Engine: The 1987 Corvette came with a 5.7-liter (350 cu in) V8 engine with Tuned-Port Fuel Injection. It featured improvements like roller valve lifters, which increased engine output.
Transmission: Buyers could choose between a standard 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive or a 4-speed manual transmission. The manual transmission had overdrive in the top two gears, effectively giving it six forward speeds.
Horsepower and Torque: The engine produced 240 horsepower at 4,000 RPM and 345 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 RPM.
Handling: 1987 saw the introduction of the Z52 Sport Handling Package. This package offered a balance of performance and ride comfort, positioned between the base suspension and the more track-oriented Z51 package.
Other Features: The 1987 Corvette had a highly aerodynamic body, with a drag coefficient of 0.34. It also featured aluminum cylinder heads to reduce weight and enhance engine cooling. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard.
Production: A total of 30,632 Corvettes were produced in 1987, with 20,007 coupes and 10,625 convertibles.. 1,596 Corvettes with the Z51 package were produced in 1987.
Z51 Performance Handling Package: features 16" x 9.5" wheels, higher rated monoleaf fiberglass springs, Delco/Bilstein gas-pressurized shock absorbers, larger stabalizer bars, and selected control arm bushings, quicker steering ratio,engine oil cooler and a radiator cooling booster.
My classic red 87 Corvette -pictured above- is a Z51 with the manual transmission, as were all '87 Z51's.