C4 model Chevrolet Corvette - 4th generation Chevy performance Corvettes 1983 -1996 fourth gen muscle

The modernized fourth generation “Corvette American Metal Racing modern muscle cars” by Paul Malessa aka Zorly

5.7 L LT5 V8 in a C4 Corvette ZR-1 pictures - by Drdisque

The new C4 was basically a total redesign outside of the motor. The unit now had a cast aluminum suspension with composite transverse leaf springs front and back. The steering was now rack-and-pinion. The tires were now much wider and expensive Goodyear Gatorbacks. The vehicle now had a harsh ride (especially with the Z51 option) in comparison to earlier models, but the handling was on its way to becoming legendary.

The 1983 Corvette was a prototype model with only 44 being built because of GM's decision to halt production over quality control issues. All were crushed and never sold with only number 23 surviving at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Bowling Green plant was gearing up production of this new modernized C4, which would be released in March 1983 as the 1984 model. So, there is only one official 1983 left, and it sits on display. Wonder what that baby would auction on eBay for?

1984 Chevrolet Corvette C4 coupe image - General Motors

The 1984 Vette had been in production for some time, as it was actually an 83 and 4. The motor was a carry over from the last C3. It was the L83 Cross-Fire 350 rated at 205 horsepower. The only tranny available at the beginning of this run was the 700R4 four-speed automatic, with a Doug Nash "4+3" manual being available in Jan 84. The Doug Nash had an electric overdrive on the top 3 gears, but most agreed that it was a poor design for the Vette. During this extended model year sales were at record highs for the Corvette.

In 1985 the engineers focused on the motor and bumped horsepower on the 350 (5.7L) L98 to 230 with the new Tuned Port Injected (TPI). The CB radio option saw its last year as the fad had faded.

1986 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible pics

In 1986 the Corvette paced the Indianapolis 500. Anti-lock brakes were now standard, along with the 3rd brake light.

1987 added hydraulic roller lifters to the L98 raising horsepower to 240. Also available was a Z52 suspension compromise option which beefed up the suspension, but only to the point where the ride was still considered to be comfortable.

The B2K Callaway Twin-Turbo became a factory option (RPO B2K) in 1987 and was available until about 1991. It started out with 345 hp and was cranking out 450 hp near the end of its run.

The 1988 added more tire for traction as an option. The cylinder heads were also aluminum on the L98 which moved horsepower to 235 while also improving the power band in the torque department. The 4+3 tranny was dumped, and a 35th anniversary model was available. 

1989 an improved ZF six-speed was added. The only annoyance with this tranny for some was the skip shift economy feature under light throttle that jumped from 1st to 4th. There was also now an FX3 selective ride control system installed with the Z51 option. 80 ZR-1's were built, but none were available to the public.

ZR-1 1990-1995 GM Corvette pictures - wikipedia.com

1991 Chevrolet Corvette C4 coupe photo

1990 added the "King of the Hill" ZR-1 option which featured a Mercury Marine-built, all-aluminum, 5.7-liter, DOHC, 32-valve LT5 cranking out 375 horsepower (250 hp with the valet switch activated), with the ZF six-speed tranny. It also added grip with the P315/35ZR17 tires. Top speed was observed around 175, with a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.71 seconds, and a quarter being carved out at 13.13 and 110 mph. A lightly modified ZR-1 set the 24 endurance speed record of 175 mph this year.

The 1990 also got an airbag, better instruments by adding some analog to the digital unit, and a better sound system.

The 1991 got a mild restyling which included a smoother front fascia, and more aggressive looking rear. The ZR1 price jumped considerably this year also.

1992 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Convertible pictures

1992 saw an engine switch from the base L98 to the new LT1 cranking out 3oo horsepower. This was also the year of the millionth Corvette sale which made it the best selling sports car in history.

1993 included a 40th Anniversary package for both the ZR-1 and the LT1 which mainly consisted of badges and Ruby Red paint. Also, the LT5 motor in the ZR1 was bumped up to 405 horsepower.

1994 saw a fuel injection tweak that improved drivability and made the emissions system less complicated, but did nothing to increase horsepower. That was about it for this year.

In 1995 the Corvette paced the Indy 500 for the 3rd time in its history. There was a mild restyling with the side gills. Improved brakes, shocks, and springs were also added. Sadly, the Z51 was dropped this year, as it was a mean car for its day.

1996 Corvette Collector's Edition C4 convertible photograph

1996 C4 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport images - commons

1996 was the last year for the C4. Two special editions were offered this year. The first was the Collector's Edition which mainly added Sebring Silver paint on either the coupe or convertible. The second was the Grand Sport (1,000 produced) which featured blue-with-white-stripe paint, and an amped up version of the LT1 called the LT4 which cranked out 330 horsepower.

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4th (fourth) generation GM Chevrolet Corvette Videos:

Building the last C4 Corvette, 1996, Bowling Green video

 

"Corvette POWER" - general Corvette theme videos

Visit the Corvette “American Metal Racing” modern muscle cars index for more information, images and videos.

[ref] Wikipedia

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This series is dedicated to the Chevrolet Corvette C5 C6 C7 enthusiast. We include news and details on the base Chevy Vettes, the Z06, and new ZR1 SuperCar model. The LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9, a racing engine, crate motor, or hot rod tuning subject is always game for discussion. Factory stock General Motors Corvettes, the engines and options, performance and horsepower specialty tuners, and aftermarket parts to make a modified Vette the fastest or quickest are what we are all about. The main years of interest are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and beyond for the GM future.

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Corvette "American Metal Racing" by Zorly aka Paul Malessa

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