1958 Corvette Fact Sheet
1958 Corvette Facts, Figures, and Specifications
For 1958, Corvette received some major styling changes. Significant was the four chrome-rimmed headlights with a fender length chrome strip running between each pair of lights and three massive grille openings.
1958 Corvette – Styling Gets a Redo
Corvette styling was “enhanced” for 1958 with what many consider a little “over the top” work. Significant was the interior, which was changed dramatically for the better, and this new configuration would be utilized through 1962.
General Year Information – 1958 Corvette Facts
Styling was “enhanced” for 1958. At the front, there were four headlights with a chrome strip around 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.
For the first time, seat belts were factory-installed rather than dealer-installed as on previous models. An 8000 RPM tachometer was used with the 270 and 290 HP engines, rather than the 6000 RPM units used in the lower horsepower engines.
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.
1958 Corvette Factoids
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The interior was massively changed. All the gauges were clustered together, rather than spread across the dash as before. The tachometer and Speedometer were moved directly in front of the driver. A center stack holding the radio and clock and passenger assist bar were added. See the 1958 Brochure HERE.
1958 Corvette Facts – 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.
1958 Corvette Facts – Engines
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- 283 CID V-8 230 HP
- 283 CID 245 HP V-8
- 283 CID F.I. V8 250 HP
- 283 CID V8 270 HP
- 283 CID F.I. V8 290HP
- Engine I.D. Suffixes
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:
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- “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.
1958 Corvette Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 102.00″
- Overall length: 177.20″
- Front tread: 57.00″
- Rear tread: 59.00″
- Tires: 6.70 x 15 – tubeless
1958 Corvette Facts – Engine Options
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- 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).
1958 Corvette Facts – Significant Options
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- 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 Facts – 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
1958 Corvette Facts – 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 Ratios:
- 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).
1958 Corvette Facts – Production Figures
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- 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
1958 Corvette Facts – 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.
1958 Corvette Resources
Equipment or products directly related to this car. Click to view:
1958 Corvette Facts – Body Paint Color Mix 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 Corvette – What’s It Worth?
Related valuations for the 1958 Corvette Line will appear below