1996 Corvette – Vette-net

Pricing: $37,225.00 (Coupe), $45,060.00 (Convertible)

Available Colors: Dark Purple Metallic, Arctic White, Sebring Silver Metallic, Admiral Blue, Black, Bright Aqua Metallic, Polo Green Metallic, Competition Yellow, Torch Red

Engine options: 350CI, 300 Horsepower, Multi-Port Fuel Injected LT1 V8 Small Block Engine. 350CI, 330 Horsepower, Multi-Port Fuel Injected LT4 V8 Small Block Engine. (w-Man. Trans Only)
Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 6-speed manual (optional)

Units Produced: 21,536

Highlights of the year:

The 1996 model year marked the final year of both the C4 and the Generation II small-block engine that powered it. As such, Chevrolet was prepared to commemorate its departure by offering two special edition Corvettes, both of which would feature an upgraded version of the LT1 power plant. Denoted as the LT4, the 330-horsepower engine would be showcased in both the Collectors Edition Corvette and a limited-edition Grand Sport Corvette.

To start, the LT4 received newly designed aluminum heads that featured taller ports and bigger valves; 2.00-inch intakes and 1.55-inch exhaust. Each of these valves had hollow stems that were specially designed to save weight.

Other improvements that were developed solely for use on the LT4 included a freer-flowing intake (which featured taller ports to match the heads), a roller-type timing chain, and a compression increase to 10.8:1, which was a noted increase over the 10.4:1 compression found on the LT1.

Additionally, the LT4’s crankshaft, camshaft, water pump, drive gear, and main bearing gaskets were all improved upon to bolster horsepower, while premium head gaskets were installed to deal with the extra compression. While the LT4 shared distinct components with the LT1 – such as a newly designed throttle body, the LT4’s 330 horsepower was a marked improvement of 30 horsepower over the LT1.

The coupe used ZR-1 wheels and tires – P275/40ZR17s in the front and P315/35ZR17s in the rear. The convertible used P255/45ZR17s in the front and P285/40ZR17s in the rear. Unlike the ZR-1, which showcased a wider backend, the Grand Sport featured rear render flares to cover the wider back tires.

Beyond the engine, other revisions were made to the entire Corvette line for 1996. The standard four-speed automatic transmission received a number of minor revisions which resulted in better shift quality. Additionally, the introduction of new torque converters promised greater and prolonged durability.

Photos of the 1996 Corvette: