1961 CORVETTE

General Specifications

Chasis:

Wheelbase: 102"

Overall Length: 177.2"

Tire Size: 6.70 x 15 inches

Body Data:

8 Cylinder:

2 Door Convertible, 2 Passenger, Model #0800

Base Price: $3,934; Shipping Weight: 2,905 Pounds;

Production Total: 10,939

8 Cylinder Engine Specifications:

230 HP Engine:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 3.875" x 3"

Engine Displacement: 283 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 9.5 to 1;

Taxable Horsepower: 48.05

Horsepower: 230 @ 4,800 RPM

Maximum Torque: 300 Ft Lbs @ 3,000 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 30-45 PSI

One, 4 Barrel Carburetor

245 HP Engine:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 3.875" x 3"

Engine Displacement: 283 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 9.5 to 1;

Taxable Horsepower: 48.05

Horsepower: 245 @ 5,000 RPM

Maximum Torque: 300 Ft Lbs @ 3,800 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 30-45 PSI

Two, 4 Barrel Carburetors

270 HP Engine:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 3.875" x 3"

Engine Displacement: 283 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 9.5 to 1;

Taxable Horsepower: 48.05

Horsepower: 270 @ 6,000 RPM

Maximum Torque: 285 Ft Lbs @ 4,200 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 30-45 PSI

Two, 4 Barrel Carburetors

275 HP Engine:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 3.875" x 3"

Engine Displacement: 283 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 11.0 to 1;

Taxable Horsepower: 48.05

Horsepower: 275 @ 5,200 RPM

Maximum Torque: Not Available

Normal Oil Pressure: 30-45 PSI

Fuel Injection

315 HP Engine:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 3.875" x 3"

Engine Displacement: 283 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 11.0 to 1;

Taxable Horsepower: 48.05

Horsepower: 315 @ 6,200 RPM

Maximum Torque: Not Available

Normal Oil Pressure: 35 PSI

Fuel Injection

Available Axle Ratios:

Not Available

1961 CORVETTE

Tune Up Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, 230 HP:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug: AC 45

Spark Plug Gap .035"

Point Gap: Turn adjusting screw in until engine misfires, then back off 1/2 turn.

Distributor Cam Angle: 30 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing: 4 Degrees BTDC on Damper

Engine Idle Speed:

Standard Transmission: 475 RPM

Automatic Transmission: 450 RPM, in Drive

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 160 PSI

Fuel Pump Pressure: 5-1/4 to 6-1/2 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, 245 HP:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug: AC 45

Spark Plug Gap .035"

Point Gap: Turn adjusting screw in until engine misfires, then back off 1/2 turn.

Distributor Cam Angle: 30 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing: 12 Degrees BTDC on Damper

Engine Idle Speed:

Standard Transmission: 475 RPM

Automatic Transmission: 450 RPM, in Drive

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 160 PSI

Fuel Pump Pressure: 5-1/4 to 6-1/2 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, 270 HP:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug: AC 45

Spark Plug Gap .035"

Point Gap: Turn adjusting screw in until engine misfires, then back off 1/2 turn.

Distributor Cam Angle:

Each Set of Points: 28-30 Degrees

Total Dwell: 33-35 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing: 12 Degrees BTDC on Damper

Engine Idle Speed:

Standard Transmission: 800 RPM

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 160 PSI

Fuel Pump Pressure: 5-1/4 to 6-1/2 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, 275 HP:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug: AC 44

Spark Plug Gap .035"

Point Gap: Turn adjusting screw in until engine misfires, then back off 1/2 turn.

Distributor Cam Angle:

Each Set of Points: 28-30 Degrees

Total Dwell: 33-35 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing: 8 Degrees BTDC on Damper

Engine Idle Speed:

Standard Transmission: 550 RPM

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 160 PSI

Fuel Pump Pressure: 5-1/4 to 6-1/2 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, 315 HP:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug: AC 45

Spark Plug Gap .035"

Point Gap: Turn adjusting screw in until engine misfires, then back off 1/2 turn.

Distributor Cam Angle:

Each Set of Points: 28-30 Degrees

Total Dwell: 33-35 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing: 18 Degrees BTDC on Damper

Engine Idle Speed:

Standard Transmission: 800 RPM

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 160 PSI

Fuel Pump Pressure: 5-1/4 to 6-1/2 PSI

Valve Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, With Hydralic Lifters:

Operating (Tappet) Clearance, Hot:

Intake: 1 Turn

Exhaust: 1 Turn

Valve Seat Angle:

Seat: 46 Degrees

Face 45 Degrees

Valve Spring Height Installed: 1-11/16"

Valve Spring Pressure: 164 Lbs @ 1-5/16"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001-.003

Exhaust .0015-.003

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .3415"-.3422"

Exhaust: .3410"-.3417"

8 Cylinder Engine, With Mechanical Lifters:

Operating (Tappet) Clearance, Hot:

Intake: .012"

Exhaust: .018"

Valve Seat Angle:

Seat: 46 Degrees

Face 45 Degrees

Valve Spring Height Installed: 1-11/16"

Valve Spring Pressure: 164 Lbs @ 1-19/64"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001-.003

Exhaust .0015-.003

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .3415"-.3422"

Exhaust: .3410"-.3417"

Pistons, Pins, Rings, Crankshaft, & Bearings Data:

8 Cylinder Engine:

Piston Clearance: .0005"-.0011"

Ring End Gap:

Compression: .010"

Oil: .015

Wrist Pin Diameter: .927"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 1.999"-2.000"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .004"

Rod End Play: .008-.014

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.2978"-2.2988"

Main Bearing Clearance: .004"

Thrust on Rear Bearing: Rear

Crankshaft End Play: .003"-.0011"

Capacities:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 15-1/2 Quarts

With Heater: 16-1/2 Quarts

With Air Conditioning: 16-1/2 Quarts

Radiator Cap Pressure:

With Air Conditioning: 15 PSI

Without Air Conditioning: 13 PSI

Thermostat Opening Temperature: 170 Degrees

Fuel Tank: 16.4 Gallons; 24 Gallons Optional

Engine Oil Refill: 6 Quarts with New Filter

Transmission Oil:

3 Speed Manual: 2 Pints

4 Speed Manual: 2-1/2 Pints

Automatic Transmission:

Refill: 3-1/2 Quarts

Total Capacity: 10-1/2 Quarts

Rear Axle: 4 Pints

Engine Tightening Specifications:

283 Cu. In. 8 Cylinder:

Spark Plugs: 25 Ft. Lbs

Cylinder Head Bolts: 65 Ft. Lbs.

Intake Manifold: 30 Ft. Lbs.

Exhaust Manifold: 20 Ft. Lbs

Rocker Arm Cover: 55 Inch Lbs.

Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 35 Ft. Lbs

Main Bearing Cap Bolts: 80 Ft. Lbs.

Flywheel to Crankshaft: 60 Ft. Lbs

Vibration Damper: Pressed On

Generators:

8 Cylinder Engine:

#1102043

Rotation: Clockwise

Generator Output: 30 Amps @ 2,310 RPM

Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces

Field Current @ 12 Volts: 1.48-1.62 Volts

Regulator #1119234

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 12.6

Armature Air Gap: .020"

Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 30 Amperes

Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"

Ground Polarity: Negative

#1102097

Rotation: Clockwise

Generator Output: 30 Amps @ 2,310 RPM

Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces

Field Current @ 12 Volts: 1.65-1.79 Volts

Regulator #1119001

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 12.6

Armature Air Gap: .020"

Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 30 Amperes

Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"

Ground Polarity: Negative

#1102268

Rotation: Clockwise

Generator Output: 35 Amps @ 2,310 RPM

Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces

Field Current @ 12 Volts: 1.65-1.79 Volts

Regulator #1119235

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 12.6

Armature Air Gap: .020"

Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 35 Amperes

Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"

Ground Polarity: Negative

Distributors:

8 Cylinder Engine:

#1110891

Clockwise Rotation

Cam Angle: 30 Degrees

Point Gap: Turn adjusting screw in until engine misfires, then back off 1/2 turn

Breaker Arm Tension: 19-23 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 400 RPM

Full Advance: 14 Degrees @ 1,850 RPM

#1110946

Clockwise Rotation

Cam Angle: 30 Degrees

Point Gap: Turn adjusting screw in until engine misfires, then back off 1/2 turn

Breaker Arm Tension: 19-23 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 400 RPM

Full Advance: 14 Degrees @ 1,850 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 8" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 7 Degrees @ 16" Vacuum

Starting Motors:

8 Cylinder:

#1107889

Clockwise Rotation

Brush Tension: 35 Ounces (Minimum)

No Load Test: 49 Amps, 10.6 Volts @ 6,200 RPM

Resistance Test: 270-310 Amps, 4.25 Volts

#1107892

Clockwise Rotation

Brush Tension: 35 Ounces (Minimum)

No Load Test: 49 Amps, 10.6 Volts @ 6,200 RPM

Resistance Test: 270-310 Amps, 4.3 Volts

Rear Axle & Brake Specifications:

Carrier Type: Removable

Differential Bearing Preload:

Method: Nut

Adjustment: Tighten Right Nut 2 to 3 Notches Tight to Locking Position

Ring Gear Pinion Backlash:

Method: Rock Ring Gear Back & Forth with Box Wrench on Ring Gear Bolt

Adjustment: .005"-.008"

Pinion Bearing Preload:

Method: Spacer

Adjustment:

New Bearings: 15-25 Inch Lbs.

Used Bearings: 5-15 Inch Lbs.

Brake Drum Diameter: 11"

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front 1-3/16"

Rear: 1"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1"

Wheel Alignment Specifictions:

Caster: + 2 Degrees

Camber: 0 Degrees

Toe In: 1/8 to 3/8""

Toe Out on Turns:

Outer Wheel: 17 Degrees

Inner Wheel: 20 Degrees

Carburetor Types:

8 Cylinder Engine:

Carter WCFB

Carburetor #2626S

Idle Screw, Turns to Open: 1/4 to 1-1/4 Turns

Float Level:

Primary: 1/8"

Secondary: 1/4"

Float Drop:

Primary: 5/8"

Secondary: 3/4"

Fast Idle: None

Unloader: None

Bowl Vapor Vent: 1/16"

Secondary Throttle Lever: .017"-.022"

Automatic Choke Setting: None

Carter WCFB

Carburetor #2627S

Idle Screw, Turns to Open: 1/4 to 1-1/4 Turns

Float Level:

Primary: 1/8"

Secondary: 1/4"

Float Drop:

Primary: 5/8"

Secondary: 3/4"

Fast Idle: .018"

Unloader: 1/8"

Bowl Vapor Vent: 1/16"

Secondary Throttle Lever: .017"-.022"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Carter AFB

Carburetor #3012S

Idle Screw, Turns to Open: 1/2 to 2 Turns

Fast Idle Speed: 1,700 RPM

Float Level:

Primary: 7/32"

Secondary: 7/32"

Float Drop:

Primary: 23/32"

Secondary: 23/32"

Pump Travel: 33/64"

Choke Unloader Setting: 1/4"

Choke Setting: Index

Carter WCFB

Carburetor #3060S, 3061S

Idle Screw, Turns to Open: 1/2 to 2 Turns

Fast Idle Speed: 1,700 RPM

Float Level:

Primary: 5/32"

Secondary: 5/32"

Float Drop:

Primary: 2"

Secondary: 2"

Choke Unloader Setting: 1/4"

Choke Setting: Index

Carter AFB

Carburetor #3221S

Idle Screw, Turns to Open: 1/2 to 2 Turns

Fast Idle Speed: 1,700 RPM

Float Level:

Primary: 7/32"

Secondary: 7/32"

Float Drop:

Primary: 23/32"

Secondary: 23/32"

Pump Travel: 33/64"

Choke Unloader Setting: 1/4"

Choke Setting: Index

VIN Numbers:

10867S100001 - 10867S110939

Popular Options:

Signal Seeking AM Radio; Heater; Windshield Washer; Parking Brake Alarm; Courtesy Lights, Sun Shades, Automatic Transmission, White Sidewall Tires, Auxiliary Top, Power Operated Folding Top, Power Windows, Posi-Traction Axle, Metallic Brakes, Temperature Controlled,Various Engine Options, 4 Speed Manual Transmission, Two Tone Paint, 24 Gallon Fuel Tank.

Paint Colors:

Tuxedo Black

Ermine White

Roman Red

Sateen Silver

Jewel Blue

Fawn Beige

Honduras Maroon

1961 Corvette Promotional Model Cars Available:

Plastic: Corvette Convertible

1961 Corvette Historical Data:

1961 Corvette model year introduction date was in October 8, 1960.

Model Year Production: 10,939 Cars

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