Black Friday Deal: Get 50% Off Memberships Until December 6!

1998 Corvette Performance & Specifications

Powertrain, Steering, Brakes, Dimensions, & Suspension

1998 COrvette

Despite the limited number of units produced in 1997, there was no question that the new C5 Corvette was anything less than a phenomenal success.  Enthusiasts and critics alike praised the car for its outward appearance, improved ergonomics, impressive drivability and handling, uncompromising performance capabilities, and its complete feeling of precision and quality.  General Motors had hit a home run from the very start, leaving many questioning with eager anticipation how the C5 could possibly be improved upon.

Read More: 1998 Chevrolet Corvette Research Center

1998 Corvette Specifications

1998 Corvette Main Specs

MODEL: 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
BODY STYLE: Two-door Coupe, front engine, rear wheel drive
MANUFACTURING LOCATION: Bowling Green, Kentucky
VEHICLE NUMBERS (VIN): 1G1YY32G2W5100001 – 1G1YY22G2W5131069 (Corvette Coupe & Convertible)
VIN SUFFIX: ZZC: 346 CUBIC INCH, 345 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ZZD: 346 CUBIC INCH, 345 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION
ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER: 12550592: 346 CUBIC INCH, 345 HORSEPOWER
HEAD NUMBER:
102550592: 346 CUBIC INCH, 345 HP
102559846: 346 CUBIC INCH, 345 HP, RANDOM LATE PRODUCTION

1998 Corvette Construction

    • Full-length perimeter frame with hydroformed frame side rails manufactured out of seamless tubular steel joined by two welded-on bumper beams.
    • The cockpit is framed by a welded cage of aluminum castings and extrusions.
    • Instrument panel cross member includes a magnesium steering column support and magnesium-core steering wheel.
    • Closed Drivetrain tunnel
    • Twin mid-ship mounted composite fuel tanks
    • Aircraft-type composite floor with a balsa wood core
    • One-piece Cast Aluminum front and rear chassis cross members
    • Body panels are constructed of flexible sheet-molded compound (SMC)
    • Quarter panels are bolted to the structure

1998 Corvette Powertrain Specifications

Engine Spec

Engine
Order Code: LS1
Type: 90 degree V, Front Longitudinal, OHV
Number of Cylinders 8
Displacement (liters/cid): 5.67 / 346
Fuel induction system: Sequential Fuel Injection
Horsepower (SAE net @ rpm): 345 @ 5,600
Torque (lbs.-ft. @ rpm): 350 @ 4,400
Valves per cylinder: 2
Hydraulic roller lifters: Standard
Roller rocker arms: Standard
Bore Spacing (C/L to C/L) 111.8 mm
Bore x stroke (mm.): 99.00 x 92.00
Redline (rpm): 6,000 rpm
 Compression ratio: 10.1:1
Total Dressed Engine Weight Dry (Auto) 208.4 kg
Total Dressed Engine Weight Dry (Manual) 226.1 kg
Firing Order: 18726543
Cylinder Number System (Left Bank): 1-3-5-7
Cylinder Number System (Right Bank): 2-4-6-8
Fuel Required: Unleaded
Fuel Antiknock index (R+M) +2 87
Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded

 Engine Materials

Engine Materials
Block: Cast Aluminum
Block Mass: 48.6 kg. (107.1 lbs.)
Block Deck Height: 234.7 mm
Block Length: 519.0 mm
Cylinder Head: Cast Aluminum
Cylinder Head Liner: Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Mass kg (lbs): 9.2 (20.3)
Cylinder Head Volume: 66.9 cubic cm. (4.08 cubic in.)
Head Gasket Thickness 1.33 mm
Intake Manifold: Composite
Intake Manifold Mass: 7.2 kg (15.9 lbs)
Exhaust Manifold: Stainless Steel
Exhaust Manifold Mass: Right; 5.3 kg (11.7 lbs.), Left: 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs.)
Main Bearing Caps:
– Crankshaft:  Cast Nodular Iron
– Crankshaft Mass:  23.0 kg (50.7 lbs.)
– Camshaft:  Steel
– Camshaft Mass:  4.4 kg (9.7 lbs.)
Connecting Rod: Powder Metal
Connecting Rod Mass: 0.62 kg (1.4 lbs.)
Connecting Rod Length: 154.9 mm
Pistons: Aluminum
Pistons Mass: 44 g (15.5 oz.)

EPA

EPA – Automatic Transmission
City: 17 mpg
Highway: 25 mpg
Max cruising range 478 miles
EPA – Manual Transmission
City: 18 mpg
Highway: 28 mpg
Max cruising range 535 miles
Emissions
Emission Control System Three-Way Catalyst, Air Injection Reaction (AIR), Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)

Transmission (Automatic)

Standard Transmission Spec
Type: Rear Wheel Drive
Order Code: M30
Model: 4L60-E Hydra-Matic Rear-Mounted 4-Speed Automatic w/Overdrive
Gear Ratios
1st Gear: 3.06:1
2nd Gear: 1.63:1
3rd Gear: 1.00:1
4th Gear: 0.70:1
Reverse: 2.29:1
Axle Ratio: 2.73;1 (3.15 optional)
Final Drive Ratio: 1.91:1 (2.21 optional)

Transmission Upshifts

Maximum Upshft Vehicle Speed Drive Range Maximum Kickdown Vehicle Speed Drive Range
1st Gear to 2nd Gear:
2nd Gear to 3rd Gear:
3rd Gear to 4th Gear:
Max. Upshift Engine rpm:
48 mph (77 km/hr)
90 mph (145 km/hr)
146 mph (235 km/hr)
6,000 rpm
4th Gear to 3rd Gear:
3rd Gear to 2nd Gear:
2nd Gear to 1st Gear:
134 mph (216 km/hr)
78 mph (126 km/hr)
38 mph (61 km/hr

Torque Converter

Type:
Torus Design:
Number of Elements:
Max. Ratio at stall:
Type of Cooling:
Nominal Diameter:
Capacity Factor “K”:
Three Element with Converter Clutch
Full function
Three
1.91
Liquid
298 mm
95 (input speed divided by torque squared)

Transmission (Manual)

Optional Manual Spec
Type: Rear Wheel Drive
Order Code: MN6
Model: T56 Borg-Warner Rear-Mounted 6-Speed Manual
Gear Ratios
1st Gear: 3.06:1
2nd Gear: 1.78:1
3rd Gear: 1.30:1
4th Gear: 1.00:1
5th Gear: 0.74:1
6th Gear: 0.50:1
Reverse: 2.90:1
Axle Ratio: 3.42:1
Final Drive Ratio: 1.71:1

Clutch

Clutch Manufacturer: Luk, Inc.
Clutch Type: 297 mm Type – Dry Clutch – Push Type – Single Disk
Linkage: Hydraulic Pre-Filled
Max Pedal Effort (Nominal Spring Load):
– Depressed: 145 N (32.6 lbs.)
– Released: 90 N (20.2 lbs.)
Type Pressure Plate Springs: Diaphragm
Total Spring Load: 11,500 N (Static) (2,584 lbs.)

1998 Corvette Wheels, Suspension & Brakes

Suspension

Front Suspension 
Front Suspension Independent SLA Forged Aluminum Upper and Pressure-Cast Lower Control Amrs
Forged aluminum Steering Knuckle
Transverse Monoleaf Spring and Steel Stabilizer Bar
Spindle Offset
Stabilizer bar diameter: Base (19mm), F45 (19mm), Z51 (21.7mm)
Shock absorber diameter: Base (36mm), F45 (28mm), Z51 (45mm)
Rear Suspension 
Rear Suspension Independent 5-Link Design with Toe and Camber Adjustment
Cast Aluminum Upper and Lower Control Arms and Knuckle
Transverse Monoleaf Spring
Steel Stabilizer Bar and Tie Rods
Tubular U-Jointed Metal Matrix Composite Driveshafts
Stabilizer bar diameter: Base (19mm), F45 (19mm), Z51 (21.7mm)
Shock absorber diameter: Base (36mm), F45 (28mm), Z51 (45mm)

Brakes

Type Power-Assisted, Four-Wheel Vented Disc
Anti-lock system (Standard) Four Wheel (Bosch ABS V)
Rotor diameter x thickness, front (mm): 11.9 x .78 (12.8 x 1.1 in. with optional Z51)
Rotor diameter x thickness, rear (mm): 11.9 x .78 (12.8 x 1.1 in. with optional Z51)
Swept area, fr. / rr. (sq. in.): 102.3 / 91.3 (111.9 / 91.3 sq. in. with optional Z51)

Wheels & Tires

Wheels & Tires Front Rear
Wheels, size: 17 x 8.5 18 x 9.5
Wheel Type (Standard) Cast Aluminum Cast Aluminum
Wheel Type (Optional) Magnesium (bronze tone) Magnesium (bronze tone)
Number of studs: 5 5
Circle diameter, (inches): N/A N/A
Spare: N/A N/A
Tire, size: P245/45ZR-17 P275/40ZR-18
Tires, manufacturer / type: Extended-Mobility Eagle F1 GS High-Performance Extended-Mobility Eagle F1 GS High-Performance

Steering

Steering
Type: Power-Assisted, Speed-Sensitive, Magnetic, Variable Effort Power Rack and Pinion
Ratio: 16.1:1
Wheel diameter (in.): 15.0
Turns, Lock to Lock: 2.32
Turning Diameter, curb-to-curb (ft.): 41.3

1998 Corvette Exterior Dimensions

Coupe Dimensions (Coupe)1998 Corvette Coupe Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions (Coupe)

Exterior Dimensions
Model Coupe
Wheelbase 104.5 Inches
Overall Length 179.7 Inches
Total Body Width 73.6 Inches
Overall Height 47.7 Inches
Front Track Width 62.0 Inches
Rear Track Width 62.1 Inches
Ground Clearance 3.7 Inches
Overhang, Front: 38.8 Inches
Overhang, Rear: 35.7 Inches
Trunk Liftover Height: 36.7 Inches

Interior Dimensions (Coupe)

Interior Dimensions
Model Coupe
Headroom 37.8 Inches
Shoulder Room 55.3 Inches
Hip Room 54.2 Inches
Leg Room 42.7 Inches

Convertible Dimensions (Convertible)

1998 Corvette Convertible Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions (Convertible)

Exterior Dimensions
Model Coupe
Wheelbase 104.5 Inches
Overall Length 179.7 Inches
Total Body Width 73.6 Inches
Overall Height 47.7 Inches
Front Track Width 62.0 Inches
Rear Track Width 62.1 Inches
Ground Clearance 3.7 Inches
Overhang, Front: 38.8 Inches
Overhang, Rear: 35.7 Inches
Trunk Liftover Height: 36.7 Inches

Interior Dimensions (Convertible)

Interior Dimensions
Model Coupe
Headroom 37.8 Inches
Shoulder Room 55.3 Inches
Hip Room 54.2 Inches
Leg Room 42.7 Inches

Capacities

Capacities
Model Coupe Convertible
Passenger Capacity 2 – Driver & Passenger 2 – Driver & Passenger
Curb Weight 3,245 lbs. 3,246 lbs.
Interior Passenger Volume (cu.ft): 51.4 Cubic Fee 51.4 Cubic Fee
Interior Trunk Volume (cu. ft): 24.8 Cubic Feet 13.8 Cubic Feet (Top up), 11.1 (Top down)
Fuel Capacity (GALLONS) 19.1 gallons 19.1 gallons
Engine Oil Capacity (QTS) 6.0 (with filter) 6.0 (with filter)
Coolant Capacity (QTS./LITERS) 12.0 quarts, 12.4 w/ manual trans 12.0 quarts, 12.4 w/ manual trans
Battery (CCA): 600 Cold Cranking Amperes 600 Cold Cranking Amperes
Coefficient of Drag (cd): 0.29 cd 0.29 cd
Weight Dist. Front/Rear (%) 51.4 / 48.6 51.4 / 48.6

1998 Corvette

1998 Corvette Performance Results

PERFORMANCE RESULTS
 Coupe Convertible 
Weight-to-power ratio, auto. trans. (lbs:hp):
Weight-to-power ratio, man. trans. (lbs:hp):
Specific output (hp/liter):
0-60 MPH, Manual Trans. (seconds):
0-60 MPH, Auto Trans. (seconds):
Quarter Mile (seconds / mph):
Top Speed (mph):
Lateral Acceleration (g):
600-ft Slalom (mph):
Braking, 30 – 0 mph (ft.):
Braking, 60 – 0 mph (ft.):
9.4:1
9.3:1
60.53:1
4.8
N/A
13.2 / 109.3
173.9
0.93
66.2
29
116
N/A
5.1
13.5 / 104.7
167
0.93
66.7
29
120

1998 Corvette