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Chevrolet Corvette C4


Chevrolet Corvette

Corvette C4
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Wikipedia: Chevrolet Corvette (C4)

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C4 refers to the fourth generation of Chevrolet Corvette, produced in model years 1984-1996.

The C4 made two appearances (the Corvette's second and third overall) as the Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500, in 1986 with Chuck Yeager at the wheel and in 1995 with Jim Perkins driving.

History

The following section is an excerpt from Wikipedia's Chevrolet Corvette page on 29 March 2016, text available via the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

The fourth generation Corvette was the first complete redesign of the Corvette since 1963. Production was to begin for the 1983 model year but quality issues and part delays resulted in only 43 prototypes for the 1983 model year being produced that were never sold. All of the 1983 prototypes were destroyed or serialized to 1984 except one with a white exterior, medium blue interior, L83 350 ci, 205 bhp V8, and 4-speed automatic transmission. After extensive testing and modifications were completed, it was initially retired as a display sitting in an external wall over the Bowling Green Assembly Plant's employee entrance. Later this only surviving 1983 prototype was removed, restored and is now on public display at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It is still owned by GM. On February 12, 2014, it was nearly lost to a sinkhole which opened up under the museum. Eight Corvettes were lost.

Regular fourth generation production began on January 3, 1983; the 1984 model year and delivery to customers began in March 1983. The 1984 model carried over the 350 cu in (5.7 L) L83 slightly more powerful (5 bhp) "Crossfire" V8 engine from the final 1982 third generation model. New chassis features were aluminum brake calipers and an all-aluminum suspension for weight savings and rigidity. The new one piece targa top had no center reinforcement. A new electronic dashboard with digital liquid crystal displays for the speedometer and tachometer was standard. Beginning in 1985, the 230 bhp (170 kW) L98 engine with tuned port fuel injection became the standard engine.

September 1984 through 1988 Corvettes offered a Doug Nash designed "4+3" transmission – a 4-speed manual coupled to an automatic overdrive on the top three gears. It was designed to help the Corvette meet U.S. fuel economy standards. Since 1981 (when it was last offered), a manual transmission returned to the Corvette starting with production in late-1984. The transmission proved to be problematic and was replaced by a modern ZF 6-speed manual transmission in 1989.

In 1986, the second Corvette Indy Pace Car was released. It was the first convertible Corvette since 1975. A Center High Mounted Signal Light (CHMSL) – a third center brake light – was added in 1986 to comply with safety regulations. While the color of the pace car used in the race was yellow, all 1986 convertibles also had an Indy 500 emblem mounted on the console, making any color a "pace car edition". In 1987, the B2K twin-turbo option became available from the factory. The Callaway Corvette was a Regular Production Option (RPO B2K). The B2K option coexisted from 1990 to 1991 with the ZR-1 option, which then replaced it. Early B2Ks produced 345 bhp (257 kW) and 450 lb·ft (610 N·m); later versions boasted 450 bhp (336 kW) and 613 lb·ft (831 N·m).

1988 saw the 35th Anniversary Edition of the Corvette. Each of these featured a special badge with an identification number mounted next to the gear selector, and were finished with a white exterior, wheels, and interior. In 1991, all Corvettes received updates to the body, interior, and wheels. The convex rear fascia that set the 1990 ZR-1 apart from the base model was now included on L98 Corvettes, making the styling of the expensive ZR-1 even closer to that of the base cars. The most obvious difference remaining between the base and ZR-1 models besides the wider rear wheels was the location of the CHMSL, which was integrated into the new rear fascia used on the base model, but remained at the top of the rear-hatch on the ZR-1's.

For the 1992 model year, the 300 bhp (220 kW) LT1 engine was introduced, an increase of 50 bhp (37 kW) over 1991's L98 engine. This engine featured reverse-flow cooling (the heads were cooled before the block), which allowed for a higher compression ratio of 10.5:1. A new distributor was also debuted. Called "Optispark", the distributor was driven directly off the front of the camshaft and mounted in front of the timing cover, just above the crankshaft and harmonic balancer. Also new for 1992 was Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR), a form of traction control which utilized the Corvette's brakes, spark retard, and throttle close-down to prevent excessive rear wheel spin and possible loss of control. The traction control device could be switched off if desired.

A special 40th Anniversary Edition was released in 1993, which featured a commemorative Ruby Red color, 40th anniversary badges, and embroidered seat backs. The 1993 Corvette also marked the introduction of the Passive Keyless Entry System, making it the first GM car to feature it. Production of the ZR-1 ended in 1995, after 6,939 cars had been built. 1996 was the final year of C4 production, and featured special models and options, including the Grand Sport and Collector Edition, OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics), run flat tires, and the LT4 engine. The 330 bhp (246 kW) LT4 V8 was available only with a manual transmission, while all 300 bhp (224 kW) LT1 Corvettes used automatic transmissions.

Chevrolet released the Grand Sport (GS) version in 1996 to mark the end of production of the C4 Corvette. The Grand Sport moniker was a nod to the original Grand Sport model produced in 1963. A total of 1,000 GS Corvettes were produced, 810 as coupes and 190 as convertibles. The 1996 GS came with the high-performance LT4 V8 engine, producing 330 bhp (246 kW) and 340 lb·ft (460 N·m). The Grand Sport came only in Admiral Blue with a white stripe down the middle, and black wheels and two red stripes on the front left wheel arch.


Reference Desk

The Crittenden Automotive Library's "Reference Desk" is a collection of materials that cannot be shared due to copyright restrictions. Information from these resources, however, can be shared. Go to the Reference Desk page for more information.

TypeTitle
1993 BookCatalog of Corvette ID Numbers 1953-93by Cars & Parts Magazine; Motorbooks


Photographs

1986 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1986 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  McHenry, Illinois Cruise Night:  21 June 2008 View photo of 1986 Chevrolet Corvette - 4,119KB
1986 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1986 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  McHenry, Illinois Cruise Night:  21 June 2008 View photo of 1986 Chevrolet Corvette - 3,103KB
1986 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1986 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  McHenry, Illinois Cruise Night:  21 June 2008 View photo of 1986 Chevrolet Corvette - 3,721KB
1986 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1986 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  McHenry, Illinois Cruise Night:  21 June 2008 View photo of 1986 Chevrolet Corvette - 3,361KB
1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Subject:  1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car - 3,594KB
1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Subject:  1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car - 3,303KB
1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Subject:  1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car - 3,593KB
1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Subject:  1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car - 3,607KB
1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Subject:  1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car - 3,089KB
1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Subject:  1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car - 3,500KB
1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Subject:  1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2009 Summer NNL
View photo of 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car - 3,340KB
1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Subject:  1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2009 Summer NNL
View photo of 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car - 3,219KB
1986 Chevrolet Corvette Model Car Subject:  1986 Chevrolet Corvette Scale Model Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2013 GTR Summer NNL
View photo of 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Model Car - 3.1MB
1986 Chevrolet Corvette Model Car Subject:  1986 Chevrolet Corvette Scale Model Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2013 GTR Summer NNL
View photo of 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Model Car - 3.2MB
1987 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1987 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2013 The Cars Time Forgot
View photo of 1987 Chevrolet Corvette - 3.7MB
1987 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1987 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2013 The Cars Time Forgot
View photo of 1987 Chevrolet Corvette - 3.1MB
1987 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1987 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2013 The Cars Time Forgot
View photo of 1987 Chevrolet Corvette - 4.6MB
1987 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1987 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1987 Chevrolet Corvette - 3,425KB
1987 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1987 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1987 Chevrolet Corvette - 3,375KB
1987 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1987 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1987 Chevrolet Corvette - 3,717KB
1987 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1987 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1987 Chevrolet Corvette - 3,790KB
1987 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1987 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1987 Chevrolet Corvette - 2,921KB
1987 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1987 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1987 Chevrolet Corvette - 3,262KB
1987 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1987 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2014 Redeemer Lutheran Church Car Show
View photo of 1987 Chevrolet Corvette - 2.8MB
1987 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1987 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2014 Redeemer Lutheran Church Car Show
View photo of 1987 Chevrolet Corvette - 2.9MB
1987 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1987 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2014 Redeemer Lutheran Church Car Show
View photo of 1987 Chevrolet Corvette - 2.4MB
1988 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1988 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Rich Daswick
Event:  Free State Corvette Club Weekend
Date:  October 2006
View photo of 1988 Chevrolet Corvette - 58KB
Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 Subject:  Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2010 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals
View photo of Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 - 4,479KB
Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 Subject:  Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2010 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals
View photo of Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 - 4,500KB
Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 Subject:  Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2010 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals
View photo of Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 - 4,232KB
Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 Subject:  Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2010 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals
View photo of Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 - 4,332KB
Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 Subject:  Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2010 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals
View photo of Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 - 4,375KB
Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 Subject:  Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2010 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals
View photo of Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 - 4,242KB
Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 Subject:  Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2010 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals
View photo of Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 - 4,073KB
Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 Subject:  Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2010 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals
View photo of Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 - 4,280KB
Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 Subject:  Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2010 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals
View photo of Cutaway Chevrolet Corvette C4 - 4,264KB
1990 Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance at Stanford Poster - 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport/1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 Subject:  1990 Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance
Artist:  Ken Eberts
Cars:  1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport/1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1
Event:  <Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance
Source:  CarArt.us
View 1990 Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance at Stanford Poster - 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport/1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 - 77KB
1991 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1991 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1991 Chevrolet Corvette - 3,013KB
1991 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1991 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1991 Chevrolet Corvette - 3,394KB
1991 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1991 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1991 Chevrolet Corvette - 3,859KB
1991 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1991 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1991 Chevrolet Corvette - 2,840KB
1991 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1991 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1991 Chevrolet Corvette - 4,078KB
1991 Chevrolet Corvette Subject:  1991 Chevrolet Corvette
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2008 Sunburst Corvette Club Show
View photo of 1991 Chevrolet Corvette - 3,885KB
1991 Chevrolet Corvette Scale Model Car Subject:  1991 Chevrolet Corvette Scale Model Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  July 2010 Meeting of C.A.R.S. in Miniature
Model Build Info:  Built by Joe Salzburg
View photo 1991 Chevrolet Corvette Model - 3,742KB
1991 Chevrolet Corvette Scale Model Car Subject:  1991 Chevrolet Corvette Scale Model Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  July 2010 Meeting of C.A.R.S. in Miniature
Model Build Info:  Built by Joe Salzburg
View photo of 1991 Chevrolet Corvette Model - 3,859KB
1995 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Subject:  1995 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2009 Summer NNL
View photo of 1995 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car - 3,049KB
1995 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Subject:  1995 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2009 Summer NNL
View photo of 1995 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car - 3,134KB
1995 Chevrolet Corvette Drag Race Car Subject:  1995 Chevrolet Corvette Drag Race Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2010 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals
View photo of 1995 Chevrolet Corvette Drag Race Car - 4,030KB
1995 Chevrolet Corvette Drag Race Car Subject:  1995 Chevrolet Corvette Drag Race Car
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2010 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals
View photo of 1995 Chevrolet Corvette Drag Race Car - 4,114KB
1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Subject:  1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
Photographer/Source:  Steven N. Severinghaus
Location:  Champaign, Illinois
Date:  21 May 2005
License:  GNU Free Documentation License
View photo of 1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport - 3,672KB
1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Subject:  1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
Photographer:  Stephen Foskett
License:  GNU Free Documentation License
View photo of 1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport - 334KB
Chevrolet Corvette C4 Subject:  Modified Chevrolet Corvette C4
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  Green Street Cruise Night:  7 June 2010
View photo of Chevrolet Corvette C4 - 4,915KB
Chevrolet Corvette C4 Subject:  Modified Chevrolet Corvette C4
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  Green Street Cruise Night:  7 June 2010
View photo of Chevrolet Corvette C4 - 4,371KB
Chevrolet Corvette Funny Car Scale Model Subject:  Chevrolet Corvette Funny Car Scale Model
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2013 GTR Summer NNL
View photo of Chevrolet Corvette Funny Car Model - 3.3MB
Chevrolet Corvette Funny Car Model Subject:  Chevrolet Corvette Funny Car Scale Model
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2013 GTR Summer NNL
View photo of Chevrolet Corvette Funny Car Model - 3.2MB
Chevrolet Corvette Funny Car Model Subject:  Chevrolet Corvette Funny Car Scale Model
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Event:  2013 GTR Summer NNL
View photo of Chevrolet Corvette Funny Car Model - 3.1MB


Documents

DateDocument Name & DetailsDocuments
classified date 1992Remote Air Bag Report
1990 Chevrolet Corvette
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 2.4MB - 46 pages


1987 Specifications

Vehicle Type2-seat
DrivetrainFR
EngineL98
Engine Displacement5.7L/350 cu. in.
Transmission (standard)4-speed automatic w/overdrive
Rear DifferentialLimited Slip
Suspension (front)Alloy independent w/stabilizer bar
Suspension (rear)5-link w/stabilizer bar
SteeringPower rack & pinion
Audio (standard)Electronically tuned AM/FM w/power antenna
Audio (optional)Delco-Bose AM/FM stereo radio w/cassette player ($905)
SecurityVATS
TiresP255/50VR-16
Fuel Economy (EPA Estimate)16 city/25 highway
Base MSRP$33,172

Additional features include:
Antilock brakes
Air conditioning
Digital speedometer & tachometer
Halogen headlights & foglights
Power windows
Color-keyed seatbelts
Dual electric mirrors
Dual underhood lights, courtesy lights, rearview-mirror mounted map lights and luggage compartment lights
Tilt & telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel
Illuminated passenger vanity mirror
Locking storage compartments

Options include:
6-way power driver's seat ($240)
Saddle leather bucket seats ($400)
Power door locks ($190)
Cruise control w/resume ($185)
Z52 Sport Handling Package ($470)


Merchandise

Type & Item #NameDetails
Model Kit - MPC 1-37211984 CorvetteGolden Opportunity
Model Kit - Monogram 2209'85 Corvette1:24 scale
Model Kit MPC 64801988 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster1:16 scale custom
Model Kit - AMT 6277Corvette ZR-11:25 scale
Model Kit - AMT 6143Chevrolet Corvette ZR-11991, 1:25 scale
Model Kit - Monogram 29501992 Corvette ZR-1 Coupe1:24 scale
Promotional Model - Ertl 65661992 Chevrolet Corvette ZR11:25 scale, Black
Promotional Model - Ertl 62561994 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-11:25 scale, Admiral Blue Metallic
Promotional Model - Ertl 66681995 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-11:25 scale, Torch Red
Model Kit AMT 65381995 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible1:25 scale
Model Kit AMT 318311996 Corvette Convertible
Model Kit - AMT 6076Chevrolet Corvette Convertible1:25 scale
Model Kit - AMT 8607Chevrolet Corvette Convertible1:25 scale
Model Kit AMT 6277Corvette ZR-11:25 scale


Article Index

DateArticleAuthor/Source
5 May 2004C4 Conversions and Body Kits By AvelateAvelate Automotive, Inc.
4 May 2005Ted Nugent to Auction His Customized 1994 ZR1 CorvetteBackstage Auctions, Inc.





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