1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1
Chevy approached Lotus Engineering in 1986 about designing a new state-of-the art DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam) V8 for the Corvette. It took until 1990 to actually introduce the new model as the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1. The new LT5 V8 was added to the FX3 Active Suspension package to create it. ZR-1s are recognizable by their “wide-body” tail section (broader rear fenders to cover the 11-inch tires), new rear facia with semi-square tail lights, and the third brake light mounted on top of the rear glass.
1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Engine
LT5 – DOHC 32-valve 5.7L V8
1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1 ENGINE
Designed by Lotus Engineering, the all-aluminum, DOHC 32-valve LT5 needed to be hand-assembled, and Chevy simply wasn’t set up for it. So they contracted with Mercury Marine (the motor boat people) to build the engines for them, and it worked out great. The LT5 has the same bore centers as a small block Chevy V8, so the engines were about the same size. Lotus designed an innovative intake system that shut intake flow to one of each cylinders’ two intake valves at lower RPMs to improve low-end torque. This was accomplished through a 2-stage intake manifold, and at higher RPMs, all valves opened up for full power.
1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCTION (total 26,412)
Base Coupe (includes ZR1) Convertible ZR1 (all Coupes) ZR1 Serial Numbers BASE PRICE Base Coupe Convertible ZR1 Option Pkg Wheelbase Overall Length Overall Width Overall Height Track, Front Track, Rear Tires, Front Tires, Rear Fuel Capacity ZR1 ENGINE SPECS: RPO Engine Type Engine Family Displacement Bore & Stroke Block & Head Material Horsepower Torque, lb/ft Compression Fuel System |
16,663 (includes ZR1)
9,749 3,049 (all Coupes) 1G1YZ23JXL5800001 to 1G1YZ23JXL5803049 $31,979.00 $37,264.00 + $27,016 (added to Coupe price) = $58,995.00 96.2″ / 244.3 cm 176.5″ / 448.3 cm 71.0″ / 180.3 cm 46.7″ / 118.6 cm 59.6″ / 151.4 cm 61.9″ / 157.2 cm P275/40ZR-17 Goodyear Eagle GT P315/35ZR-17 Goodyear Eagle GT 20 US gallons / 76 liters LT5 DOHC 32-valve 90-degree V8 LT5 350 ci / 5.7 liters 4.00″ X 3.48″ Aluminum 375 @ 5800 rpm 370 @ 5600 rpm 11.0:1 Tuned Port Injection (TPI) w/primary & secondary injectors |