🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1964

Chassis Code:

C2 (Sting Ray)

Engine Codes Covered By Manual:

305, 327

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1964 Corvette represented the pinnacle of American sports car engineering for its era, appealing to performance enthusiasts and collectors. This manual targets owners and mechanics dedicated to preserving and maintaining these iconic vehicles.

Competitors:

During its era, the Corvette competed with European sports cars like Porsche and Ferrari, as well as high-performance domestic offerings from Ford (Mustang) and Chrysler (various performance models).

Model Highlights:

Independent rear suspension, powerful V8 engines, iconic Sting Ray styling, optional Z06 performance package (for 1963, but influences the era).

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

Yes

Transmission:

Yes

Chassis:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Body:

Yes

Interior:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes

Brakes:

Yes

Steering:

Yes

Fuel System:

Yes

Cooling System:

Yes

Exhaust System:

Yes

Drivetrain:

Yes

Estimated Page Count:

500+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, valve train.

Engine Fuel System:

Carburetor overhaul (e.g., Carter, Rochester), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank.

Engine Ignition System:

Distributor, spark plugs, ignition timing, coil, wiring.

Engine Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan.

Engine Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil pan, oil filter, oil pressure.

Transmission Manual:

Disassembly, inspection, assembly, clutch operation, gear shifting mechanisms, synchromesh.

Transmission Automatic:

Powerglide (likely option for 1964), torque converter, hydraulic control, valve body, internal components.

Drivetrain Rear Axle:

Differential inspection, gears, bearings, axle shafts, rear axle service.

Suspension Front:

Independent front suspension, ball joints, control arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, steering knuckles.

Suspension Rear:

Rear leaf springs, shock absorbers, trailing arms, U-joints, driveshaft.

Brakes Hydraulic:

Brake pedal, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Brakes Friction:

Brake shoe replacement, drum brake inspection, brake drum specifications, parking brake system.

Steering System:

Steering column, steering linkage, tie rod ends, steering gear box overhaul, alignment specifications.

Electrical System Charging:

Generator, voltage regulator, battery, wiring diagrams, charging system troubleshooting.

Electrical System Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lights, bulb specifications.

Electrical System Accessories:

Wipers, horn, radio, heater blower motor, power windows (if applicable).

Body Exterior:

Body panel removal/installation, door hinges, hood latch, convertible top mechanism, bumper alignment.

Body Interior:

Seat removal/installation, dashboard components, trim panels, carpeting, sound deadening.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication points, inspection intervals.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, common problems and solutions for all major systems.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and installation.

Diagnostics:

Engine performance diagnostics, electrical system troubleshooting, brake system analysis.

Adjustments:

Carburetor idle speed and mixture, ignition timing, clutch free play, parking brake adjustment.

Depth:

Comprehensive rebuild and overhaul procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components. Detailed diagnostic information for a wide range of issues. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and legible diagrams.

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Binding Method:

Digital Download (no physical binding)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

327 cubic inch (5.4L) V8. Available in various horsepower ratings (e.g., 250 hp, 300 hp, 365 hp, 375 hp with fuel injection).

Engine Bore Stroke:

4.00 inches x 3.25 inches

Engine Compression Ratio:

Varies by horsepower rating, typically 10.5:1 or 11.25:1 for higher output models.

Engine Block Material:

Cast Iron

Engine Head Material:

Cast Iron

Horsepower:

250-375 hp (depending on specific 327 variant and carburetion/fuel injection)

Torque:

315-360 lb-ft (depending on specific 327 variant)

Carburetion:

Single 4-barrel Rochester carburetor (e.g., 4GC or Quadrajet) or dual 4-barrel setup on higher performance models. Rochester Ramjet fuel injection optional on top models.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

3-speed Manual (Muncie)

Optional Transmission:

2-speed Powerglide Automatic; 4-speed Manual (Muncie).

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate (for manual transmissions)

Torque Converter:

Standard on Powerglide automatic transmission.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches

Overall Length:

175.1 inches

Overall Width:

69.7 inches

Overall Height:

50.0 inches (Coupe) / 49.8 inches (Convertible)

Front Track:

56.0 inches

Rear Track:

56.4 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,000 - 3,200 lbs (depending on options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified in this era, but generally designed for two occupants plus limited cargo.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No standardized crash testing as we know it today. Emphasis on structural integrity of the fiberglass body and chassis.

Braking System:

Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Disc brakes front were an option for 1965 and later.

Steering Control:

Recirculating ball steering system. Power steering was optional.

Seat Belts:

Lap belts were standard equipment. Shoulder belts were not common.

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM radio, possibly with optional push-button tuning. Aftermarket upgrades are common.

Climate Control:

Basic heater and ventilation system. Air conditioning was a rare and expensive option.

Assistance Features:

None by modern standards. Features like power steering and power brakes were optional enhancements.

Connectivity Features:

N/A for this era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Consider more frequent changes for heavy use or vintage oil.

Tune Up Interval:

Every 10,000 - 12,000 miles or annually. Includes spark plugs, points, condenser, and carburetor adjustment.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Inspect annually. Automatic: Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 (API Service Classification SC or SD recommended for vintage engines). For high-performance or racing, consider thicker oils like 20W-50.

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 US quarts (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Prestone or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron-III/Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Check manual for exact specification.

Rear Axle Fluid:

GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90).

Common Problems Engine:

Carburetor flooding/stalling, oil leaks (gaskets, seals), valve guide wear, overheating in heavy traffic if cooling system is neglected.

Common Problems Suspension:

Worn ball joints, kingpins, and tie rod ends leading to poor steering and tire wear. Bushing deterioration.

Common Problems Electrical:

Aging wiring harnesses can degrade, leading to intermittent issues. Generator and voltage regulator failures are not uncommon.

Common Problems Body:

Fiberglass cracking or delamination if stressed or damaged. Rust can be an issue on the frame and any steel components, though the body is fiberglass.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing popular and performance-oriented vehicles, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.

C2 Sting Ray:

The 1964 model year marked the second year of the C2 generation, introduced in 1963. It featured iconic 'split-window' styling (only for 1963, revised for 1964) and further refined the independent rear suspension introduced the prior year.

Production Volume:

Approximately 22,229 Corvettes were produced in 1964.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Iconic Status:

The C2 Corvette is widely regarded as a design and engineering masterpiece, frequently appearing on 'greatest cars of all time' lists. It remains highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.