History C4 1985

Fueling Sales

The second year of the fourth generation followed the traditional path of refinement.  The MY 1984 had developed a reputation for a harsh wide although the skid-pad figures were astounding.  Not surprisingly, the 1985 'vette featured softer suspension...and more power while remaining virtually the same visually (apart from TUNED PORT INJECTION along the front fenders and different tailpipes).   The January 1985 "Ten Best" issue of Car and Driver pronounced the new Corvette as America's fastest production car.   Sales dropped to 39,729 when compared to the prolonged production year of MY 1984.  Base price was now $24,403, up $2,603 over the the 1984.  A loaded Corvette could cost almost $30,000.  Bright Red was the most popular exterior color.

For the first time since 1965, the Corvette offered fuel injection.  The Cross-Fire Injection was replaced in favor of a more modern system that produced an increase in horsepower.  Separate injectors for each port helped to rate the 5.7 liter, L98 engine at 230 horsepower (up 25 horsepower from 1984) and 330 foot pounds of torque (up 40).  The top speed now hovered around 150.   Even so the new 'vette still managed to increase fuel economy by 11%.

Decreasing the spring rates by 26% in the front and 25% in the rear improved the daily ride.  The optional Z51 package, prices at $470,  reduced the rate by 16% in the front and 25% in the rear.   Included were 16 x 9.5 inch aluminum wheels all around, FG3 Delco-Bilstein shocks, heavy duty cooling, an extra radiator fan, heavy-duty front and rear springs, larger diameter stabilizer bars, bushings, and fast-ratio steering.  The Z51 option lowered the car by 3/4 inch.

Exterior changes?  The "Tuned Port Injection" inscription on the body molding behind the front wheelwell.   Subtle interior changes included easier to read dash graphics and a map strap added to the driver's sun visor.  Optional sport seats were available in leather if you had an additional $1,025 in your checking account.   Optional clear roof panels with stronger sun tinting cost $595.   Popularity of Citizens Band (CB) radios dropped and Corvette would drop the CB option after this MY.  Only 16 Corvettes were equipped with the $215 option.