1958 Corvette Fact Sheet

Corvette Gets
a Redo

 

Styling was “enhanced” for 1958. The interior was changed dramatically, and it would be utilized through 1962. 

 

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General Year Information

A 290 horsepower fuel-injected 1959 Corvette could go from 0 to 60 M.P.H. in 6.6 seconds. From 0 to 100 in 15.5 seconds. It had a top speed of 128 miles per hour. Almost 11 percent of all 1958 Corvettes were powered by the 290 horsepower fuel-injected V-8.

Models Offered

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Styling was “enhanced” for 1958. There were four chrome rimmed headlights with a fender length chrome strip running between each pair of lights. False louvers were placed on the hood. The grille was similar to last year’s but had four fewer vertical bars.

Air intakes were found on either side of the grille – bisected by the front bumper. Three horizontal chrome strips were added to the new cove. Two vertical chrome luggage bars decorated the trunk. The wraparound front and rear bumpers were larger.

The interior changed so that the gauges were clustered together, rather than spread across the dash as before. A center console and passenger assist bar were added. These changes would define the Corvette interior from 1958 – 1962. Upholstery was available in red, charcoal, or blue-green.

There were six acrylic lacquer exterior colors offered: Charcoal, White, Yellow, Red, Blue and Turquoise. The cove could be painted silver or white. 

During this restyle, model numbers were changed – 1958 would be designated “J800”. This was reflected in the serial number: The numbers were changed as follows with beginning and ending numbers shown: J58S100001 to J58S109168.

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: Carter WCFB 2669S PN 3746384.

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″. 4-barrel Carburetors: Front: Carter WCFB 2626S PN 3744002. Rear: Carter WCFB 2627S PN 3744004.

Fuel Injection V-8. (Code “CR” & “DH”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.87 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.50:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 305 @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250 degrees, Exhaust: 250 degrees, Lift: 0.3987″. Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7014900.

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″. 4-barrel Carburetors: Front: Carter WCFB 2613S PN 3741089. Rear: Carter WCFB 2613S PN 3741090.

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: 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″. Fuel Injection Unit Rochester Model: 7014900.

NOTE: All Competition Fuel Injection engines received outside air when the competition camshaft us used.

Engine ID Suffixes were as follows:

    • “CQ” – manual transmission with 4-barrel carbureto
    •  
    • “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
    • “DG” – Powerglide transmission with 4-barrel carburetor
    • “DH” – Powerglide and fuel-injection
    • “DJ” – Powerglide and dual four-barrel carburetors.

Chassis Features

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

Significant Options

    • Additional Cove Color ($16.50)
    • Courtesy lights ($6.50).
    • Detachable hardtop ($215.00).
    • Dual carburetor kit ($182.00).
    • Electric windows ($59.40).
    • Heater ($97.00).
    • Parking brake alarm ($5.40).
    • Power top ($140.00).
    • Signal-seeking AM radio ($144.00).
    • Special 15 x 5.5 inch wheels ($14.00).
    • Whitewall tires ($31.55).
    • Windshield washer ($16.00).

1958 Corvette Production Figures

    • Corvette Series Number: 800
    • Corvette Body Number: 867
    • Body Style: 2-Door Convertible –  2 Passenger
    • Factory Base Price: $3,631.00
    • Shipping Weight : 2,781 lbs.
    • Total Production: 9,168

Body Paint Color Codes

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

1958 Corvette:

  Inca Silver
  500A Charcoal
  502A Silver Blue
  503A Black
  504A Regal Turquoise
  506A Signet Red
  508A Panama Yellow
  510A Snowcrest White

1958 Chevrolet
Corvette-
Current Market
Values

 

Engine Options

    •  V-8 283 cubic inch 245 horsepower dual four-barrel carb. engine ($150.00).
    • V-8 283 cubic inch 270 horsepower dual four-barrel carb. engine with “Competition” camshaft ($182.95).
    • V-8 283 cubic inch 250 horsepower fuel-injection engine ($484.00).
    • V-8 283 cubic inch 283 horsepower fuel-injection engine with “Competition” camshaft ($484.00).

Power Train Options

TRANSMISSION:

    • Three-speed manual floor shift transmission was standard.
    • Automatic transmission ($188.00).
    • Four Speed manual floor shift transmission ($215.00).
    • Three-Speed Manual Transmission Standard. First: 2.2:1, Second: 1.32:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.2:1
    • Four-Speed Manual Transmission – Optional. First: 2.20:1, Second: 1.66:1, Third 1.31:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.25:1
    • 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. 3.70:1 (10-37)
    • Powerglide Transmission: 3.55:1 (11-39)
    • Available rear axle gear ratios: 3.70:1, 4.11:1, 4.56:1. (Optional at extra cost)
    • Positive traction rear axle ($48.45).

OTHER:

    • Positive traction rear axle ($48.45).
    • Heavy-duty brakes & suspension ($780.10).
    • Special 15 x 5.5 inch wheels (no cost).

Related Document
Downloads

Files directly related to the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette will appear below. Click to Download:

1958 Corvette Foldout Brochure

1958 Corvette 8.25 x 11.0 Print Advertisements

1958 Corvette AMA Specifications Sheets

1958 Corvette “Fuelie” Road Test – Sports Cars Illustrated Magazine

 

Related Images

Related Images to the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Line will appear below

1958 Corvette

In an era of chrome and four headlamps, the Corvette adapted to the look of the day. The 1958 model year and the four that followed all had the four-headlamp treatment and prominent grilles. The interior and instruments were updated. Rare options were RPO 684 heavy-duty brakes and suspension and the RPO 276 15″×5.5″ wheels.

1958 Corvette Interior vs. 1957

The 1958 Corvette interior was all new. A quick look at the ’58 vs. the ’57 interiors shows how radical the change was and how it was much more driver-oriented.

1958 Corvette Front vs 1957

On the exterior, the front was where most changes were made. Most of the fascia changes were to ensure better air flow to the engine and brakes. But the quad headlights reflected the change in headlights seen across all US cars. It had the added effect of stretching the front and making the car look wider.

1958 Corvette Rear vs 1957

At the rear, the changes are subtle, except for the chrome strips. The two major changes are in the tail lights – convex lenses to appear larger and the oval exhaust outlets to stretch the appearance of more width.

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