1979 CORVETTE

The 1979 Corvette sales catalog declared "The Corvette evolution continues."

VIN Numbers

PositionCharacterDescription
11Chevrolet Division
2ZCorvette
87coupe
5*Engine type where * is replaced by the following
  • 8 = L48 350-cid V8, 195-hp, 4-barrel
  • 4 = L82 350-cid V8, 225-hp, 4-barrel
691979
7SAssembled in St. Louis, MO
8 to 13400001 to 453807production sequence
CodeEngineHorsepowerCompressionTransmissionFuel SupplyEmission Control System
ZAAL48 350-cid early production195-hp V-88.2:1manualfour-barrel carburetor 
ZABL48 350-cid early production195-hp V-88.2:1automaticfour-barrel carburetor 
ZACL48 350-cid early production195-hp V-88.2:1automaticfour-barrel carburetorCalifornia
ZADL48 350-cid195-hp V-88.2:1automaticfour-barrel carburetorhigh-altitude
ZAFL48 350-cid195-hp V-88.2:1manualfour-barrel carburetor 
ZAHL48 350-cid195-hp V-88.2:1automaticfour-barrel carburetor 
ZBBL48 350-cid225-hp V-88.2:1automaticfour-barrel carburetor 
ColorCloth & Leather UpholsteryLeather Upholstery
Oyster12C122
Dark Blue29C292
Dark Green49C492
Light Beige59C592
Red 722

IDENTIFICATION

Model No. Body/Style No. Body Type Factory Price Shipping Weight Production Total
1Y Z87
2-dr. Sport Coupe - 2 passenger

2-dr. Sport Coupe - 2 passenger

$10,220 3372 53,807

ENGINE

FeatureStandard Engine (RPO L48)Optional Engine (RPO L82)
TypeV-8, 90-degree Overhead valve
BlockCast iron block
Displacement350 cid (5.7 liters)350 cid (5.7 liters)
Bore & Stroke4.00 x 3.48"4.00 x 3.48"
Compression ratio8.2:18.9:1
Brake horsepower195 @ 4000225 @ 5200
Torque285 lb-ft @ 3200270 lb-ft @ 3600
Main bearingfive
Valve liftershydraulic
Fuel supplyRochester M4MCRochester M4MC

TRANSMISSION

CHASSIS

FeatureCoupe
Wheelbase98 inches (2.489 m)
Overall length185.2 inches (4.704 m)
Overall width69.0 inches (1.753 m)
Overall height48 inches (1.219 m)
Ground Clearance4.5 inches (11.4 cm)
Front tread58.7 inches (1.491 m)
Rear tread59.5 inches (1.511 m)
Wheel size15 x 8 inches
TiresP225/70R-15 SBR (steel-belted radial)
Positractionstandard
Steeringrecirculating ball
Front suspensionIndependent, unequal-length control arms with ball joints, coil springs, and stabilizer bar
Rear suspensionIndependent, trailing link, transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs
BrakesHydraulic, vented four wheel discs; 11.75-inch diameter, single calipers
IgnitionHEI electronic
Body constructionSeparate fiberglass body and box-type ladder frame with cross-members
Fuel tank24 US Gal (20 Imp Gal) (91 liters)

OPTIONS

RPO A31Electric power windows$141
RPO CC1Removable glass roof panels$365
RPO C49Rear window defogger$102
RPO C60Air conditioning$635
RPO D35Sport mirrors$45
RPO FE7Gymkhana suspension$49
RPO F51Heavy-duty shock absorbers$33
RPO G95Highway ratio rear axle$19
RPO K30Cruise Control$113
RPO L82350-cid 225-hp V-8$565
RPO MM4Four-speed manual transmissionno-cost option
RPO M21Four-speed manual close-ratio transmissionno-cost option
RPO MX1Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmissionno-cost option
RPO N37Tilt-telescopic steering column$190
RPO QGRP255/70R-15 Raised-white-letter steel-belted radial tires$54
RPO QBSP255/60R-15 White Aramid BR tires$226.20
RPO U58AM-FM stereo radio$90
RPO UM2AM-FM stereo radio with 8-track tape system$228
RPO UN3AM-FM stereo radio with cassette$234
RPO UP6AM-FM stereo radio with CB system and power antenna$439
RPO U75Power antenna$52
RPO U81Dual rear speakers$52
RPO UA1Heavy-duty battery$21
RPO ZN1Trailering package$98
RPO ZQ2Power windows and door locks$272
RPO ZX2Convenience group$84

HISTORICAL NOTES

PHOTOS

1979 Corvette

1979 Corvette

1979 Corvette

1979 Corvette

1979 Corvette

1979 Corvette

1979 Corvette

1979 Corvette

1979 Corvette

1979 Corvette

LITERATURE & LINKS

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