🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1978

Engine Code:

L48 (350 ci V8)

Engine Code Optional:

L82 (350 ci V8 - High Performance)

Generation:

C3 (Third Generation)

Vin Prefix:

1G1

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Sports Car, Performance Vehicle

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, Owners, Professional Mechanics, Restoration Specialists

Competitors:

Datsun 240Z, Porsche 911, Jaguar E-Type (in its era)

Design Era:

Iconic 'shark' design, distinctive fender flares, fastback profile

Performance Focus:

V8 engine power, rear-wheel drive handling

Collectible Status:

Highly sought-after classic, significant collector's item

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmission Types

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions control

Transmission:

Manual (Muncie SM465, M20, M21) and Automatic (Turbo Hydramatic 350, TH400) transmission overhaul, diagnosis, and repair

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, U-joints, rear axle assembly (P-30 series)

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component diagnosis, alignment, and replacement (independent front suspension, multi-leaf rear springs)

Brakes:

Front disc, rear disc brake system diagnosis, service, and overhaul

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering linkage

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, gauges, switches, power windows, radio

Body:

Body panel alignment, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, bumpers, T-tops

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, belt and hose inspections

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic charts and procedures for common and intermittent faults

Repair:

Component overhaul, replacement of worn or damaged parts, assembly and disassembly procedures

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic routines for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Likely searchable text for efficient information retrieval

Printable:

Printable pages for on-the-job reference

Quality:

High resolution, clear diagrams and text (typical for professional workshop manuals)

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8

Bore X Stroke:

4.00 in x 3.48 in (101.6 mm x 88.4 mm)

Compression Ratio L48:

8.0:1

Horsepower L48:

195 hp @ 4800 rpm (SAE Net)

Torque L48:

285 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (SAE Net)

Engine Type L82:

350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8 (High Performance)

Compression Ratio L82:

8.5:1

Horsepower L82:

220 hp @ 5000 rpm (SAE Net)

Torque L82:

260 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (SAE Net)

Fuel Delivery:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor (L48), Rochester M4MC 4-barrel carburetor (L82)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Pump Type:

Mechanical, engine-driven

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition (HEI - High Energy Ignition)

Cooling Type:

Water-cooled, pressurized system

Oil Capacity:

5 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter

Oil Type:

Refer to manual for specific API service classification and viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

4-speed Manual Transmission (M20 or M21, depending on engine option)

Transmission Type Opt:

3-speed Automatic Transmission (Turbo Hydramatic TH350 or TH400)

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate, hydraulic actuation (manual transmission)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

180.5 inches (4585 mm)

Width:

70.8 inches (1798 mm)

Height:

47.1 inches (1196 mm)

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (2489 mm)

Front Track:

59.6 inches (1514 mm)

Rear Track:

60.0 inches (1524 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,300 - 3,500 lbs (1497 - 1588 kg), varies by options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4,100 lbs (1860 kg)

Cargo Volume:

Approx. 10.4 cubic feet (behind seats)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Not available by modern NHTSA standards; designed to earlier safety regulations.

Brakes:

Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes

Steering:

Recirculating ball steering, power assist optional

Seatbelts:

Three-point retractable front seat belts

Headrests:

Integrated headrests

Lighting:

Halogen headlights, standard lighting system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio, optional 8-track player or cassette player

Gauges:

Full complement of analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, voltage, and fuel level.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (typical recommendation for the era).

Tune Up Interval:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, depending on component wear.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles or 24 months.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.

Engine Oil:

API SF, SG, or SH service category; SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II (or equivalent)

Fiberglass Cracks:

Cracking or crazing of fiberglass body panels, especially around stress points.

Weatherstripping:

Deterioration of door, window, and T-top weatherstripping leading to leaks.

Vacuum Lines:

Leaky or brittle vacuum lines affecting various systems (headlights, climate control).

Corrosion:

Frame and chassis corrosion, particularly in salt-belt regions.

T-Top Leaks:

Common issues with T-top seals and latches causing water ingress.

Carburetor Adjustment:

Regular carburetor tuning and cleaning is essential for optimal performance.

Ignition Maintenance:

Checking spark plugs, distributor cap, and rotor for wear is crucial for the HEI system.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet's long history of performance vehicles and iconic American cars

C3 Development:

The C3 Corvette, introduced in 1968, underwent continuous refinement through the 1970s, with 1978 marking a significant year with the introduction of the Gymkhana 500 'Indy Pace Car' and Collector's Edition models.

1978 Updates:

Introduction of the 'fastback' style rear window, eliminating the previous removable rear glass. New interior design elements and improved ergonomics. Unibody construction with bolted-on fiberglass body panels.

Production Years:

1968-1982 (for C3 generation)

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA (prior to 1981 move to Bowling Green, Kentucky)

Sales Figures 1978:

Approximately 47,000 units sold

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Collectible Status:

Widely recognized as a desirable classic Corvette model

Special Editions:

1978 Indy 500 Pace Car Edition and Collector's Edition are highly prized.