1987 Corvette
The 1987 Corvette coupe and convertible saw several noteworthy changes. Chevy's continuing quest for reduced engine friction in the interest of both performance and economy resulted in rollers being added to the hydraulic lifters, along with rocker-arm covers with raised rails to forestall oil leaks. Thanks chiefly to the former, horsepower went up by 10, to 240 in all, and torque improved by 15 lbs/ft, for a total of 345. A six-way power passenger's-seat option was now offered (matching the standard driver's item), and major body and mechanical components were given special identification marks to further foil thieves.
 The convertible's base price rose about $1,100 in 1987 to $33,172. Ragtop sales improved for the model year to 10,625, but coupe orders fell to 20,007. |
The racing-oriented Z51 suspension, listing at $795 for 1987, had all the Z52 hardware but much stiffer springs and front lower-control-arm bushings, plus a solid (instead of link-type) rear stabilizer. Enthusiast magazines praised the new suspension for the improved ride quality with only the most minor differences in handling characteristics.
On the acceleration side of things, Motor Trend timed a manual-shift 240-bhp roadster at 6.3 seconds 0-60 mph and clocked the standing quarter-mile at 15.11 seconds and 93.8 mph. With prices now starting at $27,999 for the coupe and $33,172 for the ragtop, critics felt the Corvette was becoming too pricey for its own good, though it was still perceived as being a better value than the European exotics of the time.
Though not a factory option, speed-hungry buyers could order a car with a new Callaway Twin-Turbo Engine package through participating dealers. Designated as RPO B2K, and priced at a budget-busting $19,995, the twin-turbo was rated at 345 bhp and 465 lbs/ft of torque and could reach a top speed more than three times the legal limit -- all the way to 177.9 mph with .60 overdrive gearing. These were specially modified Corvette engines (except for the first four off the line, which used GM truck shortblocks); cars would be shipped from Bowling Green to Callaway Engineering in Old Lyme, Connecticut, for modification.
Corvette sales continued their downward trend on the 1987 model year, sliding to 30,632; of that figure, convertibles accounted for 10,625 units, which was 3,400 above the 1986 Corvette total. Exactly 184 well-heeled buyers opted for the Callaway twin-turbo version.
Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:
| 1984 Corvette | 1985 Corvette | 1986 Corvette |
| 1987 Corvette | 1988 Corvette | 1989 Corvette |
| 1990 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.
- Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
- Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
- Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.
1987 Corvette Specifications
The year 1987 brought more horsepower to the Corvette, and with it came increased torque. For those looking for a little less speed, Chevy offered the Z52 package, which was essentially a softer version of the Z51. Here are the specifications for the 1987 Corvette:
 Horsepower was up to 240 for 1987 via a revised exhaust system and low-friction roller-type valve lifters for the aluminum-head L98 V-8, new for the 1986 Corvette. Automatic transmission remained C4 standard, with an innovative "4+3" manual gearbox optional. |
| Vehicle Specifications | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Wheelbase, inches | 96.2 | 96.2 |
| Length, inches | 176.5 | 176.5 |
| Width, inches | 71.0 | 71.0 |
| Track, inches | front: 59.6 rear: 60.4 | front: 59.6 rear: 60.4 |
| Height, inches | 46.7 | 46.4 |
| Curb weight, pounds | 3,216 | 3,279 |
Mechanical Specifications (2-door hatchback/convertible)
Suspension
front: Independent; unequal length upper and lower A-arms, transverse fiberglass leaf spring, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, antiroll bar
rear: Independent, upper and lower trailing arms, lateral arms, tie rods, halfshafts, transverse fiberglass leaf springs, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, antiroll bar
Wheels/Tires
P245/60VR-16
Brakes
front: anti-lock 11.5-inch disc
rear: anti-lock 11.5-inch disc
Transmission
4-speed automatic
4+3-speed manual (4-speed manual with overdrive in 3rd and 4th gears)
Standard axle ratio
2.59:1 (auto) 3.07:1 (manual)
Engine Specifications
| Type | ohv V-8 |
| Displacement, liters/cubic inch | 5.7/350 |
| Bore X stroke, inches | 4.00 X 3.48 |
| Fuel management | Tuned Port Injection |
| Horsepower @ rpm | 240 @ 4,000 |
| Torque @ rpm, pound-foot | 345 @ 3,200 |
Published Performance Numbers
| Acceleration | 240 hp, 4-speed manual |
| 0-60 mph, second | 6.3 |
| 0-100 mph, second | NA |
| 1/4-mile, second @ mph | 15.11 @ 93.8 |
(Source: Motor Trend)
Vehicle Production and Base Prices
| Car Type | Production | Price |
| 2-door coupe | 20,007 | $27,999.00 |
| 2-door convertible | 10,625 | 33,172.00 |
Options and Production
| Option | Production | Price |
| Power Passenger Seat | 17,124 | $240.00 |
| Power Driver Seat | 29,561 | 240.00 |
| Sport Seats, leather | 14,119 | 1,025.00 |
| Base Seats, leather | 14,579 | 400.00 |
| Power Door Locks | 29,748 | 190.00 |
| Callaway Twin Turbo (not GM installed) | 184 | 19,995.00 |
| Radiator Boost Fan | 7,291 | 75.00 |
| Dual Removable Roof Panels | 5,017 | 915.00 |
| Removable Roof Panel, blue tint | 8,883 | 615.00 |
| Removable Roof Panel, bronze tint | 5,766 | 615.00 |
| Electronic Air Conditioning Control | 20,875 | 150.00 |
| Twin Remote Heated Mirrors (convertible) | 6,840 | 35.00 |
| Illuminated Driver Vanity Mirror | 14,992 | 58.00 |
| Two-Tone Paint (coupe) | 1,361 | 428.00 |
| Delco-Bilstein Shock Absorbers | 1,957 | 189.00 |
| Performance Axle Ratio, 3.07:1 | 7,285 | 22.00 |
| Engine Oil Cooler | 6,679 | 110.00 |
| Cruise Control | 29,594 | 185.00 |
| 4-Speed Manual Transmission | 4,229 | 0.00 |
| California Emission Requirements | 5,423 | 99.00 |
| Radio Delete | 247 | -256.00 |
| AM/FM Radio Stereo Cassette | 2,182 | 132.00 |
| Stereo System, Delco-Bose | 27,721 | 905.00 |
| Heavy Duty Radiator | 7,871 | 40.00 |
| Performance Handling Package (coupe) | 1,596 | 470.00 |
| Rear Window + Side Mirror Defoggers (coupe) | 19,043 | 165.00 |
Color Choices and Production
| Color Choice | Production |
| Silver Metallic | 767 |
| Medium Blue Metallic | 2,677 |
| White | 3,097 |
| Gold Metallic | 397 |
| Copper Metallic | 87 |
| Dark Red Metallic | 5,578 |
| Silver/Gray | 403 |
| White/Silver | 195 |
| Medium Gray Metallic | 1,035 |
| Yellow | 1,051 |
| Black | 5,101 |
| Silver Beige Metallic | 950 |
| Medium Brown Metallic | 245 |
| Bright Red | 8,285 |
| Gray/Black | 316 |
| Silver Beige/Medium Brown | 447 |
Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:
| 1984 Corvette | 1985 Corvette | 1986 Corvette |
| 1987 Corvette | 1988 Corvette | 1989 Corvette |
| 1990 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.
- Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
- Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
- Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.