The changes for the 1979 Corvette were of an evolutionary nature. The base L48 gained 10 horsepower -- 20 in the California and high-altitude versions -- by adopting the L82's more efficient twin-snorkel air cleaner; the optional engine itself tacked on five horses. Shock rates were standardized instead of varied with transmission. On cars with automatic, final drive ratio was lowered from 3.08:1 to 3.55:1.

The lightweight seats previewed in the '78 Pace Car Replica were now standard, bringing more rearward travel and different inertia seatback locks. But they still didn't include reclining seatbacks, now being found on the cheapest Japanese cars.

All 1979 Corvette models got the high-back seats from the previous year's Pace Car Replica, and its spoilers were a new option.