 PRODUCTION TOTAL- 40,271 PACE CAR- 6,501 CURB WEIGHT lbs- 3401 ENGINE DATA Displacement- 350 cubic inch V-8 Compression Ratio- 8.2 to 1 Horspower- 185 (L-48), 220 (L-82) Torque lbs-ft- 280 (L48) 260 (L82) Carburetor- 4 barrel CHASSIS FEATURES Wheelbase- 98 inches Overall length- 185.2 inches Height- 48.0 inches Width- 69.0 inches Front Tread- 58.7 inches Rear Tread- 59.5 inches Wheel size- 15X8 Standard tires- 225-70-15 and optional 225-60-15 4 speed manual tranny standard. Automatic available at no additional cost. Highway axle ratio ($15) L-82 220 horsepower engine ($525) Gymkhana suspension ($41) Trailer towing packacke ($89) Heavy duty battery ($18) California emissions ($75) High altitude emissions ($33) A/C ($605) Rear electric defogger ($95) Cruise control ($99) Tilt/Tele with leather wrapped wheel ($175) Power windows ($130) Convenience group ($84) Sport mirrors with left remote ($40) AM/FM radio ($199) AM/FM stereo radio ($286) with CB and power antenna ($638) with tape player ($419) Power antenna ($49) 25th anniversary paint ($399) Aluminum wheels ($340) 225-60-15 tires ($216) To mark Corvette's 25th anniversary, the 1978 model got a major aerodynamic restyling with large wraparound back window and a fastback roofline. The optional L82 was up to 220 horsepower due to a dual snorker air cleaner and better exhaust. Glass roof panels became new this year as well as 60 series radials and a CB radio. A total of 15,283 Vettes had the two-tone anniversary paint job. For a lot more money, buyers could purchase the Limited Editon Indy Pace Car with distinctive black over silver paint and red striping. Equipment in this package (RPO Z78) included special silver interior with new lightweight seats, special front/rear spoilers, 255-60-15 tires on alloy wheels and glass roof panels. Special decals also came with this Corvette. This car was in such a demand in 1978 that despite its 13k sticker price, people were paying up to $75,000. |
