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1990 Corvette Research

The Ultimate 1990 Corvette Database

In-Depth Guide / Special Models / Videos & Pics / Technical Research / Colors / Engines / The Market / Latest

Everything You Want to Know About the 1990 Corvette, All in One Place.

Although the C4 had already proven itself throughout the second half of the nineteen-eighties, there was no question that the Corvette would be transformed forever with the arrival of the 1990 model year.

In its entire history, there have been few model years that were so widely anticipated as the 1990 Corvette ZR-1. Although the ZR-1 had originally been slated for a midyear-1989 release, it had been delayed until the 1990 model year because of engineering and design refinements that prevented it from being ready prior to 1990.

Now, as Chevrolet moved into a new decade, it did so with the most technologically advanced, and one of the most powerful Corvettes of all time. Although the automotive world was focused on the arrival of the ZR-1, all Corvettes built-in 1990 received some minor improvements. In an ongoing effort to meet the first phase of the federal government’s “passive restraint” crash protection regulations, Chevrolet introduced a standard driver’s side airbag to its entire fleet, including the Corvette.

The supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) airbag system was a first of its kind. Additionally, the Corvette’s antilock braking system was upgraded with improved yaw control that allowed for more secure handling.

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Blue 1990 Corvette C4 ZR-1

1990 Corvette - The Ultimate Guide

The L98 engine received a slight increase in power, boosting engine performance to 245 horsepower, thanks to the addition of an added air-intake speed density control system, a revised camshaft and an increased engine compression ratio.

1990 Corvette Special Editions

While the ZR-1 was somewhat unceremoniously pulled from production, these robust racers are still renowned today for their brutish power and exemplary engineering.

1990 Corvette ZR1 Active Suspension

This vehicle pioneered the advantages of “Active Suspension” and had GTP Corvette race car technology. Built at the Bowling Green Plant, this vehicle was developed as a prototype for a limited edition run in the 1990 model year. Chevrolet ordered it to be built with a complex, high-tech active suspension that includes an Eaton hydraulic pump and Moog actuators. This car and the technology inside of it led to the Active Handling system GM released in 1996.

1990 CERV III

While it was understood that the Corvette Indy Concept would never be fully realized as a production vehicle, it paved the way for the creation of the twin-turbo CERV III. The CERV III (Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle No. 3) was introduced in January, 1990 at the International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Like the latter iteration of the Corvette Indy Concept car, the CERV III was fitted with a 5.7 Liter, 32-valve, dual-overhead cam LT5 engine that featured twin turbochargers. It had 650 hp and 655 lb/ft of torque and top speed of 225 mph.
1993 ZR-1 COrvette

1990-1995 ZR-1 Corvette

The C4 ZR-1 Corvette, even some 30 years after its initial year of production, carries indisputable performance merit, the likes of which few can deny. In fact, the ZR-1 is often cited as the car which helped fend off threats, both foreign and domestic in origin, to the Corvette's elite performance car status. However, after only 6,939 ZR-1 Corvettes were built, and 6 years of production had passed, the program was terminated, falling victim to decisions regarding pricing.

1989 – 1991 Callaway Corvette Speedster

In 1989 Callaway introduced a Speedster which was the culmination of their styling, engineering and trimming talents. Their first example was a bright green ZR1, which had a severely chopped windscreen, no side mirrors, eighteen inch wheels and a vibrant blue leather interior stitched purposefully from Germany. Nothing about Callaway’s Speedster was reserved, and this is especially true when investigating the specification. The car had 450 horsepower.

1987 – 1991 Callaway Corvette B2K Twin Turbo

Offered from 1987 to 1991, the RPO-B2K upgrade was available from any Chevrolet dealer and also Callaway’s first major Corvette tuning program. Together, GM and Callaway made the upgrade package a Regular Production Order (RPO) which was the first time GM had outsourced such an option to a specialist manufacturer. It even had a factory back warranty. As the C4 updated, so did Callway’s program and by 1988, the B2K was pushing 382 bhp and 562 ft. lbs. of torque.

1990 Bertone Nivola Concept

The Nivola may be considered Bertone’s homage to the most fascinating American sports car: the Chevrolet Corvette. The sophisticated mechanical unit of the ZR-1 was interpreted by Bertone in a European key. Bertone designed a special chassis to make a sporty "boat" with a mid engine. This mechanical layout made it possible to exploit all the power of the engine when accelerating and warrant perfect roadholding on bends.

1990 Corvette Pictures, Wallpapers & Videos

Because who doesn't love a good-looking fourth generation Corvette?

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1990 Corvette Technical Research & Data

Dig into the numbers behind the 1990 Corvette and check out these hand-curated research papers and data-driven reports, including VIN information, production numbers, pricing/options, color samples, and more.

1990 Corvette Colors

Looking for information on the colors for the 1990 Corvette? Here you go.

1990 Corvette Engines

Looking for information on the engines powering the 1990 Corvette? Look no further.

1990 Corvette Market & Sales Data

1990 Corvette auction and sales area. We share upcoming auctions, recent auction results, cool 1990 Corvettes we find for sale and commentary on the current market for the 1990 Corvette.

The Best Resource for 1990 Corvette News, Auctions, Reviews & Videos

Get all the latest news stories, upcoming auctions, prices, videos and more about the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette! The latest headlines here.

CorvSport·
Concepts & Prototypes

1990 Corvette ZR1 Active Suspension

This vehicle pioneered the advantages of “Active Suspension” and had GTP Corvette race car technology. Built at the Bowling Green Plant, this vehicle was developed as a prototype for a limited edition run in the 1990 model year. Chevrolet ordered it to be built with a complex, high-tech active suspension that includes an Eaton hydraulic pump and Moog actuators. This car and the technology inside of it led to the Active Handling system GM released in 1996.
Scott Kolecki·
Auctions

FOR SALE: A 1,300-Mile 1990 Corvette ZR-1!

FOR SALE: A 1,300-Mile 1990 Corvette ZR-1 Coupe! If you were a child of the late seventies, chances are better than good that you had a poster of this car – the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 – plastered somewhere on your bedroom wall.  And why not?  The Corvette had become...
1984 L83 350CI V8 Engine
Josh Boyd·
Engines

A Guide to Every C4 Corvette Engine

The C4 Corvette debuted to a frenzy of publicity and would ultimately enjoy a lengthy run, spanning 13 years of production. During this period, GM installed a number of memorable powerplants. Many of these engines proved to be quite innovative in design, even when saddled with newly-mandated emissions equipment of the era. The following is a comprehensive guide to powerplants of the C4 era.
1990 Corvette Sales Brochures
Cameron Martel·
1990 – C4 Corvette

1990 Corvette Sales Brochures

Download this 1990 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure for a quick look at the features of the car. Art may be views as the reconstruction of reality into a form that satisfies both artist and viewer. Accept this definition and you are on your way to viewing the Corvette in an entirely...
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