1978 Corvette Specifications

Corvette marked its silver anniversary for 1978 with a new fastback roofline that greatly increased luggage space, though the fixed glass meant you still had to load up from inside. Honoring the milestone birthday was a $399 two-tone Silver Anniversary paint package. Here are the specifications for the 1978 Corvette:

Horsepower for the ’78 Corvette rose to 175/185 base.
Horsepower for the ’78 Corvette rose to 175/185 base and to
220 for the L82 option. Despite this, sales declined for the first time
in seven years, easing to 46,776.

Vehicle Specifications
 Coupe
Wheelbase, inches
 98.0
Length, inches
 185.2
Width, inches
 69.0
Track, inches
 front: 58.7 rear: 59.4
Height, inches
 47.9
Curb weight, pounds
 3,595

Mechanical Specifications (2-door coupe)

Suspension
front: Independent; upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, antiroll bar
rear: Independent, lateral leaf springs, struts, U-joint halfshafts, trailing arms, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers

Wheels/Tires
P277/70R-15

Brakes
front: 11.75-inch disc
rear: 11.75-inch disc

Transmission
3-speed Hydra-Matic
4-speed manual

Standard axle ratio
3.08:1 (auto) 3.36:1 (manual)

Engine Specifications

Type ohv V-8
ohv V-8
Displacement, liters/cubic inch
 5.7/350 5.7/350
Bore X stroke, inches 4.00 X 3.48 4.00 X 3.48
Fuel management
 1 X 4-bbl. 1 X 4-bbl.
Horsepower @ rpm
185 @ 4,000
 220 @ 5,200
Torque @ rpm, pound-foot
270 @ 2,400
 260 @ 3,600

Published Performance Numbers

Acceleration220 hp, 4-speed manual
0-60 mph, second
6.5
0-100 mph, second
17.9
1/4-mile, second @ mph
15.2 @ 95

Vehicle Production and Base Prices

Car Type
 Production Price
2-door coupe
40,274 $9,351.89
Limited Edition Corvette (pace car)
6,502
$13,653.21

Options and Production

Option Production Price
Power Windows
36,931

$130.00

Power Door Locks
12,187
 $120.00
Silver Anniversary Paint
15,283
$399.00
Removable Glass Roof Panels
972
$349.00
Rear Window Defogger
30,912
 $95.00
Air Conditioning
37,638
$605.00
Sport Mirrors
38,405
 $40.00
Gymkhana Suspension
12,590
$41.00
Optional Rear Axle Ratio
382
$15.00
Cruise Control
31,608
$99.00
220 hp Engine
12,739
 $525.00
4-Speed Manual Transmission, close ratio
3,385
$0.00
Automatic Transmission
38,614
$0.00
High Altitude Emission Equipment
260
$33.00
Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column
37,858
 $175.00
White Letter SBR Tires, P255/60R15
18,296 $216.32
White Letter SBR Tires, P255/70R1526,203 $51.00
Heavy Duty Battery
28,243
$18.00
AM/FM Radio, stereo w/8-track tape
20,899
$419.00
AM/FM Radio, stereo w/CB
7,138 $638.00
AM/FM Radio, stereo10,189
$286.00
Power Antenna
23,069
$49.00
California Emission Certification
3,405
 $75.00
Aluminum Wheels
28,008
 $340.00
Trailer Package
972
$89.00
Convenience Group
37,222
$84.00

Color Choices and Production

Color Choice
 Production
Classic White
4,150
Silver Anniversary
15,283
Black/Silver
6,502
Corvette Yellow
1,243
Corvette Red
2,074
Corvette Dark Blue
2,084
Silver
3,232
Black
4,573
Corvette Light Blue
1,960
Corvette Light Beige
1,686
Corvette Mahogany
2,121
Corvette Dark Brown
1,991

Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:

1978 Corvette
 1979 Corvette 1980 Corvette
1981 Corvette 1982 Corv­ette­

Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:

  • Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
  • Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
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  • Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.