🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1965

Engine Variant:

427 / 454 (Sting Ray)

Internal Model Code:

C2 (Second Generation)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Sports Car / Grand Tourer

Target Demographic:

Performance enthusiasts, collectors, automotive restorers.

Key Competitors Era:

Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari 275 GTB, Ford Mustang GT.

Performance Focus:

Emphasis on powerful V8 engines and sporty handling.

Design Iconography:

Iconic 'Sting Ray' design, considered a styling masterpiece.

Manual Value Proposition:

Essential resource for preserving, maintaining, and restoring a classic American sports car.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All Models, Engines, Trim Levels, Transmissions

Estimated Page Count:

500+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, rebuilding procedures for all V8 variants.

Engine Fuel System:

Carburetor overhaul (Holley, Rochester), fuel pump service, fuel lines.

Engine Ignition System:

Distributor service, spark plug replacement, timing adjustments.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan service and replacement.

Exhaust System:

Muffler, exhaust pipe inspection and replacement.

Transmission Manual:

Muncie 4-speed (M20, M21, M22) overhaul, clutch service, linkage adjustment.

Transmission Automatic:

Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission service and overhaul.

Drivetrain Rear Axle:

Differential service, bearing replacement, axle shaft repair.

Brakes Hydraulic:

Master cylinder overhaul, caliper/wheel cylinder service, brake line replacement.

Brakes Parking:

Parking brake adjustment and cable replacement.

Suspension Front:

Independent front suspension, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, sway bar service.

Suspension Rear:

Transverse leaf spring, trailing arms, shock absorber service.

Steering System:

Steering box overhaul, power steering pump service, steering linkage.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, generator/alternator service, battery maintenance, starter motor, lighting.

Gauges Instruments:

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge repair.

Body Exterior:

Body panel alignment, door, hood, and trunk service, glass replacement.

Body Interior:

Seat repair, dashboard trim, carpet replacement.

HVAC:

Heater core service, vent operation.

Chassis Frame:

Frame inspection and repair.

Preventative Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common problems across all systems.

Component Rebuilding:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for overhauling major components.

Diagnostic Charts:

System-specific diagnostic flowcharts for identifying issues.

Technical Specifications Data:

Torque values, clearances, tolerances for all adjustable components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Fluid Capacities:

Precise fluid volumes for engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, etc.

Special Tool Recommendations:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.

Depth:

Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable for workshop use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 427:

L36 (425 hp, 390 lb-ft torque), L68 (400 hp), L72 (425 hp - aluminum block, later production).

Engine Code 454:

Note: 454 cubic inch designation is often used colloquially or for aftermarket modifications. Factory 1965 engines were primarily 327 and the new 396/427. This manual likely covers engines up to the 427 variants that were precursors to later 454 displacements.

Horsepower 427 L36:

425 hp @ 6,400 rpm

Torque 427 L36:

475 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Displacement 427:

427 cubic inches (7.0 liters)

Carburetion 427:

Holley 4-barrel (L36), Tri-Power (three 2-barrel Holley carburetors - L68/L72 variants).

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (historically, high-octane leaded gasoline).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

Muncie 4-speed Manual Transmission (M20 wide-ratio standard on most models).

Transmission Type Optional:

Powerglide 2-speed Automatic Transmission.

Manual Gear Ratios M20:

e.g., 2.52:1 (1st), 1.88:1 (2nd), 1.46:1 (3rd), 1.00:1 (4th)

Manual Gear Ratios M21:

e.g., 2.20:1 (1st), 1.66:1 (2nd), 1.31:1 (3rd), 1.00:1 (4th) (Close-ratio)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch.

Automatic Gear Ratios:

e.g., 1.76:1 (1st), 1.00:1 (2nd)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

98 inches (2,489 mm)

Overall Length:

175.2 inches (4,450 mm)

Overall Width:

69.2 inches (1,758 mm)

Overall Height:

47.8 inches (1,214 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2,900 - 3,200 lbs (1,315 - 1,451 kg), varies by engine and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically published as a GVWR, but within safe operating limits.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A (Modern crash testing standards did not exist for this era).

Braking System:

Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes standard. Four-wheel disc brakes optional and highly recommended for performance.

Seat Belts:

Lap belts standard; shoulder belts optional or aftermarket.

Rollover Protection:

N/A (No factory-integrated rollover protection).

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

AM radio, AM/FM radio (optional).

Speaker System:

Single front speaker standard.

Active Safety Features:

None beyond standard braking and steering systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, or as per manual recommendation for period driving.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 20,000-30,000 miles, or annually. Consult manual for specific type and procedure.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 10,000-15,000 miles, depending on plug type.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Recommendation:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SF or SG service classification (equivalent to period MS classifications). Consider high-zinc (ZDDP) additive for flat-tappet camshaft protection.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., 80W-90).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III/Mercon (or equivalent DEXRON-II) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Carburetor Leaking:

Holley and Rochester carburetors are prone to fuel leaks if not properly rebuilt or adjusted.

Clutch Wear:

Clutch components (disc, pressure plate, throw-out bearing) can wear over time, especially with performance driving.

Suspension Bushings:

Rubber bushings in control arms, trailing arms, and sway bars degrade, leading to noise and poor handling.

Electrical Component Failure:

Age-related failure of wiring insulation, connectors, generator, voltage regulator.

Brake System Maintenance:

Regular inspection and overhaul of brake components due to age and potential corrosion.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet's long history of performance and innovation in the automotive industry.

C2 Generation:

The C2 generation (1963-1967) introduced independent rear suspension and the iconic 'Sting Ray' styling.

1965 Updates:

Introduction of functional side-mounted exhaust pipes, new interior trim, and the availability of the powerful 396/427 big-block engine.

Production Years C2:

1963-1967

1965 Production Volume:

Approximately 26,000 units built.

Manufacturing Plant:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

Widely recognized for its groundbreaking design, often cited as one of the most beautiful cars ever made.

Performance Ratings Era:

Consistently rated among the top sports cars for performance and handling of its time.