Chevy Corvette 1953 - 1954 Technical Specifications

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1953 Chevy Corvette
  • Years of Manufacture: 1953 - 1954
  • Number Built: 300
  • Price at Introduction: US$3250
  • Options:
    • RPO 101A Heater: US$91
    • RPO 1012B AM Radio (Signal Seeking): US$145
  • Body:
    • Unitary construction (Monocoque)
  • Models:
    • Roadster
  • ID Location:
    • Left upper door pillar
  • Exterior Dimensions:
    • Total Length: 167 in.
    • Total width: 72.2 in.
    • Height at kerb weight: 52.2 in.
    • Wheelbase: 102.0 in.
    • Front Track: 57.0 in.
    • Rear Track: 59.0 in.
  • Kerb Weight:
    • 2900 lb
  • Transmission (2 Speed Automatic):
    • 1st: 1.82:1
    • 2nd: 1.1:1
    • Reverse: 1.82:1
  • Rear Axle Ratio:
    • 3.55:1
  • 6 Cylinder Inline Engine:
    • Capacity: 235.5 cubic inches
    • Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 6 cylinders
    • Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, upright
    • Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
    • Fuel System: Carter three sidedraft 1-bbl
    • Bore and Stroke: 3.5625 x 3.9375 in.
    • Power: 150 bhp @ 4200rpm
    • Torque: 233 lb-ft @ 2400rpm
    • Compression Ratio: 8.0:1
  • Instrumentation:
    • Speedometer
    • Tachometer
    • Fuel gauge
    • Water temperature gauge
    • Oil pressure guage
    • Battery charge gauge
  • Ignition and Electrical:
    • Coil and distributor
  • Suspension:
    • Front: Independent, A-arms, coil springs
    • Rear: Rigid axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs
  • Steering:
    • Rack and pinion, ratio 16:1
    • Turning circle: 36 feet (10.97 metres)
  • Brakes:
    • Front: Hydraulic 11 in. Drum
    • Rear: Hydraulic 11 in. Drum
  • Wheels:
    • Steel disc wheels with safety rims 15 x 5K
  • Tyres:
    • 6.70 x 15 in.
    • Tyre pressures 22/22 psi
  • Notes:
    • All 1953-55 Corvettes had removable (as opposed to roll up/down) plastic windows. Black oil-cloth bags were used for stowage.
  • Performance:
    • Standing Quarter Mile: 17.9 secs.
    • Speed at end: 77 mph
    • Top Speed: 108 mph
1953 - 1954 Chevrolet Corvette Performance
Speed
Time
0-30 mph
3.6 secs.
0-40 mph
5.4 secs.
0-50 mph
7.8 secs.
0-60 mph
11.1 secs.
0-70 mph
14.7 secs.
0-80 mph
19.6 secs.
0-90 mph
27.5 secs.
0-100 mph
39.0 secs.


Corvette Identification Number (Codes and Ranges)
Year
Model
Year
Series
Prefix
Assembly
Plant
Serial
Range
1953
1953
E
Flint
001001 - 001300
1954
1954
E
St. Louis
001001 - 004640
Engine Types and Designations
Year
Displacement
Code
Carb
Transmission
1953
235
LAY
3 side draft
2 spd. Powerglide
1954*
235
LG
3 side draft
2 spd. Powerglide
*During the 1954 production run the camshaft was changed, the horsepower increasing to 155. Later design camshafts can be identified by three dots between #5 and #6 inlet cam lobes
1953 - 1957 Corvette Offset Colour Codes
Year(s)
Colour
Old Number
Acrylic Offset
1953-1955
Sportsman Red
DAL70418
DDL70966
1953-1957
Polo White
DAL8011
DDL0829
1954-1957
Shoreline Beige
DAL21054
DDL23620
1954-1955
Pennant Blue (Metallic)
DAL11238
DDL13552
1954-1955
Autumn Bronze (Metallic)
DAL21151
DDL22819
1955
Corvette Copper (Metallic)
DAL21207
DDL23393
1955
Harvest Gold
DAL80739
DDL82171
1955
Gypsy Red
DAL70575
DDL71903
1955
Woodland Green (Metallic)
DAL41318
DDL44413
1956-1957
Aztec Copper (Metallic)
DAL21295
DDL21927
1956-1957
Cascade Green
DAL41973
DDL2561
1956-1957
Artic Blue (Metallic)
DAL11537
DDL13150
1956-1957
Venetian Red
DAL70694
DDL71708
**Always test thoroughly any paint substitution
1954 Chevy Corvette
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