More About the 1955 Corvette
Body Specs |
|
| Wheelbase: | 102 inches |
| Front Track: | 56.70 inches |
| Rear Track: | 58.80 inches |
| Length: | 167.00 inches |
| Width: | 72.24 inches |
| Height (at Windshield): | 48.50 inches |
| Turning Circle: | 36.55 feet (right); 36.93 feet (left) |
| Steering ratio: | 16:1 |
|
Shipping Weight:
(fuel and water not included) |
2695 lbs. (Six Cylinder); 2665 lbs. (V8)
(No Radio / Heater) |
| Axle Ratio: | 3.55:1 |
| Tire Size: | 6.70-15 4 Ply Rating |
|
|
| Type: | V8 |
| Valve Location: | In Head |
| Bore / Stroke: | 3.750 / 3.00 |
| Displacement: | 265 Cubic Inches |
| Compression Ratio: | 8.0 : 1 |
| Maximum Brake Horsepower: | 195 @ 5,000 RPM |
| Maximum Torque: | 260 lb. ft. @ 3,000 RPM |
| Crankshaft Material: | Drop Forged Steel |
| Crankshaft Weight: | 47.75 lbs. |
| Piston Weight: | 18.77 oz. |
| Recommended Idle: | 425 (In Drive) |
| Camshaft Material: | Cast Alloy Iron |
| Oil Pump Type: | Gear |
| Normal Oil Pressure: | 30 psi @ 1170 - 1200 RPM |
| Oil Pressure Gauge: | Electric |
| Crankcase Oil Capacity (less filter): | 4 Quarts |
| Recommended Oil Grade: |
Above 32°: SAE 20W or 30W
To 10°: SAE 20W To -10°: SAE 10W Below -10°: SAE 5W |
| Fuel Tank: | 17.25 Gallons |
| Fuel Filter: | None |
| Fuel Pump: | Mechanical |
| Fuel Pressure: | 4 - 5¼ psi |
| Carburetor: | Carter WCFB 2218S |
|
Cooling System Capacity:
(without heater) |
16 Quarts |
|
Cooling System Capacity:
(with heater) |
17 Quarts |
|
Battery:
(six cylinder engine) |
Delco 15AA6-W (Six volt, 15 plate)
100 Amp-hour @ 20 hour rate |
|
Battery:
(eight cylinder engine) |
Delco 25M50-W (12 volt, nine plate)
50 Amp-hour @ 20 hour rate |
| Ignition System | |
| Coil: | Delco-Remy 1115086 |
| Coil current rating: | 4 amps |
| Breaker Gap: | .016 - .021" |
| Ignition Timing: | 4° BTC @ idle |
|
Ignition Timing
Centrifugal Advance: |
16° @ 1800 RPM |
|
Ignition Timing
Vacuum Advance: |
13 ¾° @ 15" Hg. |
| Spark Plug: | AC 43-5R |
| Spark Plug Thread: | 14 mm. |
| Spark Plug Torque: | 20 - 25 lb.-ft. |
| Spark Plug Gap | .033 - .038 |
| Firing Order: | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 |
1955 Corvette Options
| RPO | Description | Production | Price |
| 100 | Directional Signal | 700 (100.00%) | $16.75 |
| 101 | Heater | 700 (100.00%) | $91.40 |
| 102A | AM Radio, Signal Seeking | 700 (100.00%) | $145.15 |
| 290B | Whitewall Tires, 6.70x15 | n/a | $26.90 |
| 313 | Powerglide Automatic Transmission | n/a | $178.35 |
| 420A | Parking Brake Alarm | 700 (100.00%) | $5.65 |
| 421A | Courtesy Lights | 700 (100.00%) | $4.05 |
| 422A | Windshield Washers | 700 (100.00%) | $11.85 |
|
Total Production:
700
Notes: Base Corvette with six cylinder engine: $2,774.00. Qty: 7 | Base Corvette with 265 cu. in. 195 hp V8 engine: $2,909.00. Qty: 693 | All six cylinder 1955 Corvettes came with the Powerglide automatic transmission. Most of the 1955 V8 Corvettes also came with the automatic; towards the end of the model run a three speed manual transmission was available and approximately 75 1955 Corvettes were so equipped. |
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Colors
| Code | Exterior | Quantity | Interior | Soft Top | Wheels |
| Polo White | 325 (46.43%) | Red | White/Beige | Red | |
| Pennant Blue | 45 (6.43%) | Dark Beige | Beige | Red | |
| Corvette Copper | 15 (2.14%) | Dark Beige | White | Bronze | |
| Gypsy Red | 180 (25.71%) | Light Beige | White/Beige | Red | |
| Harvest Gold | 120 (17.14%) | Yellow | Dark Green | Yellow | |
|
Notes: Color quantities are estimates as reliable GM records are not available. |
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