While Changes to the 1969 Corvette were Subtle on the outside, under the Hood Changes were Obvious
The 1969 Corvette saw the return of that old familiar name that became synonymous with the Vettes of the C2 Generation. Absent from the first year C3 1968 Corvette was any mention of the Sting Ray and in 1969 the Sting Ray was reborn; only this time in a single name ‘Stingray’ which resided over the louvers of the fenders.
Like many second year models, the 1969 Corvette saw changes based on customer complaints from the first version. While the changes to the outside were subtle at best, the changes under the hood were more than evident. The more subtitle changes done to the 1969 Corvette Stingray were:
- Door Handles: The conventional chrome handles with the thumb push button were no longer on the 1969 Corvette and instead were replaced with single lever door handles.
- Steering Wheel: The 1969 Corvette saw its steering wheel get cropped by one inch which allowed for better under wheel to thigh clearance.
- Ignition Switch: The 1968 Corvette had its ignition switch dash-mounted but the 1969 version saw the ignition switch move to the steering column. This was combined with a newly designed and now mandated column lock which allowed for enhanced security.
- Map Pocket: Because the 1969 Corvette lacked what many felt was adequate glove box space, GM added a three section dash mounted map pocket to help make up the difference.
Again, these changes were not all that spectacular or even noticeable for that matter, but what could not be missed were the changes that the 1969 Corvette brought by way of the engine. Because of a second year of strict emissions control being instituted on all car makers, the famous Chevy 327 was stroked about an additional quarter inch to 3.48 inches which changed the total displacement from 327 to 350 cubic inches. The 1969 Corvette was offered with 300 bhp and 350 bhp versions which were the same as the 1968 model only the 1969 had its compression lowered a quarter point and peak power engine speed was lower by 200 RPM.
The 1969 also returned big block power and had 427s returning for the year with ratings of 390 to 435 horsepower. Buyers could also opt for a special aluminum head dubbed the L88 and this would land you at a scant 430 horsepower, but with the added cost, the 1969 Corvette only saw 116 buyers purchase the option.
The most exciting news on the engine front for 1969 was the development of the LT1 engine. This small block 350 was a special solid lifter version of the new engine and had a more radical timing of the cams. This monster breathed through a Holly 850 cfm carburetor and was reported to have 370 bhp at 6,000 RPM. The only problem was that the engine was put off a year and not available until the calendar year of 1970. Still the engine was developed and would ultimately change the way small blocks were looked at.
The 1969 Corvette ‘Stingray’ saw mixed reviews when released but the engineers at GM had to be doing something right. The 1969 Corvette saw a new record of 38,762 units sold which was not only a new record for the Corvette, but one that would stand until 1976.
Tags: 1968 Corvette, 1969 Corvette, Stingray
