1998 Corvette – Vette-net

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.

Pricing: $37,495.00 (Coupe), $44,425.00 (Convertible)

Engine options: LS1 346 C.I., 5.7 Litre V8

Transmission: 4-speed automatic (standard), 6-speed manual (optional)

Top speed: 175 mph

Units Produced: 31,084

Available Colors: Arctic White, Light Pewter Metallic, Sebring Silver Metallic, Pace Car Purple, Nassau Blue Metallic, Black, Light Carmine Red Metallic, Aztec Gold, Torch Red, Fairway Green Metallic, Medium Purple Pearl Metallic

Highlights of the year:

For its sophomore year, Chevrolet introduced an all-new convertible companion to the C5 coupe

The Corvette design team, working carefully to maximize the functionality of the available space on the car while focusing on developing a rag-top design that was more streamlined than earlier models, created a Corvette convertible that was both practical and very aesthetically pleasing.

In truth, the C5 Corvette had been engineered to accommodate a convertible top without the necessary heavy structural reinforcements most convertible cars require.

The benefit of this intentional design strategy was that the C5 Convertible would not require extensive reworking, it would weigh just one pound more than the coupe, and it would retain almost all of the structural rigidity of its coupe counterpart.

Additionally, the C5 convertible actually weighed 114 pounds less than the C4, yet it was four times more torsionally sound than its predecessor

For starters, the C5 convertible included a functional trunk and at 13.9 cubic feet, it was not just a small cubbyhole but rather a cargo area that provided genuine and practical functionality. And the C5’s expansive posterior came with many benefits, especially since it was fitted with the first proper trunk on a Corvette since the 1962 model. Thanks to the compact manual top and the run-flat tires that eliminate the need for a spare, this trunk was amazingly generous.

Among two-seaters, only the Porsche Boxster, with its top up, could equal the 11 cubic feet of luggage space offered by the C5 roadster with its top-down. And with its top-up, the C5 offered 14 cubic feet of trunk volume, more than any other convertible on the market at that time.

Other changes for 98 models both coupes and convertibles included clips on the window frames that raised the speed at which the glass pulls away from the weatherstripping, a fuel pump that doesn’t whine like a jet engine when cold, a quieter accessory drive on the engine, a shifter revised for smoother, less clunky operation, and a half-degree more caster in the front suspension to enhance steering stability.

The 1998 Corvette featured an impressive V8 engine. It goes – and it goes by the option code LS1. In designing the LS1, the Corvette team benchmarked competitors. One thing was certain. This V8 engine had to be a terrific balance of everything – horsepower, torque, fuel economy, smoothness, and durability.

A premium four-wheel anti-lock brake system is standard. This ABS V reduces wheel lockup while braking hard and is designed to help maintain steering control and help prevent the Corvette from skidding on most slippery surfaces. A tire pressure monitoring system is standard. This system operates via battery-powered sensors located inside the valve stem assembly of each tire. When a low- or high-pressure situation occurs in any of the tires, a warning message automatically appears on the Driver Information Center (DIC). Using the DIC, the Corvette driver can also check individual tire pressures while underway.

Considering the incredible reception that the 1997 Corvette received, it was really no surprise that the 1998 C5 convertible was very well received by enthusiasts and critics alike – so much so in fact that it was selected as the official pace car of the 1998 Indianapolis 500.

Sales numbers for the 1998 C5 Corvette were incredibly positive – and affirmed that the positive press and overwhelmingly positive response was more than just talk. For its first full model year, a total of 31,084 units were sold – which equated to the highest production total of Corvettes in 12 years. Needless to say, General Motors was thrilled by the sales results and again, people were asking how the team responsible for the C5 Corvette were going to top their current efforts.

Photos of the 1998 Corvette: