🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1964

Engine:

327 V8

Chassis Code:

C2 Sting Ray

Engine Code Base:

327ci

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Era:

Mid-1960s American Sports Car Icon

Segment:

Luxury Sports Car

Primary Competitors:

Ford Mustang (later), Jaguar E-Type, Porsche 356, Ferrari 275 GTB.

Design:

Iconic C2 'Sting Ray' design, independent rear suspension, powerful V8 engines, comfortable grand touring capabilities.

Manual Purpose:

To provide detailed technical information for the proper maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of the 1964 Chevrolet Corvette 327.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Engines Trim Transmissions:

Yes

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 700-900 pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era, specific count not provided)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul and repair procedures for the 327 V8 engine, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, cylinder head service, valve train, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, lubrication system, cooling system.

Fuel System:

Carburetor service (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet, Holley variants), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank, emissions control systems (if applicable for late 1964).

Ignition System:

Distributor service, coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, timing adjustments.

Transmission Manual:

Service and overhaul for the Muncie 4-speed manual transmission, including clutch, gearsets, synchronizers, shift linkage.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and overhaul for the Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission, including torque converter, valve body, clutch packs, seals.

Drivetrain:

Rear axle assembly (e.g., Dana 44), driveshaft, universal joints, half-shafts, CV joints (if applicable).

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (upper and lower control arms, ball joints, tie rods, steering knuckle), rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers.

Steering:

Steering box ( Saginaw or Bendix), steering linkage, power steering system (if equipped), column.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes (calipers, rotors, pads), rear drum brakes (wheel cylinders, shoes, drums), brake master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake system.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (generator, voltage regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting system, gauges, dashboard instrumentation, radio, power windows (if equipped).

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, frame, doors, hood, trunk lid, interior trim, glass, weatherstripping, convertible top mechanism.

Heating And Air Conditioning:

Heater core, blower motor, ducting, controls (AC system often optional and less common for 1964, but heater service is standard).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, spark plug replacement, tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for common problems across all systems, symptoms and potential causes.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, differential service, suspension and brake component replacement, electrical component repair.

Component Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing, inspecting, repairing, and reinstalling all major vehicle components.

Adjustments:

Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing, carburetor linkage, parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment.

Specification Settings:

Torque specifications for fasteners, engine clearances, ignition timing settings, valve lash (if applicable).

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostics and component-level repair. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

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

Digital Reproduction:

High-quality digital reproduction of original factory service manuals or licensed aftermarket equivalents, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Original Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Original Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

OHV V8

Displacement:

327 cubic inches (5.4 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

4.00 in x 3.25 in

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1 (for L76/L84 variants)

Horsepower:

250 hp (standard), 300 hp (optional - Power Pack), 365 hp (optional - L76), 375 hp (optional - L84 fuel-injected)

Torque:

Varies by horsepower rating (e.g., L76 ~350 lb-ft)

Carburetion:

Rochester 4-barrel carburetor (e.g., 275hp/300hp), potentially Holley for higher output models. L84 utilized Rochester Ramjet fuel injection.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (historically, leaded premium)

Oil Capacity:

5 Quarts (with filter), SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended depending on ambient temperature (consult manual for precise recommendations)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 15-17 Quarts (depending on heater options), 50/50 Ethylene Glycol/Water mixture.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Muncie 4-speed manual (SM465, M20, M21, M22 variations exist)

Type:

Powerglide 2-speed automatic

Manual Clutch:

Single dry plate

Automatic Torque Converter:

Stall speed dependent on engine/gear ratio pairing.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90, specific viscosity may vary based on ambient temperature. Check manual for exact GL rating and viscosity.)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent (GM Specification 1050013)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

98 inches (2489 mm)

Overall Length:

175.2 inches (4448 mm)

Overall Width:

69.6 inches (1768 mm)

Overall Height:

47.7 inches (1212 mm) (Coupe), 47.3 inches (1201 mm) (Convertible)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,000-3,200 lbs (1360-1451 kg) depending on body style and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified with the same emphasis as modern vehicles, but implied by chassis strength.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 4.75 inch (5 x 120.7 mm)

Tire Size Standard:

E70-15 (often Firestone or Goodyear bias-ply, specific size and brand varied)

Wheel Size:

15 x 6.0 inches

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Era-specific safety standards; no modern NCAP ratings available. Emphasis on structural integrity for its time.

Braking System:

Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes (standard for 1964). Disc brakes were optional (front) and became standard later.

Steering System:

Recirculating ball steering. Power steering was optional.

Seat Belts:

Lap belts were optional/standard depending on build date and configuration.

Body Structure:

Ladder frame chassis with a fiberglass body shell, designed for rigidity and weight savings.

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass (standard).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM radio (optional, often with push-button tuning). Some may have aftermarket additions.

ABS:

Not available.

Traction Control:

Not available.

Bluetooth Usb:

Not available.

Air Conditioning:

Optional, but less common for 1964 models compared to later years. Requires specific components and a different compressor mount.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era; modern synthetic oils may extend this). Consult manual for precise recommendation.

Tune Up Interval:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles, including spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustment, and carburetor adjustment.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months for automatic; manual transmission fluid typically inspected and changed as needed or at major service intervals.

Engine Oil Type:

API Service SG or higher equivalent for classic engines (historically SAE 30 or 10W-30; consult manual for specific viscosity and ZDDP content recommendations for flat-tappet camshafts).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, universal joints, U-joint straps, clutch components, radiator hoses, heater core, power steering seals, carburetor gaskets.

Fiberglass Body Concerns:

Stress cracks in fiberglass (especially around bonding seams), delamination, water intrusion through seals, gelcoat fading/cracking.

Electrical System Reliability:

Aging wiring harnesses, failing voltage regulators, generator brushes, dashboard indicator lights, and gauge accuracy can be issues.

Frame And Chassis Corrosion:

While the body is fiberglass, the underlying frame and chassis components are steel and susceptible to rust and corrosion, particularly in humid or road-salt environments.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet, founded in 1911, is a division of General Motors known for producing a wide range of vehicles from economical sedans to performance sports cars.

C2 Sting Ray Introduction:

The C2 generation (1963-1967) introduced the iconic 'Sting Ray' moniker and radical new styling. 1964 saw minor updates including revised grille, hood, and interior.

Engine Options Evolution:

The 327 cubic inch V8 became the standard and most prevalent engine for the Corvette in 1964, offering various horsepower ratings and the introduction of fuel injection for the L84 model.

Production Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Production Numbers 1964:

Approximately 22,229 Corvettes produced in 1964.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Significance:

The 1964 Corvette Sting Ray is widely recognized as a design masterpiece and a pivotal model in American automotive history, influencing sports car design for decades.

Collectible Status:

Highly collectible vehicle, often appreciated for its performance, styling, and engineering. Values fluctuate based on condition, originality, and specific engine/options.