🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1964

Engine Options:

327ci (250hp, 300hp, 365hp, 375hp), 396ci (425hp)

Vin Decoder Prefix:

19467 (Coupe), 19437 (Convertible)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Luxury Sports Car / Grand Tourer

Primary Competitors 1964:

Ford Mustang (introduced in '64), Plymouth Barracuda, AC Cobra, Jaguar E-Type, Mercedes-Benz 230SL.

Design Philosophy:

Iconic Sting Ray design, fiberglass body, powerful V8 engines, independent suspension, focus on performance and style.

Manual Value Proposition:

Essential resource for owners and mechanics undertaking restoration, maintenance, or repair of a classic 1964 Corvette.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage Scope:

All 1964 Corvette models, engines (327ci variations, 396ci), transmissions, and trim levels.

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era).

Manual Classification:

Workshop Repair and Service Manual

Manual Language:

English

Manual Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (disassembly, assembly, inspection), lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (carburetor types: Rochester 4-Jet, Carter AFB), ignition system (points, condenser, coil, distributor), emissions control (if applicable to late 1964 models).

Drivetrain Systems:

Clutch, manual transmission (4-speed Muncie M20, M21, M22), Powerglide automatic transmission, driveshaft, U-joints, rear axle (differential, housing, bearings).

Chassis Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (independent, control arms, ball joints, coil springs), rear suspension (independent trailing arms, universal joints, coil springs), steering system (worm and sector, power steering option), shock absorbers, sway bars.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes (standard), rear drum brakes, brake hydraulics (master cylinder, wheel cylinders, lines, hoses), parking brake.

Electrical System:

12-volt generator system, battery, starter motor, charging system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), gauges, switches, wiring diagrams, fuse/circuit breaker protection.

Body Interior:

Body construction, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, seats, convertible top mechanism, weatherstripping, bumpers, grilles, trim pieces.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustment, carburetor adjustment/rebuilding, cooling system flush, brake bleeding, lubrication points, drive belt inspection/replacement.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Diagnostic charts for common engine, transmission, electrical, and brake issues; symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component testing and replacement, body panel repair and alignment.

Special Tool Requirements:

Identification of specialized tools required for specific repair and diagnostic procedures (e.g., valve spring compressors, piston ring compressors, torque wrenches).

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Comprehensive diagnostic flowcharts and specifications for pinpointing issues.

Rebuild Specifications:

Detailed engine and transmission rebuild specifications including clearances, torque values, and assembly sequences.

Adjustment Procedures:

Precise instructions for adjusting critical components like carburetors, ignition timing, and clutch linkage.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution scanned pages, searchable text (OCR dependent), vector graphics for diagrams.

Print Readability:

Optimized for clarity and readability when printed, with legible text and sharp diagrams.

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine 327Ci:

327 cubic inch (5.4L) Small-Block V8

Performance 327 250Hp:

250 horsepower @ 4400 RPM, 350 lb-ft torque @ 3200 RPM (2-bbl carburetor)

Performance 327 300Hp:

300 horsepower @ 5000 RPM, 360 lb-ft torque @ 3200 RPM (4-bbl carburetor)

Performance 327 365Hp:

365 horsepower @ 6000 RPM, 352 lb-ft torque @ 3600 RPM (4-bbl, higher compression, aluminum intake)

Performance 327 375Hp:

375 horsepower @ 6000 RPM, 352 lb-ft torque @ 3600 RPM (4-bbl, higher compression, aluminum intake, aluminum heads)

Optional Engine 396Ci:

396 cubic inch (6.5L) Big-Block V8 (L36)

Performance 396 425Hp:

425 horsepower @ 6400 RPM, 415 lb-ft torque @ 3600 RPM (4-bbl, higher compression, special camshaft)

Carburetor Options:

Rochester 4-Jet (4V) or Carter AFB (4V) for most engines, Rochester 2-Jet (2V) for base 327. Optional carburetors for performance variants.

Fuel Type Recommendation:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (historically leaded, but modern equivalents recommended).

Bore Stroke 327:

4.00 inches x 3.25 inches

Bore Stroke 396:

4.09 inches x 3.76 inches

Compression Ratio 327 300Hp:

10.5:1

Compression Ratio 327 365Hp:

11.0:1

Compression Ratio 396 425Hp:

11.0:1

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Muncie 4-Speed Manual (M20, M21, M22 'Rock Crusher' optional for performance models)

Optional Transmission:

Chevrolet Powerglide 2-Speed Automatic

Manual Transmission Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch with hydraulic actuation.

Automatic Transmission Features:

Torque converter automatic, column or console shift lever options.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90 or 90W for Muncie transmissions). Refer to manual for specific GL rating.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid (historically DEXRON-B or equivalent for Powerglide).

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

175.2 inches (444.8 mm)

Overall Width:

69.0 inches (175.3 mm)

Overall Height Coupe:

47.4 inches (120.4 mm)

Overall Height Convertible:

47.4 inches (120.4 mm) (top up)

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (2489 mm)

Curb Weight Approximate:

3,000 - 3,200 lbs (1360 - 1450 kg), depending on engine and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Not typically specified in modern terms, but weight carrying capacity is limited.

Standard Wheel Size:

15 x 5.5 inches (steel wheels with hubcaps or optional aluminum wheels)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 4.75 inches (5x120.65 mm)

Standard Tire Size:

6.50x15 or 6.70x15

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

No standardized crash test ratings available from contemporary organizations like NHTSA or IIHS for this era.

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes (standard front discs optional/later), effective chassis dynamics for its time.

Passive Safety Features:

Basic seat belts (lap belts standard), strong fiberglass body structure, padded dashboard (limited).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional AM/FM radio, push-button operation, typically single speaker.

Driver Assistance Features:

None in the modern sense. Features like power steering and power brakes were optional extras.

Connectivity Features:

None. This era predates significant automotive electronic connectivity.

Comfort Features Optional:

Air conditioning (rare, specific RPO), power windows (very rare), adjustable steering column.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Frequent checks for older engines are recommended.

Tune Up Interval:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles or annually, including ignition timing, carburetor, and spark plug checks/adjustments.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 24,000 miles.

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter change (for 327ci). 6 quarts (5.7 L) for 396ci. Refer to manual for exact capacity.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for general use. Consult manual for specific temperature ranges and engine build.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water). Historically, straight water or distilled water with rust inhibitors was used.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Bushings (suspension, steering), ball joints, tie rod ends, clutch components, brake wear, U-joints, exhaust system, rubber hoses and seals.

Engine Specific Issues:

Carburetor tuning and sealing, potential for oil leaks (valve covers, oil pan), ignition points wear, generator charging issues.

Body Frame Issues:

Fiberglass cracking or crazing, frame rust (though less common than steel-bodied cars), weatherstripping deterioration leading to water leaks, door alignment issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing performance and mass-market vehicles, consistently leveraging V8 engine technology.

Corvette C2 Sting Ray:

The 1964 model is part of the second generation (C2) Corvette, introduced in 1963 as the 'Sting Ray'. It refined the revolutionary design of the 1963 model, offering more power and improved aerodynamics.

1964 Updates:

Minor styling tweaks from 1963, including functional hood vents (replacing the 1963 faux vents), revised interior trim, and the introduction of the powerful 396ci Big-Block engine.

Production Years:

1963-1967 (C2 Generation)

Production Volume 1964:

Approximately 22,229 Corvettes produced in 1964.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Iconic Status:

Widely recognized as one of the most iconic American sports cars ever produced. Frequently featured in automotive media and collections.

Classic Car Appreciation:

High collector value and demand, considered a benchmark in automotive design and performance for its era.

Historical Significance:

Designated as a National Historic Vehicle by the U.S. Department of Transportation.