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1996 Grand Sport and LT4 FAQ
Select from the following links to get answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions about the 1996 Grand Sport and LT4 Corvettes! Don't forget to check our Tech Tips page, too.
A: GM built 1,000 limited edition Grand Sports for the 1996 model run... 810 coupes and 190 convertibles. GM records indicate that of these, 976 Domestic (US), 13 Canadian, and 11 European exports were produced. Only one convertible is believed to have been exported to Europe and all exports were believed to have black interior. Click here for more detailed production information.
2. Q: What is the significance of the the red hashmarks on the front left fender of the Grand Sports?
A: During some races of the original 1963 Grand Sports, the teams placed strips of tape (rumor says duct tape) on the fenders instead of numbers to identify the cars. 3. Q: I need touch up paint for my Grand Sport but my dealer doesn't have a listing for Admiral Blue. A: GM marketed the Grand Sport's brilliant blue paint as "Admiral Blue" (also available as a regular production option in 1995) but touch up paint is cataloged as "Dark Cloissonne Metallic". The GM part numbers shown below are for the small bottles of touch up paint with the brush in the cap are:
Correctly matching Admiral Blue (aka Dark Cloisonne Metallic, code 28/WA128A) and Arctic White (code 10/WA9567) paint may be ordered from our GSR approved vendor at:  Click HERE to order GS Touch-Up Paint 4. Q: What are the transmission ratios in the various gears of my ZF 6-speed?
A: First through sixth ratios in the 1996 ZF 6-speed are: 2.68, 1.80, 1.31, 1.00, 0.75, 0.50. Reverse is 2.42.
5. Q: How do I calculate the effects on MPH and RPM if I should change my rear axle ratio or tire sizes? Try using this handy online calculator at http://www.angelfire.com/fl/procrastination/rear.html. Surprisingly, due to the 50% reduction afforded by the ZF's 6th gear, 70 MPH in a Grand Sport equipped with a 4.10 rear axle ratio is only spinning the motor at 1950 RPM. And that leaves *plenty* of run for the top end! 6. Q: How much rear wheel horsepower and torque does a bone stock Grand Sport (LT4) produce? A: Results will naturally vary from car to car, but one dyno expert (Vinci Hi-Performance in Orlando, FL) reports that most pure stock LT4's in good operating condition generate between 292 and 300 rear wheel hp (343 - 353 net HP) and about 300 lb/ft torque. Most "experts" concur that GM conservatively rated the LT4 at 330 net HP, perhaps because they didn't want it to eclipse the new C5 motor, the LS1, which was rated at 345 net HP. Ah, GM marketing is a strange and mysterious animal, indeed. 7. Q: How fast is a stock 1996 Grand Sport Corvette? A: Depends on what you mean by "fast." As usual YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) but it has been reported that a top speed of 172 MPH and a 1/4 mile ET of 12.93 have been recorded on supposedly pure stock Grand Sports. Can't verify that, but there is no doubt that most will run at least 165 MPH (in 5th gear, not 6th, interestingly enough) and turn the 1/4 in the low to mid 13's. Modified cars are an entirely different matter, of course! 8. Q: I've heard that all Grand Sports started out as white Corvettes. Is this true? A: No. This is another favorite old wives tale that insists that when GM was producing the Grand Sport, they started off with an Arctic White Corvette, then masked it off and painted the non-stripe areas Admiral Blue. There is an off white, primer base below the blue but its not an Arctic White finish coat. The rumor was probably started by someone who ran their fingernail over the pinstripes on a GS and noted that it caught on the blue, not the white, hence they assumed (incorrectly) that the blue paint was applied over white. The secret is that the pinstripes are not paint at all but rather tape with two parallel colors, white and blue. GM used tape for the pinstripes (and hashmarks) because they found it too difficult to paint. Understandable since the "skunk" stripe varies in width from front to back. 9. Q: Why do some people refer to Grand Sports as "Skunks?" A: Are you blind??? And besides, only Grand Sport OWNERS are allowed to call them Skunks! :) 10. Q: What is the size of the stock throttle body opening on a GS? A: The LT4 uses the same size throttle body as does the 92-96 LT1, that being 48mm. The intake manifold TB ports are sized at 52mm (go figure), making aftermarket 52mm throttle bodies a popular bolt-on performance item. Note: The larger 58mm throttle bodies are generally not recommended unless the engine has received extensive internal modifications. Bolting such a large TB on an otherwise stock engine could actually cost horsespower rather than add to it! 11. Q: What are the GM part numbers for Grand Sport wheels?
The following info on GS and ZR-1 5-spoke wheels is current as of 10/07: 12. Q: What is the GM part number for the Grand Sport Hashmarks decal & its dimensions?
The GM part number is 10279781 (GM LIST: $39.57), listed at "STRIPE, F/FDR WHL OPG" and each stripe is slightly different. The left (front most) stripe is 2-13/16" wide while the right (rear most) is 2-11/16" wide. Each is approximately 8-7/8" long and they are spaced 3/4" apart. Torch Red is a perfect match in color. 13. Q: What are the GM part numbers for the Grand Sport pinstripes?
GS pinstripes are actually 2 colors, Arctic White and Admiral Blue, on a single decal. These vinyl stripes made it a lot easier at the Assembly Plant to lay down perfectly parallel stripes. Note that some decals are specific to either coupe or convertible or export models.
14. Q: What are the dimensions of the Grand Sport pinstripes?
The factory 2-color decal pinstripes are 1/4" wide (white) and 1/4" (blue). Actually, they are just a tiny bit narrower than this, but 1/4" is plenty close enough.
15. Q: What are the GM part numbers for the Grand Sport emblems?
16. Q: Where can I buy a replacement Owners Manual and Video? You can frequently find 96 Owners Manuals on eBay, or you can buy them from Helm, the OEM supplier, at www.helminc.com. Manual alone is $20, manual + video is $60. 17. Q: How can I get a copy of the original Window Sticker and Build Sheet? Duplicate window stickers and build sheets may be ordered from the National Corvette Museum at www.corvettemuseum.com. NCM Members get a discount. You ARE a NCM member, right? ;-) 18. Q: Does the LT4 have a factory rev-limiter? If so, how does it work and what is it set at? Yes, the LT4 comes factory equipped with an engine rev-limiter that functions by temporarily cutting off the fuel flow at a pre-set RPM. The stock setting is 6411 rpm. The "resume" rpm after fuel cutoff is 6397 rpm (at which point fuel starts flowing again). While effective, the rev-limiter can be quite disconcerting and somewhat violent, especially if you "bounce off it" in the middle of a high speed shift. Those that install a higher lift, higher revving camshaft, suggest reprogramming the PCM to move the rev-limiter up a bit, to 6800 RPM or so. Doing so will get it out of your way while still providing some level of protection for your your engine from excessive over revving. 19. Q: What is the factory recommended tire pressure for Grand Sports? 30 PSI (cold) for both front and rear tires, coupe or convertible, and 60 PSI for the emergency spare. If tires are hot, add 4 PSI. Click here to view the Tire-Loading Information door jamb sticker. 20. Q: I'm looking for a reliable auto transport company to ship my pride and joy. Any recommendations?
Based on the experience of GSR Members, we can recommend the services of the following highly reliable and professional auto transport companies:
21. Q: When were the '96 Grand Sport Corvettes built? The Z16 Grand Sport RPO was a 1-year only option for 1996 Corvettes. The production run for the Grand Sport ran from April 3rd, 1995 for GS VIN #0001 and ended with GS VIN #1000 on June 14th, 1996. 22. Q: I'm interested in buying a used Grand Sport. What should I look for when shopping around? Shopping for a Grand Sport is not much different than any other late model C4 Corvette. But there are a few things you should pay particular attention to. To help you out, take a look at the GSR Grand Sport Buyer's Guide. This PDF document goes into great detail about how to find just the right Grand Sport for you and is an excellent guide on shopping for any used Corvette (special thanks to GSR Member Paul Martens, #919, for compiling this guide!) 23. Q: Where can I go to have some Corvette wheels refinished? For Corvette owners in or near Florida, consider Turbax Wheel Corp (www.turbax.com). They have offices in Miami, Pensacola, Jacksonville, and Ocoee. Be advised owners have reported both good and bad experience with them. 24. Q: How are the Grand Sport hood (side) emblems positioned? The chrome plastic Grand Sport hood emblems are positioned on either side of the clamshell hood just above the side vents. While it is not unusual for factory stock cars to have emblems slightly canted one way or the other, a good rule of thumb for placement is 1-3/4" inches above the bottom of the hood opening and 4-3/8" forward of the door opening. Click here for a photo. 25. Q: Does anyone make 1963 Grand Sport replica parts? Other companies have come and gone, but the only known current supplier of such components is Mid-America Industries, phone 309-787-5119, in Illinois. Mongoose Motorsports also makes very high quality, turn-key GS replicas and kits in various stages. You can also check with Grand Sport Vettes, a distributor for Mongoose cars based near Tampa, Florida, who just happen to be GSR Lifetime Members, as well! 26. Q: How do you reset the engine oil life monitor on a Grand Sport (late C4)? To reset the oil light, put the key in the ignition and turn to accessory setting (but do not start the car). Push the English/Metric button twice and then push and hold the "Gauges" button. The "Change Oil" light will flash for about 15-20 seconds and then go out. Release the button and turn key off. When you turn the key back on, the light should be out. If it is not, repeat the above steps. 27. Q: Is there a source for heavy duty power steering pump replacements? The OEM power steering pump is a known weak point for all 1996 Corvettes, especially if you frequently compete with the vehicle in autocross or road race events at high RPM. The solution is to contact Turnone Performance Steering Systems, www.turnone-steering.com. You can have your existing pump rebuilt or you can use it as a core. Cost is ~$120. Pumps are also available with optional A/N fittings. 28. Q: Any tips on buying a used 1996 Grand Sport Corvette?
Ask and ye shall receive. Take a look at our "Grand Sport Buyer's Guide" for everything you need to know. Good Luck!
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