Corvette C4

1984 C4 Corvette

C4 Corvette 1984 -1996
The fourth generation Corvette began production in March 1983 as a 1984 model. The 84 was a total redesign,  an aerodynamic exterior featuring an “acute” windshield rake (64 degrees) covered a series of engineering improvements. A one-piece, full-width fiberglass roof (no T-bar) was removable. It had a transparent, acrylic lift-off panel with a solar screen optional. At the rear was a frameless glass back window or hatch above four round tail lamps. Hidden headlamps were featured, along with clear, integrated halogen fog lamps and front cornering lamps. The dual sport mirrors were electrically remote controlled.
The unit body (with partial front frame) used a front-hinged “clam shell” hood with integral twin-duct air intake. The sole 1984 V-8 was L83 350-cid (5.7-liter) V-8 with cross-fire fuel injection. Stainless steel headers led into its exhaust system. The air cleaner and the valve train had cast magnesium covers. After being unavailable in 1982, a four-speed manual gearbox returned as the standard Corvette transmission (although not until January 1984). A four-plus-three-speed automatic with computer-activated overdrive in every gear except first, was offered at no extra cost. It used a hydraulic clutch. Overdrive was locked out during rigorous acceleration above specified speeds and when a console switch was activated. Under the chassis were an aluminum drive shaft, forged-aluminum suspension arms, and a fiberglass transverse leaf spring. Power rack-and-pinion steering and power four-wheel disc brakes were standard. Optional Goodyear 50-series “uni-directional” tires were designed for mounting on a specific wheel. Inside, an electronic instrument panel featured both analog and digital LCD readouts in either English or metric measure. A Driver Information System between the speedometer and tachometer gave a selection of switch-chosen readings. At the driver’s left was the parking brake. Corvette’s ample standard equipment list included an advanced (and very necessary) theft-prevention system with starter-interrupt.
Other standard equipment included: air conditioning; power windows; electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with digital clock; reclining bucket seats; leather-wrapped tilt/telescope steering wheel; luggage security shade; and side window defoggers.

Between 1984 and 1988, the Corvette utilized an unusual “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. The transmission was problematic and was eventually replaced by a much more modern and satisfactory ZF 6-speed manual gearbox in 1989. This new transmission was also the first to feature Computer Aided Gear Selection (CAGS), which used a solenoid to lock out 2nd gear during low-speed/low-throttle driving conditions.  This allowed the Corvette to maintain EPA fuel economy ratings high enough to avoid the “gas guzzler” tax. Beginning in 1985, the 230 horsepower (170 kW) L98 engine with tuned port fuel injection was the standard engine.

In 1986 the 2nd Indy Pace Car version was released as a convertible only. It was the first drop top Corvette since 1975. It was also the first pace car fast enough in stock form to pace the Indianapolis 500.  A Center High Mounted Signal Light (CHMSL, a third center brake light) was added in 1986 to comply with federal law.

1988 saw the 35th Anniversary Edition. Each of these featured a special badge with an identification number mounted next to the gear selector. These Corvettes were easily identified with their white exteriors, wheels and interiors.

For the 1992 model year, the 300 horsepower (220 kW) LT1 engine was introduced, which improved output compared to the L98 in ideal tune with 250 hp (190 kW). Also introduced in 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.

93 Ruby Red edition marked the 40th Anniversary

1993 marked the Corvette’s 40th anniversary. Special versions had 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, the first GM car to feature it.

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 335 hp (250 kW) LT4 V8 was installed in all manual transmission equipped Corvettes. All 1996 Corvettes with automatic transmissions utilized the LT1.

1996 Corvette

The C4 had plenty of firsts: EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection), composite transverse leaf springs, antilock brakes, airbags, traction control, an aluminum frame and suspension components, digital gauges, overhead cams and four valves per cylinder in the superb ZR-1, a computer controlled, six-speed manual transmission, climate control, and a digital instrument panel. Conversely, C4 Corvettes were the last generation to utilize a centrally located fuel filler (1963), opposing windshield wipers (1953), a cast iron engine block (1953), 4 round taillights (1961), fiberglass body panels (1953), distributor ignition (1953).

Grand Sport 1996
Chevrolet released the Grand Sport version in 1996 at the end of C4 Corvette production. The “Grand Sport” moniker was a nod to the original Grand Sport model produced in 1963. A total of 1,000 Grand Sports were produced. The 810 coupes and 190 convertibles were produced with a special VIN sequence to differentiate them from the other 1996 C4 models. The 1996 Grand Sport was equipped with the LT4 engine, which produced 330 hp (246 kW) and 340 lb·ft (461 N·m) of torque. All LT4-powered Corvettes included a Grand Sport nameplate on the engine’s throttle body. The Grand Sport came only in Admiral Blue with a white center stripe, distinctive black five spoke wheels, and two red hash marks on the hood above the left front wheel. Interior colors were black and red only. A hardtop option was not available with Grand Sport convertibles. They also added rear wheel arch extensions on the body, as the Grand Sport utilized the same rear wheels as a ZR-1.

Collector Edition (1996)
To commemorate the final year of the C4, Chevrolet reissued a Collector Edition. Also produced in low numbers, all CE’s were painted Sebring Silver, a color reminiscent of the 1963 Sting Ray and later retained for the C-5 color lineup. A near mirror image of the Grand Sport, if properly equipped, it also got the 5 spoke “A mold” wheels in matching silver, bigger ZR-1 brakes, and a myriad of standard features. Like all production 1996 Corvettes, the LT-4 received the ZF 6-speed gearbox thought by many to be the strongest GM transmission ever. Automatics were an option, and still retained the LT-1. CE’s were also available in a convertible with 3 interior color choices, red, silver and black. On all four sides of the car, a special set of “Collector Edition” flags were appointed, and also embroidered in the seat backs.