Vehicle Description
The C4 Corvette represented a clean break from theZora
Arkus-Duntov-designedC3 with a completely new chassis and sleeker
more modern but still evolutionary styling. It was the work of a
team under chief Corvette designerDave McLellan who'd taken over
from Duntov in 1975. In a departure from thefiberglasspanels of its
forebearers the C4's rearbumpersand panels were made from molding
plastics asheet molding compound. The C4fastbackcoupewas the first
general production Corvette to have a glasshatchback(the limited
edition 1982 Collector Edition being the first Corvette equipped
with this feature) for better storage access. The Corvette C4 came
standard with an electronic dashboard with a digital liquid crystal
display dash with graphics for speed and RPM and digital displays
for other important engine functions.Since emissions regulations
were still changing and electronic engine management was in its
infancy horsepower was compared to earlier generations low.
Therefore the primary design emphasis at least for the launch was
on handling and braking with all-independent suspension with
light-weight suspension and wheels and all new brakes with aluminum
calipers. The front suspension saw the C3'scoil springsreplaced by
atransverse fiberglass mono-leaf spring which was only 1/3 of the
weight of the coil springs while also introducing ananti-roll
bar-like effect on the front.[4]The price of this no-holds-barred
emphasis on handling was ride comfort especially with the Z51
performance and handling package. The C4 did not use
separatebody-on-frameconstruction like its predecessors. Instead it
used what GM termed a "uniframe" which consisted of a traditional
perimeter frame with the door postswindshieldframe
halo[clarification needed]and the rear portion of the floor pan
integrated into one welded assembly. This was not aunibodyassembly
as none of the exterior body panels were structural members. Due to
a styling decision to use atarga topinstead ofT-tops there was no
structural member tying the windshield frame to the halo as on the
C3. This required extremely tall side rails on the frame to
maintainchassisrigidity and as a result the door sills were quite
deep with entry and exit likened by contemporary auto journals to a
"fall in and climb out" experience. The targa top bolted into place
becoming a structural component rather than simply latching on like
T-tops. Despite the tall frame rails the C4 was prone to rattles
and squeaks especially with the targa top removed. The emergency
brake located between the door sill and the drivers seat was moved
lower and toward the rear of the car in 1988 for easier entry and
exit.The interior and dashboard of a 1986 Corvette C4 Coupe with
grey upholsteryFrom 1984 through 1988 the Corvette was available
with a Doug Nash "4+3" transmission - a 4-speed manual coupled to
anautomaticoverdrive on the top three gears. This unusual
transmission was a synergy that allowed Corvette to keep a stout 4
speed but add an overdrive. As technology progressed it was
replaced by a modernZF6-speedmanual. However the C4 performance was
hampered by its L98 250hp (186kW) engine until 1992 when the
second-generation Chevy small block the 300hp (224kW) hp LT1 was
introduced markedly improving the C4's performance. 1996 was a high
point of small block Chevrolet development and the 330hp (246kW)
LT4 was introduced in all six-speed manual transmission cars. The
LT4 produced maximum horsepower at 5800 rpm and 340 lb-ft of torque
at 4500 rpm. While the LT4 was available in any Corvette it was
highlighted in the '96 Grand Sport package.[5]The 1986 Corvette saw
the reintroduction of theconvertibleand was named as thePace Carfor
theIndianapolis 500. 1986 also saw the introduction of the Pass Key
I passive anti-theft system wherein each key contained a special
pellet that could be detected and identified by the car's computer
system by detecting electrical resistance. Being early in the
rollout of this new technology there were only 15 different
resistance values available which once thieves discovered this
weakness markedly reduced the value of this early system.43
Corvettes were manufactured with a 1983Vehicle Identification
Number(VIN) but none were released to the public as official
production vehicles. All were destroyed except one VIN
1G1AY0783D5100023 (white with medium blue interior) L83 350cuin
(5.7L) 205hp (153kW) V8 4-speed automatic transmission and was
retired to the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green Kentucky.
(MY1984 Corvettes were produced for 17 months.) Consumers at
CarPros are able to find attractive vehicles at prices that are
typically 10-20% less than they would pay at traditional commission
based dealerships. Buyers benefit from below retail prices and a
comfortable no pressure environment that enables anonymous safe and
convenient private party transactions. We are truly a family owned
and operated dealership and you will see feel that the moment you
visit us at CarPros. Visit Car Pros of Lake Norman online at
www.carproslkn.com to see more pictures of this vehicle or call us
at 704-202-9505 today to schedule your test drive.
