Chevrolet Introduced the Corvette in 1953
By the late 1950s, 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.
For more: 1961 Corvette Research Guide
1961 Corvette Specifications
1961 Corvette Main Specs
MODEL: | 1961 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): | 10867S100001 – 10867S110939 |
VIN PREFIX: | CQ: 4-BARREL CARBURETOR, 283 CUBIC INCH, 230 HP, MANUAL TRANS CR: FUEL INJECTION, 283 CUBIC INCH, 275 HP, MANUAL TRANS CS: FUEL INJECTION & SPECIAL CAMSHAFT, 283 CUBIC INCH, 315 HP, MANUAL TRANS CT: 2×4-BARREL CARBURETOR, 283 CUBIC INCH, 245 HP, MANUAL TRANS CU: 2×4-BARREL CARBURETOR & SPECIAL CAM, 283 CUBIC INCH, 270 HP, MANUAL TRANS DG: POWERGLIDE & 4-BARREL CARB, 283 CUBIC INCH, 230 HORS, AUTOMATIC TRANS DJ: POWERGLIDE & 2×4 BARREL CARB, 283 CUBIC INCH, 245 HP, AUTOMATIC TRANS |
ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER: | 3756519, 3789935 (LATE PRODUCTION) |
HEAD NUMBER: | 3774692:283 CUBIC INCH, 230HP, 245HP, 270HP 3782461: 283 CUBIC INCH, 275HP, 315HP |
CARBURETOR NUMBERS: | CARTER 2613S #3741089: 283 CUBIC INCH, 270HP, FRONT CARBURETOR, FIRST DESIGN CARTER 2614S #3741090: 283 CUBIC INCH, 270HP, REAR CARBURETOR CARTER 2626S #3744002: 283 CUBIC INCH, 245HP, FRONT CARBURETOR, FIRST DESIGN CARTER 2627S #3744004: 283 CUBIC INCH, 245HP, REAR CARBURETOR CARTER 3059S #3779178: 283 CUBIC INCH, 230HP CARTER 3181S #3785554: 283 CUBIC INCH, 245HP, FRONT CARBURETOR, SECOND DESIGN CARTER 3182S #3779178: 283 CUBIC INCH, 270HP, FRONT CARBURETOR, SECOND DESIGN |
FUEL INJECTION NUMBER: | ROCHESTER 7017310: 283 CUBIC INCH, 275HP ROCHESTER 7017320: 283 CUBIC INCH, 315HP |
DISTRIBUTOR NUMBER: | 1110891: 283 CUBIC INCH, 245HP, 270HP 1110914: 283 CUBIC INCH, 315HP 1110915: 283 CUBIC INCH, 275HP 1110946: 283 CUBIC INCH, 230HP |
GENERATOR NUMBER: | 1102043: 283 CUBIC INCH, 230HP, 245HP, 270HP, 275HP 1102173: 283 CUBIC INCH, 315HP, FIRST DESIGN 1102268: 283 CUBIC INCH, 315HP, SECOND DESIGN |
AXLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER | AC: 3-SPD MANUAL TRANSMISSION, (3.36:1 RATIO) AE: POWERGLIDE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, (3.55:1 RATIO) AF: LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL, (3.36:1 RATIO) AH: 4-SPD MANUAL TRANSMISSION, (3.70:1 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: 3-SPD MANUAL TRANSMISSION, HEAVY DUTY SUSPENSION AND BRAKES, (3.70:1 RATIO) AT: POWERGLIDE AUTOMATIC TRANS., HEAVY DUTY SUSPENSION AND BRAKES, (4.11:1 RATIO) AU: LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL, HEAVY DUTY SUSPENSION AND BRAKES, (4.56:1 RATIO) FJ: 4-SPD MANUAL TRANSMISSION, HEAVY DUTY SUSPENSION AND BRAKES, (3.70:1 RATIO) FK: LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL, HEAVY DUTY SUSPENSION AND BRAKES, (3.70:1 RATIO) FL: LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL, HEAVY DUTY SUSPENSION AND BRAKES, (4.11:1 RATIO) FM: LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL, HEAVY DUTY SUSPENSION AND BRAKES (4.56:1 RATIO) |
PRODUCTION ENDING VEHICLE: | SEP. 1960: 101052, OCT. 1960: 102301, NOV. 1960: 103355, DEC. 1960:104306, JAN. 1961: 105203, FEB. 1961: 105966, MAR. 1961: 106889, APR. 1961: 107804, MAY 1961: 108960, JUN. 1961: 110160, JUL. 1961: 110939 |
1961 Corvette Powertrain Specifications
Description | 4-barrel Carb | Dual 4-barrel Carburetor | Dual Carb w. Special Cam | Fuel Injection |
Fuel Inj w. Special Cam |
Name | 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 | 275hp @ 5,200 | 315hp @ 6,200 |
Torque (lbs.-ft. @ rpm): | 300 @ 3,000 | 300 @ 3,800 | 285 @ 4,200 | 305 @ 4,400 | 295 @ 4,700 |
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 | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
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 | 785 | 775 | 775 | ||
3 Speed Manual | 670 | 655 | 655 | 673 | 673 |
4 Speed Manual | 677 | 665 | 665 | 685 | 685 |
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 Powerglide | -14 City / 18 Hwy | – | – | – | – |
EPA 4 Speed | – | – | 13 City / 19 Hwy | – | 11 City / 17 Hwy |
Fuelie (Fuel Injected) Engine Component Specifications
Description | (RPO 579 275hp) | (RPO 579D 315hp) |
Upper Compression Ring: | – | – |
Material | Cast alloy iron | Cast alloy iron |
Width | .184 -.194 | .184 – .194 |
Thickness | 0770 – .0780 | 0770 – .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 |
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 | 1.87 | |
-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 | Aluminum cross flow | Aluminum cross flow |
Frontal Area (sq. in) | 315.4 | 315.4 |
Capacity | 16.5 qts. with heater | 16.5 qts. with heater |
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 | 3779178 | – | – |
-front | – | 3744002 or 3785554 | 3741089 or 3779178 |
-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 |
Type | Semi-centrifugal | Semi-centrifugal | Semi-centrifugal |
Air Cleaner: | – | – | – |
Make and Type | AC oil wetted | AC oil wetted | AC oil wetted |
Capacity | – | – | – |
Filter Element | Foam Plastic | Foam Plastic | Foam Plastic |
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 | 1.87 | 1.87 | 1.87 |
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 | Aluminum cross flow | Aluminum cross flow | Aluminum cross flow |
Frontal Area (sq. in) | 315.4 | 315.4 | 315.4 |
Capacity | 16.5 qts. with heater | 16.5 qts. with heater | 16.5 qts. with heater |
Manual Transmission / Gear Ratios
Gear | 3-Speed Close Ratio | 4-Speed (RPO 685) | |
1st Gear: | 2.47:1 | 2.20:1 | |
2nd Gear: | 1.53:1 | 1.66:1 | |
3rd Gear: | 1.00:1 | 1.31:1 | |
4th Gear: | N/A | 1.00:1 | |
Reverse: | 2.80:1 | 2.26:1 |
Clutch | Stats |
Type | semi-centrifugal, coil spring |
Number of coil springs | 9 |
Spring Pressure (lbs) | 1620 initial |
Drive | Lug |
Lining area (sq. in.) | 90.72 |
Rated Torque capacity (lb. ft) | 326 |
Powerglide Automatic Transmission RPO 313/ Gear Ratios
Drive | 1.82-1.00:1 |
Low | 1.82:1 |
Reverse | 1.82:1 |
1961 Corvette Exterior Dimensions
Exterior Dimensions | Hardtop |
Wheelbase: | 102 Inches |
Overall Length: | 176.7 Inches |
Total Body Width: | 70.4 Inches |
Overall Height: | 52.1 Inches |
Front Track Width: | 57 Inches |
Rear Track Width: | 59 Inches |
Min. Ground Clearance | 6.7 Inches |
Interior Dimensions | Hardtop |
Headroom: | 36.9 Inches |
Shoulder Room: | 49.4 Inches |
Hip Room: | 59.6 Inches |
Leg Room: | 46.4 Inches |
Exterior Dimensions | Softtop |
Wheelbase: | 102 Inches |
Overall Length: | 176.7 Inches |
Total Body Width: | 70.4 Inches |
Overall Height: | 52.2 Inches |
Front Track Width: | 57 Inches |
Rear Track Width: | 59 Inches |
Min. Ground Clearance | 6.7 Inches |
Interior Dimensions | Softtop |
Headroom: | 37.1 Inches |
Shoulder Room: | 49.4 Inches |
Hip Room: | 59.6 Inches |
Leg Room: | 46.4 Inches |
Capacities | Specs |
Passenger Capacity: | 2 Passengers |
Curb Weight (LBS/KG): | – |
-Manual | 3,035 (3-speed) |
-Automatic | 3,135 |
Interior Passenger Volume (cu.ft): | – |
Interior Trunk Volume (cu. ft): | 12.09 |
Fuel Capacity (gallons): | 16.4 (24 with RPO 1625) |
Engine Oil Capacity (qts.): | 5 (capacity of crankcase less filter – refill) |
Coolant Capacity (qts.): | 16.5 (with heater) |
Battery: | 12 volt, 54-plate, 53AH, Delco 1980458 |
1961 Corvette Brakes, Wheels & Suspension
Suspension – Front
Unitized, Independant, Short and Long Arm
Front Springs: | Chevrolet, coil |
Make & Type | Chrome alloy steel .547 — .550 |
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 |
Suspension – Rear
Outrigger mounted semi-elliptical leaf springs
Rear Springs: | Specs |
Make & Type | Chevrolet, 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, Number 4 = .262, Total = 1.159 |
Capacity | At pad = 575 lb., At ground = 725 lb. |
Rear Shock Absorbers: | Specs |
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 x 7.44 |
Brakes: | Specs |
Type: | Servo – 4 Wheel Hydraulic (Heavy Duty, RPO 687) |
Power brake type: | None |
Drum diameter, front (in.): | 11 |
Drum diameter, rear (in.): | 11 |
Effective area (sq. in.): | 157 (Heavy Duty 114.6) |
Wheels/Tires | Specs |
Wheel Type (Standard): | Short Spoke Disk, Pressed Steel |
Tire Size | 6.70 — 15 — 4 Ply Tubeless (standard), 6.70 — 15 — 4 Ply Whitewall |
Front & Rear Wheels: | 15″ |
Tires, type: | Rayon Cord |
Revolutions at 30mph: | 760 |
Inflation (cold) | 24 lbs. Front & Rear |
Steering | Specs |
Type: | Semi-reversible worm and ball bearing sector |
Make: | Saginaw |
Ratio: | 16.0:1 |
Wheel Diameter (in): | 17 |
Turns, Stop to Start | 3.7 |
Turn Diameter (curb to curb) | 36.5 ft. right — 37 ft. left (outside front), 38.5 ft. right — 39 ft. left (outside front) |
1961 Corvette Performance
Performance Results | Standard | RPO 469 | RPO 469C | RPO 579 | RPO 579 |
3-Speed Transmission | |||||
Performance weight (lbs.) | 3335 | 3320 | 3320 | 3340 | 3340 |
Pounds/gross horsepower | 14.50 | 13.55 | 12.30 | 12.15 | 10.60 |
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement | 11.78 | 11.73 | 11.73 | 11.80 | 11.80 |
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement | .813 | .866 | .954 | .972 | 1.113 |
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile) | 230.3 | 230.3 | 230.3 | 230.3 | 230.3 |
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile) | 290.1 | 209.1 | 209.1 | 209.1 | 209.1 |
0 – 60 mph (seconds) | – | – | – | – | – |
Top Speed (mph) | – | – | – | – | – |
Powerglide Transmission | |||||
Performance weight (lbs.) | 3435 | 3420 | |||
Pounds/gross horsepower | 14.93 | 13.96 | |||
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement | 12.14 | 12.09 | |||
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement | .813 | .866 | |||
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile) | 220.9 | 220.9 | |||
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile) | 128.6 | 129.2 | |||
0 – 60 mph (seconds) | 7.7 | – | |||
Top Speed (mph) | 109 | – | |||
4-Speed Transmission | |||||
Performance weight (lbs.) | 3350 | 3335 | 3335 | 3335 | 3335 |
Pounds/gross horsepower | 14.57 | 13.61 | 12.35 | 12.20 | 10.65 |
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement | 11.84 | 11.78 | 11.78 | 11.86 | 11.86 |
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement | .813 | .866 | .954 | .972 | 1.113 |
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile) | 230.3 | 230.3 | 230.3 | 230.3 | 230.3 |
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile) | 137.5 | 138.1 | 138.1 | 137.3 | 137.3 |
0 – 60 mph (seconds) | – | – | 5.9 | – | 5.5 |
Top Speed (mph) | – | – | 131 | – | 128 |
See Also
C1 | ’53 | ‘54 | ’55 | ’56 | ’57 | ’58 | ’59 | ’60 | ’61 | ’62 |
Gen | C1 | C2 | C3 | C4 | C5 | C6 | C7 |