If you want to perform engine modifications to your C5 Corvette beyond installing a different airbox or some exhaust system modifications, the engine will need to be removed. But pulling the engine on the C5 is a little different than what most enthusiasts are used to doing. That's because the best way to do it is to lift the body off the engine, torque tube, transmission, and front and rear suspension units that make up the "spine" of the C5 Corvette.
While the idea of doing this to your baby might sound much more daunting than "just" pulling the engine, removing the drivetrain unit is actually quite straightforward once you have seen it happen. Which is where this two-part story comes in: We are going to show you most of the steps required to complete this process.
As you can see, removing the...
As you can see, removing the engine on a C5 Corvette is really more like removing the entire drivetrain. Surprisingly, this process is a straightforward way to remove the engine from the vehicle. Once you've seen this process in detail, you'll understand why.
Where to Start
As always, whenever working on your vehicle, disconnect the battery cables first. this is especially important with this process as it involves removing the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the alternator, and most of the underhood electrical system. Handling any of these components or systems while powered could be dangerous on many fronts (to you and the components).
The first work to be performed is the removal of the shifter from the center console in the interior of the vehicle. It's a good idea to start with this step before the vehicle goes on the lift as the doors can safely be swung open (versus when the vehicle is on the lift and the lift legs are in the way of opening the doors). Simply put, getting the shifter out first means you won't have to get into the interior for the rest of the engine/drivetrain removal process.
Once the shifter is removed, the vehicle can be put on a two-post lift, and the drivetrain component and system removal process can happen. Many folks ask if a two-post lift is absolutely necessary, but after seeing the photos of how the drivetrain comes out of the vehicle, we doubt there will be too many questions. The factory puts the drivetrain in from under the vehicle, so if you want to do this process right, you'll gain access to a two-post lift and raise the body off the drivetrain to get at the engine.
Take a look at the photos and captions of this first half of the process and look for the rest of the story next month right here in CF.
 01 Today's new vehicles often...  01 Today's new vehicles often have their drivetrains installed in the vehicles from below the body structure when originally built, and the C5 Corvette is no different. Because of this, the easiest way to remove the engine/drivetrain is by lifting the body off the drivetrain with a two-post, four-point lift. |  02 To get the shifter unbolted...  02 To get the shifter unbolted from the interior, remove the two 10mm nuts that go on these studs. They are located underneath the trim bezel that contains the traction control button. To get to this area, you must remove the three Torx-15 screws holding the ashtray in place (not shown). |  03 Using a radiator hook...  03 Using a radiator hook tool, carefully pull up on these fastener closeouts to access the 10mm nuts. These show "pry" damage easily, so be cautious as you pull up on them. |
 04 Remove the 10mm nuts that...  04 Remove the 10mm nuts that were under the closeouts. |  05 Now you can pull up on...  05 Now you can pull up on the shifter boot and then place your hands on each side of the console and peel its edges out while pulling up. You need to peel the edges out to release the small tangs on the console. Carefully maneuver the plastic cover past the shifter arm and parking brake lever to gain access to the fasteners holding the shifter in place. |  06 Remove the three Torx-40...  06 Remove the three Torx-40 bolts holding the shifter closeout plate in place. |