The 1967 Sting Ray Corvette was the best Corvette made. It was refined to the limit. The changes were modest and this was the cleanest Sting Ray. A less chunky appearance from the flat finish rockers and ribbing from the five small vents replaced the three larger fender vents. The new feature, the unique single backup light that is mounted above the license plate is new.
The previous model’s old fashioned wheel covers were replaced with slotted six inch Rally wheels with chrome beauty rings and lug nuts concealed behind small chrome caps. Revised upholstery and the handbrake moved from beneath the dash to between the seats are a few of the interior alterations made. One feature, the optional hardtop is offered with a black vinyl cover.
The Power trains were not changed much. The two small-block V-8s returned, as did the 390-bhp big-block (hulking beneath a redesigned hood scoop). But the top two 427s now developed 400 and 435 bhp with a switch to triple two-barrel carburetors. As before, they differed in compression ratios — 10.25:1 and 11.0:1, respectively — and the solid lifters and transistorized ignition that went on the 425-bhp unit. The latter, RPO L71, was also available with special aluminum heads (instead of cast iron) and larger-diameter exhaust valves as RPO L89, though with the same grossly understated horsepower.
The 1967 ultimate Corvette engine was coded L88. This was an even wider L89 which was close to a pure racing engine that Chevy made. The Corvette was equipped with lightweight heads, bigger ports, hotter cam, aluminum radiator, small diameter flywheel, stratospheric 12.5:1 compression and a single huge Holly four barrel carburetor. The result was no less than 560 bhp, again at 6400 rpm.
There was one problem, you had to use 103 octane racing fuel. This was available only at certain service stations. This certainly was not an engine for the average person. Chevy made several individual options mandatory when the L88 was ordered. These are the positraction, the transistorized ignition, heavy duty suspension, power brakes and RPO C48. These deleted the normal radio and heater to cut down on weight and discourage the car being used on the street.
For more info or queries about 1967 Corvettes please forward any correspondence to Alex Schult at www.smokinvette.com
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