1990 Corvette

 

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1990 Corvette
This 1990 Corvette convertible wears the optional hardtop and rear-deck luggage rack. See more sports car pictures.

All 1990 Corvettes benefited from a standard driver's-side airbag, installed to meet the first phase of the federal government's "passive restraint" crash-protection regulations. Also for safety's sake, the car's antilock braking system was upgraded with improved yaw control that allowed for more-secure handling. The base engine received a slight bump up to 245 bhp through an added air-intake speed density control system, a revised camshaft and increased compression ratio (this was 250 bhp in coupes with the 3.07:1 or 3.33:1 axle ratios). A newly efficient sloped radiator design precluded the need for an auxillary fan, which was no longer available for 1990.

A revised instrument display now combined a digital speedometer with an analog tachometer and other gauges. An engine-oil monitor now calculated the useful oil life remaining in miles and alerted drivers when an oil-change was needed via a dashboard indicator. A compact disc player was newly available with the optional Delco-Bose audio system, and it now included a security lockout feature to discourage theft; if removed, a special code had to be entered or the head unit would remain inoperative.

Twenty-three Corvettes with heavy-duty suspensions were built during 1990 for the new World Challenge racing series and could be obtained via regular dealer channels. Buyers could choose a Chevy engine or provide one of their own, though any further modifications were left to the racers.

1990 Corvette
The ZR-1 looked much like any other 1990 Corvette coupe, something that disappointed many fans.

Though overall alterations would be minor, 1990 would prove to be a major model year for the Corvette because it marked the introduction of the high-performance ZR-1 version, which was actually a $27,016 option package. Originally intended as a midyear 1989 model and previewed with a massive media campaign, the ZR-1 was eventually postponed until 1990 due to "insufficient availability of engines." Based around an all-new 32-valve 375-bhp V-8 called the LT5 (developed in conjunction with Lotus and built by Mercury Marine), the ZR-1 was a true production supercar that could run with even the most exotic imports. The Callaway twin-turbo was still available at an extra $26,895, but it languished in favor of the new ZR-1, selling just 58 units. Overall sales dropped a bit for the year, down to 23,646.Still, of that number, 3,049 ZR-1-equipped models were sold to buyers who had long saved a place on a waiting list. Many gladly paid well in excess of list price to be among the first to own what was the new epitome of American muscle, and a true Corvette classic.

Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:

1984 Corvette
1985 Corvette
1986 Corvette
1987 Corvette
1988 Corvette
1989 Corvette
1990 Corvette 1991 Corvette
1992 Corvette
1993 Corvette
1994 Corvette
1995 Corvette
1996 Corvette


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

  • Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.

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1990 Corvette Specifications

The 1990 Corvette boasted improved safety and comfort features, including a driver's side airbag and a redesigned dashboard. Corvette also offered the ZR-1 in 1990, a high performance option package that buyers lined up to purchase. Here are the specifications for the 1990 Corvette:

1990 Corvette
A sweeping new dashboard improved control ergonomics for the 1990 Corvette and replaced the digi-graphic tach and speedometer with large analog gauges.

 

Vehicle Specifications
HatchbackHatchback (ZR-1)
Wheelbase, inches
96.2 96.2
Length, inches
176.5177.4
Width, inches
71.074.0
Track, inches
front: 59.6 rear: 60.4
front: 61.9 rear: 61.9
Height, inches
46.7 46.4
Curb weight, pounds
3,2233,465

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
P275/40ZR-17
(P315/35ZR-17 ZR-1, rear)

Brakes
front: anti-lock 12.0-inch disc
rear: anti-lock 12.0-inch disc

Transmission
4-speed automatic
6-speed manual

Standard axle ratio
2.59:1 (auto) 3.33:1 (manual)

Engine Specifications

Typeohv V-8dohc V-8
Displacement, liters/cu inch
5.7/350
5.7/350
Bore × Stroke, inches
4.00 x 3.48
3.90 x 3.66
Fuel ManagementMulti-Port Injection
Multi-Port Injection
Horsepower @ rpm250 @ 4,400375 @ 5,800
Torque @ rpm, pound-foot350 @ 3,200370 @ 4,800

Published Performance Numbers

Acceleration250 hp, 6-sp man.
375 hp, 6-sp man.
0-60 mph, sec
5.7
4.9
0-100 mph, sec
NA
11.5
1/4-mile, sec @ mph
14.3 @ 97.1
13.4 @ 108.5

Sources: Motor Trend, Road & Track

Vehicle Production and Base Prices

Car Type
Production Price
2-door coupe
16,016
$31,979.00
2-door convertible
7,630
37,264.00

Options and Production

Option Production Price
Power Passenger Seat
20,419
$270.00
Power Driver Seat
23,109
270.00
Sport Seats, leather
11,457
1,050.00
Base Seats, leather
11,649
425.00
Callaway Twin Turbo (not GM installed)
58
26,895.00
Auxiliary Hardtop
2,371
1,995.00
Dual Removable Roof Panels
6,422
915.00
Removable Roof Panel, blue tint
7,852
615.00
Removable Roof Panel, bronze tint
4,340
615.00
Electronic Air Conditioning Control
22,497
180.00
Selective Ride and Handling, electronic
7,576
1,695.00
Performance Axle Ratio
9,362
22.00
Engine Block Heater
1,585
20.00
Engine Oil Cooler
16,220
110.00
6-Speed Manual Transmission
8,100
0.00
California Emission Requirements4,035
100.00
Low Tire Pressure Warning Indicator
8,432
325.00
Stereo System, Delco-Bose
6,401
823.00
Stereo System w/CD, Delco-Bose15,716
1,219.00
Luggage Rack (convertible)
1,284
140.00
Performance Handling Package (coupe)
5,446
460.00
Special Performance Package (ZR-1 coupe)
3,049
27,016.00

Color Choices and Production

Color Choice
Production Color Choice
Production
White
4,872
Steel Blue Metallic
813
Black
4,759
Turquoise Metallic
589
Competition Yellow
278
Dark Red Metallic
2,353
Quasar Blue Metallic
474
Bright Red
6,956
Polo Green Metallic
1,674
Charcoal Metallic
878

Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:

1984 Corvette
1985 Corvette
1986 Corvette
1987 Corvette
1988 Corvette
1989 Corvette
1990 Corvette1991 Corvette
1992 Corvette
1993 Corvette
1994 Corvette
1995 Corvette
1996 Corvette


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

  • Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.

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