The arrival of the 1974 Chevy Corvette occurred during an abysmal period in automotive history. The period in question actually began in October 1973 when OAPEC, (the Arab members of OPEC (the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) plus Egypt, Syria, and Tunisia) proclaimed an oil embargo against the United States after the United States came to the aid of the Israelis during a military altercation between Egypt, Syria, and Israel.
Read More: 1974 Chevrolet Corvette Research Center
1974 Corvette Specifications
1974 Corvette Main Specs
| MODEL: | 1974 Chevrolet Corvette |
| BODY STYLE: | Two-door convertible/coupe, front engine, rear wheel drive |
| MANUFACTURING LOCATION: | St. Louis, Missouri |
| CONSTRUCTION: | Uniconstruction: fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP or “fiberglass”) body, backboned by a steel cage outlining the passenger compartment. Principal members – underbody, front and rear end assemblies, dash panel and hinge pillars are bonded, riveted, or bolted together and to each other. Hood is plastic with bonded plastic reinforcement. Coupe: two removable roof panels and removable rear window. Frame: all welded, full length, ladder construction with 5 crossmembers. Side Rails and intermediate crossmembers box section; front crossmember box girder section. Eight body-mounting points. |
| VEHICLE NUMBERS (VIN): |
1Z37J4S400001 – 1Z37J4S434464
|
| ENGINE SUFFIX: | CKZ: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL CLA: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC CLB: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL, CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS CLC: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC, CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS CLD: 350 CUBIC INCH, 250 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC CLH: 350 CUBIC INCH, 250 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC, CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS CLR: 350 CUBIC INCH, 250 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL CLS: 350 CUBIC INCH, 250 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL, CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS CWM: 454 CUBIC INCH, 270 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL CWR: 454 CUBIC INCH, 270 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC CWS: 454 CUBIC INCH, 270 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC, CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS CWT: 454 CUBIC INCH, 270 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL, CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS |
| ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER: | 3970010: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195 HP, 250HP 3999289: 454 CUBIC INCH, 270HP |
| HEAD NUMBER: | 333881: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195HP 333882: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195HP, 250HP 336781: 454 CUBIC INCH, 270HP |
| CARBURETOR NUMBERS: | ROCHESTER Q-jet #7044221: 454 CUBIC INCH, 270HP, MANUAL TRANSMISSION ROCHESTER Q-jet #7044206: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195HP, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ROCHESTER Q-jet #7044207: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195HP, MANUAL TRANSMISSION ROCHESTER Q-jet #7044210: 350 CUBIC INCH, 250HP, MANUAL TRANSMISSION ROCHESTER Q-jet #7044211: 350 CUBIC INCH, 250HP, MANUAL TRANSMISSION ROCHESTER Q-jet #7044225: 454 CUBIC INCH, 270HP, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ROCHESTER Q-jet #7044505: 454 CUBIC INCH, 270HP, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS ROCHESTER Q-jet #7044506: 350 CUBIC INCH, 250HP, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS |
| DISTRIBUTOR NUMBER: | 1112114: 454 CUBIC INCH, 270HP 1112526: 454 CUBIC INCH, 270HP 1112150: 350 CUBIC INCH, 250HP 1112247: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195HP 1112544: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195HP MANUAL, CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS 1112850: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195HP MANUAL, CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS 1112851: 350 CUBIC INCH, 195HP AUTOMATIC, CALIFORNIA |
| ALTERNATOR NUMBER: | 1100544: 350, 454 CUBIC INCH, AIR CONDITIONING 1100950: 350, 454 CUBIC INCH 1102353: 454 CUBIC INCH |
| AXLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER | AA: 3.55:1 RATIO AB: 3.70:1 RATIO AC: 4.11:1 RATIO AW: 3.08:1 RATIO AX: 3.36:1 RATIO LR: 3.36:1 RATIO |
| PRODUCTION ENDING VEHICLE: | AUG., 1973: 401250, DEC., 1973: 412830, APR., 1974: 425751, AUG., 1974: 433257, SEP.. 1973: 404111, JAN., 1974: 416184, MAY, 1974: 429602, SEP., 1974: 437251, OCT., 1973: 407605, FEB., 1974: 419258, JUNE., 1974: 433257, OCT., 1974: 437502, NOV., 1973: 410813, MAR., 1974: 422367, JULY, 1974: 433257 |
1974 Corvette Powertrain Specifications
| Order Code | Standard | L82 | LS4 |
| 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) | 350 | 350 | 454 |
| Fuel Induction System | 4-Barrel Carburetor | 4-Barrel Carburetor | 4-Barrel Carburetor |
| Horsepower | 195 @ 4,400 | 250 @ 5,200 | 270 @ 4,400 |
| Torque | 275 @ 2,800 | 285 @ 4,000 | 380 @ 2,800 |
| Bore x Stroke (in.) | 4.00 x 3.48 | 4.00 x 3.48 | 4.251 x 4.00 |
| Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 | 8.25:1 |
| Valve Lifters | Hydraulic | Mechanical | Hydraulic |
| 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 |
1974 Corvette Manual Transmission/Gear Ratios
Manual Transmission
| Gear Ratios |
4-Speed
|
4-Speed Close Ratio (RPO M21)
|
|
1st Gear:
|
2.52:1
|
2.20:1
|
|
2nd Gear:
|
1.88:1
|
1.64:1
|
|
3rd Gear:
|
1.46:1
|
1.27:1
|
|
4th Gear:
|
1.00:1
|
1.00:1
|
|
Reverse:
|
2.59:1
|
2.26:1
|
Clutch
| Clutch | Stats |
| Type | Single Dry Disk Centrifugal (Dual Dry Disk for LT1) |
| Spring Pressure (lbs) | 2450 – 2750 (2900 – 3100 for LT1) |
| Lining area (sq. in.) | 123.7 (207.06 for LT1) |
Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission RPO M40/ Gear Ratios
| Gear | Drive | L2 | L1 | Reverse |
| 1st Gear | 2.48:1 | 2.48:1 | 2.48:1 | N/A |
| 2nd Gear | 1.48:1 | 1.48:1 | N/A | N/A |
| 3rd Gear | 1.00:1 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Reverse | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2.08 |
1974 Corvette Wheels, Suspension & Brakes
Suspension – Front
Type and Description: Independent, SLA type, coil springs with center mounted shock absorbers, spherical joint steering knuckle pivots.
| Front Coil Springs | |
| Make & Type | Coil |
| Material | Steel Alloy |
| Size | 10.27 x 3.80; 130.84 x 0.606 |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | |
| Type | Link |
| Material | Hot rolled steel |
| Diameter | .8125 with 350ci engine, .875 with 454ci engine |
Suspension – Back
Type and Description: Full Independent rear suspension with frame-anchored differential unit. Position of each wheel established by three links: tubular axle drive shafts, transverse strut rods, torque control arms. Vertical suspension loads taken by transverse leaf springs. Built-in camber adjustment at strut rod inner ends.
| Rear Leaf Springs | |
| Number of Leaves | Variable rate 9-leaf |
| Material | Chrome carbon steel |
| Length, width, height | 48.60 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 | Delco Moraine, vacuum power unit; integral |
| Drum diameter, front (in.): | 11.75 x 1.25 |
| Drum diameter, rear (in.): | 11.75 x 1.25 |
| Swept Drum Area Effective area: | 639.4 |
Wheels & Tires
| Wheels & Tires Specs | |
| Wheel Type: | |
| – Standard | Short spoke spider, welded steel |
| Wheels, size: | |
| – Standard | 15″ x 8.00 |
| Tire, size: | |
| – Standard | GR70 x 15 — Blackwall Steel Belted Radial |
| – QRM | GR70 x 15 — White Stripe Steel Belted Radial |
| – QRZ | GR70 x 15 — White Letter Steel Belted Radial |
| Inflation (cold) | |
| – Front | 20 psi (cold), 30 psi (hot) |
| – Rear | 20 psi (cold), 30 psi (hot) |
Steering
| Steering Specs – Manual Steering | |
| Type | Semi-reversible gear with ball-nut driven by recirculating anti-friction bearings, energy-absorbing steering column, steering damper attached to relay rod; two position steering knuckle arm attachment for street and fast ratio steering. Adjustable steering column available optionally. |
| Make | Saginaw |
| Ratio (Street) | 20.2:1 |
| Ratio (Fast) | 17.6:1 |
| Wheel Diameter (in.) | 16 |
| Turns, Stop to Stop | |
| – Street | 3.4 |
| – Fast | 2.92 |
| Turning Diameter | 37 ft. (outside front), 39 ft. (outside front) |
| Steering Specs – Power Steering RPO N40 | |
| Type | (Specifications are the same as Manual Steering except the following): |
| Description | Hydraulic; pump powered cylinder assisted linkage |
| Gear Ratio | 16:1 |
| Overall Ratio | 17.6:1 |
| Wheel Turns (Lock to Lock) | 2.92 |
1974 Corvette Exterior Dimensions
Hard Top Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions (Hardtop) | Interior Dimensions (Hardtop) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 98.0 Inches | Headroom: | 36.0 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 185.5 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 47.9 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 69.2 Inches | Hip Room: | 48.8 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 47.8 Inches | Leg Room: | 42.1 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 58.7 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 59.5 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 4.2 Inches | ||
Soft Top Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions (Soft Top) | Interior Dimensions (Soft Top) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 98.0 Inches | Headroom: | 38.3 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 182.5 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 46.9 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 69.0 Inches | Hip Room: | 48.8 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 47.9 Inches | Leg Room: | 43.0 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 58.7 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 59.4 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 4.5 Inches | ||
Coupe Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions (Coupe) | Interior Dimensions (Coupe) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 98.0 Inches | Headroom: | 37.2 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 185.5 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 46.9 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 69.0 Inches | Hip Room: | 48.8 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 47.7 Inches | Leg Room: | 43.0 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 58.7 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 59.5 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 4.2 Inches | ||
Capacities
| Capacities | |
| Passenger Capacity | 2 – Driver & Passenger |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,396 |
| Interior Passenger Volume (cu. ft) | – |
| Interior Trunk Volume (cu. ft) | 20 |
| Fuel Capacity (gallons): | 4.0 for 350ci. engines (capacity of crankcase less filter – refill) 5.0 for 454ci engines (capacity of crankcase less filter – refill) |
| Coolant capacity without heater (qts.) | 18 for RPO LT1 engine 22 for 454ci. engine |
| Battery: | 12 Volt, 62AH for 350ci. engines 12 Volt, 80AH for 454ci. engines |
1974 Corvette Performance Results
|
4-Speed Transmission
|
Standard
|
LT1 | LS5 |
|
Performance weight (lbs.)
|
3605 | 3630 | 3827 |
|
Pounds/gross horsepower
|
18.02 | 14.23 | 14.17 |
|
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement
|
10.30 | 10.37 | 8.43 |
|
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement
|
.571 | .728 | .771 |
|
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile)
|
255.55 | 270.00 | 303.86 |
|
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile)
|
141.97 | 148.35 | 159.09 |
|
0 – 60 mph (seconds)
|
8.5 | – | – |
|
Top Speed (mph)
|
– | – | – |
|
Quarter Mile (secs @ mph)
|
15.2 @ 83 | – | 14.7 @ 93 |
Hello Cameron,
I enjoyed the trip down memory lane checking out the the 74′ Vette. Back in April of 1974 I was a 20 year old young man that loved cars and had to decide between a Z28 and a L82 Corvette. The Z won out-and I have it to this day. I have one correction- the 1974 L82 did not have mechanical valve lifters, it had a flat tappet hydraulic cam. Same exact engine as the 1974 Z28 Camaro. The solid lifters were done away with after 1972 in the Corvette and Z28.
Best Regards,
Mike