This clean, low mileage, award winning C5 example is ready for touring. Fitted with a Borla exhaust that enhances the LS1’s smooth sound. Specifications and Features of the 1997 Corvette (6-Speed Manual). The fifth-generation Corvette (C5), bringing a host of new technologies and performance improvements. Under the hood was the all-new 5.7L LS1 V8 – a 346 cubic-inch small-block producing 345 hp and 350 lb·ft of torque. Notably, the LS1 featured an aluminum block (lighter by 45 lbs than its predecessor) and introduced “throttle-by-wire” electronic throttle control, a rarity in 1997. Mated to this engine is a Borg-Warner T56 6-speed manual transaxle mounted at the rear, connected via an aluminum torque tube. This innovative rear transaxle layout yielded near-perfect weight distribution (about 51:49 front:rear), enhancing stability and handling. This example in Torch Red (70) over Light Gray (978) is one of 3,026 produced. Affordable. Fun.