Vehicle Segment:
Two-Seater Sports Car
Target Demographic:
Performance Enthusiasts, Classic Car Collectors
Key Competitors 1965:
Jaguar E-Type, Porsche 911, AC Cobra
Design Philosophy:
Iconic Sting Ray styling, performance-oriented chassis
Performance Focus:
Powerful V8 engines, refined handling
Manual Utility:
Essential resource for restoration, maintenance, and repair of a classic performance vehicle
Powertrain Systems:
Engine (327ci, 396ci, L75, L76, L78, L84), Fuel System (carburetor), Ignition System, Exhaust System
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual Transmissions (Muncie 4-speed), Automatic Transmissions (Powerglide 2-speed)
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (independent front, multi-link rear), Steering (recirculating ball), Brakes (hydraulic, disc front standard)
Electrical Systems:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Accessories, Starter, Alternator
Body And Frame:
Body Construction, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Convertible Top Mechanism
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Adjustment, Lubrication Schedule
Repair Procedures:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Caliper Reconditioning, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Troubleshooting Guidance:
Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-Based Problem Solving, Common Issues and Solutions
Special Tools And Jigs:
Identification and usage recommendations for specific Chevrolet service tools
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced Diagnostics, Component-Level Troubleshooting
Rebuild Scope:
Complete Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Differential Service
Specification Detail:
Torque Specifications, Clearance Measurements, Timing Settings, Fluid Capacities
Base Engine Displacement:
327 cubic inches (5.4 Liters)
Available Engine Options:
327ci (250hp, 300hp, 350hp, 365hp, 375hp), 396ci (425hp)
Horsepower Range:
250 hp to 425 hp
Torque Range:
312 lb-ft to 470 lb-ft
Carburetion Types:
Single 2-barrel, Single 4-barrel, Dual 4-barrel (Carburetor models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating dependent on compression ratio)
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Cast Iron
Ignition Type:
Conventional Breaker Point Ignition System
Standard Transmission:
Muncie 4-Speed Manual (SM465 variant common)
Optional Transmission:
Powerglide 2-Speed Automatic Transmission
Manual Transmission Ratios:
Varies by specific Muncie model, typically close-ratio
Automatic Transmission Features:
Torque Converter, Hydraulic Control
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II (or equivalent)
Wheelbase:
98.0 inches (2489 mm)
Overall Length:
175.9 inches (4468 mm)
Overall Width:
69.0 inches (1753 mm)
Overall Height:
47.9 inches (1217 mm) (Coupe)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 5.0 inches (127 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,000 - 3,200 lbs (1360 - 1451 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically published for sports cars of this era
Standard Wheel Size:
15 x 6 inches (or 15 x 7 for optional wheels)
Standard Tire Size:
6.70 x 15 (or equivalent radial sizes)
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 4.75 inches (5 x 120.65 mm)
Crash Test Ratings:
Not applicable for the era; modern testing standards did not exist
Braking System:
Hydraulic, Power-Assisted Disc Brakes (Front Standard), Drum Brakes (Rear)
Suspension Design:
Independent front suspension (unequal length A-arms), independent rear suspension (trailing arms, transverse leaf spring)
Seat Belts:
Optional lap belts
Body Construction:
Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) body over a separate steel frame chassis
Windshield:
Laminated safety glass
Audio System:
AM Radio (optional, often replaced with aftermarket units)
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges: Speedometer, Tachometer, Oil Pressure, Water Temperature, Ammeter, Fuel Gauge
Power Brakes:
Standard (as of 1965 update)
Connectivity Features:
N/A - Analog systems only
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical recommendation for the era)
Tune Up Interval:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 miles (includes spark plugs, points, condenser, distributor cap, rotor)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Specification:
API Service SG or SF rated oil, viscosity SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for specific compression ratios)
Coolant Type:
50/50 mix of Ethylene Glycol antifreeze and distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Common Wear Items:
U-joints, ball joints, tie rod ends, clutch components (manual transmission), exhaust system corrosion
Electrical Quirks:
Aging wiring harnesses, voltage regulator issues, speedometer cable binding
Engine Specific:
Carburetor adjustment and sealing, potential for lifter noise on high-mileage engines
Chassis Integrity:
Frame rust in certain climates, body mount degradation
Chevrolet Legacy:
Long history of performance vehicles, including earlier Corvettes (C1 generation)
Corvette Generations:
This is the second generation (C2) Corvette, introduced in 1963
C2 Sting Ray Introduction:
The iconic 'Sting Ray' design debuted in 1963
1965 Updates:
Introduction of the 396 Big-Block V8, disc brakes standard on all four wheels, improved suspension tuning
Production Years:
1963-1967
1965 Production Numbers:
23,564 units (Coupe and Convertible combined)
Manufacturing Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
