Page 10 of 361
viii
In 1963, Corvette hit the road with an eye-catching new
look
-- the Sting Ray coupe. An instant success, the
now
-classic Sting Ray featured concealed headlamps
and a unique split rear window. The split window would
only be offered in 1963, making this model among the
most prized Corvettes ever built.
Restyled inside and out for 1968, this 'Vette sported a
lean and hungry shape, creating a sense of motion even
when standing still. And for the first time, Corvette
offered removable roof panels.
Page 11 of 361
ix
For its 25th anniversary, the 1978 Corvette paced the 62nd Annual Indianapolis 500 and received a new fastback
roofline with a wide expanse of glass that wrapped around the sides.
Page 12 of 361

x
In 1984, the fourth generation of America's favorite
sports car anticipated the future with a sleek look and
advanced technology that provided superior handling
and performance. Windshield angle was the sheerest of
any domestic vehicle, cornering ability the tightest of
any production car. In short, the 1984 redesign enhanced
the Corvette's reputation as a leader in the world sports
car market.
After 44 years of production, Corvette only got better.
The fifth
-generation Corvette arrived in 1997, featuring
a completely restyled body and a new, all
-aluminum,
5.7 Liter, 345
-horsepower LS1 V8 engine.The structure of the fifth
-generation redesign is
the stiffest ever developed in 44 years of Corvette
production, resulting in unparalleled ride quality and
outstanding handling. Also unique to the new Corvette
is a rear
-mounted transmission.
Available as a Coupe for 1997, the new Corvette offered
such standard features as extended
-mobility tires, a
Bose audio system, and a new, latch-operated roof
designed for easy removal.
With many design cues inspired by the classic models
of the 1960s, the new fifth-generation Corvette is an
impressive combination of sleek styling and world
-class
sports car performance. For 1998, in addition to the
Coupe, a convertible was reintroduced. The
fifth-generation Corvette rollout was completed in 1999
with the introduction of the hardtop model.
Page 51 of 361
1-33 Top Strap
In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child
restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be
anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also
have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap,
it should be anchored.
If your vehicle has a fixed roof, an anchor bracket for a
top strap is located behind the passenger's seat in the
cargo area. Anchor the top strap to the bracket.
If your vehicle is a convertible or has a removable roof,
don't use a child restraint with a top strap because the
strap can't be anchored properly. You shouldn't use this
type of child restraint without anchoring the top strap.
Page 59 of 361

2-
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-5 Memory (Option)
2
-7 Remote Keyless Entry System
2
-12 Hatch/Trunk Lid Release
2
-15 Theft-Deterrent System
2
-17 PASS-Key
2-18 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-18 Ignition Switch
2
-20 Starting Your Engine
2
-22 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-24 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-27 Manual Transmission Operation
2
-31 Parking Brake
2
-32 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
2
-34 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-34 Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)2
-35 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-35 Engine Exhaust
2
-36 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-36 Limited-Slip Rear Axle
2
-37 Selective Real Time Damping (SRTD) (Option)
2
-38 Windows
2
-40 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-47 Exterior Lamps
2
-49 Interior Lamps
2
-51 Mirrors
2
-52 Storage Compartments
2
-57 Roof Panel (Option)
2
-63 Convertible Top (Option)
2
-70 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-73 Warning Lights, Gages and Messages
2
-88 Driver Information Center (DIC)
Page 111 of 361
2-53 Security Shade (Option)
The security shade can provide hidden storage in the
rear area of the vehicle. The shade is also helpful in
blocking the glare from the removeable roof when it is
stored in the rear compartment.
Using the Security Shade
1. Hook the elastic loops
on the front corners (A)
of the shade to the
T
-nuts located on the
front corners of the rear
hatch frame.
2. Hook the elastic loops on the rear corners (B) of the
shade to the hooks recessed inside the rear hatch
frame, near the rear corners.
Rear Storage Compartments
There are three rear storage compartments in the floor of
the rear hatch/trunk area on the passenger's and driver's
side of the vehicle.
Coupe Shown, Convertible Similar
If you have a coupe or convertible model, your vehicle
will be equipped with three storage compartment lids.
If you have a hardtop, your vehicle will only have a
center storage compartment lid.
Page 115 of 361

2-57
Roof Panel (Option)
Removing the Roof Panel
CAUTION:
Don't try to remove the roof panel while the
vehicle is moving. Trying to remove the roof
panel while the vehicle is moving could cause an
accident. The panel could fall into the vehicle and
cause you to lose control, or it could fly off and
strike another vehicle. You or others could be
injured. Remove the roof panel only when the
vehicle is parked.
Until you are sure you can remove the panel alone, have
someone help you.
NOTICE:
To avoid damage to the roof panel, paint and
weatherstripping, do not drop or rest it on its
edges. Place the roof panel in the egg
-shaped
stowage receivers after removing it from
the vehicle.
1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake firmly
and shift an automatic transmission into PARK (P).
Shift a manual transmission into REVERSE (R).
2. Turn the ignition key to OFF. Lower both sunshades
and turn them toward the door glass.
3. Open the rear liftgate and remove any items that may
interfere with proper storage of the roof panel. Make
sure to install the two egg
-shaped stowage receivers
into the floor of the rear storage compartment.
Secure both receivers into their proper positions by
turning them counterclockwise.
Page 116 of 361
2-58
4. Lower the windows and open the doors.There are two latches on the front of the roof panel
near each door (A), and one rear latch (B).