1962 Corvette Fact Sheet
1962 Corvette Facts, Figures, and Specifications
The 1962 Corvette, now with the new 327 CID V-8, had only four engine choices: 250, 300, 340, and 360 horsepower. This was a wise move from a manufacturing, service and sales point of view.
Corvette for 1962 – Bigger Engines with Much More Power!
Big news was the adoption of the new Chevrolet 327 CID small block V-8, the first major engine change at Corvette since the introduction of the 283 CID V-8 in 1955! Horsepower was way up!
General Year Information – 1962 Corvette Facts
The new 327 CID V-8 replaced the venerable 283 CID engine, though externally it remained the same size. Now, Only four engine choices were available: Base 250, 300, 340 and 360 HP. This helped streamline manufacturing, maintenance, and sales.
1962 was the last solid-rear-axle suspension Corvette. Stainless rocker panel trim was seen for the first time, and exposed headlights would be the last until 2005. This was the last Corvette model to offer a power convertible top as an option with this now being standard.
Rare options for 1962: RPO 488 24-gallon fuel tank, RPO 687 heavy-duty brakes and steering, RPO 473 power convertible top, RPO 276 15″×5.5″ wheels.
1962 Corvette Factoids
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Displacement of the V-8 increased from 283 CID to 327 CID – rated at 250 HP in the base single 4-barrel carburetor version. Hydraulic valve lifters were used in the 250 and 300 HP versions, solid lifters in the optional carbureted 340 HP and fuel-injected 360 HP units. Dual 4-barrel carbureted engines were no longer available. See the Corvette Brochure HERE.
1962 Corvette Facts – Models Offered
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The most noticeable external changes for 1962 were the removal of the side cove chrome, a blacked-out grille with no “teeth” or chrome mesh, and a ribbed chrome rocker panel molding. Standard features included: electric clock; dual exhaust; tach; heater and defroster; seat belts; outside rearview mirror and windshield washer.
The steel wheels were available in black, beige, red, silver or maroon for this year. The last time buyers had a choice of wheel colors was in 1957. In following years, wheels would be offered in only a single color. Exterior colors were: Tuxedo Black, Fawn Beige, Roman Red, Ermine White, Almond Beige, Sateen Silver and Honduras Maroon. For the first time since 1955, Corvettes were offered in solid colors only – even the cove was body color.
1962 Corvette Facts – Engines
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Base V-8. (Code “RC” & “SC”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio:10.50:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 350 @ 2800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 300 degrees, Exhaust: 300 degrees (includes hydraulic cam ramps), Lift: 0.3987″. Overlap 28 degrees. Carburetor: (Early Auto Trans) Carter AFB 3190S PN 3788245, (Late All) Carter AFB 3191S PN 3828246.
Optional Four Barrel V-8. (RPO 583) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio:10.50:1. Horsepower: 300 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 360 @ 3200 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 300 degrees, Exhaust: 300 degrees (includes hydraulic cam ramps), Lift: 0.3987″. Overlap 28 degrees. Carburetor: (Auto Trans) Carter AFB 3310S PN 3819207 (Manual Trans) Carter AFB 3296S PN 3797699.
340 HP Optional V-8. (RPO 396) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 11.25:1. Horsepower: 340 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 344 @ 4000 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287 degrees, Exhaust: 287 degrees, Lift: 0.3997″. Overlap 66 degrees. 4-barrel Carburetor: Carter AFB 3296S PN 3797699.
NOTE: Not available with automatic transmission.
Optional Fuel Injection V-8. (RPO 582) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 327 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 11.25:1. Horsepower: 360 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 352 @ 4000 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287 degrees, Exhaust: 287 degrees, Lift: 0.3997″. Overlap 66 degrees. Fuel Injected: Rochester (Early) 7017355 (Late) 7017360.
Engine ID Suffixes were as follows: ‘
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- “RC” – 250 HP manual transmission with 4-barrel carburetor
- RD” – 300 HP manual transmission with 4-barrel carburetor
- RE” – 340 HP manual transmission with 4-barrel carburetor
- RF” – 360 HP manual transmission with Fuel Injection
- SC” – 250 HP Powerglide transmission with 4-barrel carburetor
- SD” – 300 HP Powerglide transmission with 4-barrel carburetor
NOTE: Both three and four-speed manual transmission fitment used the same engine code suffixes.
1962 Corvette Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 102.00″
- Overall length: 177.70″
- Front tread: 57.00″
- Rear tread: 59.00″
- Tires: 6.70 x 15 – tubeless
1962 Corvette Facts – Engine Options
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- V-8 327 cubic inch 300 horsepower four-barrel carb. engine ($53.80)
- V-8 327 cubic inch 340 horsepower four-barrel carb. engine ($107.60).
- V-8 327 cubic inch 360 horsepower fuel-injection engine ($484.00).
1962 Corvette Facts – Power Train Options
- Transmission
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission Standard. First: 2.47:1, Second: 1.53:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.80:1
- Four-Speed Manual Transmission – Optional. First: 2.20:1, Second: 1.66:1, Third 1.31:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.26:1
- Two-Speed Powerglide Transmission – Optional. Low: 3.82:1-1.82:1, Direct 1.82:1- 1:1. Reverse: 1.82:1.
- Rear Axle
- Manual Transmission. Three Speed: 3.36 (11-37) Four-speed: 3.70:1 (10-37)
- Powerglide Transmission: 3.36:1 (11-37)
1962 Corvette Facts – Significant Options
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- Three-speed manual floor shift transmission was standard.
- Four Speed manual floor shift transmission ($188.00).
- Automatic transmission ($199.00).
- Direct flow exhaust system (no charge).
- Metallic brakes ($37.70)
- Positive traction rear axle ($43.05).
- RPO 687 Heavy-duty brakes & suspension ($333.60). Please see AMA Specifications Sheet page 16 for complete information on this option.
- Special 15 x 5.5 inch wheels (no cost).
- Available rear axle gear ratios 3.70:1, 4.11:1, 4.56:1.
1962 Corvette Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will appear below. Click to Download:
1962 Corvette 8.5 x 11.0 Print Ads
1962 Corvette AMA Specifications Sheets
1962 Fuel Injected Corvette Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1962 Fuel Injected Corvette Road Test – Hot Rod Magazine
1962 Fuel Injected Corvette Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1962 Fuel Injected Corvette Road Test – Sports Car Graphic Magazine
1962 Corvette XP-755 “Shark” Concept Exposed – Car Life Magazine
1962 Corvette Facts – 1962 Corvette Production Figures
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- Corvette Series Number: 800
- Corvette Body Number: 867
- Body Style: 2-Door Convertible – 2 Passenger
- Factory Base Price: $4,038.00
- Shipping Weight : 2,905 lbs.
- Total Production: 14,531
1962 Corvette Facts – Related Images
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1962 Corvette Resources
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1962 Corvette Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1962 Corvette:
900 Tuxedo Black | |
920 Fawn Beige | |
923 Roman Red | |
936 Ermine White | |
938 Almond Beige | |
940 Sateen Silver | |
948 Honduras Maroon |
1962 Corvette Facts – Related Images
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