The 1978 ’78 Corvette marked a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years of Chevrolet’s iconic sports car. This Silver Anniversary edition wasn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it brought forth a completely redesigned body style that solidified the Corvette’s place in automotive history. Every ’78 Corvette proudly displayed special 25th-anniversary badging, but the true showstopper was the optional “Anniversary Edition” featuring an exclusive two-tone Charcoal Silver over Silver Metallic paint scheme. Demonstrating its popularity, production of this anniversary edition was not limited, resulting in 15,283 Corvettes leaving the factory adorned in this special livery.
Key Enhancements for the Silver Anniversary ’78 Corvette
The 25th anniversary of the Corvette was not just about aesthetics; it was an opportunity to introduce substantial improvements to the model. The 1978 ’78 Corvette boasted a striking new fastback roofline and rear window. This design change wasn’t merely for visual appeal; it significantly enhanced the Corvette’s aerodynamic profile. Beyond styling, the redesigned rear window offered drivers improved rear visibility and cleverly integrated additional luggage space, addressing a common critique of previous models. Interior storage solutions were also thoughtfully considered, with dedicated space provided for the removable roof panels. For longer journeys, the ’78 Corvette received a welcome upgrade in fuel capacity, with a larger, plastic-lined fuel tank increasing capacity from 17 to a more generous 24 gallons. The driver-centric instrument panel was also restyled, featuring easily readable, face-mounted round gauges, blending classic aesthetics with improved functionality.
Performance Upgrades in the ’78 Corvette
Performance remained a core focus for the 1978 ’78 Corvette. The available L82 350 cubic inch V8 engine benefited from enhancements like a dual snorkel air cleaner and a new low-restriction exhaust system and mufflers. These improvements aimed to optimize engine breathing and efficiency. To handle the power and improve handling, the transverse rear leaf spring in the independent rear suspension was widened, reducing stress and enhancing stability. Transmission choices were also updated for the anniversary year. A new four-speed manual transmission became standard, providing a more engaging driving experience. For those preferring automatic shifting, a new automatic transmission was offered as an option for models equipped with the L82 350 cubic inch V8 engine. The Silver Anniversary emblems, proudly displayed on the nose and rear deck, served as a constant reminder of this special edition’s heritage. The ’78 Corvette continued to offer an extensive list of standard features, including:
- 4-barrel 350 Cu. In. V8 engine.
- Choice of 4-Speed manual or automatic transmission.
- Independent front and rear suspension.
- Power steering for effortless maneuverability.
- Durable and rust-proof reinforced fiberglass body construction.
- Power disc brakes on all four wheels, designed to be self-adjusting and fade-resistant.
- Low-profile, steel-belted radial ply tires for enhanced road grip.
- Wide 15″ x 8″ wheels contributing to the car’s stance and handling.
- Body-colored, energy-absorbing bumpers for safety and integrated design.
- Aerodynamic flush-mounted, retractable headlights.
- Soft-Ray tinted glass for comfort and UV protection.
- Convenient center console.
- Column-mounted multi-function switch for turn signals and headlight control.
- Choice of comfortable leather or cloth and leather seat inserts.
- Supportive full foam, deep contoured bucket seats.
- Wide selection of 10 exterior colors and 7 interior colors to personalize your Corvette.
- Carpeted floor, extending to tunnel sides and door sills for a refined interior.
- Protective twin bumper guards, front and rear.
- Iconic removable roof panels for open-air driving.
- Automatic overhead and instrument panel courtesy lights.
- Comprehensive sound insulation for a quieter cabin.
- Electric clock.
- Lockable storage compartments for security.
- Full instrumentation including speedometer, tachometer, water temperature, voltmeter, oil pressure, and trip odometer.
- Maintenance-free Delco Freedom battery.
Optional Equipment
To further personalize the ’78 Corvette, a range of popular optional equipment was available, allowing owners to tailor their car to their specific preferences and driving style. Notable options included:
- The high-performance L82 350 Cu. In. V8 engine, featuring performance upgrades like a higher lift camshaft, special cylinder heads with larger valves, impact-extruded pistons, a forged crankshaft with 4-bolt main bearing caps, and distinctive finned aluminum rocker arm covers.
- Close-ratio, 4-Speed manual gearbox designed for spirited driving with frequent gear changes, featuring full synchronization and a 2.43-to-1 first gear ratio.
RUNNING GEAR OPTIONS:
- The FE7 gymkhana suspension package for enhanced handling, including heavy-duty front and rear shock absorbers, a larger diameter front stabilizer bar, an added rear stabilizer bar, and stiffer front and rear springs.
- P225/60R15 white-letter radial ply tires with aramid fabric belts for improved ride and a wider contact patch.
- Stylish cast aluminum wheels.
- A trailering package with enhanced engine cooling and specialized suspension components for light towing.
COMFORT, CONVENIENCE, AND APPEARANCE OPTIONS:
- 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 optimal driving position and feel.
- A variety of AM-FM and AM-FM stereo radios, including AM-FM stereo with tape player options.
- Combination AM-FM stereo and CB radio with a power tri-band antenna for communication.
- Power door locks for enhanced security.
- Dual rear compartment speakers for improved audio experience.
- Power radio antenna (except with CB units).
- Removable glass roof panels for an alternative open-air experience.
- Twin outside rearview mirrors, with driver’s side remote controlled and passenger’s side manual.
- Cruise-Master speed control for relaxed highway driving.
- Convenience package including features like momentary stay-lit dome and courtesy lights, visor mirror, “headlights on” buzzer, low fuel indicator, engine compartment light, floor mats, and intermittent windshield wiper control.
- Heavy-duty Freedom battery with a 4000-watt rating for increased cranking power.
- The distinctive 25th Anniversary Paint B2Z option, featuring a two-tone silver paint treatment with Silver Metallic upper body and Charcoal Silver lower body, accented by pin stripes highlighting fender profiles, wheel openings, front fender vents, hood, and rear license cavity. 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 Colors
Exterior Colors:
- Classic White
- Silver
- Silver Anniversary (Two-Tone)
- Black
- Black/ Silver (Two-Tone)
- 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 significant highlight of the 1978 ’78 Corvette’s anniversary year was its selection as the pace car for the prestigious Indy 500 race. This honor further cemented the ’78 Corvette’s iconic status. The official pace car featured a unique and eye-catching Black/Silver two-tone paint scheme, accented with a distinctive red pinstripe, making it instantly recognizable and highly collectible today.
The 1978 ’78 Corvette stands as a testament to Chevrolet’s commitment to innovation and style. Celebrating 25 years, this model not only marked a major milestone but also introduced design and performance enhancements that would influence Corvettes for years to come. Its blend of classic Corvette DNA with modern updates made the ’78 Corvette a truly special anniversary edition, cherished by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
