Vehicle Years:
1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983
Engine Displacements Covered:
5.0L (305 cu in), 5.4L (327 cu in), 5.7L (350 cu in), 6.5L (396 cu in), 7.0L (427 cu in), 7.4L (454 cu in)
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, rebuild procedures, torque specifications, timing, valve train, piston/ring installation, crankshaft/bearing service, cylinder head repair, cooling system.
Fuel System:
Carburetor service (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet, Holley), fuel injection systems (C3 era, early electronic), fuel pump diagnosis and replacement, fuel lines, fuel tank service.
Ignition System:
Distributor service, coil replacement, spark plug and wire diagnosis, electronic ignition systems (HEI), timing adjustments.
Transmission Manual:
Overhaul and repair procedures for Muncie (M20, M21, M22), BorgWarner T-10; clutch service, linkage adjustment, torque specifications, fluid types.
Transmission Automatic:
Powerglide, Turbo Hydramatic (TH350, TH400); overhaul procedures, valve body diagnosis, band/clutch pack service, fluid and filter changes, torque converter replacement.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle (corvette independent suspension), half-shafts, CV joints, differential service, bearing replacement.
Suspension:
Front and rear independent suspension systems; control arm bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers, coil springs, sway bars, alignment procedures, specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system; pump, hoses, steering box (recirculating ball type), linkage, tie rods, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems; caliper overhaul, rotor replacement, brake pad service, master cylinder, brake booster, hydraulic lines, bleeding procedures, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system (alternator/generator), starter motor, battery service, lighting system, instrumentation, diagnostic procedures.
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, chassis inspection, structural integrity, doors, windows, convertible top service, weather stripping, interior trim.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (A/C) system; components, refrigerant handling (R12), blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, diagnosis.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, drive belt inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic charts for common problems across all major systems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, reassembly, and adjustment for virtually all parts of the vehicle.
Diagnostics:
Guidance on using basic diagnostic tools, interpreting electrical signals, and pinpointing fault sources.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems, including lighting, ignition, charging, accessories, and instrumentation.
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds)
User Level:
DIY enthusiast to professional mechanic
Engine Family 350:
Chevrolet Small-Block (Gen 1)
Engine Family 427:
Chevrolet Big-Block (Mark IV)
Engine Family 454:
Chevrolet Big-Block (Mark IV)
Engine 305 Ci:
5.0L V8, typically found in later years (e.g., 1976-1982) with lower performance focus.
Engine 327 Ci:
5.4L V8, iconic performance engine from 1963-1968, available in various power ratings (e.g., L30, L79, L76).
Engine 350 Ci:
5.7L V8, introduced as a performance option in 1968 and became the primary engine, available with various carburetor and fuel injection configurations, and power outputs.
Engine 396 Ci:
6.5L V8, a strong performance Big-Block, often used in early C3 models.
Engine 427 Ci:
7.0L V8, the legendary big-block performance engine of the mid-to-late 1960s, known for potent power (e.g., L72, L88).
Engine 454 Ci:
7.4L V8, a torque-rich big-block, a continuation of the big-block lineage, often found in later models.
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 250 hp (305ci, base 350ci) to over 430 hp (327ci, 427ci high-performance variants).
Torque Range:
Approx. 300 lb-ft to over 470 lb-ft, varying significantly by engine and tune.
Carburetion:
Single 2-barrel, single 4-barrel, dual 4-barrel carburetors (e.g., Rochester, Holley) depending on engine and year.
Fuel Injection:
Early mechanical fuel injection (e.g., Rochester-GM 'F.I. Systems') and later electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems.
Manual Transmission:
Muncie 4-speed (M20, M21, M22 'Rock Crusher'), BorgWarner T-10 (later years).
Automatic Transmission:
Chevrolet Powerglide 2-speed (early years), Turbo Hydramatic 350 (TH350) 3-speed, Turbo Hydramatic 400 (TH400) 3-speed.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch (for manual transmissions).
Gear Ratios:
Varies by transmission and application, with performance-oriented ratios available on Muncie M22 and some automatic units.
Fluid Type Manual:
Typically GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90, SAE 80W-90).
Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF) for TH350/TH400, Dexron B for Powerglide.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, or more frequently under severe driving conditions (check manual for specific recommendations).
Tune Up:
Spark plugs and points/condenser (if applicable) every 10,000-15,000 miles; distributor cap and rotor as needed.
Transmission Fluid:
Automatic: Every 24,000-30,000 miles. Manual: Inspect regularly, change every 30,000-50,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
Varies by year and engine, typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for small blocks, potentially thicker oils for big blocks. Check manual for specific API service classifications (e.g., SF, SG).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specify type required by year.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Likely Dexron II or III ATF, or specific power steering fluid depending on the steering gear manufacturer.
Fiberglass Cracking:
Common in C3 models, especially around rear wheel wells and front nose due to stress and age.
Carburetor Perfromance:
Rochester Quadrajets can develop worn throttle shafts and sticky power pistons. Holley carbs require periodic adjustment.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Common on many older V8 engines, including these Corvettes.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are subject to wear and can affect handling and alignment.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, corroded connectors, and failing relays can lead to intermittent electrical issues.
Heritage:
Chevrolet's longest-running nameplate, synonymous with American sports car performance and style.
C2 Sting Ray 1963-1967:
Iconic independent rear suspension, split-window coupe (1963), introduction of big-block engines (396, 427), and Z06 performance package.
C3 1968-1982:
Radical redesign with 'Mako Shark' styling, introduction of small-block 350, longer production run, evolution through stricter emissions regulations, introduction of polyurethane bumpers, and early fuel injection.
1983:
Transition year, marked the end of the C3 generation and introduction of some C4 features, often seen as a precursor to the next generation.
Manufacturing Location:
St. Louis, Missouri (primarily), Bowling Green, Kentucky (later years).
