Automotive News

The 1984 Corvette not only represented the new C4 generation of the Corvette, it also represented the first time in 15 years that General Motors set out to totally redesign the Corvette. The mission statement for chief engineers and designers Jerry Palmer and David R. McClellan would be ‘form follows function.’ Though this was supposedly followed in the past, this new generation had to prove to be worth the wait.

The 1984 Corvette design started years earlier and was meant to come out in 1983 so the Corvette fans could have a 30 year anniversary model. However, there were snags and glitches that delayed production and the new generation would not go into production until March of 1983 but had to be unveiled as a 1984 model. The 1984 Corvette was worth the wait.

Other than the engine there was nothing in the design from top down in the 1984 Corvette from the Shark area. The new features in the 1984 Corvette include:

Improved Frame: Chevrolet and the 1984 Corvette made history incorporating the first ever uni-frame, or ‘birdcage’ frame.

Improved Steering: The 1984 Corvette featured rack-and-pinion steering design as opposed to the past recirculating-ball steering that General Motors typically used at the time.

Improved Suspension: The 1984 Corvette featured a Z51 Performance Handling Package. This package included 13.0:1 quick-ratio steering, heavy-duty shocks, and upgraded front and rear springs. The new Corvette also featured Formula 1 and Indy Car racing inspired V-Rated tires for a better overall grip.

Improved Braking: A new design of 11.5 inch rotors made their way onto the 1984 Corvette. These rotors were a special design from the company Girlock.

Improved Hood: The 1984 Corvette saw the birth of the clam-shell hood which made access to the engine much easier than previous models.

Improved Trunk: The 1984 Corvette had a bigger back piece of glass that opened as a hatch to give way to a much roomier trunk.

Improved Top: The new Corvette brought the first targa top with no centerline reinforcement for the muscle car.

Improved Transmission: The 1984 Corvette had a new four speed automatic transmission like no one had ever known before. Dubbed the ’4+3,’ the new transmission was basically a regular four speed transmission with three planetary gears attached to the rear which acted as a step down or overdrive reduction in the top three gears when signaled by the computer.

The 1982 engine was a carryover to the 1984 Corvette. This Corvette was able to put out five additional horsepower and five additional foot pounds of torque because of a more efficient radiator fan and accessory drive. The 5.7-liter 350 V-8 featured twin throttle-body electronic fuel injection and ‘CrossFire’ manifolding with dual ram-air intakes.

In early 1983, the 1984 Corvette had its official unveiling. Surprising to enthusiasts and critics the 1984 Corvette came out. Because of the extra long model year the 1984 Corvette sold 51,547 units which were the second highest in Corvette history. Even though, it took General Motors a long time to create another generation of a Corvette it was worth the wait.

For additional info or questions in regards to 1984 Corvette please visit the Smokinvette Group at www.smokinvette.com