1998 CORVETTE

  • In its 45th year, the Corvette returned to offering convertible and coupe models with the debut of a "top-less" version of the C5 Corvette.
  • The convertible's glass rear window was heated and the top had an "express-down" feature that released the tonneau cover and automatically lowered the windows part way at the touch of a button.
  • New-for-1998 was a magnesium wheel option featuring lightweight wheels with a unique bronze tone.
  • Standard features included stainless steel exhaust system; Extended Mobility Tires capable of running for 200 miles with no air pressure; dual heated electric remote breakaway outside rearview mirrors; daytime running lamps; and five-mph front and rear bumpers.
  • The LS1 V-8 and four-speed automatic transmission were again the standard offering, with the T56 six-speed manual transmission optional.
  • Corvettes were available in Arctic White; Sebring Silver Metallic; Nassau Blue Metallic; Black; Light Carmine Red Metallic; Torch Red; Magnetic Red II Clear Coat; and Fairway Green Metallic.
  • Leather seats were standard and came in Black; Yellow; Light Oak; Light Gray; and Firethorn Red.
  • Convertible tops came in Black, Light Oak, and White.

I.D. NUMBERS

  • The serial number [Vehicle Identification Number -- VIN] was stamped on a plate on the inner vertical surface of the left windshield pillar visible through the windshield.
  • The coupe serial numbers ranged from 1G1YY22G*W5100001 to 1G1YY22G*W5131069
  • The convertible serial numbers ranged from 1G1YY32G*W5100001 to 1G1YY32G*W5131069
    PositionCharacterDescription
    11US built
    2GGeneral Motors product
    31Chevrolet Motor Division vehicle
    4&5YYCorvette
    62 or 3Body style number
    2 = Two door hatchback style 07, 08, 77, or 87
    3 = Two-door convertible GM body style 67
    72 or 42=Active manual belts with driver and passenger inflatable restraint system
    4=Active manual belts with frontal and side-impact driver and front passenger inflatable restraint system
    8GLS1 5.7-liter (346 cu. in) Sequential multiport-fuel-injection (SFI) V8
    9?A check digit that calculates the characters in the serial number and gives it a single digit code and can be used to verify that the serial number is legitimate
    10WThe model year where 1998
    115Bowling Green, KY
    12-17100001 and upproduction sequence for coupes and convertibles
  • The 1998 Corvette exterior colors were:
    • 10 = Arctic White
    • 13 = Sebring Silver Metallic
    • 23 = Nassau Blue Metallic
    • 41 = Black
    • 53 = Light Carmine Red Metallic
    • 70 = Torch Red
    • 86U = Magnetic Red II Clear Coat
    • 87 = Fairway Green Metallic
  • Upholstery Codes
    ColorLeather Upholstery
    Black193
    Light Oak673
    Light Gray923
    Red943
    Yellow???

IDENTIFICATION

ModelModel No.Body/Style No.Body TypeFactory PriceShipping WeightProduction Total
Coupe1YY07
2-dr. Hatch Coupe - 2 passenger
$37,495324519,235
Convertible1YY67
2-dr. Convertiple - 2 passenger
$44,425324611,849

ENGINE

FeatureStandard Engine (RPO LS1)
TypeV-8, 90-degree Overhead valve
BlockCast aluminum block and cylinder head
Displacement346 cid (5.7 liters)
Bore & Stroke3.90" x 3.62"
Compression ratio10.1:1
Brake horsepower345 @ 5600
Torque350 lb-ft @ 4400
Main bearingfive
Valve liftershydraulic, two valves per cylinder
Fuel supplySequential Multi-port injection (MPI) system

TRANSMISSION

Four Speed Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission (TMH 700-R4) with floor-mounted gear shifter Six-speed Borg-Warner Manual with floor-mounted gear shifter

CHASSIS

FeatureCoupe & Convertible
Wheelbase104.5 inches (2.654 m)
Overall length179.7 inches (4.564 m)
Overall width73.6 inches (1.869 m)
Overall height47.7 inches (1.212 m)
Front tread62.0 inches (1.575 m)
Rear tread62.1 inches (1.577 m)
Standard Tires Front/RearP245/45ZR-17 Goodyear Eagle GT / P275/40ZR-18 Goodyear Eagle GT
Steeringrack and pinion (power assisted)
Front suspensionIndependent SLA forged-aluminum upper and lower control arms and steering knuckle, transverse monoleaf springs, steel stabilizer bar, and spindle offset.
Rear suspension Independent five-link design with tow and camber adjustment, cast-aluminum upper and lower control arms and knuckle, transverse monoleaf springs, steel tie rods and stabilizer bar, and tubular U-jointed metal matrix composite driveshaft.
BrakesAntilock four-wheel power disc
Body constructionFiberglass; integral perimeter frame with center backbone/all-welded steel body frame construction
Fuel tank19.1 US Gal (15.9 Imp Gal) (72 liters)

OPTIONS

RPO AABMemory package to recall settings for
  • outside rearview mirrors
  • radio
  • power seats
  • heating-ventilation and air-conditioning Controls
$150
RPO AG2Power six-way passenger seat$305
RPO AQ9Sport seats$625
RPO B34Front floor mats$25
RPO B84Body side moldings$75
RPO CC3Roof panel with blue tint$650
RPO C2LDual body color-keyed roof panel and blue transparent roof panel$950
RPO CJ2Dual-zone air conditioning$365
RPO D42Luggage shade and cargo net$50
RPO F45Continuously Variable Real Time Damping, not available with RPO ZS1 package$1695
RPO G92Performance axle ratio, not available with six-speed manual transmission$100
RPO JL4Active-handling system$500
RPO MN6Six-speed manual transmission$815
RPO NG1Massachusetts/New York emissions requirements$170
RPO N73Custom magnesium wheels$3,000
RPO T96Fog lamps$65
RPO UNODelco-Bose music system$100
RPO UlSRemote CD changer$600
RPO V49Front license plate frame$15
RPO CYFCalifornia emissions system$170
RPO Z4ZIndy Pace Car package with automatic transmission$5,039
RPO Z4ZIndy Pace Car package with manual transmission$5,804
RPO Z51Performance handling package with Bilstein adjustable Ride-Control system$350

HISTORICAL NOTES


  • Model-year production was 31,084 units.
  • For the fourth time (1978, 1986, 1995,1998), a Corvette was selected to pace the Indianapolis 500 with Indy 500 veteran Parnelli Jones driving the purple and yellow pace car.
  • Corvette made its long-awaited return to Trans-Am racing successful by placing first in the 1998 season-opening event on the street circuit at Long Beach, California, in the No.8 AutoLink Corvette driven by veteran road racer Paul Gentilozzi.
  • A total of 1,163 Corvettes had the Indy Pace Car package.

1998 CORVETTE PHOTOS


1998 Corvette

1998 Corvette

LITERATURE & LINKS




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