🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1965

Engine Code:

305

Chassis Code:

C2 (Sting Ray)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

American Sports Car

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, restorers, mechanics working on 1965 Corvettes.

Key Competitors Era:

Ford Mustang (later), Shelby Cobra, AC Ace, Jaguar E-Type (European).

Distinctive Features:

Independent suspension on all four wheels, iconic 'Sting Ray' styling, powerful V8 engine options, fiberglass body.

Value Proposition:

Essential resource for maintaining and repairing a classic and highly collectible American sports car.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Trims Engines Transmissions:

Yes

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by original publication, typically 800-1200 pages for comprehensive factory manuals.

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, repair, troubleshooting for all available 1965 Corvette engines (including carbureted V8s).

Fuel System:

Fuel pumps, carburetors (e.g., Carter, Rochester), fuel lines, fuel tanks, emission controls (where applicable).

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications, hoses, troubleshooting.

Ignition System:

Distributor, spark plugs, ignition coils, points, condensers, timing specifications, troubleshooting.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator/generator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, gauges, switches, fuses, circuit protection.

Transmission Manual:

Disassembly, assembly, repair, clutch, linkage, gear ratios, fluid specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Operation, troubleshooting, fluid specifications, band adjustment, seal replacement (e.g., Powerglide, Turbo-Hydramatic).

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly, limited-slip differential (optional), wheel bearings, hub assemblies.

Suspension Front:

Independent front suspension, control arms, ball joints, springs, shocks, steering linkage, alignment specifications.

Suspension Rear:

Independent rear suspension (IRS), trailing arms, universal joints, half-shafts, shocks, springs, alignment specifications.

Steering System:

Steering box, steering column, tie rods, idler arm, power steering system (optional), troubleshooting.

Brake System:

Disc brakes (front and rear), brake calipers, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines, brake fluid specifications, parking brake, troubleshooting.

Body And Frame:

Chassis, body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, weatherstripping, glass, interior trim, troubleshooting, repair.

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

Heater core, blower motor, ducting, air conditioning system (optional components and service).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points.

Engine Overhaul:

Complete engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement, reassembly, and break-in procedures.

Transmission Rebuild:

Detailed steps for rebuilding both manual and automatic transmissions.

Suspension Repair:

Replacement of control arms, ball joints, tie rods, springs, shock absorbers, and bushings.

Brake Service:

Pad/shoe replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, master cylinder replacement, bleeding procedures.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical circuits using wiring diagrams, testing components.

Carburetor Adjustment Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for tuning, rebuilding, and replacing common carburetor models used in 1965 Corvettes.

Wheel Alignment:

Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe).

Body Panel Repair:

Instructions for minor bodywork, panel alignment, and replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic approaches to diagnosing and resolving common problems.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full overhauls and diagnostics.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Advanced diagnostic procedures for electrical, mechanical, and fuel systems.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners.

Clearance Specifications:

Engine internal clearances, bearing clearances, valve lash specifications.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed and accurate wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.

Special Tool Requirements:

Identification of special tools required for specific repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF for easy navigation.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution scans ensuring clear diagrams and text.

Digital Format:

N/A (digital download)

Digital Format:

N/A (digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine Option 1:

327 ci (5.4 L) V8

Base Engine Option 1 Carburetion:

1x4bbl Rochester

Base Engine Option 1 Horsepower:

250 hp @ 4400 rpm

Base Engine Option 1 Torque:

350 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Performance Engine Option 2:

327 ci (5.4 L) V8 (L75)

Performance Engine Option 2 Carburetion:

1x4bbl Rochester

Performance Engine Option 2 Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5000 rpm

Performance Engine Option 2 Torque:

360 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Performance Engine Option 3:

327 ci (5.4 L) V8 (L76)

Performance Engine Option 3 Carburetion:

4x1bbl Rochester (Special Heads)

Performance Engine Option 3 Horsepower:

365 hp @ 6000 rpm

Performance Engine Option 3 Torque:

350 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm

Performance Engine Option 4:

327 ci (5.4 L) V8 (L76 - Z06 Option)

Performance Engine Option 4 Carburetion:

4x1bbl Rochester (Special Heads, Duntov Cam)

Performance Engine Option 4 Horsepower:

375 hp @ 6200 rpm

Performance Engine Option 4 Torque:

350 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Mechanical Fuel Pump, Carbureted (Single 2-barrel, Single 4-barrel, or Quad 4-barrel configurations).

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

Carburetor Identification:

Carter W-series, Rochester 2G, Rochester 4GC, Holley (for performance options).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

3-speed Manual (Muncie) (Often standard on base models).

Optional Transmission 1:

4-speed Manual (Muncie) (Very common and desirable).

Optional Transmission 2:

2-speed Automatic (Powerglide) (Less common on higher performance models).

Optional Transmission 3:

3-speed Automatic (Turbo-Hydramatic 350/400 - later availability, less common in '65).

Clutch Type:

Dry, single plate (for manual transmissions).

Automatic Transmission Cooling:

External transmission cooler often integrated with radiator or separate unit.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.2 inches (444.8 mm)

Width:

69.0 inches (175.3 mm)

Height:

47.8 inches (121.4 mm)

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (248.9 mm)

Front Track:

55.2 inches (140.2 mm)

Rear Track:

56.5 inches (143.5 mm)

Curb Weight Est:

Approx. 2,850 - 3,200 lbs (1,293 - 1,451 kg), varies by engine and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:

Approx. 3,700 lbs (1,678 kg).

Trunk Volume:

Limited, but designed for sports car use.

🛡️ Safety Features

Modern Safety Ratings:

N/A (Vehicles of this era were not subjected to modern crash testing standards).

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes (standard on all models), excellent handling due to independent suspension.

Passive Safety Features:

Reinforced frame structure, no airbags, no anti-lock brakes.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

AM Radio, AM/FM Radio (often an option).

Speaker Configuration:

Typically single speaker in dashboard, or optional dual speakers.

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern standards. Focus on driver control and mechanical feedback.

Connectivity Features:

None (no Bluetooth, USB, etc.).

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Use high-quality conventional oil.

Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace with every oil change. Recommended filter: Fram PH8A, Wix 51515, or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Check level periodically, flush and refill if performance degrades or every 2-3 years. Use GL-4 manual transmission fluid.

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Check level regularly, flush and refill every 24,000 miles or 2 years. Use Dexron-III (or equivalent suitable for older GM automatics).

Coolant Flush Replacement:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Use a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.

Tune Up Intervals:

Spark plugs, points, condenser inspection/replacement every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually. Timing adjustment as needed.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 (depending on climate and engine condition). Consider higher zinc content for flat-tappet camshafts.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Glycol-based). Always use fresh, sealed fluid.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron-III ATF or specific GM power steering fluid.

Corrosion Prone Areas:

Frame rails, birdcage structure (underneath windshield), steel body panel mounts (despite fiberglass body).

Common Mechanical Wear:

Worn suspension bushings, universal joint U-joints, differential carrier bearings, carburetor wear, oil leaks (valve covers, oil pan).

Common Electrical Issues:

Frayed wiring insulation, faulty voltage regulators, generator/alternator issues, corroded grounds, instrument cluster problems.

Fiberglass Care:

Gelcoat cracking, stress cracks near panel edges, proper repair techniques for fiberglass damage.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing performance vehicles and American icons since its founding in 1911.

C2 Sting Ray Introduction:

The second generation (C2) Corvette, known as the Sting Ray, was introduced for the 1963 model year and continued through 1967. The 1965 model year represented a significant evolution, particularly with the introduction of four-wheel disc brakes as standard equipment.

1965 Updates:

Key updates for 1965 included the standard four-wheel disc brakes, a revised interior, new dashboard layout, introduction of the L75 and L76 327ci engines, and the highly desirable Z06 performance option for the L76 engine.

Production Years C2:

1963-1967

Assembly Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

1965 Production Volume:

23,564 units

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Collectible Status:

Highly collectible classic sports car, regularly featured in automotive enthusiast publications and awards for its design and performance.

Design Awards:

The C2 Corvette's design by Larry Shinoda and Bill Mitchell is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful automotive designs of all time.

Historical Significance:

Recognized as an automotive icon and a significant piece of American automotive history.