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The 1990 Chevrolet Corvette
1990 was the year for the eagerly anticipated "King of the Hill" Corvette ZR-1.
The ZR-1 was the highest cost production car in the GM inventory. The ZR-1 engine
is a Lotus-designed 32-valve, dual-overhead-cam, 350-cubic inch (5.7-liter) V-8
with 16 fuel injectors (8 primary, 8 secondary), built by Mercury Marine in Oklahoma.
ZR-1 also included new body styling and wider rear to cover the massive 315/35ZR-17
rear tires. The FX3 Selective Ride Adjustment was a standard feature on ZR-1's as
well as the 6-speed manual gearbox. The ZR-1 rear body styling included a convex
rear with rectangular lights, the standard Corvette has a concave rear with round
lights. The engine oil cooler was now standard along with 17" wheels. ABS-II anti-lock
braking system was also standard. A drivers side airbag is now standard equipment
on all 1990 Vettes.
Production Options and Build Statistics
Total 1990 Corvettes Built - 26,412
Total 1990 Coupes - 16,663
Total 1990 Convertibles - 9,749
Total 1990 ZR-1s - 3,049
| Serial Numbers |
|---|
| Coupe | 1G1YY238xL5100001 - 1G1YY238xL5120597 | | Convertible | 1G1YY338xL5100001 - 1G1YY338xL5120597 | | ZR-1 | 1G1YZ23JxL5800001 - 1G1YZ23JxL5803049 |
Serial Number Decoder
| Position | Character | Description |
|---|
| 1 | 1 | US built | | 2 | G | General Motors product | | 3 | 1 | Chevrolet Motor Division vehicle | | 4-5 | YY | Basic Corvette | | 4-5 | YZ | Corvette ZR-1 | | 6 | 2 or 3 | Body style number
2 = Two door hatchback style 07, 08, 77, or 87
3 = Two door convertible style 67 | | 7 | 1 or 2 | 1=Manual seat belts
3=Manual belts with driver-inflatable restraint system
4=Automatic belts | | 8 | 8 | L98 5.7-liter Tuned-Port-Injection Chevrolet or GM of Canada V8 | | 8 | J | LT5 - 5.7-liter TPI V-8 | | 9 | ? | A check digit that calculates the characters in the serial number and gives it a single digit code and can be used to verify that the serial number is legitimate | | 10 | L | The model year L=1990 | | 11 | 5 | Bowling Green, KY | | 12-17 | 100001 and up | Production Sequence | | 12-17 | 800001 and up | Production sequence for ZR-1s |
Engine Serial Number Decoder
1990 Corvette engines have the last six digits of the VIN stamped on the block after the engine number. The date code the engine was manufactured was also cast into the block. The engine serial number includes a production sequence number starting with 0001001 and one of the suffixes below.
| Code | Engine | Horsepower | Compression | Transmission | Fuel Supply | Extra Features |
|---|
| ZSA | L98 350-cid | 245/250-hp V-8 | 9.5:1 | THM automatic | | | | ZSB | L98 350-cid | 245/250-hp V-8 | 9.5:1 | Manual | Tuned Port Injection | Engine Oil Cooler | | ZSC | L98 350-cid | 245/250-hp V-8 | 9.5:1 | THM Automatic | Tuned Port Injection | Engine Oil Cooler | | ZSD | LT5 350-cid | 375-hp V-8 | 11.0:1 | Manual | Tuned Port Injection | Electronic Air Conditioning |
Production Options
| RPO | Description | Cost | Total |
|---|
| Prod. | % |
|---|
| 1YY07 | Base Coupe | $31,979.00 | 16,016 | 60.6% | | 1YY67 | Base Convertible | $37,264.00 | 7,630 | 28.9% | | AC1 | Power Passenger Seat | $270.00 | 20,419 | 77.3% | | AC3 | Power Driver Seat | $270.00 | 23,109 | 87.5% | | AQ9 | Leather Sport Seats | $1,050.00 | 11,457 | 43.4% | | AR9 | Base Leather Seats | $425.00 | 11,649 | 44.1% | | B2K | Callaway Twin Turbo | $26,895.00 | 58 | 0.2% | | CC2 | Auxiliary Hardtop (Convertible) | $1,995.00 | 2,371 | 9.0% | | C2L | Dual Removable Roof Panels | $915.00 | 6,422 | 24.3% | | 24S | Removable Roof Panel, blue tint | $615.00 | 7,852 | 29.7% | | 64S | Removable Roof Panel, bronze tint | $615.00 | 4,340 | 16.4% | | C68 | Electronic Air Conditioning | $180.00 | 22,497 | 85.2% | | FX3 | Selective Ride and Handling System | $1,695.00 | 7,576 | 28.7% | | G92 | Performance Axle Ratio, 3.07:1 | $22.00 | 9,362 | 35.4% | | K05 | Engine Block Heater | $20.00 | 1,585 | 6.0% | | KC4 | Engine Oil Cooler | $110.00 | 16,220 | 61.4% | | MN6 | 6-spd, Manual Trans. | $0.00 | 8,100 | 30.7% | | NN5 | California Emission Requirements | $100.00 | 4,035 | 15.3% | | UJ6 | Low Tire Pressure Warning System | $325.00 | 8,432 | 31.9% | | UU8 | Delco Bose Stereo System | $823.00 | 6,401 | 24.2% | | U1F | Delco Bose CD Stereo System | $1,219.00 | 15,716 | 59.5% | | V56 | Luggage Rack (Convertible) | $140.00 | 1,284 | 4.9% | | Z51 | Performance Handling Package (Coupe) | $460.00 | 5,446 | 20.6% | | ZR1 | Special Performance Handling Package (Coupe) | $27,016.00 | 3,049 | 11.5% | | AJ3 | Inflatable Restraint System | N/A | N/A | N/A | | CC3 | Removable Plastic Roof Panel | N/A | N/A | N/A | | CF7 | Non-Transparent Removable Roof Panel | N/A | N/A | N/A | | C60 | Manaul Control Air Conditioning | N/A | N/A | N/A | | DL8 | Twin Electric Remote Heated Sport Mirrors | N/A | N/A | N/A | | D3X | Speedometer Driven Gear (25513049) | N/A | N/A | N/A | | D4D | Speedometer Driven Gear (25513047) | N/A | N/A | N/A | | D7B | Speedometer Driven Gear (25513050) | N/A | N/A | N/A | | D7C | Speedometer Driven Gear (25513043) | N/A | N/A | N/A | | D74 | Illuminated Mirror, Inside Vanity Visor | N/A | N/A | N/A | | D9A | Speedometer Sensor (25007224) | N/A | N/A | N/A | | D9B | Speedometer Sensor (25007308) | N/A | N/A | N/A | | FE1 | Soft Ride Suspension | N/A | N/A | N/A | | FE7 | Heavy Duty Suspension | N/A | N/A | N/A | | GH0 | 3.54 Rear Axle Ratio | N/A | N/A | N/A | | GM1 | 2.59 Rear Axle Ratio | N/A | N/A | N/A | | GM3 | 3.45 Rear Axle Ratio | N/A | N/A | N/A | | GT7 | 3.33 Rear Axle Ratio | N/A | N/A | N/A | | GU2 | 2.73 Rear Axle Ratio | N/A | N/A | N/A | | G44 | 3.07 Rear Axle Ratio | N/A | N/A | N/A | | G87 | 8.5 - Inch Ring Gear | N/A | N/A | N/A | | JL9 | Front and Rear Anti-lock Brakes | N/A | N/A | N/A | | J55 | Heavy Duty Brakes | N/A | N/A | N/A | | K09 | 120 Amp Generator | N/A | N/A | N/A | | K68 | 105 Amp Generator | N/A | N/A | N/A | | L98 | 5.7 Liter, V-8 Engine, TPI | N/A | N/A | N/A | | LT5 | 5.7 Liter, V-8 Engine, MPFI, DOHC | N/A | N/A | N/A | | MD8 | 4-speed Automatic Transmission (4L60) | N/A | N/A | N/A | | ML9 | 6-speed Manual Transmisson (ZF) | N/A | N/A | N/A | | NK4 | Steering Wheel, Sport Leather | N/A | N/A | N/A | | QA1 | Aluminum Wheel, 17x9.5 | N/A | N/A | N/A | | QA2 | Aluminum Wheels, 17x9.5 Front, 17x11 Rear | N/A | N/A | N/A | | T61 | Daytime Running Lamps | N/A | N/A | N/A | | T93 | Special Tail and Stop Lamps | N/A | N/A | N/A | | UM6 | Electronically Tuned Stereo with Cassette/Clock | N/A | N/A | N/A | | U19 | Instrument Cluster, Kilometers and Miles | N/A | N/A | N/A | | UX0 | Delco Bose 6-Speaker Stereo System | N/A | N/A | N/A | | U19 | Instrument Cluster, Kilometers and Miles | N/A | N/A | N/A | | U52 | Electronic Instrument Cluster | N/A | N/A | N/A | | XAU | Front Tire, P274/40ZR17 | N/A | N/A | N/A | | YAU | Rear Tire: P275/40ZR17 | N/A | N/A | N/A | | YBE | Rear Tire: P315/35ZR17 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Color Options for 1990
Interior options for exterior colors are suggested by Chevrolet. Other combinations could be ordered. | RPO | Color | Cost | Soft Top Color | Interior Color | WA # | Total |
|---|
| Prod. | % |
|---|
| 10 | White | $0.00 | B-S-W | B-BK-G-R-S | WA9567 | 4,872 | 18.4% | | 25 | Steel Blue Metallic | $0.00 | BK-W | B-BK | WA9080 | 813 | 3.1% | | 41 | Black | $0.00 | BK-W | B-BK-G-R | WA8555 | 4,759 | 18.0% | | 42 | Turquoise Metallic | $0.00 | BK-S | BK-S | WA9543 | 589 | 2.2% | | 53 | Competition Yellow | $0.00 | BK-S-W | BK-G-S | WA9504 | 278 | 1.1% | | 68 | Dark Red Metallic | $0.00 | BK-S-W | BK-S | WA9239 | 2,353 | 8.9% | | 80 | Quasar Blue Metallic | $0.00 | BK-S-W | BK-G-R-S | WA9544 | 474 | 1.8% | | 81 | Bright Red | $0.00 | BK-S-W | BK-G-R-S | WA8774 | 6,956 | 26.3% | | 91 | Polo Green Metallic | $0.00 | BK-S | BK-S | WA9529 | 1,674 | 6.3% | | 96 | Charcoal Metallic | $0.00 | BK-S | BK-G | WA9192 | 878 | 3.3% |
Color Codes: B=Blue, BK=Black, C=Cloth, G=Gray, L=Leather, R=Red, S=Saddle, W=White
Interior Colors
| RPO | Color | Cost | Base | Sport | Total |
|---|
| Prod. | % |
|---|
| 19C | Black Cloth | $0.00 | 398 | N/A | 398 | 1.5% | | 60C | Saddle Cloth | $0.00 | 142 | N/A | 142 | 0.5% | | 193 | Black Leather | $0.00 | 4,701 | 4,977 | 9,678 | 36.6% | | 223 | Blue Leather | $0.00 | 395 | 341 | 736 | 2.8% | | 603 | Saddle Leather | $0.00 | 2,050 | 1,373 | 3,423 | 13.0% | | 733 | Red Leather | $0.00 | 3,070 | 3,397 | 6,467 | 24.5% | | 903 | Gray Leather | $0.00 | 1,433 | 1,369 | 2,802 | 10.6% |
Convertible Top Colors
| RPO | Color | Production | % |
|---|
| N/A | Black | 4,161 | 42.7% | | N/A | Saddle | 1,284 | 13.2% | | N/A | White | 2,205 | 22.6% |
1990 Corvette Specifications
Mechanical Dimensions
| Feature | Coupe | Convertible | ZR-1 |
|---|
| Wheelbase | 96.2 inches (2.443 m) | 96.2 inches (2.443 m) | 96.2 inches (2.443 m) | | Overall length | 176.5 inches (4.483 m) | 176.5 inches (4.483 m) | 177.4 inches (4.506 m) | | Overall width | 71.0 inches (1.803 m) | 71.0 inches (1.803 m) | 74.0 inches (1.880 m) | | Overall height | 46.7 inches (1.186 m) | | 46.7 inches (1.186 m) | | Front tread | 59.6 inches (1.514 m) | 59.6 inches (1.514 m) | 59.6 inches (1.514 m) | | Rear tread | 60.4 inches (1.534 m) | 60.4 inches (1.534 m) | 61.9 inches (1.572 m) | | Front Tires | P275/40ZR-17 Goodyear Eagle GT | P275/40ZR-17 Goodyear Eagle GT | P275/40ZR-17 Goodyear Eagle GT | | Rear Tires | P275/40ZR-17 Goodyear Eagle GT | P275/40ZR-17 Goodyear Eagle GT | P315/35ZR-17 Goodyear Eagle GT | | Steering | rack and pinion (power assisted) | rack and pinion (power assisted) | rack and pinion (power assisted) | | Front suspension | Single fiberglass composite monoleaf transverse spring with unequal-length aluminum control arms and stabilizer bar | Single fiberglass composite monoleaf transverse spring with unequal-length aluminum control arms and stabilizer bar | Single fiberglass composite monoleaf transverse spring with unequal-length aluminum control arms and stabilizer bar | | Rear suspension | Fully independent five-link system with transverse fiberglass single-leaf springs, aluminum upper/lower trailing links and strut-rod tie-rod assembly | Fully independent five-link system with transverse fiberglass single-leaf springs, aluminum upper/lower trailing links and strut-rod tie-rod assembly | Fully independent five-link system with transverse fiberglass single-leaf springs, aluminum upper/lower trailing links and strut-rod tie-rod assembly | | Brakes | Four-wheel power disc | Four-wheel power disc | Four-wheel power disc | | Body construction | Unibody with partial front frame | Unibody with partial front frame | Unibody with partial front frame | | Fuel tank | 20 US Gal (16.7 Imp Gal) (76 liters) | 20 US Gal (16.7 Imp Gal) (76 liters) | 20 US Gal (16.7 Imp Gal) (76 liters) |
Engine Specifications
| Feature | Base Engine RPO L98 | ZR-1 Engine RPO LT5 |
|---|
| Type | V-8, 90-degree Overhead valve | V-8, 90-degree Overhead valve with 4 valves per cylinder and 4 overhead camshafts | | Block | Cast Iron with Aluminum Cylinder Heads | Aluminum | | Displacement | 350 cid (5.7 liters) | 350 cid (5.7 liters) | | Bore & Stroke | 4.00" x 3.48" | 4.00" x 3.48" | | Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 | | Brake horsepower | 245 @ 4000 (250-hp for hatchbacks using 3.07:1 rear axle due to use of low-restriction mufflers with this option combination only) | 375 @ 5800 rpm | | Torque | 345 lb-ft @ 3200 | 370 lb-ft @ 5600 | | Main bearing | Five | Five | | Valve lifters | Hydraulic | Hydraulic | | Fuel supply | Tuned-port induction (TPI) system | Tuned-port induction (TPI) system |
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