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Generation: C4 Year: 1985 VIN: Race Numbers: 98, 1, 98 Ownership: Morrison Motorsport Sponsors: MOBIL 1 Goodyear Drivers: # 98 (1985): Bobby Carradine Don Knowles # 1 (1986): Ron Grable Stu hayner Bobby Carradine # 98 (1987): John Heinricy Stu Hayner DonKnowles Bobby Carradine Tommy Morrison Status: Original Color: white Tires/Wheels: At introduction, the wheels were sixteen inches in diameter and 8.5 inches across. Through the 1985 season, wheel widths grew and by 1986, the rear wheel could be ordered in 9.5 inch width, with 9 inch fronts. Engine: Being show room stock, the engines for this series were essentially “stock” with only limited provisions for substitutions and parts designed for additional durability. In 1984 the car carried-over the 1982 cross-ram throttle-body injection system, generating only 205 HP. In 1985, the system was upgraded to the tuned-port-injection system. In 1986 (mid-season) GM introduced new aluminum heads for the convertible and these were then available to coupes, as well. Each subsequent year brought new upgrades which can be traced through the stock owner’s manual listings. Driveline: The new uni-frame constructon comprised thin sheets of high-strength low-alloy steel, spot-welded into boxes and other shapes to support front and rear suspension, engine, differential, roof doors and windshield. The fiberglass panels were not required to carry any structural forces as the uni-frame was strong enough to allow a removable roof section…without the t-top roof support. The core of the new C4 Corvette comprised its new 5-link independent rear suspension and transverse fiberglass leaf spring suspension (front and rear). This new design was developed by engineers with a view to maximum track competence and the new Z51 springs were proof of that. Suspension, brake and wheel/tire upgrades were introduced to the cars as new designs came into production. The 1985 (manual) transmission was the Doug Nash 4+3 arrangement with a 6-spped ZF transmission being introduced in Top: Interior: Condition: URL: Unique Characteristics: Modifications: Some modifications were allowed on Showroom Stock cars. For safety, a roll cage, racing brake pads, racing wheels, and the removal the catalytic converter were permitted. Other modifications included substituting heavy-duty shock absorbers, the addition of two-way radios, and theuse of any other original equipment parts. This latter provision was, of course, the doorway to much interpretation by race fans within the GM organization. A full interior (as equipped at the factory) was required. Notes/Race History: The showroom stock endurance racing series played directly to the strengths of the new C4 Corvette. This format actually began in 1979 at Nelson ledges race track in Parkman (OH), about 100 miles from Detroit. In 1979, the track organizers ran their first 24 hour race. The number of entrants grew over the years and by 1983, organizers had to create a new prototype classes to deal with the new Camaros and Porsche 944. For 1984 the series was conceived as a “manufacturer’s” title. It was sponsored by Playboy magazine and Escort Radar Detectors and was called the Playboy Challenge. Corvettes were assigned to the new SS GT category. In 1984, the new Corvette won 19 out of 19 races. In 1985 the endurance series switched from an emphasis on manufacturers to a regular endurance series, this was the SCCA Showroom Stock Grand Touring series, but because it was again sponsored by Playboy magazine, it was called the Playboy United States Endurance Cup. The Morrison-Cook # 98 driven by Don Knowles and Bobby Carradine took the 1985 season championship. NOTE: For the 1986 season, the # 99 car was re-numbered as # 1 for the series winners. The # 97 and 98 cars continued in their existing format. In 1987 the car was re-badged back to # 99. Then, in 1986, the series became the Escort GT Endurance series. In 1986 and 1987, Kim Baker (# 4 Bakeracing) swept the series. In 1988 (end of 1987), the SCCA moved to ban the Corvettes in order to level the playing field for the other marquees. This marked the beginning f the Corvette Challenge (1988-89). Registry ID Number: 359 View Original Size  Wayne Ellwood |