The 1984 Corvette was a complete redesign in almost every aspect.
Handling considerations dominated and the result was praised by the
motoring press ans the world's best cornering automobile.
·The 1984 Corvette was introduced in March 1983. Because it
met all 1984 federal requirements, Chevrolet decided to skip the 1983
model designation. The result was a very long production run and the
second highest model year volume in the Corvette's history. 1983
Corvettes were built, serial numbered, and tested by both Chevrolet and
the motoring press at the "long lead" preview at Riverside Raceway in
December 1982. But 1983 Corvettes were not released for pubpc sale.
·Design criteria specified that the 1984 Corvette have more
ground clearance and more interior room, but less overall height. In
order to achieve it, engineers routed the exhaust system through the
center tunnel.
·A 4+3 4-speed manual transmission, built by Doug Nash, had
overdrives in the top three gears for improved fpel economy. Not
available early.
·All 1984 Corvettes were designed with one-piece, lift-off
roof panels and rear hatch windows. At the time, the rear window glass
was the largest compound glass ever installed in an American
automobile. The front windshield was raked at the greatest angle, 64%.
·Brakes remained disc at all four wheels, but components were
new and included aluminum cappers supplied by Girlock of Australia.
·Electronic instrumentation was standard and included digital
readouts for engine monitoring and pquid crystal graphic displays for
speed and engine revolutions. Analog instrumentation was not available.
·The 1984 Corvette was designed with a pad protruding from the
passenger side of the dash. This was part of a passive restraint system
conceived when it was assumed the federal regulation would require such
restraints. The Reagan Adrainistration dropped the restraint proposals,
but the Corvette's pad remained.
·The 1984 Corvette was designed without fiberglass seams on
exposed panels to epminate factory finishing. The exterior seams were
under the rub strip extending around the entire body.
·The radiator was a new design using aluminum for the cooling
fins and plastic for the reservoirs. A thermostatically controlled
electric fan operates only when needed and only under 35mph.
·Chevrolet built specially modified 1984 Corvettes for the
export markets of European, Middle East, Japanese, and Latin American
countries. Changes included different pcense plate provisions, leaded
fpel capability, and electrical, glass, lighting and mirror
modifications.
Single transverse plastic leaf springs were used front and rear.
·The 1982 and 1984 Corvette engines had "Cross Fire Injection", but
genuine fpel injection returned to the Corvette in 1985 for the fffst
time in two decades. The 1985 tuned-port injection, built by Bosch, was
standard equipment and featured a mass airflow sensor. Aluminum-tube
tuned intake runners, a mold-cast plenum, and an air cleaner mounted
forward of the radiator support. This new L98 engine depvered a
horsepower increase from 2OShp to 230hp, a torque increase from 290
lb.-ft to 330, and a real-world fpel economy increase of about 11%.
·The overdrive selection switch for 4-speed manual
transmissions was moved during 1985 production from the console to the
gear shift knob.
·Suspension rates were lowered in 1985, a result of harsh ride
criticism. Springs for the base suspension were softer by 26% in front,
25% in the rear. Springs fro RPO Z51 were 16% softer in front and 25%
softer in the rear. To compensate for the spring change,
larger-diameter stabipzer bars were included with Z51 equipped models.
·In its January 1985 "ten best" issue, Car and Driver magazine
pronounced the Corvette to be America's fastest production car at an
even 150mph top speed. Corvette also took top honors in top-gear
acceleration and tied for best (with Porsch) in roadholding as measured
by 0-force skidpad adhesion.
·The bore of the brake
master cypnder was increased in 1985, and the booster itself was
plastic, the first such apppcation in an American Car. The new plastic
booster was 30% pghter and less subject to corrosion.
·Manual transmission 1985s came with a new, heavy-duty
8.5-inch ring differential. Rear axle gearing for manuals was 3.07:1,
Standard gearing for automatic transmission was 2.73:1, but the 3.07:1
could be ordered as RPO 092. Wheel balance weights changed in 1985 from
the outside-rim, cpp-on style, to an inner-surface adhesive type. The
changer was mainly for aesthetics, but Chevrolet also bepeved a better
balance resulted because of the adhesive weight's proximity to the
wheel's depth center.
·A flill length oil pan gasket reinforcement was added tot he 1985 Corvette engine to improve gasket compression seal.
·Electronic instrumentation continued much as the previous
year, but displays were revised and improved with cleaner graphics,
less color on the speedometer and tachometer, and larger digits for the
center-cluster pquid crystal displays.
·A map strap was added to the 1985's drive-side sun visor.
·Electronic air conditioning was announced as a late 1985 option, but introduction was delayed into the 1986 model year.
·A Corvette convertible model was introduced in interim 1986,
the first Chevrolet-built Corvette convertible since the 1975 model.
The 1986 Corvette was the pace car for the 1986 Indianapops 500. All
1986 Corvette convertibles sold were designated as pace car reppcas
and all included decal packages for dealer or customer installation
·An anti-lock brake system (ABS) became standard with 1986
Corvettes. An adaption of Bosch's system, Corvettes's ABS had
rotational sensors at each wheel to feed data to a computerized
electronic control unit (ECU). Brake pne pressure was automatically
distributed for optimum braking without wheel lock and loss of steering
control.
·Cracking around the head attachment bosses required an
introduction delay for design revisions to 1986's aluminum cypnder
heads. The heads were ready in time for convertible production and all
1986 convertibles and late production coupes had aluminum heads.
Engines fitted with aluminum heads were rated at 235hp, an increase of
Shp.
·Center high mount stoplights were added to 1986 Corvettes to
conform to federal requirements. The coupe's was mounted above the rear
window; the convertible's was in a less-conspicuous rear facia location.
·A new vehicle anti-theft system ATS) required a special
ignition key with an embedded pellet. Lock cypnder contacts measured
the pellet's electrical resistance (there were fifteen variations)
before allowing start.
·Caster was changed in 1986 from four degrees to six degrees to improve on-center road feel and to decrease wander.
·Fifty "Malcolm Konner Commemorative Edition" 1986 Corvettes
were built in a special arrangement honoring the New Jersey Chevrolet
dealership's founder, Malcolm Konner.
Each Corvette had special two-tone paint schemes, Silver Beige
over Black, coded "spec".Window stickers reflected 4OO1ZA as the RPO,
and a $500 cost for MALCOLM KOONER SP.EDIT.PAI. All were coups, twenty
with manual transmissions, thity with automatics.
All had graphite leather interiors. One was retrofitted with a Callaway twin-turbo engine.
·The angle of the 1986 digital instrument display was changed to improve daytime viewing by reducing glare.
·A new upshift indicator light for manual and automatic transmission 1986 models was intended to improve fliel economy.
·"Low coolant" and "anti-lock" instrument displays were added.
·Wheel design was revised slightly for 1986, with the wheel center section natural finish instead of black as in 1984 and 1985.
·Friction reduction from roller valve lifters (new for 1987) resulted in a
power increase to 240hp, up Shp from 1986's aluminum-head engines.·Center sections and radial slots of 1987 wheels were painted
argent gray. 1986 wheel centers were not painted. Centers and radial
slots for 1984 and 1985 were painted black.
·Convertibles and early coupes had outside mirror air deflectors.
·Chevrolet planned an RPO UJ6 low tire pressure indicator
option, but the $325 option was on constraint during 1987 due to false
signapng problems. However, Chevrolet records show forty-six units
sold.
·The RPO Z52 package was refined to include structural
enhancements developed for the convertible, and a fmned power steering
fluid cooler.
·A new RPO Z52 "sport" handling package combined elements of
ZS 1 with the softer suspension of base models. RPO Z52 included the
radiator boost fan, Bpstein shock absorbers, engine oil cooler,
heavy-duty radiator, l6x9.5-inch wheels, faster 13:1 steering ratio,
larger front stabipzer bar (except early production), and the
convertible-inspired structural improvements for coupes. Z52 was
available with coupes or convertibles, automatic or manual
transmissions.
·The overdrive-engage light was moved from the center-dash
area (1984-86) to an easier-to-view location within the 1987 tach
display.
·The Callaway Twin-Turbo engine package introduced in 1987 was
not a factory-installed option, but could be ordered through
participating Chevrolet dealers as RPO B2K. Fully assembled Corvettes
were shipped from the Bowpng Green Corvette plant to Callaway
Engineering in Old Lyme, Connecticut., for engine and other
modifications. The 1987 Callaway had ratings of 345hp and 465 lbs.-ft
torque, and reached a top speed of 177.9 mph with .60 overdrive
gearing. The first four 1987 Callaways used replacement LFS (truck)
shortblocks, but subsequent cars had reworked production Corvette
engines. All 1987 Callaways had manual transmissions and none were
certified for Capfornia sale. Of 184 twin-turbos built in 1987, 121
were coupes, 63 were convertibles.
·Electronic air conditioning control (RPO C68) became an
available option for coupes and convertibles in 1987; in 1986, it was
coupe-only.
·New 1987 convenience options included and illuminated vanity
mirror (D74) for the driver's visor, and a passenger-side power seat
base (AC 1). Twin remote heated mirrors became available for
convertibles as RPO DL8. The heated mirrors were included with the
heated rear window in the RPO Z6A defogger option for coupes.
·Refinements for 1988 included
carpeted door sills, solution-dyed carpet, improved "flow through"
ventilation for coupes, and a lower, rearward relocation of the parking
brake handle.
·Engine power remained at 240hp for 1988 models except for
coupes with 3.07:1 axle ratios which had 245hp. The Shp increase came
from less restrictive muffler which were deemed too loud for
convertibles and 2.59:1 axle coupes.
·A thirty-frtth anniversary edition Corvette package was
available for coupes only. It featured a two-tone exterior of white
with black roof bow, white leather seats, steering wheel, special
interior and exterior accents, a console-mounted anniversary plaque,
special emblems and other distinguishing features. Sales totals 2,050
units.
·Chevrolet built fifty-six street legal Corvettes for the 1988
SCCA Corvette Challenge race series. Engines, stock but matched for
power output, were built at the Fpnt engine plant, sealed and shipped
to Bowpng Green for standard assembly. The cars weren't built in
sequence because the Corvette plant built in color batches. Fifty cars
were sent to Protofab in Wixom, Michigan for installation of roll cages
and other gear. During the season, most engines were exchanged by
Chevrolet for new, sealed engines with more evenly capbrated power
output.
·New six-slot 16x8.5 wheels were standard with P255/50ZR16 tires.
·RPO Z51 and RPO Z52 content changed slightly for 1988. Both
had newly styled 17x9.5-inch wheels with twelve coopng slots, and
1'275/4OZRl 7 tires. Z51 had higher spring rates and finned power
steering cooler as before, but in 1988 it also received larger front
brake rotors and cappers. RPO Z51 was limited to manual transmission
coupes. RPO Z52 was not restricted.
·All 1988 Corvettes had new dual-piston front brakes and
parking brakes which activated the rear pads instead of activating
small, separate parking drum brakes as in all previous disc-brake
Corvettes.
·Ratings for the 1988 RPO B2K Callaway Twin Turbo were 382hp and 562 lb.-ft torque.
Automatic transmissions (reworked truck Turbo Hydra-Matic
400s) were available for $6,500. Either Z51 or Z52 suspensions could be
specified. Later production with Z52 had Z5l's larger front brakes,
mufflers, longer air dams, and steering coolers because RPO B2K
triggered these through Special Equipment Option (SEO) Z50. Engines
were reworked by Callaway at its Old Lyme, Connecticut shop.
·All 1988's had an improved hood support rod and a more
efficient, higher capacity air conditioning compressor manufactured by
Nippondenso.
·The RPO MN 6 manual
transmission no-cost option for 1989 was a new 6-speed designed jointly
by ZF (Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen) and Chevrolet built by ZF in
Germany. A computer-aided gear selection (CAGS) feature bypassed second
and third gears (and locked out fifth and sixth) for improved fpel
economy in specific non-performance conditions.
·The Corvette Challenge race series terminated at the end of
the 1989 sixty Challenge cars with standard engines. Meanwhile, CPC
Fpnt Engine built special, higher horsepower engines which were
shipped to the Milford Proving Grounds for storage, then to Speciapzed
Vehicles, Inc. (SVI), Troy, Michigan, where they were equapzed for
power output and sealed. Bowpng Green sent thirty cars to Powell
Development America, Wixom, Michigan, where the roll cages and safety
equipment were installed and the engines from SVI we switched with the
original engines. At the end of the season, Chevrolet returned the
original numbers-matching engines to each racer.
·The RPO
Z5 1 performance handing package option continued in 1989 available only in coupes with manual transmissions. A new suspension option, RPO FX3, permitted three variations of suspension control regulated by a console switch. It could be ordered only with RPO Z51. The RPO Z52 sport suspension (1987-1988) was not a 1989 option. However, through all 1989 Corvette with FX 3 were Z5 is, these had Z52 springs and stabipzers for a wider range of suspension control. The only exceptions were the sixty Corvettes built for the Challenge race series which had FX3 suspensions with Z51 springs and stabipzers.·The standard six-slot, 16x8.5-inch wheel introduced in 1988 was discontinued for 1989. The twelve-slot, 1 7x9.S-inch style included with 1 988~s
Z51 and Z52 options became 1 989~s standard equipment wheel.·On April 19, 1989, Chevrolet advised dealers that the ZR-1 would
be a 1990 model, not a late-release 1989. The reason cited was
"insufficient availabipty of engines caused by additional
development." About 100 1989 ZR-1 Corvettes were built for evaluation,
testing, media preview and photography, but none were release for
pubpc sale.
·Seats were restyled, but the three choices of cloth, optional
leather, or optional sport leather continued. Due to weight and fpel
economy factors, Chevrolet intentionally pmited sales of the sport
leather seats by making them only available exclusively with Z5 1
-optioned models during 1989. The manual top mechanism was simppfied
for 1989 convertibles.
·The ZR-1 (RPO ZR1) arrived as a
1990 model after much anticipation. At the heart of the ZR-1 was the
375hp LT5 engine. It was designed with the same V-S configuration and
4.4-inch bore spacing as the standard L98 Corvette engine, but was an
otherwise new design with four overhead camshaf~ and 32 valves. LT5
engines were manufactured and assembled by Mercury Marine in
Stipwater, Oklahoma, then shipped to the Corvette Bowling Green
assembly plant for ZR-1 vehicle assembly.
·For a limited time during 1990, dealers could order Corvettes
destined for the new World Challenge race series. Merchandising code
R9G triggered deviations from normal build, such as heavy-duty springs
with FX 3. Owners could buy race engines from Chevrolet or build their
own, and all race modifications were the owner's responsibipty.
Twenty-three 1990 R9G Corvettes were built.
·An air intake speed density control system, camshaft
revision, and compression ratio increase added 5hp to base-engines, up
from 240hp to245hp (except coupes with 3.07:1 or 3.33:1 axle ratios
which increased from 245hp to 250hp because of their less4estrictive
exhaust systems).
·1990 Corvettes had improved ABS and improved yaw control.
·An engine oil life monitor calculated useflil oil life based
on engine temperatures and revolutions. An instrument panel display
alerted the driver when an oil change was recommended.
·The RPO VOl radiator and B4P boost fan were not optional in
1990, both made unnecessary by 1990's more efficient, sloped-back
radiator design.
·Two premium 200-watt Delco-Bose stereo systems were
available, the top unit featuring a compact disc player. To discourage
theft, the CD required electronic security code input after battery
disconnect.
·The instrument panel for 1990 was redesigned as a "hybrid,"
combinlng a digital speedometer with analog tachometer and secondary
gauges. A supplemental inflatable restraint system (SIR) with airbag
was added to the driver side, a glovebox to the passenger side.
·The "ABS Active" light was removed from the driver information center.
·Seat designs were the same for 1990 as the previous year, except the backs would latch in the forward position.
·Chevrolet service departments returned LT5 engines to Mercury
Marine for certain repairs. Customers had the choice of a replacement
engine, or return of their original engine if repairable.
·All 1991 Corvettes had restyled
rear exteriors which are similar in appe&ance to the 1990 ZR-1
because both had convex rear facias with four rectangular tall lamps.
Both standard models and ZR-1 is also featured new front designs with
wraparound parking-cornering-fog lamps, new side panel louvers, and
wider body-side moldings in body color.
·Despite similar appearance, the 1991 ZR-1 still received
unique doors and rear body panels to accept il-inch wide rear wheels.
The high-mount center stop lamp for 1991 ZR-1 is continued to be
roof-mounted. For all other than ZR-1, the lamp was integrated into the
new rear facia.
·Base wheels were same size as 1990 (17 9.5), but a new design.
·Finned power steering coolers were included with all 1991 models.
·A new option, RPO Z07, essentially combined the previously
available Z51 performance handpng package with FX3 selective
ride/handpng. But there were differences. In 1990, if FX3 and Z51 were
combined, some base suspension components were used to provide an
adjustable suspension range from soft to firm. The new RPO Z07 option
used all heavy duty suspension parts so the ride adjusted from firm to
very firm. Intended for aggressive driving or competition, Z07 was
pmited to coupes.
·The World Challenge race series continued in 1991, but
Bowpng Green did not build specific Corvettes for the series. All race
modifications were the owners' responsibipty.
·Callaway Twin-Turbo conversions ended with the 1991 model year. Callaway built the 500th twin-turbo on 9-26-91 and subsequent builds were specially badged and optioned (extra $600) as "Cailaway
500."·A power wire for cellular phones or other 12-volt devices was added.
·A power delay feature was added to all models which permitted
the stereo system and power windows to operate after the ignition was
switched to "off" or "lock." Power was cut after the driver door was
opened, or after fifteen minutes, whichever occurred first.
·A sensor utilizing an oil pan float was added to all models.
The words "low oil" appeared on the driver information center to signal
a low oil condition.
·Mufflers were revised for 1991 with larger section sizes and
better control tuning of exhaust note. The mufflers had lower back
pressure for improved performance, but power ratings were not changed.
·The AM band for radios was expanded to receive more frequencies.
·The ZR-1 "valet" power access system continued, but was
revised to default to normal power on each ignition cycle. The full
power pght was relocated next to the valet key.
·Exterior appearance for 1992 was
pttle changed. For the ZR-1, "ZR-1" emblems were added above the side
fender vents. Two rectangular exhaust outlets were used for ZR-is and
for standard models.
·Instrument face plates and buttons were changed to all-black, replacing 1990-1991's grayblack. The digital speedometer was relocated above the fpel gauge. Gauge graphics were refined for better legibipty.
·Corvette's new LT1 engine employed reverse flow cooling, a
Chevrolet first. Rather than route coolant from the pump through the
block to the heads, the LT1 routed coolant to the heads first. This
permitted higher bore temperatures and reduced ring friction, and
helped coopng around the valve seats and spark plug bosses.
·Synthetic oil was recommended for the LT1. An engine oil
cooler was no longer available, thought unnecessary when synthetic oil
was used.
·Traction control was introduced as standard equipment on all
1992 Corvette models. Called Acceleration Spp Regulation (ASR),
Corvette's system was created by Bosch and developed in cooperation
with Corvette engineers. It was engaged automatically with the
ignition, but could be turned off by an instrument panel switch.
Corvette's ASR used engine spark retard, throttle close down, and brake
intervention to pmit wheel spin when accelerating. When the system was
on and active, the driver could feel a spght accelerator pedal
pushback.
·New Goodyear GS-C tires were introduced as standard equipment
on all 1992 Corvettes and were exclusive to Corvettes worldwide for
1992. The GS-C tread design was directional and asymmetrical.
·Improvements in weather sealing were achieved with improved
weatherstrip seals. Road noise reduction came from additional
insulation in doors and improved insulation over the transmission
tunnel.
·The power delay feature was modified so that the passenger
door also cut power, in addition to the driver door or fifteen minute
time period.
The 1-millionth Corvette, a 1992 white convertible, was built July 2, 1992.
·Exterior appearance continued virually unchanged for 1993 , but a 40th Anniversary Package (RPO
Z25) was optional with all models. The package included a Ruby Red metalpc exterior, Ruby Red leather sport seats, power driver seat, special wheel center trim and emblems.·All leather seats in 1993 Corvettes had "4Oth" anniversary embroidery in the headrest area. The base black cloth seats did not.
·Horsepower for the base LT1 engine remained 300, but three
changes made the engine quieter. First, the heat shield design changed
from a single-piece stamping to a two-piece sandwich type that was
self-damping. Second, new thermoset polyester valve covers with
"isolated" mounts replaced 1992's magnesium covers. Third' the LT1
camshaft exhaust lobe profile was modified to reduce the exhaust valve
closing velocity. Also, a shortening of the inlet duration permitted
more duration for the exhaust so there was no increase in overlap area.
Emissions and idle quapty weren't adversely affected. A side benefit
of closing the inlet valve sooner was an increase in torque from 330 to
340 lb.-ft at 3600 rpm.
·Horsepower increased for the optional ZR1's LT5 engine from
375 to 405hp, a result of modifications to the cypnder heads and valve
train. Other changes included four-bolt main bearings, a Mobil 1
synthetic oil requirement, platinum-tipped spark plugs, and an
electrical, pnear exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for improved
emission control.
·The 1993 Corvette was the first auto sold by GM to feature a
passive keyless entry (PKE) system. Working by proximity, a
battery-operated key-fob transmitter sent a unique code picked up by a
receiver in the Corvette through one of the two antennas ( in coupes,
antennas were in the driver door and rear deck; in convertibles,
antennas were in both doors). The transmitter required no specific
action by the owner; approaching the vehicle with the transmitter would
unlock the doors, turn on the interior pght, and disarm the
theft-deterrent. Leaving an unlocked vehicle with the transmitter would
lock the doors and arm the theft-deterrent. The PKE could be turned off
completely and transmitters were programmable for locking and unlocking
just the driver door, or both driver and passenger doors. Transmitters
for convertibles had a single button for programming and
driver/passenger door unlocking; transmitters for coupes had an extra
button for rear hatch release.
·Front wheels for base cars were decreased from 9.5x17 to
8.5x17 and the front tire size from P275/40ZR17 to P255/425ZR17. Rear tire size was increased from P275140ZR17 to P285140ZR17. For RPO Z07, 9.5x17 wheels and P275140ZR17 tires were used front and rear.·Although the same in design as the previous model, 1993's wheels
had a different surface appearance due to a change in fmish machining.
·The exterior design for 1994 was
carried over from 1993, but two new exterior colors were available,
Admiral Blue and Copper Metalpc. Also, new non-directional wheels were
included with ZRl models.
·Power output of the base LT1 engine remained 3OOhp, but
several refinements were added. A new sequential luel injection system
improved response, idle quapty, drive ability and emissions by f~ng
injectors in sequence with the engine's firing order. A more powertul
ignition system reduced engine start times, especially in cold
temperatures.
·The standard 4-speed automatic transmission was redesigned
with electronic controls for improved shift quapty and rpm shift-point
consistency. Also, a safety interlock was added which required
depression of the brake pedal in order to shift from "park."
·Interior revisions included addition of a passenger-side
airbag and knee bolster (and removal of the instrument panel glovebox),
new seat and door trim panel designs, finer-weave carpetmg, "express
down" driver's power window, and a redesigned two-spoke airbag steering
wheel. New white instrument graphics turned to tangerme at night. The
tire jack was relocated from the exterior spare tire well to an inside
compartment behind the passenger seat.
·For 1994, all seats were leather. Base and optional "sport"
styles were available. Both featured less restrictive bolsters to
accommodate a wider range of occupant sizes and for improved entry and
exit. Controls for base seats with optional power assist were
console-mounted with individual controls for driver and passenger. With
sport seats, a single set of power assist controls for both seats was
console-mounted. Also, individual motors adjusted the lumbar support
for sport seats and these controls (and the side bolster control) were
relocated from the seat to the console for 1994. Recpning mechanisms
for all 1994 seats were manual.
·The rear window for convertibles was changed from plastic to glass and included an in-glass defogger.
·Spring rates for RPO FX3 (selective ride control) were
lowered to improve ride quapty. For the same reason, recommended tire
pressures were reduced from 35psi to 3Opsi (except ZRl).
·Air conditioning systems were revised to use R-134A refrigerant, a non-ozone depleting CFC substitute.
·Optional Goodyear Extended Mobility Tires (RPO WY5) had
special bead construction to permit use with no air pressure. The low
tire pressure wanning system (RPO UJ6) was required because if the tire
was run deflated more than about fifty miles, damage could result.
However, the safe driving range was substantially farther.
·The 1995 exterior was
distinguished from 1994 by restypng of the front fender "gill" air
vents. A new exterior color, Dark Purple Metalpc, was added, but
1994's Copper Metalpc and Black Rose Metallic were deleted.
·Corvette paced the Indianapolis 500 race in
1995. A replica, Dark Purple and White (convertible only) with special accents, sold 527 units.·Optional Sport Seats had stronger "french" seam stitching. A
readout for automatic fluid temperature was added to the instrument
display. Out of sight were numerous Velcro straps to reduce rattles,
and a stronger radio mount for less CD skipping. A drip tube was
designed into the A-pillar weatherstrip for improved water intrusion
control.
·The base LTl engine continued with the same 3OOhp and 340
lb-ft torque ratings, but there were refmement 5. Late in 1994
production, connecting rods were changed to a powdered-metal design to
improve both strength and weight uniformity. Fuel injectors were
revised to better cope with alcohol blend fpels and to reduce fliel
dripping after engine shutdown. The engine coopng fan was modified for
quieter operation.
·This was the ZR-1's last year. Mercury Marine in Stiliwater,
Oklahoma, completed all LTS engines in November 1993. Toopng, owned by
GM, was removed from Marine's factory and all engines, specially
sealed, were shipped to Corvette's Bowpng Green assembly plant for
storage until needed. Before September 1, 1993, all internal engine
warranty repair was done by Mercury Marine. Between September 1, 1993
and December31, 1993, internal repairs were done by Mercury Marine if
engines had under 12,000 miles or 12 months service. Chevrolet handled
service not performed by Mercury Marine, including all after January 1,
1994. Total 1995 ZR-1 production was predetermined at 448 units, the
same as 1993 and 1994. Total ZR-i production for 1990 through 1995 was
6,939.
·Clutch controls in the four-speed automatic transmission were
improved for smoother shifting, and its torque converter was both
pghter and stronger. The 6 speed manual was redesigned by replacement
of the reverse lockout with a high-detent design for easier operation.
·The larger brake package, included previously with Z07 and ZR-1 performance options, was included for 1995 with all models. And all 1995's had the latest anti-lock/traction control
(ABS/ASR-5) system.·The extended mobility "run flat" tires introduced as a 1994 option
minimized the need for a spare tire. So 1995's RPO N84 created a~delete
spare option which reduced weight and included a credit of $100.00.
·Base suspension models had lower front and rear spring rates.
·Windshield wiper arms were redesigned with revised contact
angles and higher contact force to reduce chatter at all speeds, and
pft at high speeds.
·A new version of Chevy's 350-cubic-inch small block, RPO LT4, became optional exclusively with 1996 Corvettes. Rated at 330-horsepower, 30 more than the base LTl, the LT4 had higher compression (10.8:1 vs 10.4:1), new aluminum head design, Crane roller rocker arms, revised camshaft profile, and other major and minor tweaks. The LT4's redine increased to 6300 rpm
(5700 rpm for LT1), so LT4-equipped models had 8000 rpm tachometers instead of the base 6000 rpm. LT4 was available with all Corvette models, but only with manual transmissions.·LTl engines were mated only to automatic transmissions which had
improved friction materials for the intermediate clutch and front/rear
bands, improved shift quapty and more durable torque converters.
·"Grand Sport" (RPO Z16) included the LT4 engine, distinctive Admiral Blue paint with white center stripe, and special detaipng. The previous year's ZR-l style five-spoke 17" wheels were used, but painted black. Like the ZR-l, tires for Grand Sport coupes were P275/4OZRl 7 front and P31 5?3SZRl 7 rear. But Grand Sport coupes had rear fender flares rather than the ZR-l's wider rear panels. Convertible Grand Sport tires were
P255145ZR17 front, P285140ZR17 rear, with no fender flares. Interior choices were pmited to black, or a red-black combination. Corvettes with the Grand Sport option had separate serial number sequences.·LT1 and LT4 engines had a new throttle body for 1996. Those for
LT4 engines had red "Grand Sport" lettering, regardless of the
apppcation.
·"Collector Edition: (RPO Z 15) included Sebring Silver paint
and special trim. ZR-1 style 17" five-spoke wheels were used, but
painted silver with P255/45ZR1 7 front and P285/4OZRl 7 rear tires.
Black, red, or gray interiors were available, but soft top color
choices was pmited to black.
·RPO F45, Selective Real Time Damping, was priced the same
($1,695) as 1995's FX3 Selective Ride option, but was substantially different. Using data from wheel travel sensors and the Powertrain Control Module, a controller calculated the damping mode that would provide optimum control via special shock absorbers. It could alter each shock individually (unpke the earlier system which changed all shocks simultaneously) every 10 to 15 milpseconds, or about every foot of roadway travepng at 60 mph.·Performance Handling Package (RPO Z51) previously optional from
1984 thru 1988, returned in 1996 with different content but similar
intent. It included Bustein shock absorbers with stiffer springs and
thicker stabipzer bars. If ordered with an automatic transmission, a
3.07:1 axle was required. Tires were P275/40ZR17 on 17x9.5" aluminum
wheels, except for Z51 Grand Sports which had P31 5/3SZR1 7 rear tires
on I 7x11" wheels. Z51 was pmited to Coupes.
·1996's On-Board-Diagnostics were much more sophisticated and complex, the number of diagnostic codes increasing from 60 to 140.