior color choices, Torch Red, Arctic White, Black, Pewter, and Nassau Blue.