1994 Chevrolet Corvette: Engine & Transmission Updates

1994 Corvette Browse the article 1994 Corvette

1994 Corvette

For the 1994 Corvette, revisions to the base LT1 engine included a more powerful ignition for shorter starting times (especially in cold weather), and a new sequential fuel-injection system for better throttle response, idle quality, overall driveability, and lower tailpipe emissions. Matching the engine's refinements was the Corvette's first electronically controlled automatic transmission, offering smoother and more consistent shifting than the previous all-mechanical four-speed. Also, in light of industry concerns regarding so-called "unintended acceleration" episodes, a lockout switch on the new automatic gearbox required a driver to depress and hold the brake pedal before shifting out of "park."

Newly available for 1994 Corvettes were five-spoke
wheels wearing Goodyear "run-flat" tires.

So-called "run-flat" or "extended mobility" tires were newly added to the options list for 1994. Designed by Goodyear, these low-profile tires were among the first available on a production car. They featured a special bead construction that could maintain its shape, even with a complete loss of air pressure. The tires were advertised as being able to hold up for a range of at least 50 miles after losing air without a noticeable loss of ride and handling quality. The optional low-tire-pressure warning system was mandatory when buyers ordered the run-flat tires, however, since a driver might not be able to otherwise tell when one of them was "flat."

Also for 1994, spring rates on the RPO FX3 selective ride and handling package were softened a bit to improve ride comfort, and tire pressures on standard models were reduced from 35 psi to 30 psi.

Cosmetic changes for the model year were limited to the addition of two new colors, Admiral Blue and Copper Metallic (though only 116 cars were sold with the latter due to limited availability) and unique non-directional five-spoke wheels included with the ZR-1 package. Inside, a passenger-side airbag and knee bolster were made standard, complying with the second phase of the federal government's "passive restraint" safety requirements. Leather seats were made standard, and were available in base and "sport" versions. Less-restrictive bolsters were now included to accommodate larger passengers and to facilitate entry and exit.

Also new was a redesigned two-spoke steering wheel that, to most reviewers, was a functional step down from the one it replaced (there were no longer spokes at the convenient "10 and 2" positions, for example). A one-touch "express down" driver's side power window was likewise added for '94, and new dashboard instrumentation now changed colors -- from white to tangerine -- at night. Also, the car's air-conditioning system now used an environmentally friendly refrigerant, R-134a, instead of the ozone-layer-unfriendly R-12 Freon. What's more, rear windows on convertibles were now made of glass instead of plastic and came standard with a defogger.

Reeves Callaway would continue massaging Corvettes, and ran a modified Corvette at LeMans in May, 1994 -- the first time in nearly 20 years Chevy had appeared there. While the car qualified for pole position in the GT-2 class, and would lead the pack at the six-hour mark (running 8th overall) -- it would run out of gas an hour later due to a fuel-consumption miscalculation. The Corvette's racing fortunes would be more favorable in July, as a Callaway SuperNatural Corvette driven by Andreas Fuchs and Enrico Bertaggia finished first in GT-2 class and second overall at the four-hour endurance race at Vallelunga, Italy. The same month, a Callaway SuperNatural driven by Boris Said and Halmut Reis would finish first in GT-2 class and third overall at the Spa/Francorchamps four-hour race.

Surprisingly, 1994 Corvette sales rose to 23,330 despite few noteworthy changes and a modest price increase to $36,185. The $31,258 ZR-1 package managed only 448 orders, however. It was subsequently announced that 1995 would be the last model year for the King of the Hill. The package was being continued in order to make use of the several hundred LT5 engines built by Mercury Marine that remained in storage (Mercury had completed production of the LT5 back in November 1993).

On a happier note, after years of planning and fund-raising with support from both Chevrolet and private contributors, the National Corvette Museum would open in Bowling Green, Kentucky, not far from the assembly plant, on September 2, 1994. Four-thousand Corvettes from virtually every state in the union would be on hand for the opening ceremonies, and 118,000 visitors would tour the museum over the course of the three-day festivities; the gift shop alone would ring up $1 million in sales.

Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:

1984 Corvette
1985 Corvette
1986 Corvette
1987 Corvette
1988 Corvette
1989 Corvette1990 Corvette1991 Corvette1992 Corvette1993 Corvette1994 Corvette1995 Corvette
1996 Corvette

Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:

• Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
• Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
• Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
• Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
• Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
  
• Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.

1994 Corvette Specifications

Though cosmetic changes were limited for the 1994 Corvette, improved performance features such as a more powerful ignition and a new sequential fuel-injection system improved overall driveability. Here are the specifications for the 1994 Corvette:

Vehicle Specifications
Hatchback Hatchback (ZR-1)
Convertible
Wheelbase, inches
96.2
96.2
96.2
Length, inches
178.5
178.6
178.6
Width, inches
70.7
73.1
70.7
Track, inches
front: 57.7 rear: 59.0
front: 57.7 rear: 60.6
front: 57.7 rear: 59.0
Height, inches
46.3
46.4
47.3
Curb weight, pounds
3,309
3,465
3,361

Mechanical Specifications (2-door hatchback)

Suspension
front: Independent; unequal length upper and lower A-arms, transverse fiberglass leaf spring, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, antiroll bar
rear: Independent, upper and lower trailing arms, lateral arms, tie rods, halfshafts, transverse fiberglass leaf springs, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, antiroll bar

Wheels/Tires
front: P255/45ZR-17 (ZR-1, P275/40ZR-17)
rear: P285/40ZR-17 (ZR-1, P315/35ZR-17)

Brakes
front: anti-lock 11.9-inch disc
rear: anti-lock 11.9-inch disc

Transmission
4-speed automatic
6-speed manual

Standard axle ratio
3.45:1

Engine Specifications

Typeohv V-8dohc V-8Displacement, liters/cu inch
5.7/350
5.7/350
Bore × Stroke, inches
4.00 x 3.48
3.90 x 3.66
Fuel ManagementSequential Injection
Sequential Injection
Horsepower @ rpm300 @ 5,000405 @ 5,800 Torque @ rpm, pound-foot340 @ 3,600385 @ 5,200

Published Performance Numbers

Acceleration
300 hp, 6-speed manual
405 hp, 6-speed manual
0-60 mph, sec
5.7
5.2
0-100 mph, sec
13.3
12.4
1/4-mile, sec @ mph
14.1 @ 103.0
13.6 @ 106.0

Source: Road & Track

Vehicle Production and Base Prices

Car Type
Production Price 2-door coupe
17,984
$36,185.002-door convertible
5,346
42,960.00

Options and Production

Option Production PriceSport Seats
9,023
$625.00
Power Passenger Seat
17,863
305.00
Power Driver Seat
21,592
305.00
Auxiliary Hardtop
682
1,995.00
Dual Removable Roof Panels
3,875
950.00
Removable Roof Panel, blue tint
7,064
650.00
Removable Roof Panel, bronze tint
3,979
650.00
Selective Ride and Handling, electronic
4,570
1,695.00
Performance Axle Ratio
9,019
50.00
6-Speed Manual Transmission
6,012
0.00
New York Emission Requirements1,363
100.00
Low Tire Pressure Warning Indicator
5,097
325.00
Stereo System w/CD, Delco-Bose17,579
396.00
Tires, Extended Mobility
2,781
70.00
California Emission Requirements
2,372
100.00
Adjustable Suspension Package (coupe)
887
2,045.00
Special Performance Package (ZR-1 coupe)
448
31,258.00

Color Choices and Production

Color Choice
Production Color Choice
Production
Arctic White
4,066
Admiral Blue
1,584
Black4,136
Bright Aqua Metallic1,209
Polo Green Metallic
3,534
Competition Yellow834
Copper Metallic
116
Torch Red5,073
Black Rose Metallic1,267
Dark Red Metallic1,511

Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:

1984 Corvette
1985 Corvette
1986 Corvette
1987 Corvette
1988 Corvette
1989 Corvette1990 Corvette1991 Corvette1992 Corvette1993 Corvette1994 Corvette1995 Corvette
1996 Corvette

Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:

• Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
• Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
• Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
• Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
• Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
  
• Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.