🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Model Variant:

454

Covered Years:

1963-1983

Engine Code Primary:

LS4 (454 cu in)

Chassis Code Generations:

C2 (Sting Ray) 1963-1967, C3 (Stingray/Corvette) 1968-1982

👋 Introduction

Iconic Status:

The Corvette 454 represents a significant era for the marque, particularly known for its big-block V8 power and the shift from the classic C2 design to the radical C3.

Era Competitors:

Challenged European sports cars like Porsche 911 and Ferrari models in performance and prestige, while offering a distinct American muscle car flair.

Performance Focus:

This manual is crucial for owners and mechanics looking to maintain and repair the powerful 454 cubic inch V8 engines that defined performance for these Corvettes.

Manual Value:

Provides the essential technical knowledge to keep these classic American sports cars running optimally and to perform authentic restorations.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Scope:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (exact count not specified, but typical for 20+ years of models)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Driveline, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System

Chassis:

Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering, Brakes, Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Ignition, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Wiring Diagrams

Body:

Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Convertible Top Mechanism (if applicable)

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Procedures for Common Issues, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Charts

Depth:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, component disassembly and reassembly, torque specifications, clearances, and adjustment procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Searchable PDF, Printable

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original manuals, clear text and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

454 V8 (LS4)

Displacement:

7.4 Liters (454 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

4.25 in x 4.00 in (108 mm x 101.6 mm)

Compression Ratio:

Variable by year, typically 8.5:1 to 7.3:1 during this period due to emissions regulations

Horsepower:

Approx. 365-390 HP (gross, varies by year and specific configuration)

Torque:

Approx. 460-500 lb-ft (gross, varies by year and specific configuration)

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (Quadrajet 4-barrel or Holley, depending on year and emissions tuning)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (octane ratings varied)

Type:

Points and Condenser (early years), Electronic Ignition (later years, e.g., HEI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Muncie M20/M21 4-speed Manual, Turbo Hydra-Matic (THM) 400 3-speed Automatic

Optional Transmissions:

Close-ratio M22 'Rock Crusher' manual (less common in 454 models compared to performance packages).

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate (manual transmission)

Automatic Transmission Control:

Vacuum modulator and governor (THM 400)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

98 inches (2489 mm)

Length:

Approx. 183-190 inches (4650-4826 mm) depending on year and body style

Width:

Approx. 70.8 inches (1798 mm)

Height:

Approx. 47.5-48.9 inches (1207-1242 mm) depending on year and body style

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,200 - 3,600 lbs (1451 - 1633 kg) depending on options and year

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified for sports cars of this era, but engine weight is considerable.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No standardized NHTSA or IIHS ratings for vehicles of this vintage. Safety features focused on chassis integrity and basic driver protection.

Braking System:

Power-assisted disc brakes on all four wheels (standard on 454 models), vented front discs.

Steering System:

Power steering (standard on 454 models)

Seat Belts:

Lap belts standard; shoulder belts became standard later in the covered period.

Body Structure:

Integral body-frame construction (Unibody concept but with a strong perimeter frame structure common to early Corvettes)

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

AM/FM Radio, AM/FM/8-Track players, Cassette players (later years). Many have been upgraded to modern head units.

Features:

Very limited. Primarily focused on the driving experience rather than electronic aids.

Features:

None by modern standards. Primarily mechanical and analog systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Historically, every 3,000 miles or 3 months, though vintage vehicles may require more frequent checks.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 24,000-30,000 miles. Manual: Inspect annually, change as needed or every 50,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (conventional oil recommended for flat-tappet camshafts if original engine is intact, consult manual for specific year).

Coolant:

50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water. Capacity approx. 5 gallons.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Dexron-III (or equivalent DEXRON®-VI) for THM 400.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 gear oil for Muncie transmissions (viscosity varies, typically 80W-90).

Engine Wear:

Valve guide wear, oil consumption, potential camshaft lobe wear on high-mileage engines.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring harnesses, vacuum hose deterioration, and corrosion in electrical connectors are common.

Chassis Corrosion:

Frame and body corrosion, especially in rust-belt regions, can be a significant issue requiring thorough inspection.

Oil Filter Example:

AC Delco PF2 (or equivalent, cross-reference needed for specific year)

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet has a long history of performance vehicles, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.

C2 To C3 Transition:

The 1963-1967 C2 Corvette represented a peak in design and performance, while the 1968-1982 C3 introduced a radical 'Coke-bottle' styling and saw significant changes in performance due to emissions regulations.

454 Introduction:

The 454 cubic inch big-block engine was introduced in the Corvette in 1970 (as RPO LS5) and continued through various iterations (LS6, LS7, LS4) until the end of the C3 generation's large-displacement era.

Production Locations:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA (C2 generation); Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA (C3 generation, starting 1981).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Collectible Status:

Highly collectible classic sports car, with 454 models often sought after for their raw power and historical significance.

Car Enthusiast Rankings:

Consistently ranked among iconic American cars and performance vehicles of the 20th century.