1963 would see the introduction of the new Corvette Sting Ray coupé with its distinctive split rear window and fake hood vents as well as an independent rear suspension. The split rear window was discontinued in 1964 due to safety concerns. Because they made the design too busy, the hood vents were also cut. Power for 1963 was at 360 hp (272 kW) hitting 375 hp (280 kW) in 1964.

The 1965 introduction of the 425 hp 396 c.i. "Big Block" was ultimately the harbinger of doom for the Rochester fuel injection system. The 396/425 hp option cost $292.70 whereas the 327/375 hp "fuelie" option cost $538.00; few people could find a way to justify spending $245 more and receiving 50 hp (37 kW) less. When only 771 "fuelie" cars were built in 1965, Chevrolet discontinued offering fuel injection on the Corvette. It was 18 years until fuel injection returned.