Chevrolet Corvette (C4)
Chevrolet Corvette (C4) | ||
---|---|---|
Curb weight 3,239 lb (1,469 kg) | | |
Chronology | ||
Predecessor | Chevrolet Corvette (C3) | |
Successor | Chevrolet Corvette (C5) |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/1984_Chevrolet_Corvette_C4_Coupe_5.8_Front.jpg/220px-1984_Chevrolet_Corvette_C4_Coupe_5.8_Front.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/1987_Chevrolet_Corvette_Coupe%2C_rear_left%2C_09-03-2022.jpg/220px-1987_Chevrolet_Corvette_Coupe%2C_rear_left%2C_09-03-2022.jpg)
The Chevrolet Corvette (C4) is the fourth generation of the
Overview
The C4 Corvette represented a clean break from the
Since emissions regulations were still changing and electronic engine management was in its infancy, engine power output was low compared to earlier generations. The primary design emphasis at launch was therefore focused on handling and braking, with an all-independent light-weight suspension and wheels and all new brakes with aluminum calipers. The front suspension saw the C3's
From the 1984 model year (available January 1984) through the 1988 model year, the Corvette was available with a Doug Nash "4+3" transmission - a 4-speed manual coupled to an automatic overdrive on the top three gears. This unusual transmission was a synergy that allowed the Corvette to keep a stout 4 speed, but add an overdrive. As technology progressed, it was replaced by a modern ZF 6-speed manual transmission. However, the C4's performance was hampered by its L98 250 hp (186 kW) engine until 1992,[7] when the second-generation Chevy small block, the 300 hp (224 kW) LT1, was introduced, markedly improving the C4's performance. 1996 was a high point of small block engines development and the 330 hp (246 kW) LT4 was introduced in all six-speed manual transmission equipped cars. The LT4 produced maximum power output at 5,800 rpm and 340 lb⋅ft (461 N⋅m) of torque at 4,500 rpm. While the LT4 was available in any Corvette, it was highlighted in the 1996 Grand Sport package.[8]
The 1986 Corvette saw the return of the
Only a total of 43 prototype and pre-production Corvettes were manufactured with a 1983
ZR-1 (1990–1995)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Mrx86-ZR1-Corvette.jpg/220px-Mrx86-ZR1-Corvette.jpg)
The 5.7-litre DOHC 32-valve LT5 engine unique to the car had a central bore spacing of 4.40 inches. The distance was maintained by reducing the bore from 4.00 to 3.90 inches while the stroke was increased from 3.48 to 3.66 inches. The aluminum cylinder liners were Nikasil-coated and the engine block has a cast-aluminum oil sump. The crankcase has integral four- and six-bolt cast-iron main bearing caps which secure the forged steel crankshaft into place. The four camshafts of the engine are driven by a roller chain and actuate hydraulic lifters that eliminate valve lash adjustment. The four-valve combustion chambers feature centrally-located spark plugs which act in combination with dished aluminum pistons enabling for a compression ratio of 11.0:1. The engine held 12 quarts of oil, 7 more than the L98 engine. The LT5 also came with a unique two valve induction system along with 16 tuned-length intake runners and a specially designed intake manifold using three throttle bodies. The small primary throttle body was for responsive low speed operation while the two large secondary throttle bodies enabled for full-power usage. The engine used direct-fire ignition: Four coils ignite two spark plugs simultaneously, upon receiving their cue from a crankshaft sensor acting in combination with the ECM. Spark advance and retardation are electronically controlled by the ECM, which gets an additional information from a knock sensor. A distinctive cooling system incorporating a 15% larger radiator ensured that the operating temperature of the engine remained the same as the L98 despite the differences in construction and operation.
In order to transfer power efficiently to the rear wheels, a unique 6-speed manual transmission manufactured by ZF was installed with a code name of ML9. The transmission used Computer Aided Gear Selection (CAGS) which forced the driver to shift from first to fourth under low power urban driving conditions. The transmission has a tweaked ring and pinion ratio of 3.54:1 and a lower final drive ratio of 3.33:1.
Other exterior modifications include a hard coated acrylic roof panel, and seven additional exterior colors. The interior came standard with leather sports seats and a Delco/Bose sound system.
Tested performance figures by Road & Track magazine include a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) acceleration time of 4.9 seconds, a quarter mile time of 13.4 seconds, braking distance of 132 ft from 60 mph and 233 ft from 80 mph along with skidpad acceleration of 0.94 g. The car's tested top speed by the magazine amounted to 179 mph (288 km/h).[11]
GM found that the engine required special assembly, and that neither the Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, nor any of their normal production facilities could handle the workload, so Mercury Marine corporation of Stillwater, Oklahoma, was contracted to assemble the engines under their MerCruiser division, due to their experience in working with aluminum, and ship them to the Corvette factory in Bowling Green where the ZR-1s were being assembled. The engine assembly involved 95% drilling and boring completed at the Mercury Marine plant. The engine was largely assembled by hand and was tested on an engine stand before being sent to Chevrolet. Mercury Marine secured two LT5 V8 engines for itself. These engines were used in the ZR-1 owned by the company president and a custom made speedboat called the "Wette Vette". The engine was modified to be used in the boat and had an increased output of 420 hp (313 kW).[12]
The ZR-1 was introduced at the
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/92_Corvette_ZR1.jpg/220px-92_Corvette_ZR1.jpg)
In 1990, the 1991 ZR-1 and 1991 base model received updates to bodywork, interior, and wheels. The rear convex fascia and square taillights that set the 1990 ZR-1 apart from the base model found their way to all 1991 models, making the high-priced ZR-1 less distinguishable; however the ZR-1's
Although the ZR-1 was extremely quick for its time (0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.4 seconds, and onto over 180 mph (290 km/h)), the huge performance of the LT5 engine was matched by its robustness. As evidence of this, a stock ZR-1 set seven international and world records at a test track in Fort Stockton, Texas, on March 1, 1990, verified by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) for the group II, class 11 category:[13][14]
- 100 miles (160 km) at 175.600 mph (282.601 km/h)
- 500 miles (800 km) at 175.503 mph (282.445 km/h)
- 1,000 miles (1,600 km) at 174.428 mph (280.715 km/h)
- 5,000 km (3,100 mi) at 175.710 mph (282.778 km/h) (World Record)
- 5,000 miles (8,000 km) at 173.791 mph (279.690 km/h) (World Record)
- 12 Hours Endurance at 175.523 mph (282.477 km/h)
- 24 Hours Endurance at 175.885 mph (283.059 km/h) for 4,221.256 miles (6,793.453 km) (World Record)
These records were later broken by the Volkswagen W12, a one-off concept car that never went into production.
ZR-1 Active Suspension prototype (1990)
The Active Suspension prototype was based on the ZR-1, but it includes active hydraulic suspension found in GTP Corvette race car. It was developed as a prototype for a limited edition run in the 1990 model year.[15]
25 active suspension vehicles were built at the Bowling Green Plant.[16]
A prototype was sold in 2009 at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction for $60,000 (~$82,839 in 2023) (before buyer premium).[17][18]
B2K Callaway Twin-Turbo
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/1990_Chevrolet_Callaway_Corvette_C4_Black_%281%29.jpg/220px-1990_Chevrolet_Callaway_Corvette_C4_Black_%281%29.jpg)
The B2K was a high-performance alternative to the standard Corvette offered by Callaway Cars under license from Chevrolet from 1987 to 1991. It was available at Chevrolet dealers if the customer selected the "RPO B2K" option on the order specification sheet. Chevrolet approached Callaway to offer such an option after seeing the power output the tuning company was able to extract reliably from modified twin-turbocharged Alfa Romeo V6 engines. The car came with normal Chevrolet warranty as well as an additional one year 12,000-mile warranty from Callaway Cars. The conversion cost an extra US$26,995 over the price of a base model Corvette. The conversion consisted of taking the engine out of the car and performing a thorough set of modifications along with installing two turbochargers. The result was the engine rated at a reportedly conservative 382 hp (285 kW). The car was classified as a standard Corvette by the EPA, so it wasn't subject to additional registration requirements. Over 500 cars were subject to the conversion.[19][20]
A derivative of the Twin Turbo Corvette, the 880 hp (656 kW) Callaway SledgeHammer, recorded a speed of 254.76 mph (410.00 km/h) on Ohio's Transportation Research Center track in 1988, making it the fastest road-going car at the time.[21]
Special editions
Pace Car Convertible
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/1986_Corvette_pace_car.jpg/220px-1986_Corvette_pace_car.jpg)
A yellow convertible was the
35th Anniversary
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/51/Chevrolet_Corvette_arriving_Schaffen-Diest_2018.jpg/220px-Chevrolet_Corvette_arriving_Schaffen-Diest_2018.jpg)
The 1988 35th Anniversary edition, also known as the "Triple White Corvette" is a white Corvette fastback coupe with white wheels and white interior (including seats & steering wheel). It also features a removable black top and came equipped with everything, including its own unique emblems. The 35th Anniversary car is the 2nd Serialized Corvette in the production history of the C4 Corvette, with each car receiving an engraved number plaque on the console. 2,050 cars were built and a quoted 180 of these were manual transmission cars, making this a rare and collectible model.
40th Anniversary
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c4/1993_Chevrolet_Corvette_Coupe_with_40th_Anniversary_Package%2C_front_right_%282022_Ellwood_City_Fall_Fest_%26_Car_Cruise%29.jpg/220px-1993_Chevrolet_Corvette_Coupe_with_40th_Anniversary_Package%2C_front_right_%282022_Ellwood_City_Fall_Fest_%26_Car_Cruise%29.jpg)
The 1993 40th Anniversary package was available on all models. It included Ruby Red metallic paint and Ruby Red leather sport seats, along with Ruby Red Center Caps on the wheels, special trim and 40th anniversary side emblems. 6,749 were sold at an additional cost of US$1,455. All leather seats have the 40th emblem embroidered due to an error on the drawings sent to the seat supplier.[citation needed]
Brickyard 400 Festival/Parade Car
In 1994 twenty five (25) Corvette Convertibles were delivered to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for use in the inaugural running of the Brickyard 400. The Corvettes were primarily used to introduce the 43 NASCAR drivers in a parade lap prior to the start of the race during driver introductions. There were thirteen Red and twelve Black convertibles used, and most carried two drivers on the lap, with their names displayed on the hoods. They also carried civil, NASCAR, and Manufacturer dignitaries on other parade laps, such as "the King" Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, and Mayor Goldsmith of Indianapolis. It is unknown how many of these cars still exist in "full dress" since many dealers just removed the graphics when they received the cars after the race.
Indy Pace Car
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/1995_Chevrolet_Corvette_%2827195366603%29_%28cropped%29.jpg/220px-1995_Chevrolet_Corvette_%2827195366603%29_%28cropped%29.jpg)
In 1995, a C4 convertible was again the pace car for the Indianapolis 500, and a special pace car edition was offered; 527 were built.
Grand Sport
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/1996_Corvette_Grand_Sport_2.jpg/220px-1996_Corvette_Grand_Sport_2.jpg)
Chevrolet released the Grand Sport (GS) version in 1995[22] to mark the end of production of the C4 Corvette. The Grand Sport moniker is a nod to the original Grand Sport model produced in 1963. A total of 1,000 GS Corvettes were produced, 810 coupes and 190 convertibles. The 1996 GS came with the high-performance LT4 V8 engine, producing 330 hp (246 kW) and 340 lb⋅ft (461 N⋅m) of torque. The Grand Sport came only in Admiral Blue with a white stripe down the middle, 5-spoke black wheels, two red "hash marks" on the front driver's side wheel arch and special seat trim providing a distinctive look. The Grand Sport also has wider tires and the coupes were outfitted with small rear fender flares. The C4 Grand Sport also had a unique VIN compared with the standard C4.
Collector Edition
The 1996 Collector Edition was the last of the C4 Corvettes, just as the 1982 Collector Edition was the last of the C3s. It included Sebring Silver paint, silver 5-spoke alloy wheels, special emblems and seat trim. Of the 5,412 built, 4,031 were coupes and 1,381 were convertibles. It cost $1,250 more than the base model Corvette.
Production notes
Model Year | Production | Base Price | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1983 | 43 | -- | Prototype & pre-production only. There is only one survivor, which is currently held at and owned by the National Corvette Museum. |
1984 | 51,547 | $21,800 | L83 engine continued from 1982. Manual trans not available by regular production until January 1984 (18 produced in September 1983, factory tested, then delivered to early orders in November 1983).
|
1985 | 39,729 | $24,891 | More powerful and fuel efficient L98 engine introduced.
|
1986 | 35,109 | $27,027 | First convertible since 1975-all 7,315 have Indy 500 pace car console ID plaque. New were antilock brakes , electronic climate control, and key-code anti-theft system.
|
1987 | 30,632 | $27,999 | V8 engine now has roller hydraulic lifters increasing HP to 240. Callaway twin-turbo offered through dealers with GM warranty.
|
1988 | 22,789 | $29,480 | Changes in suspension. New wheel design. All white 35th Anniversary special edition coupe. |
1989 | 26,412 | $32,045 | ZF 6-speed manual replaces Doug Nash 4+3. |
1990 | 23,646 | $32,479 | LT5 engine. Interior redesigned to incorporate driver's side airbag. New optional Delco/Bose "Gold" 200 watt six-speaker sound system.
|
1991 | 20,639 | $33,005 | Restyled exterior. Last year for the Callaway B2K twin turbo. |
1992 | 20,479 | $33,635 | New LT1 engine replaces the L98. Traction control is standard. |
1993 | 21,590 | $34,595 | Passive keyless entry is a new standard feature. 40th Anniversary special edition. |
1994 | 23,330 | $36,185 | Revised interior on dash and inside door panels. Revised steering wheel design. Addition of passenger airbag. LT1 receives mass air flow sequential fuel injection. 4 Speed automatic transmission is now electronically controlled. |
1995 | 20,742 | $36,785 | Last year of the ZR-1. Gen II Opti-Spark distributor. Minor exterior restyling. Indy Pace Car special edition. |
1996 | 21,537 | $37,225 | Final year for the C4, Optional LT4 engine with 330 hp (246 kW). Collector Edition and Grand Sport special editions. Only C4 year with OBD II diagnostics. Selective Real Time Damping is a new option. |
Total | 358,180 |
Engines
Engine | Model Year | Power | Torque |
---|---|---|---|
5.7 L (350 cu in) L83 V8 | 1984 | 205 hp (153 kW) | 290 lb⋅ft (393 N⋅m) |
5.7 L (350 cu in) L98 V8 | 1985–1986 | 230 hp (172 kW) | 330 lb⋅ft (447 N⋅m) |
1987–1989 | 240 hp (179 kW) | 345 lb⋅ft (468 N⋅m) | |
1987 (B2K Callaway) | 345 hp (257 kW) | 465 lb⋅ft (630 N⋅m) | |
1988–1989 (auto coupes with 3.07 rear) | 245 hp (183 kW) | 345 lb⋅ft (468 N⋅m) | |
1988–1989 (B2K Callaway) | 382 hp (285 kW) | 562 lb⋅ft (762 N⋅m) | |
1990–1991 | 245 hp (183 kW) | 345 lb⋅ft (468 N⋅m) | |
1990–1991 (auto coupes with 3.07 rear) | 250 hp (186 kW) | 345 lb⋅ft (468 N⋅m) | |
1990–1991 (B2K Callaway) | 403 hp (301 kW) | 575 lb⋅ft (780 N⋅m) | |
5.7 L (350 cu in) LT5 V8 | 1990–1992 (ZR1) | 375 hp (280 kW) | 370 lb⋅ft (502 N⋅m) |
1993–1995 (ZR1) | 405 hp (302 kW) | 385 lb⋅ft (522 N⋅m) | |
5.7 L (350 cu in) LT1 V8 | 1992 | 300 hp (224 kW) | 330 lb⋅ft (447 N⋅m) |
1993–1995 | 300 hp (224 kW) | 340 lb⋅ft (461 N⋅m) | |
1996 | 300 hp (224 kW) | 335 lb⋅ft (454 N⋅m) | |
5.7 L (350 cu in) LT4 V8 | 1995-1996 (with manual transmission) (Grand Sport) | 330 hp (246 kW) | 340 lb⋅ft (461 N⋅m) |
Concept cars
Ramarro
The Ramarro is a restyled version of the C4 Corvette built by Italian design house
CERV III
In June 1985, Chevrolet Chief Engineer Don Runkle and Lotus' Tony Rudd discussed creating a new show car to show off their engineering expertise. It was first unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January 1986 as the Corvette Indy concept car. By 1990, the project evolved into the CERV III (Corporate Engineering Research Vehicle III), which was a prototype closer to a production-ready vehicle. It was not approved for production due to its high cost.
ZR2
Also called the 'Big Doggie', the ZR2 is a concept model based on a C4 Corvette, but with a much larger 7.4 L (454 cu in) big block OHV V8 engine with multi-port fuel injection similar to the tuned port injection found on the 1985-1991 base model and a 6-speed manual transmission.[24][25]
The vehicle was built in 1989 by Corvette Development Engineering as a development car to study the possibility of achieving the performance of the ZR-1 while reducing cost by utilizing a big block engine. The engine was rated at 400 hp (406 PS; 298 kW).[26]
The prototype vehicle, orange with black interior, was sold in 2009 at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction for US$71,500 (~$98,716 in 2023).[27]
Racing
Corvette GTP (IMSA)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/Peerless_Racing_-_GTP_Corvette.jpg/220px-Peerless_Racing_-_GTP_Corvette.jpg)
As part of GM's initiative to promote the new C4 Corvette, the company funded a program in the IMSA GT Championship to run a GTP-class prototype under the Corvette name, mostly run by Hendrick Motorsports. Although the Corvette GTP actually shared very little with the production C4 Corvette, including the lack of a V8* engine in some races, it did use some styling cues. The project lasted until 1988 with mixed success.
Note: The final Corvette GTP built (HU8811.01), as raced by Peerless Racing, underwent extensive wind tunnel testing by GM, with many of the 'aero' developments (such as the short tail design) being used in later production C4s. The Peerless GTP Corvette also went back to the V8 small block engine from the turbocharged V6. This final GTP Corvette (Peerless) was driven by Hobbs, Baldwin, Villeneuve and Goodyear in IMSA before having the BBC-based Eagle (10.2) engine installed to take to attempt to race at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1990.
Le Mans
The C4 also made an appearance in international sports car endurance racing in a project orchestrated by former Corvette Cup driver Doug Rippie. The car, based on the ZR1 trim C4, competed in the popular GT1 class in 1995 at Le Mans and Sebring, where it momentarily led.[28]
References
- ^ "JERRY PALMER – GM/CHEVROLET – 2000 CORVETTE HALL OF FAME". Retrieved 17 July 2017.
- ^ ISBN 0-87341-755-0.
- ^ "Corvette 1993 Owners Manual, page 317". Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
- ^ "ZR-1 Net webpage (with copy of FiA record document)". Archived from the original on 9 October 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
- ISBN 0-7853-7987-8.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: others (link - ^ 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 Suspension Walkaround
- ^ "Rebirth of the Gen V LT1 Small-Block...Part Two!". 11 March 2013.
- ^ Bolig A (2010). "1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport - The Grandest Of Options". Super Chevy. Dec 4.
- ^ Daniel Charles Ross (September 1995). "The story behind the LT5 engine". Car and Driver. Retrieved 1 March 2018.
- ^ Ernst, Kurt (2015-07-17). "The "King of the Hill," the 1990 Corvette ZR-1, marks its 25th anniversary". Hemmings. Retrieved 2020-07-01.
- ^ Lamm, John (2014-04-24). "Drive Flashback: 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1". Road & Track. Retrieved 2019-04-17.
- ^ Perkins, Chris (2017-11-14). "Building The Original Corvette ZR-1 Engine Was Serious Business". Road & Track. Retrieved 2019-04-17.
- ^ "ZR-1 Net Registry". Retrieved 2015-07-17.
- ^ "FIA Category A records" (PDF). Retrieved 2015-07-17.
- ^ "Harlan Charles Shows Us The C4 Corvette ZR1 Active Suspension Prototype". Jalopnik.com. 2008-08-21. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
- ^ "1990 Chevy Corvette ZR-1 Prototype - Back To The Future". Gmhightechperformance.automotive.com. Archived from the original on 2010-06-20. Retrieved 2010-10-05.
- ^ "Prototype Corvette ZR-1 Leads Day One Barrett-Jackson Bidding". Automotive.speedtv.com. 2009-01-14. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
- ^ "Barrett-Jackson Lot: 676.1 - 1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR-1 "ACTIVE" PROTOTYPE". Barrett-jackson.com. 2009-11-27. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
- ^ Ceppos, Rich (2013-07-15). "Callaway Twin-Turbo Chevrolet Corvette". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2019-04-20.
- ^ "C4 Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette | '87-91". Callaway Cars. Retrieved 2019-04-20.
- ^ "Callaway Corvette Sledgehammer". topspeed. 13 December 2013. Retrieved 1 March 2018.
- ^ "1996 Grand Sport Specifications Page".
- ^ Lamm, John (2016-11-26). "This Is the 1984 Corvette Reimagined by Italy". Road & Track. Retrieved 2019-08-05.
- ^ "1989 Chevrolet Corvette ZR2 Roadster". Trombinoscar.com. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
- ^ "C4 Corvette Performance Rebuild - Why Ask Y?". Carcraft.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
- ^ Re: TECH: GM Heritage Collection Sales at Barrett-Jackson[permanent dead link]
- ^ "1989 Chevrolet Corvette ZR2 - Heritage For Sale". motortrend.com. 1 June 2009. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
- ^ "GT1 ZR1 Sebring Le Mans- Love Story 1995". Badboyvettes.Com. Retrieved 2022-08-22.
Further reading
- Mueller, Mike (2004). "1975-96: Chevrolet's Fiberglass Legacy Rolls On". Corvette. ISBN 978-0-7603-1968-0.
- Newton, Richard (2003). 101 Projects for Your Corvette 1984-1996. ISBN 978-0-7603-1461-6.
External links
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