While this small-block engine was an impressive powerhouse in its own right, Chevrolet had definitely recognized that the direction of the powerplant for the Corvettes would center around engine displacement, and so it was decided that all other, smaller engines would ultimately be abandoned in the Corvette line at the end of the 1965 model year. Interestingly, the retirement of the 327ci engine also brought with it the end of the use of fuel injection in Corvettes for the next twenty years.
Read More: 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Research Center.
1965 Corvette Technical Specifications
| MODEL: | 1965 Chevrolet Corvette |
| BODY STYLE: | Two-door convertible/coupe, front engine, rear wheel drive |
| MANUFACTURING LOCATION: | St. Louis, Missouri |
| CONSTRUCTION: | Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP or “fiberglass”) body, all welded, full length, ladder construction frame with 5 cross-members. Front section flat;rear section contoured over rear axle. Side-rails and intermediate cross members box construction. Rear crossmember “C” shaped; front crossmember concave for engine clearance. |
| VEHICLE NUMBERS (VIN): | 194375S100001 – 194375S123564 |
| ENGINE SUFFIX: | HE: 327 CUBIC INCH, 250 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION HF: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION HT: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION HH: 327 CUBIC INCH, 365 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION HG: 327 CUBIC INCH, 375 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION HO: 327 CUBIC INCH, 250 HORSEPOWER, POWERGLIDE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HP: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300 HORSEPOWER, POWERGLIDE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IF: 396 CUBIC INCH, 425 HORSEPOWER, 4-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION |
| ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER: |
3782870, 327 CUBIC INCH
3855962, 396 CUBIC INCH
3858180, 327 CUBIC INCH
|
| HEAD NUMBER: |
3782461: 327 CUBIC INCH
3856208: 396 CUBIC INCH
|
| CARBURETOR NUMBERS: |
CARTER 3696S #3846246: 327 CUBIC INCH, 250HP, AUTO TRANS
CARTER 3697S #3846247: 327 CUBIC INCH, 250HP, MANUAL TRANS
CARTER 3720SB #3851762: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, AUTO TRANS
CARTER 3721SB #3851761: 327 CUBIC INCH, 300HP MANUAL TRANS
HOLLEY R2818A #3849804: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350HP, 365HP
HOLLEY R3124A #3868826: 396 CUBIC INCH, 425HP
|
| FUEL INJECTION NUMBER: | ROCHESTER 7017380 |
| DISTRIBUTOR NUMBER: |
1111060: 327 CUBIC INCH, 365HP, TRANSISTOR IGNITION
1111064: 327 CUBIC INCH, 375HP, TRANSISTOR IGNITION
1111069: 327 CUBIC INCH, 365HP
1111070: 327 CUBIC INCH, 375HP
1111076: 327 CUBIC INCH, 250HP, 300HP
1111087: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350HP
1111088: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350HP, TRANSISTOR IGNITION
1111093: 396 CUBIC INCH, 425HP
|
| ALTERNATOR NUMBER: |
1100693: 327 CUBIC INCH
1100694: 327 CUBIC INCH, AIR CONDITION
1100696: 327 CUBIC INCH, 396 CUBIC INCH, TRANSISTOR IGNITION
1100697: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350HP, 365HP, AIRCON, TRANSISTOR IGNITION
|
| AXLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER |
AK: 3.36:1 RATIO, 327ci
AL: 3.08:1 RATIO, 327ci, 4-SPEED
AN: 3.55:1 RATIO, 327ci, 4-SPEED
AR: 3.08:1 RATIO, 327ci, WIDE-RATIO 4-SPEED
AS: 3.70:1 RATIO, 327ci, CLOSE RATIO 4-SPEED
AM: 3.36:1 RATIO, 327ci, 3-SPEED
AO: 3.70:1 RATIO, 327ci, 4-SPEED
AP: 4.11:1 RATIO, 327ci, 4-SPEED
AQ: 4.56:1 RATIO, 327ci, 4-SPEED
AT: 3.08:1 RATIO, 396ci, 4-SPEED
AU: 3.36:1 RATIO, 396ci, 4-SPEED
AZ: 3.55:1 RATIO, 396ci, 4-SPEED
FA: 3.70:1 RATIO, 396ci, 4-SPEED
FB: 4.11:1 RATIO, 396ci, 4-SPEED
FC: 4.56:1 RATIO, 396ci, 4-SPEED
|
|
POSITRACTION AXLE:
|
1100693: 327 CUBIC INCH
1100694: 327 CUBIC INCH, AIR CONDITION
1100696: 327 CUBIC INCH, 396 CUBIC INCH, TRANSISTOR IGNITION
1100697: 327 CUBIC INCH, 350HP, 365HP, AIRCON, TRANSISTOR IGNITION
ALTERNATOR:
3782870, 327 CUBIC INCH
3855962, 396 CUBIC INCH
3858180, 327 CUBIC INCH
|
| PRODUCTION ENDING VEHICLE: | AUG. 1964: 100227, SEP. 1964: 101425, NOV. 1964: 103347, DEC. 1964:105754, JAN. 1965: 108442, FEB. 1965: 111059, MAR. 1965: 113936, APR. 1965: 116516, MAY 1965: 118753, JUN. 1965: 121216, JUL. 1965: 123562, AUG. 1965: 123564 |
1965 Corvette Powertrain Specifications
| Order Code | Standard | L75 | L79 |
| Manufacturing Location | Flint, Michigan | Flint, Michigan | Flint, Michigan |
| Type | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head |
| Cylinders | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Displacement (cid) | 327 | 327 | 327 |
| Fuel Induction System | Carburetor | Carburetor | Carburetor |
| Horsepower | 250 @ 4,400 | 300 @ 5,000 | 350 @ 5,800 |
| Torque | 350 @ 2,800 | 360 @ 3,200 | 360 @ 3,800 |
| Bore x Stroke (in.) | 4.00 x 3.26 | 4.00 x 3.26 | 4.00 x 3.26 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 | |
| Firing Order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 |
| Cylinder Number System (Left) | 1-3-5-7 | 1-3-5-7 | 1-3-5-7 |
| Cylinder Number System (Right) | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium | Premium | Premium |
| Order Code | L76 | L84 | L78 |
| Manufacturing Location | Flint, Michigan | Flint, Michigan | Flint, Michigan |
| Type | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head |
| Cylinders | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Displacement (cid) | 327 | 327 | 396 |
| Fuel Induction System | Carburetor | Carburetor | Carburetor |
| Horsepower | 365 @ 6,200 | 375 @ 6,200 | 425 @ 6,400 |
| Torque | 350 @ 4,000 | 350 @ 4,400 | 415 @ 4,000 |
| Bore x Stroke (in.) | 4.00 x 3.26 | 4.00 x 3.26 | 4.00 x 3.26 |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 | |
| Firing Order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 |
| Cylinder Number System (Left) | 1-3-5-7 | 1-3-5-7 | 1-3-5-7 |
| Cylinder Number System (Right) | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium | Premium | Premium |
1965 Corvette Manual Transmission/Gear Ratios
Manual Transmission
| Gear Ratios | 3-Speed |
4-Speed (RPO M20)
|
4-Speed Close Ratio (RPO M20)
|
|
Standard
|
for 250HP and 300HP engines
|
for 365HP and 375HP engines
|
|
|
1st Gear:
|
2.58:1
|
2.56:1
|
2.20:1
|
|
2nd Gear:
|
1.48:1
|
1.91:1
|
1.64:1
|
|
3rd Gear:
|
1.00:1
|
1.48:1
|
1.28:1
|
|
4th Gear:
|
N/A
|
1.00:1
|
1.00:1
|
|
Reverse:
|
2.58:1
|
2.64:1
|
2.27:1
|
Clutch
| Clutch | Stats |
| Type | Chevrolet, single disk, dry plate, centrifugally assisted |
| Spring Pressure (lbs) | 2100 – 2300 (2300 – 2600 with RPO L78) |
| Lining area (sq. in.) | 90.7 |
Powerglide Automatic Transmission RPO M35/ Gear Ratios
| Drive | 1.76 to 1.00:1 |
| Low | 1.76:1 |
| Reverse | 1.76:1 |
1965 Corvette Wheels, Suspension & Brakes
Suspension – Front
Type and Description: Independent, SLA type with coil spring and concentric shock absorber, and spherically-jointed steering knuckle, for each wheel.
| Front Coil Springs | |
| Make & Type | Right-hand Helix Variable rate |
| Material | AISI A-5160, heat-treated |
| Part Number | 3851100 |
| Spring Rate (lb. per in.) | 195 lb. per in. |
| Rate at Wheel (lb. per in.) | 80 lb. per in. |
| Design Load | 1340 lb. @ 8.56 in. |
| Front Shock Absorbers | |
| Make & Type | Direct, double-acting, hydraulic; freon filled envelope in reservoir |
| Piston diameter | 1.00 |
| Piston travel | 5.25 |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | |
| Type | Link |
| Material | Hot rolled steel |
| Diameter | 0.750 |
Suspension – Back
Type and Description: Full independant with frame-anchored differential. Locus of each wheel established by 3 links: universally-jointed axle drive shaft and adjacent strut, and torque control arm pivoted at frame side rail. Vertical suspension loads taken by shock absorbers and transversely-positioned leaf spring. Built-in camber adjustment at struts.
| Rear Leaf Springs | |
| Number of Leaves | 9 |
| Material | Chrome carbon steel |
| Length, width, height | 46.36 x 2.25 x 2.121 |
| Rear Strut | |
| Material | Forged Steel |
| Diameter | 0.75 |
Brakes
| Brake Specs | |
| Type: | – |
| – Standard | Caliper Disk – 4 Wheel Hydraulic |
| – J50 | Powered Brakes |
| Drum diameter, front (in.): | 11.75 |
| Drum diameter, rear (in.): | 11.75 |
| Swept Drum Area Effective area: | 461.2 |
Wheels & Tires
| Wheels & Tires Specs | |
| Wheel Type: | |
| – Standard | Short spoke spider, steel |
| – P48 | Ribbed integral casting, aluminum, quick take-off |
| Wheels, size: | |
| – Standard | 15″ x 5.5K |
| – P48 | 15″ x 6L |
| Tire, size: | |
| – Standard | 7.75 x 15 — 4 PR. 4-Ply Tubeless Rayon |
| – P91 | 7.75 x 15 — 4 PR. 4-Ply Blackwall Nylon |
| – P92 | 7.75 x 15 — 4 PR. 4-Ply Whitewall Rayon |
| – T01 | 7.75 x 15 — 4 PR. 4-Ply Goldwall Nylon |
| Inflation (cold) | |
| – Front | 24 lbs. |
| – Rear | 24 lbs. |
Steering
| Steering Specs | |
| Type | Semi-reversible, recirculating ball and nut steering gear with three-inch axial column adjustment |
| Make | Saginaw |
| Ratio (Gear) | 16.0:1 |
| Wheel Diameter (in.) | 16 |
| Turns, Stop to Stop | |
| – Standard | 3.4 |
| – Power | 2.92 |
| Turning Diameter (curb to curb) | 39.9 ft. (outside front), 41.6 ft. (outside front) |
1965 Corvette Exterior Dimensions
Hard Top Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions (Hardtop) | Interior Dimensions (Hardtop) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 98.0 Inches | Headroom: | 38.5 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 175.3 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 48.4 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 69.6 Inches | Hip Room: | 50.9 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 49.3 Inches | Leg Room: | 42.7 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 56.3 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 57.0 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 5.0 Inches | ||
Soft Top Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions (Soft Top) | Interior Dimensions (Soft Top) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 98.0 Inches | Headroom: | 38.5 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 175.1 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 48.4 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 69.6 Inches | Hip Room: | 50.9 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 49.8 Inches | Leg Room: | 42.7 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 56.8 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 57.6 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 5.0 Inches | ||
Coupe Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions (Coupe) | Interior Dimensions (Coupe) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 98.0 Inches | Headroom: | 37.0 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 175.1 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 48.4 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 69.6 Inches | Hip Room: | 50.9 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 49.6 Inches | Leg Room: | 42.7 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 56.8 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 57.6 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 5.0 Inches | ||
Capacities
| Capacities | |
| Passenger Capacity | 2 – Driver & Passenger |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,145 |
| – Convertible | 3,153 |
| – Convertible (with hardtop) | 3,135 |
| Interior Passenger Volume (cu. ft) | – |
| Interior Trunk Volume (cu. ft) | – |
| – Convertible | 8.1 |
| – Coupe | 10.6 |
| Engine Oil Capacity (qts.): | 20 (36 with RPO N03) |
| – Standard and L75 engines | 4 (capacity of crankcase less filter – refill) |
| – L76, L78, L79, and L84 engines | 5 (capacity of crankcase less filter – refill) |
| Coolant capacity without heater (qts.) | 19.0 (22.0 with L78 engine) |
| Battery: | 12 volt, 61AH |
1965 Corvette Performance Results
| Performance Results | Standard | L75 | L79 |
| (3.36 Axle) | (3.36 Axle) | (3.70 Axle) | |
| 3-Speed Transmission | |||
| Performance weight (lbs.) | 3439 | 3440 | 3436 |
| Pounds/gross horsepower | 13.76 | 11.47 | 9.82 |
| Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement | 10.52 | 10.52 | 10.51 |
| Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement | .765 | .917 | 1.070 |
| Power displacement (cu.ft./mile) | 241.62 | 241.62 | 266.07 |
| Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile) | 140.52 | 140.47 | 154.87 |
| 0 – 60 mph (seconds) | – | – | – |
| Top Speed (mph) | – | – | – |
| 4-Speed Transmission | |||
| Performance weight (lbs.) | 3441 | 3442 | 3438 |
| Pounds/gross horsepower | 13.64 | 11.47 | 9.82 |
| Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement | 10.52 | 10.53 | 10.51 |
| Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement | .765 | .917 | 1.070 |
| Power displacement (cu.ft./mile) | 241.62 | 241.62 | 266.07 |
| Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile) | 140.43 | 140.39 | 154.78 |
| 0 – 60 mph (seconds) | – | 7.8 | 6.2 |
| Top Speed (mph) | – | 124 | 130 |
| Powerglide Transmission | |||
| Performance weight (lbs.) | 3463 | 3463 | – |
| Pounds/gross horsepower | 13.85 | 11.54 | – |
| Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement | 10.59 | 10.59 | – |
| Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement | .765 | .917 | – |
| Power displacement (cu.ft./mile) | 241.62 | 241.62 | – |
| Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile) | 139.58 | 139.58 | – |
| 0 – 60 mph (seconds) | – | – | – |
| Top Speed (mph) | – | – | – |
| Performance Results | L76 | L84 | L78 |
| (3.70 Axle) | (3.70 Axle) | (3.70 Axle) | |
| 4-Speed Transmission | |||
| Performance weight (lbs.) | 3431 | 3448 | 3706 |
| Pounds/gross horsepower | 9.40 | 9.19 | 8.72 |
| Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement | 10.49 | 10.54 | 9.36 |
| Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement | 1.162 | 1.15 | 1.07 |
| Power displacement (cu.ft./mile) | 266.07 | 266.07 | 301.32 |
| Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile) | 155.14 | 154.33 | 162.61 |
| 0 – 60 mph (seconds) | – | – | 5.4 |
| Top Speed (mph) | – | – | 152.5 |
