🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1963

Engine Options Covered:

327 ci (300 hp, 340 hp, 360 hp Fuel Injection), 396 ci (425 hp - a rare Big Block option for '63)

Trim Levels Covered:

All

Transmission Options Covered:

All (e.g., 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, Powerglide automatic)

Chassis Code:

C2 Sting Ray

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1963 Corvette represented a revolutionary shift in American sports car design, introducing the iconic 'Sting Ray' moniker and a sleeker, more aerodynamic body style. It targeted affluent enthusiasts seeking performance and cutting-edge design.

Competition:

Competed with European sports cars like Jaguar E-Type and Ferrari, as well as other American performance vehicles like the Ford Mustang (though the Mustang arrived later) and performance variants of Chrysler and Mercury models. The Corvette stood out for its fiberglass body and powerful V8 engines.

Design:

Independent suspension on all four wheels, distinctive split-rear window (on coupes), aggressive styling, lightweight fiberglass body.

Performance:

Powerful V8 engine options, excellent handling for its era, capable of high speeds.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive coverage for all models, engines, trims, and transmissions of the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette.

Pages:

Estimated 500-800+ pages (typical for a full workshop manual of this era, exact count not specified in product info)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (327, 396), fuel system (carburetor and fuel injection), cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system.

Transmission:

Manual transmissions (3-speed, 4-speed), Powerglide automatic transmission: disassembly, assembly, adjustments, troubleshooting.

Drivetrain:

Clutch, driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle (differential, half-shafts).

Chassis & Suspension:

Frame, front suspension (independent, control arms, springs, shocks), rear suspension (independent, transverse leaf spring, trailing arms, shocks), steering system.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake: components, operation, overhaul, bleeding.

Electrical System:

12-volt system, battery, generator, voltage regulator, starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, wiring diagrams, ignition switch, horn.

Body & Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, interior trim, seats, dashboard, heating and ventilation system.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for major component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.

Maintenance:

Regular service operations: oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups, brake adjustments, fluid checks.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic guides for common problems, symptom analysis, and corrective actions for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for critical fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, and performance data.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for diagnosing and repairing the vehicle's electrical systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic tune-ups to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing quick access to specific information.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of original factory manual quality. Clarity and legibility are paramount.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

327 cubic inch (5.4 L) Small Block V8

Engine 1 Hp:

Available in 300 hp, 340 hp (with 4-barrel carburetor), and 360 hp (Rochester-GM Ramjet fuel injection) variants.

Engine 1 Torque:

Ranges from approximately 360 lb-ft (300 hp) to 380 lb-ft (360 hp) depending on configuration.

Engine 1 Bore Stroke:

4.00 inches x 3.25 inches

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

10.5:1 (300 hp), 10.5:1 (340 hp), 11.25:1 (360 hp FI)

Engine 2:

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

Engine 2 Hp:

425 hp

Engine 2 Torque:

Approximately 415 lb-ft

Engine 2 Bore Stroke:

4.125 inches x 3.76 inches

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

11.0:1

Fuel Delivery Carb:

Holley 4-barrel carburetor (for 300hp and 340hp 327s), Rochester-GM Ramjet fuel injection (for 360hp 327s). 1x 4-barrel carburetor for 396.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (or leaded equivalent of the era)

Fuel Pump:

Mechanical (for carbureted engines), integral to fuel injection system.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

3-speed Manual Transmission (M11) or 4-speed Manual Transmission (M20, M21, M22 'Rock Crusher' - though M22 was more prominent in later years).

Optional Transmission:

Powerglide 2-speed Automatic Transmission.

Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulically operated for 4-speed manual; cable operated for 3-speed manual.

Manual Gear Ratios:

Varies by specific transmission model (e.g., M20 wide-ratio 4-speed, M21 close-ratio 4-speed).

Automatic Features:

Torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control system.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.2 inches

Width:

69.0 inches

Height:

50.0 inches (Coupe)

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches

Front Track:

56.0 inches

Rear Track:

56.0 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2,850 - 3,100 lbs (depending on engine and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically published for sports cars of this era, but estimated around 3,600 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No standardized crash test ratings (like NHTSA) existed in the same way they do today. Safety was primarily based on passive features.

Braking System:

Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Effective for its time but lacking modern ABS.

Steering:

Recirculating ball steering, optional power steering.

Seat Belts:

Lap belts were standard equipment, shoulder belts were optional and often retrofitted.

Body Construction:

Body-on-frame construction with a fiberglass body. Lacked modern crumple zones.

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass windshield.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, optional Wonderbar or Tri-Band AM radio. No cassette or CD players originally. Speakers were typically two dashboard-mounted units.

Features:

No electronic driver assistance features. Technology was mechanical and focused on performance and driver engagement.

Features:

No connectivity features by modern standards. Communication was limited to radio.

Headlights:

Hidden, concealed headlights activated by a vacuum system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 2,000 - 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era). Modern oil can extend this.

Tune Up:

Spark plug replacement every 10,000 - 12,000 miles, ignition timing and carburetor adjustments as needed based on performance.

Lubrication:

Chassis lubrication (grease points) every 1,000 - 2,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 for general use. Consider oils with higher zinc content (ZDDP) for flat-tappet camshaft protection if the engine hasn't been modified. API Service Classification SF or higher (with ZDDP additive).

Coolant:

50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water. Capacity approx. 20 quarts.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 gear oil (e.g., 80W-90) for manual transmissions. Capacity varies by transmission type.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Dexron III (or equivalent) for Powerglide automatic transmission. Capacity approx. 5 quarts.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.

Rear Axle Fluid:

Hypoid gear lubricant, SAE 90 (or 80W-90) with limited-slip additive if equipped with a positraction rear axle. Capacity approx. 2 quarts.

Common Problems:

Carburetor synchronization and tuning, fuel injection system (if equipped) requires expert diagnosis, vacuum leaks, aging rubber components (hoses, seals, bushings), electrical gremlins (especially wiring harnesses), potential for frame rust (though less common than on body-on-frame cars with steel bodies).

Restoration Tips:

Focus on sourcing correct original or high-quality reproduction parts. Rebuilding the fuel injection system requires specialized knowledge. Check suspension bushings and ball joints for wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Heritage:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing affordable and reliable vehicles. The Corvette, introduced in 1953, was Chevrolet's bold entry into the sports car market.

C1 To C2:

The 1963 model year marked the debut of the second generation (C2) Corvette, codenamed 'Sting Ray.' It was a radical departure from the C1 generation, with styling by Larry Shinoda under the direction of Zora Arkus-Duntov.

C2 Features:

The C2 was the first Corvette to feature independent rear suspension and front disc brakes as standard. The iconic split-rear window design was unique to 1963 coupes.

Production Numbers 1963:

Total production for 1963 was 21,513 units, including 10,916 coupes and 10,597 convertibles.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Classic Status:

The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray is a highly collectible and iconic automobile, widely recognized as a landmark in American automotive design and performance. It's a perennial favorite among collectors and enthusiasts.

Design Awards:

While specific awards for the '63 model year are not readily documented in the same way as modern vehicles, its styling was revolutionary and heavily influenced subsequent automotive design.