85 corvette
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: North Bay Ontario
I'm not disputing this, but it is the first that I've ever heard that the third brake light was introduced during mid year production of the '85's. My VIN puts it pretty much right in the middle of the production year (18,??? - not exactly sure of the last 3 numbers). There is no 3rd brake light on mine.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 12,772
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis IN
I'm not disputing this, but it is the first that I've ever heard that the third brake light was introduced during mid year production of the '85's. My VIN puts it pretty much right in the middle of the production year (18,??? - not exactly sure of the last 3 numbers). There is no 3rd brake light on mine.
the vins end in 85 model year with F5139729
they must have added the 3rd light in the last 1360 cars
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 76
From: Santa Maria, CA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 804
Likes: 5
From: Fresno CA
My 85's are F5115406 and F5121787 and neither of them have it. Are you sure someone didn't add it later? I once had an 84 that someone added the 3rd brake light to using GM parts and it looked just like a factory install.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Jeffersonville Indiana
If your looking for engine mods, I have stock heads, air intake, throd body with after market air foil, cam, roller lifters with push rods, MAF housing with both air hoses, air intake housing with a K&N filter from a '95 LT1. I'm pretty sure they'll bolt on being that we both have iron block 350's but maybe some guys here will know for sure. '95 LT1's was rated at 300hp but you probably get a bit more with the air foil and K&N filter. Their all in excellent condition and I'm looking to sell if your interested. Just let me know. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,758
Likes: 49
From: Houston Texas
If your looking for engine mods, I have stock heads, air intake, throd body with after market air foil, cam, roller lifters with push rods, MAF housing with both air hoses, air intake housing with a K&N filter from a '95 LT1. I'm pretty sure they'll bolt on being that we both have iron block 350's but maybe some guys here will know for sure. '95 LT1's was rated at 300hp but you probably get a bit more with the air foil and K&N filter. Their all in excellent condition and I'm looking to sell if your interested. Just let me know.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,758
Likes: 49
From: Houston Texas
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 111
85's have no third brake light.......unless modified at some point.....I have a late production run 85....no 3rd brake light!......mine is number 34,525...one of the things I like about the model year.....especially when adding the "ZR1 aftermarket rear end" like I did....no third light with the later model (91-96 rear)......
but to the original question......no cheap mods I agree to this model year if you are a serious performance nut.......they require some substantial "tinkering" if you want to bring them into the 21st century performance levels.....which I have done over the years to mine as a project car.....
have fun
but to the original question......no cheap mods I agree to this model year if you are a serious performance nut.......they require some substantial "tinkering" if you want to bring them into the 21st century performance levels.....which I have done over the years to mine as a project car.....
have fun
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
Welcome to the Forum. The 85 has its good and bad issues, but over all a good car. If you are lucky, the auto with a set of 3.07 gears is a great base. really no need to go down a ratio or two (3.73 or 4.11's). The 85 was known for its torque with the L98. Best modifications to for the $$ are involved with the exhaust.
PM sent.
PM sent.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10,428
Likes: 9
From: Southside of Western Norte Americano State of Confusion, ColoFornia
St. Jude '13
I think its pretty common, I bought one without knowing anything other than I wanted a Vette since I was a kid. I mean after all its a car.. its not one of the secrets of the ancients or something, It is in fact a car made by Chevy and as hard as this is to convince some folks it was actually made with wipers and a heater because it was made to be driven in bad weather..(you know rain,snow etc)
and for the OP , I second getting the factory service manual (FSM) and get ready for some serious acronyms.. D36 Dana model 36 rear end and yea they are all posi-traction. Its a great car and responds well to most common mods like exhaust, cam etc.
Welcome.. and get ready to learn alot, this forum is very helpful
