In its 45th year, the Corvette returned to offering convertible and coupe models with the debut of a "top-less" version of the C5 Corvette.
The convertible's glass rear window was heated and the top had an "express-down" feature that released the tonneau cover and automatically lowered the windows part way at the touch of a button.
New-for-1998 was a magnesium wheel option featuring lightweight wheels with a unique bronze tone.
Standard features included stainless steel exhaust system; Extended Mobility Tires capable of running for 200 miles with no air pressure; dual heated electric remote breakaway outside rearview mirrors; daytime running lamps; and five-mph front and rear bumpers.
The LS1 V-8 and four-speed automatic transmission were again the standard offering, with the T56 six-speed manual transmission optional.
Corvettes were available in Arctic White; Sebring Silver Metallic; Nassau Blue Metallic; Black; Light Carmine Red Metallic; Torch Red; Magnetic Red II Clear Coat; and Fairway Green Metallic.
Leather seats were standard and came in Black; Yellow; Light Oak; Light Gray; and Firethorn Red.
Convertible tops came in Black, Light Oak, and White.
I.D. NUMBERS
The serial number [Vehicle Identification Number -- VIN] was stamped on a plate on the inner vertical surface of the left windshield pillar visible through the windshield.
The coupe serial numbers ranged from 1G1YY22G*W5100001 to 1G1YY22G*W5131069
The convertible serial numbers ranged from 1G1YY32G*W5100001 to 1G1YY32G*W5131069
Position
Character
Description
1
1
US built
2
G
General Motors product
3
1
Chevrolet Motor Division vehicle
4&5
YY
Corvette
6
2 or 3
Body style number
2 = Two door hatchback style 07, 08, 77, or 87
3 = Two-door convertible GM body style 67
7
2 or 4
2=Active manual belts with driver and passenger inflatable restraint system 4=Active manual belts with frontal and side-impact driver and front passenger inflatable restraint system
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
W
The model year where 1998
11
5
Bowling Green, KY
12-17
100001 and up
production sequence for coupes and convertibles
The 1998 Corvette exterior colors were:
10 = Arctic White
13 = Sebring Silver Metallic
23 = Nassau Blue Metallic
41 = Black
53 = Light Carmine Red Metallic
70 = Torch Red
86U = Magnetic Red II Clear Coat
87 = Fairway Green Metallic
Upholstery Codes
Color
Leather Upholstery
Black
193
Light Oak
673
Light Gray
923
Red
943
Yellow
???
IDENTIFICATION
Model
Model No.
Body/Style No.
Body Type
Factory Price
Shipping Weight
Production Total
Coupe
1Y
Y07
2-dr. Hatch Coupe - 2 passenger
$37,495
3245
19,235
Convertible
1Y
Y67
2-dr. Convertiple - 2 passenger
$44,425
3246
11,849
ENGINE
Feature
Standard Engine (RPO LS1)
Type
V-8, 90-degree Overhead valve
Block
Cast aluminum block and cylinder head
Displacement
346 cid (5.7 liters)
Bore & Stroke
3.90" x 3.62"
Compression ratio
10.1:1
Brake horsepower
345 @ 5600
Torque
350 lb-ft @ 4400
Main bearing
five
Valve lifters
hydraulic, two valves per cylinder
Fuel supply
Sequential Multi-port injection (MPI) system
TRANSMISSION
Four Speed Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission (TMH 700-R4) with floor-mounted gear shifter
Six-speed Borg-Warner Manual with floor-mounted gear shifter
Independent SLA forged-aluminum upper and lower control arms and steering knuckle, transverse monoleaf springs, steel stabilizer bar, and spindle offset.
Rear suspension
Independent five-link design with tow and camber adjustment, cast-aluminum upper and lower control arms and knuckle, transverse monoleaf springs, steel tie rods and stabilizer bar, and tubular U-jointed metal matrix composite driveshaft.
Brakes
Antilock four-wheel power disc
Body construction
Fiberglass; integral perimeter frame with center backbone/all-welded steel body frame construction
Fuel tank
19.1 US Gal (15.9 Imp Gal) (72 liters)
OPTIONS
RPO AAB Memory package to recall settings for outside rearview mirrors, radio, power seats and heating-ventilation and air-conditioning Controls ($150)
RPO AG2 Power six-way passenger seat ($305)
RPO AQ9 Sport seats ($625)
RPO B34 Front floor mats ($25)
RPO B84 Body side moldings ($75)
RPO CC3 Roof panel with blue tint ($650)
RPO C2L Dual body color-keyed roof panel and blue transparent roof panel ($950)
RPO CJ2 Dual-zone air conditioning ($365)
RPO D42 Luggage shade and cargo net ($50)
RPO F45 Continuously Variable Real Time Damping, not available with RPO ZS1 package ($1695)
RPO G92 Performance axle ratio, not available with six-speed manual transmission ($100)
RPO JL4 Active-handling system ($500)
RPO MN6 Six-speed manual transmission ($815)
RPO NG1 Massachusetts/New York emissions requirements ($170)
RPO N73 Custom magnesium wheels ($3,000)
RPO T96 Fog lamps ($65)
RPO UNO Delco-Bose music system ($100)
RPO UlS Remote CD changer ($600)
RPO V49 Front license plate frame ($15)
RPO CYF California emissions system ($170)
RPO Z4Z Indy Pace Car package ($5,039 with automatic transmission or $5,804 with manual transmission)
RPO Z51 Performance handling package with Bilstein adjustable Ride-Control system ($350).
HISTORICAL NOTES
Model-year production was 31,084 units.
For the fourth time (1978, 1986, 1995,1998), a Corvette was selected to pace the Indianapolis 500 with Indy 500 veteran Parnelli Jones driving the purple and yellow pace car.
Corvette made its long-awaited return to Trans-Am racing successful by placing first in the 1998 season-opening event on the street circuit at Long Beach, California, in the No.8 AutoLink Corvette driven by veteran road racer Paul Gentilozzi.
A total of 1,163 Corvettes had the Indy Pace Car package.
View My Guestbook
a@motorera.com