1985 CORVETTE - How it all got started!

The 1985 Corvette (C4) was born in the midst of American economic recovery following the slump of the late 70's and early 80's. Oil shortages and sky-rocketing fuel costs transformed  unexpectedly into an oil surplus that caused fuel prices to plummet and sent car buyers out once again in search of the powerful, fast Detroit cars. This, coupled with the Voluntary Restraint Agremment (a measure negotiated between the Reagan Administration and the Japanese to limit ther auto imports) the American performance car market was flourishing, and Chevrolet wasted no time in getting on board.

Chevrolet rolled out the 1985 Corvette with some new options, colors, and some significant changes under the hood. Gone was the "Cross-Fire Injection" of the 1982/1984 models, replaced by an uncompromising Bosch fuel injection system - the "Tuned Port Injection" - the likes of which had not been seen since the 1965 Corvette. 


The new system resulted in significant improvements in power, increasing horespower from 205 hp to 230 hp at 4000 rpm and achieving 330 lbb/ft at 3200, up from 290 lbs/ft, while offering an improvement in fuel economy. Even though it was still 350 cubes, the change in the new motor was so drastic that Chevrolet designated the new engine as the "L98" (Check out the 1985 Corvette Specifications page).

For improved straight-line stability at higher speeds, the steering caster angle was increased one degree (for a total of four). For better braking at high speeds, the brake system was improved with a larger master cylinder and booster, in addition to different pads that offered an increase in braking power and improved feel. For the transmission, an improved 8.5-inch differential ring gear (up from 7.9 inches) for extra longevity was added, and in the cockpit the override button that was relocated atop the shift knob.


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