1985 Chevrolet Corvette C4

The 1985 model year was the second year for the C4 series of the Corvette. The fourth-generation Corvette had truly become a world-class production car with a new chassis and a new body that used new materials outside of fiberglass. The big glass hatch in the back could open, making access to the luggage compartment infinitely easier. It had become a technically advanced sports car that was capable of competing against the world's finest, but despite the advanced styling and accouterments, the Corvette was still hindered by Corporate and industry engine limitations. This is largely why Chevrolet focused on braking, technology, and handling.

To improve handling, Chevrolet engineers adjusting the shock valving on both the Z51 Blistein gas shocks and the base shocks. The spring rates in the fiberglass transverse leaves were also modified and helped with improve the ride. Also, the front-wheel size was enlarged.

The big news for 1985 was the tuned-port-fuel-injection (TPI) system delivering 230 horsepower and improved city fuel economy ratings. The overhead-valve V8 had a 350 cubic-inch displacement, hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, a cast-iron block and head, and 330 ft-lbs of torque at 3,200 RPM. It was backed by a standard 4+3-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic (a no-cost option). The Tuned Port Injection nameplate was proudly displayed on the fender molding, and straight tailpipes were at the rear. The manual gearbox drove the rear axle with 8.5-inch ring gears. Stopping power was by four-wheel power disc brakes. The front suspension used single fiberglass composite mono-leaf transverse springs with a stabilizer bar and unequal-length aluminum control arms. The back was fully independent with a five-link system and transverse fiberglass single-leaf springs.

The sloping hood had a circular emblem at the front flanked on either side by pop-up halogen headlights. Below the hood were wide parking and signal lamps positioned on either side of the license plate holder. Wide horizontal side marker lenses were placed ahead of the front wheels.

The interiors had contour high-back cloth bucket seats and the optional leather-trimmed sport seats became available mid-year. There was a theft-deterrent system with starter interrupt, dual electric remote-control sport mirrors, tinted glass, seek-and-scan AM/FM stereo radio with four speakers and an automatic power antenna, a cigarette lighter, a digital clock, a tachometer, side window defoggers, and a compact spare tire. An RPO UU8 Delco-Bose stereo system added $895 to the base price and the RPO Z6A rear window and side mirror de-foggers were a $160 option. The RPO V08 Heavy-duty cooling was priced at $225 and the RPO Z51 Performance handling package listed for $470.

39,729 examples of the 1985 Corvettes were sold; the base price was $24,878.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2003