1958 C1 Corvette

1958 C1 Corvette Overview

By the late 1950’s, the infrastructure of the automotive industry had begun a transformation from the monopolistic business of a few, large, corporate giants to a much more competitive and highly segmented marketplace.

A few small, relatively unknown companies from Europe were emerging, presenting competitively priced alternatives to the current American offerings, catching companies like Ford and General Motors completely by surprise. Volkswagen had introduced the Beetle and confounded the competition by selling 200,000 or more units per year.

The introduction of this, and other “cheap” cars into the automotive market would forever change the direction of automotive marketing and would directly impact the future of the Corvette.

Despite the fact that the Corvette had yet to be profitable, General Motors management was certain that the design changes that Harley Earl had implemented in his 1956 redesign would continue to be the basis of design for future model years. Certainly, the 1957 Corvette had shown considerable improvement in it’s numbers over the 1956 model year and, if things continued to move in that same direction, the Corvette would certainly meet financial success in the coming year.

In addition, Corvette had managed to completely dominate on the racetrack and, despite the fact that General Motors would join others in observing the racing ban that had been put in place by the Automobile Manufacturer’s Association (AMA), it had proven nearly unbeatable in it’s class.

It is commonly believed that the Corvette had performed so well in open competition throughout 1957 that it had forced Ford to “throw in the towel” on it’s two-seater Thunderbird, forcing them toStill, GM engineers were entertaining thoughts of unit-body construction, while the styling staff was drawing inspiration from the design styling of the immensely popular Mercedes-Benz 300SL gullwing coupe.

Drawing on inspiration from both Earl’s ‘56 Corvette and the Mercedes-Benz, a new concept car emerged that was featured at the 1956 Motorama that nearly became the basis for an all-new Corvette.  This car would go on to become known as the “Oldsmobile Golden Rocket”.

This “Golden Rocket” was a unit-body, two seat coupe that sported futuristic styling that included a slim vertical grille and a protruding snout with quad headlamps – a style that was immensely popular amongst designers in Detroit.

The Oldsmobile’s front fenders swept back the length of the body to a torpedo like rear end that was topped by small fins.

Gullwing-like sections were cut into the roof assembly to allow greater ease when entering/exiting the car.  Much like the rest of the car, the roofline also tapered back in a “boattail” fashion, with a large rear window that wrapped down and around the roof.

In all, the “Oldsmobile Golden Rocket” would become commonly recognized as the inspiration for Bill Mitchell’s Corvette Stingray seven years later.

As early as 1946, General Motors executives had come to a consensus that unit-body construction would be the path forward for cheaper unit cost and higher volume, both of which were items that Corvette needed to begin turning a profit.  Using the Oldsmobile concept car as a model, engineers began laying out a new Corvette based on the Golden Rocket’s styling.

Early models made of clay and fiberglass showed how unit body construction might help pave the way for a whole new era of Corvettes. Smaller and lighter than the current C1, it also compensated for many of the current design constraints that current Corvette engineers were forced to deal with.

However, this first pass at a new Corvette design never completely got off the ground.  The project, which carried the name Q-Corvette, ended up getting shelved as members of the Concept Corvette development team were pulled away to other projects that demanded the attention of those who could best help in the ever increasing sales race against Ford.

As far as the 1958 Corvette was concerned, the car would have to settle for a facelift.

From the standpoint of appearance, the 1958 Corvette was far more excessive than any of it’s predecessors.  While the car still reflected the design changes implemented in the 1956 and 1957 models, the ‘58 Corvette now sported simulated louvers on it‘s bonnet(hood), non functional air intake scoops on either side of the grille and phony vents in the bodyside “coves”.

It also featured twin, chrome “suspenders” that ran from the base of the rear window down the trunk lid, before ending abruptly at the rear fender.  Another notable departure from the earlier models was the addition of quad headlamps wrapped in a thick chrome bezel.

DID YOU KNOW: As early as 1958, Chevrolet began developing the XP-700 Corvette as a prototype for the second generation ‘Vette. This concept model Corvette featured many styling elements that GM’s new design Chief, Bill Mitchell, believed would represent the future of the Corvette.

Much like the chrome “suspenders” featured on the trunk lid, chrome stripran along the tops of the fenders, accentuating the appearance of the headlamps and giving an overall “swept back “ appearance.  Lastly, the chrome “teeth” in the front grille itself were reduced from thirteen (as had been the standard in all Corvettes prior to 1958) to only nine. The 1958 Corvette not only looked heavier with it’s many new additions and design changes, but it had actually gotten heavier.

For the first time in Corvette history, the car exceeded 3,000 pounds, which was an increase of 200 pounds over the 1957 model.

However, the increase in weight was not merely due to the excesses that were included in the car’s makeover, but was the result of the increased size of the car.

The 1958 Corvette had 9.2 inches of added length and 2.3 inches of added width, bringing the car’s overall dimensions to 177.2 by 72.8 inches.

Because of the increase in weight and size, the Corvette would require the addition of radius rods to the rear suspension, which would help offset some of the behavioral issues the car experienced under hard acceleration conditions.

While the exterior revisions to the 1958 Corvette exuded excess from almost every angle, the interior revisions to the car were no less substantial, although they were better received.  A significant redesign of the instrument cluster at the request/direction of Zora Arkus-Duntov resulted in all of the gauges (save for the clock) to be placed directly in front of the driver in a binnacle.

After the repeat criticisms of instrument placement in earlier models, this change seemed only natural to the Corvette’s design team.   The new cluster consisted of a 160-mph speedometer which dominated most of the dashboard, while a smaller 6000 rpm tachometer was placed ahead of it on the steering column.

Flanking the tachometer on each side was a pair of standard instrument gauges that monitored fuel levels, oil pressure, engine temperature and battery charge.

Emerging from the dashboard and mating with the center console was a narrower, vertical console which housed the heater controls, the clock and an optional “Wonder Bar” signal-seeking radio.

While relatively unique for it’s time, this arrangement of controls was virtually identical to the standard layout in automobiles today.

The passenger side of the dashboard featured a grabbar mounted in front of a semicircular dashboard that was cut away from the bar itself, allowing passengers to “hold on” in the event of a sharp turn or during sudden acceleration.

A locking glove compartment was fitted between the seats just below the release button for the convertible top.

Other changes were made to the interior as well.  The interior door panels were remodeled to include reflectors that had been added at arm level for nighttime safety.  Upholstery now featured a new “pebble grain” fabric.  Even seatbelts, which had been practically unheard of before that model, were standard issue – factory installed in the 1958 Corvette.

Regardless of personal opinion surrounding the 1958 Corvette’s appearance, there were no questions what the performance factor would be.  Nearly unchanged from the 1957 Corvette, the ‘58 continued to utilize the 283 engine.

Now officially rated at 290 horsepower (at 6,200 rpm’s), the fuel injected, Duntov-cam 283 continued to flourish beneath the hood of the 1958 Corvette as the top level engine for that year’s model run.

Similarly, a twin carburetor version of the engine continued to be offered as an option, offering drivers an uncompromising 270 horsepower engine.  Despite this fact, few buyers opted for the carbureted version of this engine.  Surprisingly, it was the base level 230 horsepower V-8 engine that buyers sought out.

This base model engine was installed in nearly half of the 1958 models.  Only 1,500 Corvettes were actually fitted with the fuel injection option, and of those only 1,000 featured the 290 horsepower setup, the other 500 belonging to the 250 horsepower version of the Corvette.

For those enthusiasts that had continued to demand uncompromising speed and performance  after the introduction of the 1958 model, Chevrolet continued to offer a near race-ready version of the Corvette, which they made available at local dealerships across the country – and at prices that made buying even the highest end Corvette affordable.

With upgrades ranging from a high performance, 290 horsepower, fuel injected engine, Positraction, heavy-duty metallic brake and suspension and a four speed manual transmission, the total difference in cost between the base priced Corvette and it’s racing counterpart was about $1500.00.

Considering that these upgrades allowed the ‘58 Corvette to rival such competitors as Jaguar, Ferrari and Porsche, there was no question that Corvette was the best performance for the price. It is reported that Corvette’s which were built to include the aforementioned upgrades came with a warning label on their windshields that stated “This car is not intended for street use.”

Despite some of the extreme changes to it’s body styling, the 1958 Corvette was the first vintage of Corvette to turn a profit for General Motors.

In all, Chevrolet sold 9,168 Corvettes in the 1958 model year, which was doubly impressive when considering that the Corvette sales were up (47% over the 1957 Corvette and a staggering 150% over the 1956 Corvette) despite a year in which a financial recession had wrought havoc on the competition, leaving few manufacturers to actually turn a profit that year.

In fact, save for Ford’s new four-seat 1958 Thunderbird (and very few others), Corvette alone proved successful in the domestic automotive market.

See Also 

1958 Corvette Image Gallery

See full 1958 Corvette Image Gallery

1958 Corvette – Specifications

1958 Corvette Main Specs

MODEL:	1958 Chevrolet Corvette
BODY STYLE:	Two-door convertible, front engine, rear wheel drive
MANUFACTURING LOCATION:	St. Louis, Missouri
CONSTRUCTION:	Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP or “fiberglass”) body, steel frame with steel and chrome structural & chassis components.
VEHICLE NUMBERS (VIN):	J58S100001 – J58S109168
VIN PREFIX:	CQ: 283 CUBIC INCH, 230 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION CR: 283 CUBIC INCH, 250 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION CS: 283 CUBIC INCH, 290 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION CT: 283 CUBIC INCH, 245 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION CU: 283 CUBIC INCH, 270 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION DG: 283 CUBIC INCH, 230 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DH: 283 CUBIC INCH, 250 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DJ: 283 CUBIC INCH, 245 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER:	3737739, 3756519, 3748770
HEAD NUMBER:	3725306: 265 CUBIC INCH, 210 HP, 225 HP (2-BOLT EXHAUST MANIFOLDS) 3731762: 265 CUBIC INCH, 225 HP, 240 HP (3-BOLT EXHAUST MANIFOLDS)
CARBURETOR NUMBERS:	CARTER 2613S #3741089: 283 CUBIC INCH, 270 HP, FRONT CARBURETOR CARTER 2614S #3741090: 283 CUBIC INCH, 270 HP, REAR CARBURETOR CARTER 2626S #3744002: 283 CUBIC INCH, 245 HP, FRONT CARBURETOR CARTER 2627S #3744004: 283 CUBIC INCH, 245 HP, REAR CARBURETOR CARTER 2669S #3746384: 283 CUBIC INCH, 230 HP
FUEL INJECTION NUMBER:	ROCHESTER 7014800: 283 CUBIC INCH, 250 HP ROCHESTER 7014800R: 283 CUBIC INCH, 290 HP, EARLY PRODUCTION ROCHESTER 7014900: 283 CUBIC INCH, 250 HP ROCHESTER 7014900R: 283 CUBIC INCH, 290 HP ROCHESTER 7014960: 283 CUBIC INCH, 290 HP ROCHESTER 7017200: 283 CUBIC INCH, 250 HP, LATE PRODUCTION
DISTRIBUTOR NUMBER:	1110890: 283 CUBIC INCH, 230 HORSEPOWER 1110891: 283 CUBIC INCH, 245 HORSEPOWER, 270 HORSEPOWER 1110908: 283 CUBIC INCH, 290 HORSEPOWER, EARLY PRODUCTION 1110914: 283 CUBIC INCH, 290 HORSEPOWER 1110915: 283 CUBIC INCH, 250 HORSEPOWER
GENERATOR NUMBER:	1102043: 283 CUBIC INCH, 230 HP, 245 HP, 250 HP, 270 HP 1102059: 283 CUBIC INCH, 290 HORSEPOWER
AXLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER	AH: 3-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION (3.70:1 RATIO) AE: POWERGLIDE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (3.55:1 RATIO) AN: LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (3.70:1 RATIO) AP: LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (4.11:1 RATIO) AQ: LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (4.56:1 RATIO) AS: LSD, HEAVY DUTY SUSPENSION AND BRAKES, (3.70:1 RATIO) AT:LSD, HEAVY DUTY SUSPENSION AND BRAKES, (4.11:1 RATIO) AU:LSD, HEAVY DUTY SUSPENSION AND BRAKES, (4.56:1 RATIO)
PRODUCTION ENDING VEHICLE:	OCT, 1957: 100486, NOV, 1957: 101443, DEC, 1957: 102511, JAN, 1958:103677, FEB, 1958: 104789, MAR, 1958: 105779, APR, 1958: 106544, MAY, 1958: 107489, JUN, 1958: 108192, JUL, 1958: 108840, AUG, 1958: 109168, MAY, 1958: 107489

1958 Corvette Price & Options

CODE	DESCRIPTION	QUANTITY	RETAIL PRICE
867	Base Corvette Convertible	9,168	$3,591.00
101	Heater	8,014	$96.85
102	AM Radio, signal seeking	6,142	$144.45
107	Parking Brake Alarm	2,883	$5.40
108	Courtesy Lights	4,600	$6.50
109	Windshield Washers	3,834	$16.15
276	Wheels, 15 x 5.5 (5)	404	$0.00
290	Whitewall Tires, 6.70 x 15	7,428	$31.55
313	Powerglide Automatic Transmission	2,057	$188.30
419	Auxiliary Hardtop	5,607	$215.20
426	Power Windows	649	$59.20
440	Two-Tone Paint Combination	3,422	$16.15
469	283ci, 245HP Engine (2×4 Carburetors)	2,436	$150.65
469C	283ci, 270HP Engine (2×4 Carburetors)	978	$182.95
473	Power Operated Folding Top	1,090	$139.90
579	283ci, 250HP Engine (Fuel Injection)	504	$484.20
579D	283ci, 290HP Engine (Fuel Injection)	1,007	$484.20
677	Positraction Rear Axle, 4.56:1	1,123	$48.45
678	Positraction Rear Axle, 4.11:1	2,518	$48.45
679	Positraction Rear Axle, 4.56:1	370	$48.45
684	Heavy Duty Racing Suspension	144	$780.10
685	4-Speed Manual Transmission	3,764	$215.20

1958 Corvette Exterior/Interior Color

Color Codes

Exterior	Total	Body Cove (Optional)	Soft Top	Wheels	Interior Colors
Charcoal	1,631	Inca Silver	Black, White	Silver	Charcoal, Blue-Grey, Red
Snowcest White	2,477	Inca Silver	Black, White, Blue-Gray	Silver	Charcoal, Blue-Grey, Red
Silver Blue	2,006	Inca Silver	Black, White	Silver	Charcoal, Blue-Grey
Regal Turquoise	510	Snowcrest White	Black, White	Silver	Charcoal
Panama Yellow	455	Snowcrest White	Black, White	Silver	Charcoal
Signet Red	1,399	Snowcrest White	Black, White	Silver	Charcoal, Red
Tuxedo Black	493	Inca Silver	Black, White	Silver	Charcoal, Red
Inca Silver	193	–	Black, White	Silver	Charcoal, Red

Exterior Color Templates

Interior Color Templates

1958 Corvette Powertrain Specifications

Description	4-barrel Carb	Dual Carb	Dual Carb w. Special Cam	Fuel Injection	Fuel Injection w. Special Cam
Standard	RPO 469	RPO 469C	RPO 469C	RPO 579D
Type:	90 V	90 V	90 V	90 V	90 V
Number of Cylinders	8	8	8	8	8
Displacement (cid):	283	283	283	283	283
Horsepower (gross @ rpm):	230hp @ 4,800	245hp @ 5,000	270hp @ 6,000	250hp @ 5,000	290hp @ 6,200
Torque (lbs.-ft. @ rpm):	300 @ 3,000	300 @ 3,800	285 @ 4,200	305 @ 3,800	290 @ 4,400
Bore Spacing (C/L to C/L)	4.4 inches	4.4 inches	4.4 inches	4.4 inches	4.4 inches
Bore x stroke (in.):	3.875 x 3.00	3.875 x 3.00	3.875 x 3.00	3.875 x 3.00	3.875 x 3.00
Redline (rpm):	–	–	–	–	–
Compression ratio:	9.5:1	9.5:1	9.5:1	9.5:1	9.5:1
Idle Speed (RPM)	475 in neutral w/3-speed	475 in neutral w/3-speed	475 in neutral w/3-speed	475 in neutral w/3-speed	475 in neutral w/3-speed
Automatic	779	779	779	779	779
Manual	678	678	678	678	678
Firing Order:	18436572	18436572	18436572	18436572	18436572
Cylinder Number System;	–	–	–	–	–
Left Bank:	1-3-5-7	1-3-5-7	1-3-5-7	1-3-5-7	1-3-5-7
Right Bank:	2-4-6-8	2-4-6-8	2-4-6-8	2-4-6-8	2-4-6-8
Recommended Fuel:	94-96 Premium Octane	94-96 Premium Octane	94-96 Premium Octane	94-96 Premium Octane	94-96 Premium Octane
EPA – Three-Speed Manual Transmission – Average:	12.9 mpg (Motor Trend)	12.9 mpg (Motor Trend)	–	14.9 mpg (Motor Trend)	13.9 mpg (Motor Trend)

Carburetor Engine Component Specifications

Description	Standard 230hp	RPO 469 245hp	RPO 469C 270hp
Upper Compression Ring:
Material	Cast alloy iron	Cast alloy iron	Cast alloy iron
Width	.184 — .194	.184 — .194	.184 — .194
Thickness	.0775 — .0780	.0775 — .0780	.0775 — .0780
Gap	.010 — .020	.010 — .020	.010 — .020
Ring Clearance	.0012 — .0017	.0012 — .0017	.0012 — .0017
Valve Springs:
Length & Pressure
Valve closed	[email protected] 69 — 79 lb.	[email protected] 69 — 79 lb.	[email protected] 69 — 79 lb.
Valve open	[email protected] 159 — 169 lb.	[email protected] 159 — 169 lb.	[email protected] 159 — 169 lb.
Free length	2.08	2.08	2.08
Damper:
– Number of coils	3.874 — 4.12	3.874 — 4.12	3.874 — 4.12
– Free length	2.00	2.00	2.00
Tappets:
Type	Hydraulic	Hydraulic	Hydraulic
Material	Steel	Steel	Steel
Carburetor:
Make	Carter	Carter	Carter
Model
– front	–	3744002	3744002
– rear	–	3744004	3744004
Type	4 barrel, down-draft	4 barrel	4 barrel
Choke	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic
Camshaft:
Ramp inlet
Opening	.00474, 10° long	.00474, 10° long	.0067, 18° long
Closing	.00670, 15° long	.00670, 15° long	.0067, 18° long
Ramp exhaust
Opening	.00474, 10° long	.00474, 10° long	.0107, 29° long
Closing	.00670, 15° long	.00670, 15° long	.0107, 29° long
Tappet Lift
– Inlet	.26581	.26581	.2625
– Exhaust	.26581	.26581	.2625
Valve lift
Inlet	0.3987	0.3987	0.39375
Exhaust	0.3987	0.3987	0.39375
Valve lash (normal driving)
Inlet	Zero	Zero	.008 hot
Exhaust	Zero	Zero	.018 hot
Timing Diagram Data:
Inlet
Opens (theoretical)	12° 30′ BTC	12° 30′ BTC	35° BTC
Closes (theoretical)	57° 30′ ABC	57° 30′ ABC	72° ABC
Exhaust
Opens (theoretical)	54° 30′ BBC	54° 30′ BBC	76° BBC
Closes (theoretical)	15° 30′ ATC	15° 30′ ATC	31° ATC
Clutch:
Type	Semi-centrifugal	Semi-centrifugal	Semi-centrifugal
Number of coil springs	9	9	9
Spring pressure (lbs.)	1620 Initial	1620 Initial	1620 Initial
Drive	Lug	Lug	Lug
Lining area (sq. in.)	90.72	90.72	90.72
Rated torque capacity (lb. ft.)	326	326	326
Air Cleaner:
Make and Type	AC oil wetted	AC oil bath	AC oil bath
Capacity	–	1 Pint	1 Pint
Filter Element	Aluminum wire	cactus fiber	cactus fiber
Oil Filter:
Make	AC, Full flow	AC, Full flow	AC, Full flow
Capacity (Quartz)	1-1/2	1-1/2	1-1/2
Dual Exhaust System:
Muffler Type	Diffusion & resonance, reverse flow	Diffusion & resonance, reverse flow	Diffusion & resonance, reverse flow
Body Size	24×4.06	24×4.06	24×4.06
Manifold	Center take down each branch serving two cylinders	Center take down each branch serving two cylinders	Center take down each branch serving two cylinders
Exhaust Pipe Size O.D	2.0	2.0	2.0
Tall Pipe I.D	1.81	1.81	1.81
Suspension	Individual, rubber insulated mountings.	Individual, rubber insulated mountings.	Individual, rubber insulated mountings.
Fuel System:
Fuel Tank	Two stamped pans seam welded	Two stamped pans seam welded	Two stamped pans seam welded
Capacity (gallons)	16.4	16.4	16.4
Mounting	Support by two straps attached to underbody behind seat	Support by two straps attached to underbody behind seat	Support by two straps attached to underbody behind seat
Filler	In body left side, to rear of driver’s door	In body left side, to rear of driver’s door	In body left side, to rear of driver’s door
Cooling System:
Radiator core
Make	Harrison	Harrison	Harrison
Type	Cellular	Cellular	Cellular
Size	.22x.550×2.00	.22x.550×2.00	.22x.550×2.00
Frontal Area (sq. in)	380	380	380
Capacity	16.5 qts. with heater	16.5 qts. with heater	16.5 qts. with heater

Fuelie (Fuel Injected) Engine Component Specifications

Description	(RPO 579 250hp)	(RPO 579D 290hp)
Upper Compression Ring:
Material	Cast alloy iron	Cast alloy iron
Width	.184 -.194	.184 – .194
Thickness	0775 – .0780	0775 – .0780
Gap	.010 – 0.020	.010 – 0.020
Ring Clearance Grove	.0012 – .0017	.0012 – .0017
Valve Springs:
Length & Pressure
Valve closed	[email protected] 69 — 79 lb	[email protected] 69 — 79 lb
Valve open	[email protected] 159 — 169 lb.	[email protected] 159 — 169 lb.
Free length	2.08	2.08
Damper:
Number of coils	3.874 — 4.12	3.874 — 4.12
Free length	2.00	2.00
Tappets:
Type	Hydraulic	Hydraulic
Material	Steel	Steel
Manifold assembly, inlet:
Material	Cast aluminum	Cast aluminum
Fuel:
System	Fuel Injection	Fuel Injection
Make	Rochester Products	Rochester Products
Fuel Filter:
Make	AC	AC
Model	GF43	GF43
Location	Mounted on engine top cover	Mounted on engine top cover
Camshaft:
Ramp inlet
Opening	.00474, 10° long	.00474, 10° long
Closing	.00670, 15° long	.00670, 15° long
Ramp exhaust
Opening	.00474, 10° long	.0107, 29° long
Closing	.00670, 15° long	.0107, 29° long
Tappet Lift
Inlet	.26581	.2625
Exhaust	.26581	.2625
Valve Lift
Inlet	.3987	.39375
Exhaust	.3987	.39375
Valve lash (normal driving)
Inlet	Zero	.008 hot
Exhaust	Zero	.018 hot
Timing Diagram Data:
Inlet
Opens (theoretical)	12° 30′ BTC	35° BTC
Closes (theoretical)	57° 30′ ABC	72° ABC
Exhaust
Opens (theoretical)	54° 30′ BBC	76° BBC
Closes (theoretical)	15° 30′ ATC	31° ATC
Clutch:
Type	Semi-centrifugal	Semi-centrifugal
Number of coil springs	9	9
Spring pressure (lbs.)	1620 initial	1620 initial
Drive	Lug	Lug
Lining area (sq. in.)	90.72	90.72
Rated torque capacity (lb. ft.)	326	326
Air Cleaner:
Make	AC	AC
Type	Dry	Dry
Filter Element	Paper	Paper
Oil Filter:
Make	AC, Full flow	AC, Full flow
Capacity (Quartz)	1-1/2	1-1/2
Dual Exhaust System:
Muffler Type	Diffusion & resonance, reverse flow	Straight thru
Body Size	24×4.06
Manifold	Center take down each branch serving two cylinders
Exhaust Pipe Size O.D	2.0
Tall Pipe I.D	1.81
Suspension	Individual, rubber insulated mountings.
Fuel System:
Fuel Tank	Two stamped pans seam welded	Two stamped pans seam welded
Capacity (gallons)	16.4	16.4
Mounting	Support by two straps attached to underbody behind seat	Support by two straps attached to underbody behind seat
Filler	In body left side, to rear of driver’s door	In body left side, to rear of driver’s door
Cooling System:
Radiator core
Make	Harrison	Harrison
Type	Cellular	Cellular
Size	.22x.550×2.00	.22x.550×2.00
Frontal Area (sq. in)	380	380
Capacity	16.5 qts. with heater	16.5 qts. with heater

Manual Transmission / Gear Ratios

3-Speed Close Ratio	4-Speed (RPO 685)
1st Gear:	2.21:1	2.20:1
2nd Gear:	1.32:1	1.66:1
3rd Gear:	1.00:1	1:31:1
4th Gear:	N/A	1.00:1
Reverse:	2.21:1	2.25:1

Powerglide Automatic Transmission RPO 313/ Gear Ratios

Drive	1.82-1:1
Low	1.82:1
Reverse	1.82:1

1958 Corvette Car Dimensions

Hardtop

Exterior Dimensions (Hardtop)		Interior Dimensions (Hardtop)
Wheelbase:	101.85 Inches	Headroom:	42.3 Inches
Overall Length:	177.2 Inches	Shoulder Room:	49.4 Inches
Total Body Width:	72.8 Inches	Hip Room:	49.4 Inches
Overall Height:	51 Inches	Leg Room:	44.2 Inches
Front Track Width:	57 Inches
Rear Track Width:	59 Inches
Min. Ground Clearance	5.8 Inches

Softtop

Exterior Dimensions (Soft Top)		Interior Dimensions (Soft Top)
Wheelbase:	101.85 Inches	Headroom:	42.3 Inches
Overall Length:	177.2 Inches	Shoulder Room:	49.4 Inches
Total Body Width:	72.8 Inches	Hip Room:	49.1 Inches
Overall Height:	51 Inches	Leg Room:	44.2 Inches
Front Track Width:	57 Inches
Rear Track Width:	59 Inches
Min. Ground Clearance	5.8 Inches

Capacities

Capacities	Specs
Passenger Capacity:	2 Passengers
Curb Weight (LBS/KG):
Manual	2,926
Automatic	3,034
Fuel Capacity (GALLONS):	16.4
Engine Oil Capacity (QTS.):	5 (capacity of crankcase less filter – refill)
Coolant Capacity (qts.):	17 (with heater)
Battery:	12 volt, 9-plate, 53AH

1958 Corvette Brakes, Wheels, Steering & Suspension

Brakes:
Type:	Servo – 4 Wheel Hydraulic (Heavy Duty, RPO 684 Optional)
Power brake type:	None
Drum diameter, front (in.):	11
Drum diameter, rear (in.):	11
Effective area (sq. in.):	157 (121 with Heavy Duty brake option)

 

Wheels/Tires
Wheel Type (Standard):	Short Spoke Disk, Pressed Steel
Tire Size:	6.70 — 15 — 4 Ply Tubeless (standard), 6.70 — 15 — 4 Ply White & Blackwall (optional)
Front & Rear Wheels:	15″
Tires, type:	Rayon Cord
Revolutions at 30mph:	755
Inflation (cold)	24 lbs. Front & Rear

 

Steering
Type:	Semi-reversible recirculating ball
Make:	Saginaw
Ratio:	21.0:1
Wheel Diameter (in):	17.25
Turns, Stop to Start	–
Turn Diameter (curb to curb)	36.5 ft. right — 37 ft. left (outside front), 38.5 ft. right — 39 ft. left (outside front)

 

Front Suspension	Unitized, Independant, Short and Long Arm
Front Springs:	Own, coil
Make & Type	Chrome alloy steel .547 — .553
Material & Gauges	Total 9.75; active 7.94
Number of Coils	Outside 4.30; pitch 3.752
Diameter	Free 13.45; working [email protected] 1145 lb.
Height	9.72
Height Under Curb Weight	800 lb.
Capacity At Ground
Deflection Rate
At Spring	300 lb.
At Wheel	110 lb.
Front Shock Absorbers:
Make & Type	Delco, direct double acting
Mounting	Vertically from lower control arm through coil spring to front suspension crossmember
Model Number	538F
Valve Code	3.5G6/axr/P 1.25
Piston Diameter and Travel	1.00×4.68

Rear Suspension	Outrigger mounted semi-elliptical leaf springs
Rear Springs:	Own, coil
– Make & Type	Own, semi-elliptic
– Material	Alloy steel
– Length & Width	51×2.0
– Spring Slips	Clinch type = 3, Bolt type = 1, Total = 4
– Number of Leaves	4
– Leaf Thickness	Number 1 & 3 = .282, Number 2 = .313, Total = 1.159
– Capacity	At pad = 575 lb., At ground = 725 lb.
Rear Shock Absorbers:
Make & Type	Delco, direct double acting
Mounting	Stem attached to slotted holes in flanged “U” shaped rear crossmember, eye attached at bottom to an anchor bolt on rear spring “U” bolt and shock absorber anchor bolt plate
Model Number	560P
Valve Code	4D6/oxh/j 1.25
Piston Diameter and Travel	1.0×6.69

1958 Corvette Performance

Performance Results	Standard	RPO 469	RPO 469C	RPO 579	RPO 579
3 Speed Transmission
Performance weight (lbs.)	3204	3214	3214	3191	3191
Pounds/gross horsepower	13.93	13.12	11.90	12.78	11.00
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement	11.33	11.36	11.36	11.24	11.24
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement	.813	.866	.954	.883	1.025
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile)	228.7	228.7	228.7	228.7	228.7
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile)	142.94	142.94	142.94	143.34	143.34
0 – 60 mph (seconds)	9.2	7.6 –	–	–	–
Top Speed (mph)	103.1	112	–	–	–
Powerglide Transmission
Performance weight (lbs.)	3305	3314	3288
Pounds/gross horsepower	14.37	13.53	13.15
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement	11.68	11.71	11.62
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement	.813	.866	.883
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile)	219.5	219.5	219.5
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile)	132.83	132.47	133.52
0 – 60 mph (seconds)	–	–	–
Top Speed (mph)	–	–	–
4-Speed Transmission
Performance weight (lbs.)	3217	3227	3227	3204	3204
Pounds/gross horsepower	13.90	13.17	11.95	12.82	11.05
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement	11.37	11.40	11.40	11.32	11.32
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement	.813	.866	.954	.883	1.025
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile)	228.7	228.7	228.7	228.7	228.7
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile)	142.18	141.74	141.74	142.76	142.76
0 – 60 mph (seconds)	–	–	–	–	6.9
Top Speed (mph)	–	–	–	113.6	118.7

(0 – 60 and top speed times courtesy of Motor Trend, March 1958)

1958 Corvette Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN)

VIN Range	J58S100001 – J58S109168
J (First Digit)	General Motors Identification Code for Chevy Corvette.
58 (Second & Third Digits)	Model Year
S (Fourth Digit)	Location of the Assembly Plant.  S – St. Louis, Missouri.
1XXXXX (Fifth thru Tenth Digits)	Production Sequence Numbers

The last six digits begin at 100001 and run thru 109168, accounting for each of the 9,168 Corvettes built in 1958. Each Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is unique to an individual car. For all 1958 Corvettes, the location of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the driver side door post. The VIN is also stamped on several locations on the Corvette frame.

1958 Corvette Factory Options

CODE	DESCRIPTION	QUANTITY	RETAIL PRICE
867	Base Corvette Convertible	9,168	$3,591.00
101	Heater	8,014	$96.85
102	AM Radio, signal seeking	6,142	$144.45
107	Parking Brake Alarm	2,883	$5.40
108	Courtesy Lights	4,600	$6.50
109	Windshield Washers	3,834	$16.15
276	Wheels, 15 x 5.5 (5)	404	$0.00
290	Whitewall Tires, 6.70 x 15	7,428	$31.55
313	Powerglide Automatic Transmission	2,057	$188.30
419	Auxiliary Hardtop	5,607	$215.20
426	Power Windows	649	$59.20
440	Two-Tone Paint Combination	3,422	$16.15
469	283ci, 245HP Engine (2×4 Carburetors)	2,436	$150.65
469C	283ci, 270HP Engine (2×4 Carburetors)	978	$182.95
473	Power Operated Folding Top	1,090	$139.90
579	283ci, 250HP Engine (Fuel Injection)	504	$484.20
579D	283ci, 290HP Engine (Fuel Injection)	1,007	$484.20
677	Positraction Rear Axle, 4.56:1	1,123	$48.45
678	Positraction Rear Axle, 4.11:1	2,518	$48.45
679	Positraction Rear Axle, 4.56:1	370	$48.45
684	Heavy Duty Racing Suspension	144	$780.10
685	4-Speed Manual Transmission	3,764	$215.20

Base Corvette Roadster (867)

• The base price of the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette without any optional equipment.
• This base option price included a 283 cubic inch, 230 horsepower V8 engine, 3-speed manual transmission, vinyl interior trim, and a soft top.
• The 1958 Corvette underwent an extensive redesign that included new body panels, a new instrument panel and new upholstery.  The 1958 Corvette featured dual headlamps for the first time ever, and many chrome trim pieces, including chrome headlight bezels and rear decklid “suspenders”.  Addtionally, the ’58
• Corvette featured non-functioning louvers on the hood.
• The radiator grill of the 1958 Corvette had 9 teeth, instead of 13 (as in all previous years.)

Heater (101) – An interior space/.cockpit heater.

• The 1958 Corvette heater has an “outside” fresh air type heater

AM Radio, signal seeking (102)

• A standard Delco, signal seeking AM radio with conventional volume and selector bars.
• The AM Radios for the 1958 Corvette are transistorized.
• Most 1958 selector bars for the signal-seeking feature included the word “Wonderbar”.
• Models not equipped with this option received a painted block-out cover plate

Parking Brake Alarm (107)

• A warning light that illuminates/ indicates when the parking brake is applied.

Courtesy Lights (108)

• Interior lights mounted on the interior of the car to aid in visibility when outside lighting is unavailable.

Windshield Washers (109)

• A washer pump and dispensing nozzle mechanism that dispenses cleaner onto the windshield.
• The windshield washer reservoir for the 1958 model was supplied by Trico.  It was a hard, white, plastic jar with a red lid.

Wheels, 15×5.5 (276)

• Optional wheels that were one-half inch wider than stock.
• Featured small, passenger car hubcaps instead of standard, full wheel disc covers.
• For 1958, the wheels may have been painted black (in some instances) instead of silver.

Whitewall Tires (290)

• Original tires were either U.S. Royal Air Ride, B.G. Goodrich Silvertown or Firestone Deluxe Champion.
• All tires were wide-whitewall type, with whitewall widths varying from 2.5 to 3 inches.

Powerglide Automatic Transmission (313)

• An “optional” two-speed automatic transmission developed by GM.

Auxiliary Hardtop (419)

• An optional hard-top that replaced the standard convertible top.
• Although the Auxiliary Hardtop is shown as an option, customers could swap the convertible top for the auxiliary hardtop at no additional cost.  Of the 5,607 Corvettes sold with this option,  2,215 of them were the result of this substitution.

Power Windows (426)

• Electronically controlled windows which could be raised or lowered during vehicle operation

Two-Tone Paint Combination (440)

• A second, optional paint color that was used to highlight the bodyside coves
• A total of 3,422 Corvettes featured the two-tone paint scheme in 1958.  Of these, 757 were painted Silver Blue/Silver, 756 were painted Signet Red/White, 729 were painted Charcoal/Silver, 499 were painted Snowcrest White/Silver, 252 were painted Regal Turquoise/White, 190 were painted Panama Yellow/White, 199 were painted Tuxedo Black/Silver, and 36 were painted Inca Silver/Black
• The charcoal exterior color is believed to have been replaced by black sometime after the midpoint of 1958 construction.

283 CI, 245 HP Engine (2×4 Carburetors) (469)

• A “high output” version of the standard 283 CI, 230 HP engine
• 2,436 of the 1958 Corvettes were built with this engine.

283 CI, 270 HP Engine (2×4 Carburetors) (469C)

• A “high output” version of the standard 283 CI, 230 HP engine
• 978 of the 1958 Corvettes were built with this engine.
• This option required a three- or four-speed manual transmission.

Power Operated Folding Top (473)

• Electronically controlled convertible top that could be automatically raised/lowered.
• Unlike the 1953-1955 Corvette Roadsters, which had an optional top that could be attached to the car, this convertible top was an integral part of the design, allowing the 1958 Corvette to be classified as a true convertible.

283 CI, 250 HP Engine (Fuel Injected) (579)

• A “high output” version of the standard 283 CI, 230 HP engine.

504 of the 1958 Corvettes were built with this engine.

• Of the total quantity built with this option, 400 came equipped with a manual transmission and 104 came equipped with a Powerglide automatic transmission

283 CI, 290 HP Engine (Fuel Injected) (579D)

• A “high output” version of the standard 283 CI, 230 HP engine.
• 1,007 of the 1958 Corvettes were built with this engine.
• This engine option required a three- or four-speed manual transmission.

Positraction Rear Axle, 3.70:1 (677)

• Higher performance gear ratio designed for increased acceleration and driveability.
• 1,123 ’58 Corvettes included this option.
• Required a manual transmission.

Positraction Rear Axle, 4.11:1 (678)

• Higher performance gear ratio designed for increased acceleration and driveability.
• 2,518 ’58 Corvettes included this option.
• Required a manual transmission.

Positraction Rear Axle, 4.56:1 (679)

• Higher performance gear ratio designed for increased acceleration and driveability.

370 ’58 Corvettes included this option.

Required a manual transmission.

• Of the 370 Corvettes built with this option, 75 had a three-speed manual transmission, 295 had a four-speed manual transmission.

Heavy Duty Racing Suspension (684)

• Modified suspension system featuring a number of performance/handling upgrades.
• Included special front and rear springs and shock absorbers, a heavier front stabilizer bar, quick steering adapter, metallic brakes, finned brake drums, fresh air ducting to rear brakes, and front brake air deflectors (except for very early production-year models).

1958 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure

Download this 1958 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure for a quick look at the features of the car.

Download 1958 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure

See Also 

C1	’53	‘54	’55	’56	’57	’58	’59	’60	’61	’62
Gen	C1	C2	C3	C4	C5	C6	C7