🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1964

Engine Variant:

427 / 454

Chassis Code:

C2 Generation

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1964 Corvette represented the pinnacle of American sports car performance and styling for its era, catering to enthusiasts seeking powerful V8 engines and a thrilling driving experience.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against European sports cars and other high-performance American offerings, establishing itself as a benchmark for domestic performance and design.

Key Features:

Iconic C2 Sting Ray design, powerful V8 engine options, independent rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes (standard on '65 but increasingly adopted), and a focus on driver engagement.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete factory service and repair for 1964 Chevrolet Corvette

Specific Sections Covered:

Engine overhaul, carburetor tuning, ignition system diagnosis, transmission repair (manual and automatic), rear axle and differential service, front and rear suspension overhaul, steering box adjustment, brake system bleeding and repair, complete electrical troubleshooting with detailed wiring diagrams, body panel alignment and repair, interior trim removal and installation.

Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, implies extensive content)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Download PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (including 427 & 454 V8 variants), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, clutch, transmission (manual & automatic), driveshaft, rear axle, suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic), electrical system (wiring diagrams, components), body & chassis, heating & ventilation, accessories.

Chassis And Frame:

Inspection and repair procedures for the Corvette's perimeter frame and associated components.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, detailed troubleshooting, diagnostic procedures, complete repair and overhaul instructions for all major components, component specifications, assembly/disassembly procedures, electrical system diagnostics, body repair, tune-up procedures.

Engine Timing Adjustment:

Detailed procedures for setting ignition timing using a timing light.

Carburetor Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling carburetors, including jetting and float level adjustments.

Wheel Bearing Maintenance:

Instructions for repacking and adjusting wheel bearings.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive from basic adjustments to complete engine and drivetrain rebuilds, including detailed schematics and torque specifications.

Diagnostic Charts:

Includes diagnostic charts and flowcharts for troubleshooting various symptoms across all major systems.

Torque Specifications:

Extensive list of torque specifications for all critical fasteners, essential for proper assembly and preventing damage.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable Text:

Typically yes for PDF manuals, allowing quick navigation and keyword searches. (Implied for a 'download PDF')

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

Digital Download (printable)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

427 V8 (This is a common misconception for 1964; the largest factory V8 was the 327. The 427 was introduced for 1966. However, the manual title explicitly states '427 454 1964', implying it covers modifications or specific variants that might exist or is mislabeled. For accuracy based on the title, we list it. A true 1964 would have 327ci variants. The 454ci would be a later big-block Chevy, not a factory option for the '64 Corvette. This manual likely covers potential aftermarket or specialized engine swaps related to these displacements, or is referencing the broad V8 offerings of the era and specific manual content may focus on common V8s of the time including the 327ci and potentially earlier iterations of Big Block development if applicable to the manual's scope.)

Engine Block Material:

Cast Iron (for 327ci). Big-block engines (427/454) would also be cast iron.

Cylinder Head Material:

Cast Iron (for 327ci). Big-block engines (427/454) would also be cast iron.

Engine Displacement:

Up to 327 cubic inches (5.4L) for factory 1964 models. (Manual title indicates 427/454 which are later/modified displacements)

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 250-365 HP (for factory 327ci engines). (Manual title implies higher performance for 427/454 variants.)

Torque Range:

Approximately 312-360 lb-ft (for factory 327ci engines). (Manual title implies higher torque for 427/454 variants.)

Fuel System:

Carbureted; typically Rochester Quadrajet or Holley 4-barrel carburetors on higher performance models. Fuel pump is mechanical.

Oil Capacity:

5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter (for 327ci). Check manual for specific 427/454 variations.

Coolant Capacity:

12.7 Quarts (12 Liters) (for 327ci). Check manual for specific 427/454 variations.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed Manual (e.g., Muncie M20, M21)

Optional Transmission:

2-speed Powerglide Automatic

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated (manual transmission)

Rear Axle Ratio:

Varied by model and transmission, commonly 3.08:1, 3.36:1, 3.55:1, 3.70:1, 4.11:1, etc. Manual will specify options.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90). Refer to manual for exact specification.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II (for Powerglide, although early specs might vary, consult manual).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

98 inches (2489 mm)

Overall Length:

175.1 inches (4448 mm)

Overall Width:

69.9 inches (1775 mm)

Overall Height:

50.0 inches (1270 mm) (Coupe), 50.2 inches (1275 mm) (Convertible)

Front Track:

55.0 inches (1397 mm)

Rear Track:

57.0 inches (1448 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (1406 - 1497 kg), varies by engine and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified in the same manner as modern vehicles; focus is on chassis load capacity for performance.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

N/A (NHTSA ratings did not exist in the modern sense for 1964 vehicles)

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes standard. Optional (and becoming increasingly common) four-wheel disc brakes were a significant active safety enhancement.

Passive Safety Features:

Body-on-frame construction (though the C2 had a unibody structure for the passenger compartment integrated with the frame), lap belts (optional or standard depending on configuration).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

AM Radio, optional AM/FM Radio. Typically no integrated tape decks or CD players in factory configuration.

Driver Assistance Features:

None in the modern sense. Focus on driver control and mechanical feedback.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era, manual will provide precise recommendations).

Tune Up Interval:

Every 10,000-12,000 miles (includes spark plugs, points, condenser, timing adjustment).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months (typical). Consult manual for specific interval.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SF or SG rated, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Check manual for specific recommendations based on ambient temperature.

Coolant Specification:

50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (for hydraulic drum and disc systems).

Power Steering Fluid:

If equipped with power steering, typically Dexron II or equivalent. Consult manual.

Differential Fluid:

GL-5 gear oil (e.g., SAE 90 or SAE 80W-90). Check manual for specific limited-slip requirements if applicable.

Known Issues:

Carburetor adjustment difficulties, vacuum leaks, potential overheating in heavy use, aging rubber and plastic components (hoses, seals), potential for rear-end shimmy due to IRS design, electrical contact corrosion. Manual will address troubleshooting for these.

Body Integrity:

Fiberglass body can be susceptible to cracking around stress points or damage from impacts. Manual will cover repair techniques.

Electrical System:

Generators were standard, requiring more frequent battery maintenance than alternators. Wiring harness degradation is common due to age. Manual is critical for diagnosing electrical faults.

Oil Filter Part Number:

AC PF-2 (or equivalent modern filter like WIX 51064, Fram PH8A, etc. - check manual for definitive cross-reference).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

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

Model Evolution:

The 1964 model is part of the second generation (C2) Corvette, introduced in 1963. It featured the revolutionary 'Sting Ray' design, independent rear suspension, and continued the evolution of powerful V8 powertrains. Minor styling updates and mechanical improvements were made for 1964.

Production Years:

1963-1967 (C2 Generation)

Production Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

1964 Production Volume:

25,530 units

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The C2 Corvette, including the 1964 model, is widely recognized as an automotive icon and a milestone in American sports car design and engineering.

Classic Car Ratings:

Consistently ranks high in collector car value guides and 'best of' lists for its era.