1960 Corvette Fact Sheet

1960 Corvette Facts, Figures, and Specifications

1960 Corvette Facts Specifications Information Data

For Corvette, on the engineering front, there were some changes to the 1960 version. A rear sway bar was added to the suspension that improved handling. Aluminum cylinder heads increased the horsepower over 1959, however they were withdrawn after service issues.

 

 

Corvette for 1960 – Staying the Course

Stylistically, the 1960 Corvette looked very similar to the previous year’s model. Some engineering and changes and improvements were made.

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General Year Information – 1960 Corvette

While the exterior was little changed, on the engineering front, improvements were significant for the 1960 model. A new rear suspension sway-bar improved the car’s handling. For the first time, all fuel-injection engines required manual transmission – the 250 HP V-8 could no longer be had with Powerglide.

Two new engines were offered  –  they had 11.0:1 compression ratio aluminum cylinder heads (and aluminum radiator) for the new 275 and 315 HP engines, but were later withdrawn when service problems surfaced. These engines were then reduced to 10.5:1 compression and HP reverted to the previous year’s numbers.

1960 Corvette Factoids

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The intent was to reduce weight to get closer to a 50/50 weight distribution. The heads saved 50 pounds, offered 11.0:1 compression ratio, and raised the HP to 275 and 315 depending on camshaft used. Unfortunately, in daily use, the heads tended to fail & were replaced with steel heads under warranty. See the 1960 Corvette AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.


A sway bar was added to the rear suspension, adding to car control and the tendency for the car to under steer in hard cornering. This change also precluded the need for “heavy duty suspension”. See the 1960 Corvette brochure HERE.

1960 Corvette Facts – Models Offered

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As in 1959, standard equipment included: tachometer; sun visors; dual exhaust; carpeting; outside rear view mirror and electric clock. Engine choices remained the same. Aluminum cylinder heads and radiator were offered initially, then withdrawn after service problems. A new rear suspension sway-bar improved the car’s handling.

Buyers could choose from eight exterior finishes: Tuxedo Black; Ermine White; Tasco Turquoise; Horizon Blue; Sateen Silver; Cascade Green; Roman Red, and Honduras Maroon. The cove was available in silver or white. Three colors of convertible tops were offered: black, white and blue.

50.1 percent of all Corvettes were sold with a detachable hardtop. 51.9 percent were equipped with a four-speed manual transmission. Briggs Cunningham fielded a team of Corvette racers in Le Mans in 1960. It is said that RPO 687 heavy duty suspension was created for this effort.

1960 Corvette Facts – Engines

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Base V-8. (Code “CQ” & “DG”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3000 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Lift: 0.3987″. Carburetor: (Late) Carter WCFB 2818S PN 3766676 (Early) Carter WCFB 3059S PN 3779178.

Two 4-Barrel V-8. (Code “CT” & “DJ”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 245 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Lift: 0.3987″. Overlap 28 degrees. 4-barrel Carburetors: Front: Carter WCFB 2626S PN 3744002. Rear: Carter WCFB 2627S PN 3744004.

Fuel Injection V-8. (Code “CR”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 275 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 305 @ 4400 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Lift: 0.3987″. Overlap 28 degrees. Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7017200. Late Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7017310.

Two 4-Barrel “Competition” V-8. (Code “CU”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 270 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 285 @ 4200 RPM Five main bearings. Solid lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287 degrees, Exhaust: 287 degrees, Lift: 0.3997″. Overlap 66 degrees. 4-barrel Carburetors: Front: Carter WCFB 2613S PN 3741089. Rear: Carter WCFB 2613S PN 3741090.

Fuel Injection “Competition” V-8. (Code “CY”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Aluminum Heads. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 275 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 305 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Solid Lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Lift: 0.3987″. Overlap 28 degrees. Fuel Injection Unit (Early) Rochester Model: 7017300. (Late) Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7017320.

Fuel Injection “Competition” V-8. (Code “CS”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: CS 10.50:1. Horsepower: 290 @ 6200 RPM. Torque: 290 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Solid Lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287 degrees, Exhaust: 287 degrees, Lift: 0.3997″. Overlap 66 degrees. Fuel Injection Unit (Early) Rochester Model: 7017300. (Late) Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7017320.

Fuel Injection “Competition” V-8. (Code “CZ”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Aluminum Heads. Compression ratio:  11.0:1. Horsepower: 315 @ 6200 RPM. Torque: 295 @ 4900 RPM. Five main bearings. Solid Lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 287 degrees, Exhaust: 287 degrees, Lift: 0.3997″. Overlap 66 degrees. Fuel Injection Unit (Early) Rochester Model: 7017300. (Late) Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7017320.

Engine ID Suffixes were as follows:

    • “CQ” – manual transmission with 4-barrel carburetor
    • “CR” – synchromesh with fuel injection
    • “CS” – Synchromesh with high-lift camshaft and fuel injection
    • “CT” – synchromesh with dual 4-barrel carburetors
    • “CU” – synchromesh with high-lift camshaft and dual 4-barrel carburetors
    • “CY” – synchromesh 275 HP with fuel injection & aluminum heads
    • “CZ” – synchromesh 315 HP with fuel injection high-lift camshaft & aluminum heads
    • “DG” – Powerglide transmission with 4-barrel carburetor
    • “DJ” – Powerglide and dual four-barrel carburetors.

1960 Corvette Facts – Chassis Features

    • Wheelbase: 102.00″
    • Overall length: 177.20″
    • Front tread: 57.00″
    • Rear tread: 59.00″
    • Tires: 6.70 x 15 – tubeless

1960 Corvette Facts – Significant Options

    • Additional Cove Color ($16.15)
    • Courtesy lights ($6.50).
    • Deluxe Heater ($102.25).
    • Detachable hardtop ($236.75).
    • Electric windows ($59.20).
    • Parking brake alarm ($5.40).
    • Power top ($139.90).
    • Signal-seeking transistor AM radio ($137.75).
    • Sunshades ($10.80)
    • Whitewall tires ($31.55).
    • Windshield washer ($16.15).

1960 Corvette Facts – Production Figures

    • Corvette Series Number: 800
    • Corvette Body Number: 867
    • Body Style: 2-Door Convertible –  2 Passenger
    • Factory Base Price: $3,872.00
    • Shipping Weight : 2,840 lbs.
    • Total Production: 10,261

1960 Corvette Facts – In Racing

Briggs Cunningham fielded a team of Corvette racers in Le Mans in 1960. It is said that RPO 687 heavy duty suspension was created for this effort.

1960 Corvette Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1960 Corvette:

 

  502A Horizon Blue
  503A Tuxedo Black
  504A Tasco Turquoise
  506A Roman Red
  509A Sateen Silver
  510A Ermine White
  517A Cascade Green
  523A Honduras Maroon

1960 Corvette Facts –
Current Market Values

 

1960 Corvette Facts – Engine Options

    • V-8 283 cubic inch 245 horsepower dual four-barrel carb. engine ($150.65).
    • V-8 283 cubic inch 270 horsepower dual four-barrel carb. engine with “Competition” camshaft ($182.95).
    • V-8 283 cubic inch 275 horsepower fuel-injection engine ($484.00).
    • V-8 283 cubic inch 290-315 horsepower fuel-injection engine with “Competition” camshaft ($484.00).

1960 Corvette Facts – Power Train

  • Transmissions
    • Three-Speed Manual Transmission: First: 2.2:1, Second: 1.32:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.51:1
    • Four-Speed Manual Transmission: First: 2.20:1, Second: 1.66:1, Third 1.31:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.26:1
    • Two-Speed Powerglide Transmission: Low: 3.82:1-1.82:1, Direct 1.82:1- 1:1. Reverse: 1.82:1.
  • Rear Axle Ratios
    • Manual Transmission. 3.70:1 (10-37)
    • Powerglide Transmission: 3.55:1 (11-39)

  • Options

    • Three-speed manual floor shift transmission was standard.
    • Automatic transmission ($199.00).
    • Four Speed manual floor shift transmission ($188.00).
    • Metallic brakes ($26.90)
    • Positive traction rear axle ($48.45). Not available with Powerglide transmission
    • RPO 687 Heavy-duty brakes & suspension ($425.05). 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.

1960 Corvette Facts – Related Document Downloads

Files directly related to the 1960 Chevrolet Corvette will appear below. Click to Download:

1960 Corvette Foldout Brochure

1960 Corvette 8.25 x 11.0 Print Advertisements

1960 Corvette AMA Specifications Sheets

1960 Corvette “Fuelie” First Impressions – Sports Cars Illustrated Magazine

1960 Corvette 270 HP Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine

1960 Corvette XP-700 Concept Exposed – Motor Trend Magazine

 

1960 Corvette Facts – Related Images

Related Images to the 1960 Corvette Line will appear below

1960 Corvette Facts Specifications Information Data

1960 Corvette

Externally, there was little to tell the 1960 Corvette from the ’59. Improvements were in the chassis and under the hood. 10,261 were sold.

1960 Corvette Rear Sway Bar

The rear sway bar (arrow), installed in 1960, added to the Corvette’s handling prowess.

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