The 1978 ’78 Corvette marked a quarter-century of American sports car excellence, a Silver Anniversary that Chevrolet celebrated in style. This wasn’t just another model year; it was a statement. To commemorate 25 years of the Corvette legacy, Chevrolet rolled out a significantly redesigned model, instantly recognizable by its sleek “fastback” styling. Every single ’78 Corvette proudly displayed special 25th anniversary badging, a subtle nod to its heritage. For those seeking something even more exclusive, the “Anniversary Edition” package offered a striking two-tone paint scheme in Charcoal Silver over Silver Metallic. Despite not being a limited production run, the Anniversary Edition resonated deeply with enthusiasts, with 15,283 Corvettes leaving the factory adorned in this special livery. The ’78 Corvette was more than just a car; it was a celebration on wheels.
Key Enhancements in the ’78 Corvette
The 1978 ’78 Corvette wasn’t just about aesthetics; it brought meaningful improvements that enhanced both its style and functionality. The most visually striking change was the adoption of a fastback roofline and a larger rear window. This design shift dramatically altered the Corvette’s profile, giving it a more contemporary and aerodynamic silhouette. Beyond just looks, the redesigned rear window significantly improved driver visibility, addressing a common critique of earlier C3 Corvettes. Furthermore, this design change cleverly integrated additional luggage space, making the ’78 Corvette more practical for longer journeys. Interior enhancements weren’t overlooked either. The ’78 Corvette thoughtfully incorporated storage for the removable roof panels directly within the car, a convenient touch for owners wanting to enjoy open-top driving. Another practical upgrade was the introduction of a larger, plastic-lined fuel tank, increasing capacity from 17 to a more generous 24 gallons. This extended the driving range, a welcome feature for a grand touring sports car. Finally, the instrument panel received a complete restyling, featuring clear, face-mounted round gauges that were significantly easier to read at a glance, blending classic aesthetics with modern usability in the ’78 Corvette.
’78 Corvette Performance and Engineering Advancements
Performance upgrades were also part of the ’78 Corvette’s 25th-anniversary enhancements. The available L82 350 cubic inch V8 engine benefited from a dual snorkel air cleaner and a new low-restriction exhaust system, including mufflers. These modifications aimed to improve engine breathing and efficiency, translating to enhanced performance. Underneath the skin, the independent rear suspension’s transverse leaf spring was widened to reduce stress, contributing to improved durability and handling. Transmission choices were also updated for the ’78 Corvette, with a new four-speed manual transmission becoming standard. For those preferring automatic, a new automatic transmission was made available for models equipped with the L82 350 V8 engine, offering smoother shifts and improved driving experience. Throughout the ’78 Corvette, the Silver Anniversary emblems were prominently displayed on the nose and rear deck, serving as constant reminders of this special milestone. Chevrolet continued its commitment to providing a well-equipped sports car, with a comprehensive list of standard features in the ’78 Corvette, including:
- 4-barrel 350 Cu. In. V8 engine.
- Choice of 4-Speed manual or automatic transmission.
- Fully independent front and rear suspension.
- Power-assisted steering.
- Durable, rust and corrosion-proof fiberglass body construction.
- Power disc brakes on all four wheels, designed for self-adjustment and fade resistance.
- Low-profile, steel-belted radial ply tires.
- Wide 15″ x 8″ wheels.
- Body-colored, energy-absorbing bumpers.
- Aerodynamic, flush-mounted retractable headlights.
- Soft-Ray tinted glass.
- User-friendly center console.
- Column-mounted multi-function switch for turn signals and headlight beams.
- Comfortable bucket seats with leather or cloth and leather seat insert options.
- Deep contoured, full foam bucket seats.
- Extensive exterior color palette with 10 options and 7 interior color choices.
- Fully carpeted interior including tunnel sides and door sills.
- Protective twin bumper guards, front and rear.
- Convenient removable roof panels.
- Automatic courtesy lights for overhead and instrument panel.
- Comprehensive sound insulation for a quieter cabin.
- Electric clock.
- Lockable storage compartments.
- Full suite of instrumentation including speedometer, tachometer, water temperature, voltmeter, oil pressure, and trip odometer.
- Maintenance-free Delco Freedom battery.
Optional Equipment for the Discerning ’78 Corvette Buyer
Beyond the generous standard equipment, the ’78 Corvette offered a range of optional extras, allowing buyers to personalize their cars for enhanced grand touring capabilities or performance. Popular options included:
- The higher-performance L82 350 Cu. In. V8 engine, featuring a high-lift camshaft, specialized cylinder heads with larger valves, robust impact-extruded pistons, a forged crankshaft with 4-bolt main bearing caps, and distinctive finned aluminum rocker arm covers.
- A close-ratio 4-Speed manual gearbox, engineered for spirited driving with tighter gear ratios ideal for performance-oriented drivers.
RUNNING GEAR UPGRADES:
- The FE7 gymkhana suspension package, designed for enhanced handling, included heavy-duty front and rear shock absorbers, a larger diameter front stabilizer bar, an added rear stabilizer bar, and stiffer front and rear springs.
- Wider P225/60R15 white-letter radial ply tires with aramid fabric belts for improved ride and a larger contact patch.
- Stylish cast aluminum wheels.
- A trailering package, incorporating enhanced engine cooling and specialized suspension components for light towing.
COMFORT, CONVENIENCE, AND APPEARANCE ENHANCEMENTS:
- Four-Season air conditioning for year-round comfort.
- Rear window defogger for improved visibility in inclement weather.
- Power windows for added convenience.
- Tilt-Telescopic steering wheel with a leather-wrapped rim for a more luxurious feel and adjustable driving position.
- A range of audio systems including AM-FM radios, AM-FM stereo radios, and AM-FM stereo with tape players.
- Combination AM-FM stereo and CB radio with a power tri-band antenna for communication and entertainment.
- Power door locks for increased security.
- Dual rear compartment speakers for enhanced audio.
- Power radio antenna (excluding CB units).
- Desirable removable glass roof panels for an open-air experience.
- Twin outside rearview mirrors, with driver’s side remote controlled.
- Cruise-Master speed control for relaxed highway driving.
- Convenience package featuring momentary stay-lit dome and courtesy lights, visor mirror, “headlights on” buzzer, low fuel indicator, engine compartment light, floor mats, and intermittent windshield wipers.
- Heavy-duty Freedom battery with a 4000-watt rating for increased cranking power.
- The signature 25th Anniversary Paint B2Z option, featuring a two-tone silver treatment with Silver Metallic upper body and Charcoal Silver lower body, accentuated by pinstripes. This package required available aluminum wheels and dual sport mirrors.
1978 Corvette Engine Specifications
| Feature | Base Engine RPO L48 | RPO L48 California Emissions | RPO L82 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | V-8, 90-degree Overhead valve | V-8, 90-degree Overhead valve | V-8, 90-degree Overhead valve |
| Block | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
| Displacement | 350 cid (5.7 liters) | 350 cid (5.7 liters) | 350 cid (5.7 liters) |
| Bore & Stroke | 4.00 x 3.48″ | 4.00 x 3.48″ | 4.00 x 3.48″ |
| Compression ratio | 8.2:1 | 8.2:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Brake horsepower | 185 @ 4000 | 175 @ 4000 | 220 @ 5200 |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 2400 | 270 lb-ft @ 2400 | 260 lb-ft @ 3600 |
| Main bearing | Five | Five | Five |
| Valve lifters | Hydraulic | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Fuel supply | Rochester M4MC | Rochester M4MC California emissions and high-altitude emissions | Rochester M4MC |
1978 Corvette Mechanical Dimensions
| Feature | Coupe |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 98 inches (2.489 m) |
| Overall length | 185.2 inches (4.704 m) |
| Overall width | 69.0 inches (1.753 m) |
| Overall height | 48 inches (1.219 m) |
| Ground Clearance | 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) |
| Front tread | 58.7 inches (1.491 m) |
| Rear tread | 59.5 inches (1.511 m) |
| Tires | P277/70R-15 steel-belted radial |
| Positraction | Standard |
| Steering | Recirculating ball |
| Front suspension | Independent, unequal-length control arms with ball joints, coil springs, and stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent, trailing link, transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs |
| Brakes | Hydraulic, vented four wheel discs; 11.75-inch diameter, single calipers |
| Ignition | HEI electronic |
| Body construction | Separate fiberglass body and box-type ladder frame with cross-members |
| Fuel tank | 24 US Gal (20 Imp Gal) (91 liters) |
1978 Corvette Exterior and Interior Color Options
Colors:
- Classic White
- Silver
- Silver Anniversary
- Black
- Black/ Silver
- Corvette Light Blue
- Corvette Yellow
- Corvette Light Beige
- Corvette Red
- Corvette Mahogany
- Corvette Dark Blue
- Corvette Dark Brown
Interior Colors:
- Oyster Cloth
- Silver Cloth
- Black Cloth
- Dark Blue Cloth
- Light Beige Cloth
- Dark Brown Cloth
- Red Cloth
- Mahogany Cloth
- Silver Leather
- Black Leather
- Dark Blue Leather
- Light Beige Leather
- Dark Brown Leather
- Red Leather
- Mahogany Leather
- Oyster Leather
The ’78 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car: A Collectible Icon
Adding another layer of prestige to the ’78 Corvette’s anniversary year was its selection as the Pace Car for the 1978 Indy 500. This honor further cemented the ’78 Corvette’s place in automotive history. The official Pace Car version was visually distinctive, featuring a unique Black/Silver two-tone paint scheme accentuated with a vibrant red pinstripe, setting it apart from the standard Silver Anniversary models. These Pace Car editions, while not drastically different mechanically from other ’78 Corvettes, have become highly sought-after collector items, symbolizing a special moment in both Corvette and Indy 500 history. The ’78 Corvette Pace Car remains a testament to the model’s enduring appeal and its prominent role in American car culture.
