How much horsepower does a 1988 Corvette have?
The 1988 Corvette typically delivered about 240 horsepower from its standard 5.7-liter V8. This was the sole engine option for that model year, and it did not include the later ZR-1’s high-performance powerplant.
Context: The C4 era and engine options
During the mid-to-late 1980s, the Corvette’s C4 generation refined its powertrain lineup. For the 1988 model year, buyers largely relied on the 5.7-liter V8 known as the L98, which produced a rating around 240 hp. There was no ZR-1 variant in 1988; the historically famous ZR-1 would arrive later, starting in 1990 with a more powerful LT5 engine.
Key horsepower figures and specs for 1988
Below are the main figures associated with the 1988 Corvette’s power output. The numbers refer to the standard factory configuration and are representative of typical production cars.
- L98 5.7L V8: 240 horsepower (SAE net) at roughly 4,000 rpm; torque around 340 lb-ft, available around 3,200 rpm.
- Drivetrain: The horsepower rating applied to both major transmission options available that year (manual and automatic), with no change in the engine’s published output between them.
- ZR-1 availability: Not offered in 1988; the high-performance ZR-1 would appear later (1990 onward) with the LT5 engine.
Note: These figures reflect typical factory ratings for the 1988 Corvette with the L98 engine. Individual cars can show minor variations due to wear, tuning, or measurement methods.
Additional context
In the broader context of the Corvette lineup, the 1988 model sits firmly in the late-generation C4 era. While horsepower figures remained at 240 hp for the base V8, Corvette performance and refinement continued to evolve in subsequent years through improved electronics, exhaust, and chassis tweaks. The notable leap in horsepower came with the introduction of the ZR-1 in 1990, which pushed output significantly higher with a different powertrain.
Summary
For the 1988 Corvette, the standard L98 5.7L V8 produced 240 horsepower, with torque around 340 lb-ft. There was no ZR-1 variant in 1988; the high-performance option would not arrive until 1990. In short, 1988 Corvettes offered about 240 hp as their core performance figure, complemented by the era’s handling and design characteristics.
What was the worst year for the C3 Corvette?
1982 Corvette Collector Edition
The C3 Corvette was amidst its death throes during the 1982 model year. In its 15th year of production, it had few fans left and open derision was the norm among enthusiasts. The C3 had overstayed its welcome by at least five years.
Is a 1988 Corvette fast?
Our test car, equipped with the four-speed automatic transmission and the optional 3.07:1 axle ratio (a 2.59 ratio is standard with the automatic), needed a mere 5.6 seconds to hit 60 mph and covered the quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds at 95 mph.
Was 1988 a good year for the Corvette?
A 1988 Corvette is a good car for its strong performance, improved handling, and classic style, but it can have issues with sensitive steering, potential transmission problems, and age-related electronic or rubber component wear. Its reliable V8 engine provides impressive power, and it was designed to be a fun and capable performer, but being a nearly 40-year-old vehicle, its condition will vary greatly.
Pros
- Performance: The 5.7L V8 engine delivers strong acceleration, and the car has good power-to-weight for its era.
- Handling: The suspension was improved for the 1988 model year, and the car is described as responsive, with a stable and glued-to-the-ground feel, especially with the optional performance packages.
- Braking: It features independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system (ABS).
- Design: The C4 generation is a popular and stylish design, and the convertible option provides an exhilarating open-air experience.
Cons
- Steering: The steering can be overly sensitive and prone to kickback, especially on uneven roads, requiring constant driver attention.
- Electronics: As with any older car, electronics like the digital gauge cluster and the HVAC system can be points of failure.
- Transmission: While the engine is generally reliable, the automatic transmission may be prone to issues, especially at higher mileage, say Reddit users.
- Maintenance: Like any aging vehicle, it will likely require maintenance for rubber seals, hoses, and other age-related components.
Is it a good car for you?
- A 1988 Corvette is a good choice if: You are buying it as a weekend or project car to enjoy its performance and style, and you are prepared for potential age-related maintenance and the need for more constant driver input.
- It may not be a good choice if: You need a reliable daily driver with low maintenance requirements or are on a very tight budget for repairs, as finding and maintaining a good one can be challenging.
What was the fastest car in 1988?
The fastest car in 1988 was the Callaway Sledgehammer Corvette, a custom-built, street-legal C4 Corvette that reached a record-setting speed of 254.76 mph. While the Bugatti Veyron later surpassed it, the Sledgehammer held the record for the world's fastest street-legal car for over a decade.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Callaway Sledgehammer Corvette's record-breaking run: 58sLost Auto StoryYouTube · May 27, 2025
- Engine: A twin-turbocharged 5.7L V8 engine, producing approximately 880-898 horsepower.
- Performance: It achieved 254.76 mph on October 26, 1988, at the Transportation Research Center in Ohio.
- Distinction: It was a street-legal car, meaning it could be driven to and from the test track, and it also had a functional air conditioning system.
- Record: The Sledgehammer's record-setting speed stood for over 11 years until it was eventually surpassed in 1999.
