1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – Video
To improve handling, engineers designed an independent rear suspension that featured a rear axle with separate, U-joint-connected half shafts and a transverse leaf spring. Seeking to enhance the rigidity of the fiberglass-reinforced plastic body, a new hidden steel frame supported both roadster and coupe bodies. The main perimeter frame was redesigned to allow the engine and driver to be a bit farther back and lower in the car, resulting in improved balance and handling.All-new for 1962, the 327-cu.in. engines were carried over to the ’63 models with only minor changes that did not affect stated output. Corvette buyers had a choice of two relatively mild, carbureted engines rated at 250 or 300 hp or two more potent versions, the carbureted 340-hp L76 and the top-of-the-line fuel-injected, 360-hp L84–both solid-lifter engines.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
360 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
352 lb ft torque @ 4,000 RPM
1/4-mile: 14.9 seconds @ 95 MPH*
Specifications
PRICE
Base Price: $4,252.00
Price as Profiled: $5,969.70
Options on Car Profiled: Z06 Special Performance Equipment, $1,293.35; 36.5-gallon gas tank, $202.30; 6.70 x 15 white sidewall tires, $31.55; AM/FM radio, $174.35; tinted glass, $16.15
ENGINE
Type: Chevrolet “small-block” OHV V-8, cast-iron block and cylinder heads
Displacement: 326.7 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches
Compression Ratio: 11.25:1
Horsepower @ RPM: 360 @ 6,000
Torque @ RPM: 352-lb.ft. @ 4,000
Valvetrain: Solid valve lifters
Main Bearings: Five
Fuel System: Rochester mechanical fuel injection
Lubrication System: Full-pressure, gear-type pump
Electrical System: 12-volt
Exhaust System: Cast-iron exhaust manifolds, dual exhaust
TRANSMISSION
Type: Muncie M-20 four-speed manual
Ratios:
1st: 2.20:1
2nd: 1.64:1
3rd: 1.31:1
4th: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.27:1
DIFFERENTIAL
Type: Hypoid, semi-floating with Positraction
Ratio: 3.36:1
STEERING
Type: Saginaw recirculating ball
Ratio: 17.6:1 overall
Turns, Lock-to-Lock: 3.4
Turning Circle: 36 feet
BRAKES
Type: Hydraulic, power-assist with dual-circuit master cylinder
Front/Rear: Heavy-duty, finned 11.75-inch brake drums with Cerametalix-lined shoes
CHASSIS & BODY
Construction: Fiberglass-reinforced plastic body on box-section perimeter frame with five crossmembers
Body Style: Two-door, two-passenger coupe
Layout: Front engine, rear-wheel drive
SUSPENSION
Front: Independent; upper and lower A-arms with coil springs, tubular shock absorbers and 15/16-inch anti-roll bar
Rear: Independent; transverse leaf spring with tubular shock absorbers and radius rods connected to the axle half-shafts
WHEELS & TIRES
Wheels: Steel wheels with full chrome covers
Front/rear: 15 x 5.5 inches
Tires: Firestone Deluxe Champion
Front/rear: 6.70 x 15 inches
WEIGHTS & MEASURES
Wheelbase: 98 inches
Overall Length: 175.1 inches
Overall Width: 69.6 inches
Overall Height: 49.8 inches
Front Track: 56.3 inches
Rear Track: 57 inches
Curb Weight: 3,015 pounds
CAPACITIES
Crankcase: 5 quarts
Cooling System: 15.5 quarts (without heater)
Fuel Tank: 36.5 gallons
Transmission: 3 pints
Rear Axle: 4 pints
CALCULATED DATA
Bhp per cu.in.: 1.10
Weight per bhp: 8.38 pounds
Weight per cu.in.: 9.22 pounds
PRODUCTION
Chevrolet manufactured 21,513 Corvette Sting Rays in 1963, of which 10,594 were coupes, of which 199 were produced with the Z06 option package.
PERFORMANCE*
Acceleration
0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds
1/4-mile ET: 14.9 seconds @ 95 MPH