Chevrolet Introduced the Corvette in 1953
The 1958 ‘Vette, along with other Chevrolet models, had been the subject of more than a little criticism and ridicule for its excessive use of chrome plating and trim. As the previous model year began drawing to a close, Chevrolet basked ever so briefly in the fact that they had finally achieved sales and marketing success with the 1958 Corvette.
For more: 1959 Corvette Research Guide
1959 Corvette Specifications
1959 Corvette Main Specs
| MODEL: | 1959 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): | J59S100001 – J59S109670 |
| 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 (EARLY PRODUCTION), 3756519 |
| HEAD NUMBER: | 3748770, EARLY PRODUCTION 3755550, EARLY PRODUCTION 3767465, LATE PRODUCTION |
| CARBURETOR NUMBERS: | CARTER 2613S #3741089: 283 CUBIC INCH, 270 HP, FRONT CARB CARTER 2614S #3741090: 283 CUBIC INCH, 270 HP, REAR CARB CARTER 2626S #3744002: 283 CUBIC INCH, 245 HP, FRONT CARB CARTER 2627S #3744004: 283 CUBIC INCH, 245 HPR, REAR CARB CARTER 2818S #3756676: 283 CUBIC INCH, 230 HP |
| FUEL INJECTION NUMBER: | ROCHESTER 7014900: 283 CUBIC INCH, 250 HORSEPOWER ROCHESTER 7014900R: 283 CUBIC INCH, 290 HORSEPOWER ROCHESTER 7017200: 283 CUBIC INCH, 250 HORSEPOWER ROCHESTER 7017250: 283 CUBIC INCH, 290 HORSEPOWER |
| DISTRIBUTOR NUMBER: | 1110891: 283 CUBIC INCH, 245 HORSEPOWER, 270 HORSEPOWER 1110914: 283 CUBIC INCH, 290 HORSEPOWER 1110915: 283 CUBIC INCH, 250 HORSEPOWER 1110946: 283 CUBIC INCH, 230 HORSEPOWER |
| GENERATOR NUMBER: | 1102043: 283 CUBIC INCH, 230 HP, 245 HP, 250 HP, 270 HP 1102059: 283 CUBIC INCH, 290 HORSEPOWER, FIRST DESIGN 1102173: 283 CUBIC INCH, 290 HORSEPOWER, SECOND DESIGN |
| AXLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER | AH: 3-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION (3.70:1 RATIO) AE: POWERGLIDE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (3.55:1 RATIO) AN: LIMITED SLIP DIFF (3.70:1 RATIO) AP: LIMITED SLIP DIFF (4.11:1 RATIO) AQ: LIMITED SLIP DIFF (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) FJ: MANUAL TRANSMISSION,LSD. AND METALLIC BRAKES, (3.70:1 RATIO) |
| PRODUCTION ENDING VEHICLE: | SEP, 1958: 100409, OCT. 1958: 100623, NOV. 1958: 101587, DEC. 1958:102641, JAN. 1959: 103962, FEB. 1959: 104921, MAR. 1959: 106033, APR. 1959: 107144, MAY 1959: 107934, JUN. 1959: 108702, JUL. 1959: 109437, AUG. 1959: 109670 |
1959 Corvette Powertrain Specifications
| Description | 4-barrel Carb | Dual Carb | Dual Carb w. Special Cam | Fuel Injection |
Fuel Inj w. Special Cam |
| Standard | RPO 469 | RPO 469C | RPO 579 | 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 |
| Engine Weight (Dry) | |||||
| 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 – Four-Speed Manual Transmission – Average: |
14.3 mpg (Motor Life) | – | 14.6 mpg (Motor Trend) | 10 mpg (Sports Car Illustrated) |
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 | 1.696@ 69 — 79 lb. | 1.696@ 69 — 79 lb. | 1.696@ 69 — 79 lb. |
| Valve open | 1.306@ 159 — 169 lb. | 1.306@ 159 — 169 lb. | 1.306@ 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 | 3756676 | ||
| front | – | 3744002 | 3741089 |
| rear | – | 3744004 | 3741090 |
| 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 | .012 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 | 1 |
| 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 | .20x.560 x 2.00 | .20x.560 x 2.00 | .20x.560 x 2.00 |
| Frontal Area (sq. in) | 340 | 340 | 340 |
| 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 | .0012 – .0017 | .0012 – .0017 |
| Valve Springs: | ||
| Length & Pressure | ||
| Valve closed | 1.696@ 69 — 79 lb | 1.696@ 69 — 79 lb |
| Valve open | 1.306@ 159 — 169 lb. | 1.306@ 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 |
| 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 x 2.00 | .22x.550 x 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: | 2.51:1 | 2.26:1 |
Powerglide Automatic Transmission RPO 313/ Gear Ratios
| Drive | 1.82-1:1 |
| Low | 1.82:1 |
| Reverse | 1.82:1 |
1959 Corvette Exterior Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions (Hardtop) | Interior Dimensions (Hardtop) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 102 Inches | Headroom: | 35.1 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 177.2 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 49.4 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 72.8 Inches | Hip Room: | 59.6 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 51.5 Inches | Leg Room: | 45.1 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 57 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 59 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 5.9 Inches | ||
| Exterior Dimensions (Soft top) | Interior Dimensions (Soft top) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 102 Inches | Headroom: | 35.3 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 177.2 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 49.4 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 72.8 Inches | Hip Room: | 59.6 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 51.6 Inches | Leg Room: | 45.1 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 57 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 59 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 5.9 Inches | ||
| Capacities | |
| Passenger Capacity: | 2 Passengers |
| Curb Weight (LBS/KG): | |
| Manual | 3,033 |
| Automatic | 3,135 |
| Interior Passenger Volume (cu.ft): | – |
| Interior Trunk Volume (cu. ft): | 4.474 |
| Fuel Capacity (gallons): | 16.4 |
| Engine Oil Capacity (qts.): | 5 (capacity of crankcase less filter – refill) |
| Coolant Capacity (qts.): | 16.5 (with heater) |
| Battery: | 12 volt, 54-plate, 53AH |
1959 Corvette Brakes, Wheels & Suspension
| 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 9.62@ 1245 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 |
| 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: | 760 |
| Inflation (cold) | 24 lbs. Front & Rear |
| Steering | |
| Type: | Semi-reversible recirculating ball |
| Make: | Saginaw |
| Ratio: | 16.0:1 |
| Wheel Diameter (in): | 17 |
| 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) |
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)
