1988 Corvette Tech Center
1988 Corvette Model Year Highlights
- The L98 engine for the 1988 model year saw a 5 hp increase for coupes equipped with the 3.07:1 rear axle due to less restrictive mufflers. These mufflers were not used on coupes equipped with the 2.59:1 rear axle or convertibles due to noise restriction.
- New for 1988 and only for this model year were special six-slot 16 x 8.5 wheels which came standard with P255/50ZR16 tires.
- For 1988, further model refinements included dyed carpeting, carpeted door sills, relocated parking brake and improved ventilation for coupes, more efficient air conditioning via a new Nippondenso compressor, improved hood support, new Nippondenso gear reduction starter and new dual piston front brake calipers. The front suspension was also redesigned to reduce steering wheel resistance during brake torque by eliminating scrub radius.
- Fifty six, street legal Corvette Challenge cars were built for the 1988 SCCA Corvette Challenge race series. Fifty cars were sent to Protofab in Wixom, MI for racing gear installation. The engines were specially built at the Flint, MI engine plant, sealed and shipped to the Bowling Green, KY Corvette facility for regular assembly.
- There were 2,050 35th Anniversary Edition Corvettes to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the marque. This option was only available on coupes and included a white exterior with black painted roof bow and specially painted white wheels. The interior was given special accents including white leather seats and steering wheel, special console mounted commemorative plaque and special emblems.
- Both Z51 and Z52 performance handling packages came equiped with new 17 x 9.5 inch wheels mounted on P275/40ZR17 tires. The Z51 option was limited to coupes only where as the Z52 option was available on all models. Z51 improvements included finned power steering cooler, higher spring rates and larger front brake rotos and calipers than what previously appeared on the 1987 model year.
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| Gallery: | An online gallery of high quality 1988 Corvette pictures. |
| Identification: | VIN information and other identifying characteristics of the 1988 Corvette. |
| Knowledge Base: | A collection of service bulletins and related technical information on 1984 to 1996 Corvettes. |
| Latest News: | The latest news and headlines regarding 1984 - 1996 Corvettes. |
| Production and Performance Numbers: | Options, production numbers and performance numbers for the 1988 Corvette. |
| Specifications: | General specifications for the 1988 Corvette. |
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| 1988 35th Anniversary Corvette: | Options and general information on RPO Z01 - 1988 35th Anniversary Corvette |
| 1988 Twin Turbo Callaway Corvette: | Specifications and performance figures for the 1988 Twin Turbo Callaway Corvette. |
| Callaway Corvette Forum: | A discussion forum for Callaway Corvette owners and enthusiasts. |