🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1975

Engine Options Covered:

350ci, 396ci

Trim Levels Covered:

All

Transmission Types Covered:

All

Engine Code 350:

L48 (Base), L82 (Optional High-Performance)

Engine Code 396:

Not applicable for 1975 Corvette (This appears to be a conflation of engines from different model years/series, or potentially a manual that also covers earlier models. The 1975 Corvette production primarily focused on 350ci V8s. The 396ci was a big-block engine offered in earlier Corvette generations.)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Iconic American Sports Car

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, classic car owners, DIY mechanics, restoration specialists

Competitors 1975:

Porsche 911, Jaguar E-Type (though phasing out), other high-performance coupes and convertibles

Model Year Significance:

1975 marked the introduction of the catalytic converter and unleaded fuel requirement, significantly impacting engine tuning and performance compared to earlier models.

Design Era:

Third generation Corvette (C3) 'Mako Shark' design

Manual Value:

Essential for maintaining and restoring a 1975 Corvette, providing authorized procedures and specifications to ensure originality and proper function.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Service, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair

Page Count:

Estimated 800-1200 pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

350ci V8 (L48, L82), including disassembly, assembly, tuning, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions control systems (catalytic converter, EGR)

Transmission:

Automatic (THM350) and Manual (M20, M21, M22 - though M22 was less common by '75) transmission service, overhaul, and adjustments

Drivetrain:

Rear axle, driveshaft, CV joints (if applicable to specific models/options), propeller shaft

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems (independent front, transverse leaf spring rear), shocks, springs, control arms, bushings

Steering:

Power steering system service, hydraulic pump, steering gear, linkage

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes (standard on all 1975 Corvettes), brake calipers, master cylinder, power brake booster, parking brake system

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting, gauges, instrumentation, power windows, power door locks (if equipped)

Body:

Body panel alignment, door mechanisms, window regulators, hardtop removal/installation, bumper service, weatherstripping

HVAC:

Heating and ventilation system, air conditioning system (if equipped), controls, blower motor, refrigerant system servicing

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, lubrication points, tire rotations

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for common problems related to engine performance, electrical systems, brakes, and other components

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation across all major vehicle systems

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for identifying the root cause of malfunctions, including symptom analysis and corrective actions

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed torque specifications and clearances

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable for keywords, facilitating quick information retrieval

Printability:

Designed to be printable, allowing for physical copy creation

Binding:

Not applicable (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

Not applicable (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement Base:

350 cubic inches (5.7 Liters)

Engine Type Base:

V8, Overhead Valve (OHV), Small Block Chevrolet

Engine Code Base:

L48

Compression Ratio Base:

8.0:1 (due to unleaded fuel requirements)

Carburetor Base:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel

Horsepower Base SAE Gross:

165 HP @ 4000 RPM

Torque Base SAE Gross:

255 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM

Engine Displacement Optional:

350 cubic inches (5.7 Liters) - L82 High Performance

Engine Code Optional:

L82

Compression Ratio Optional:

8.5:1

Carburetor Optional:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel

Horsepower Optional SAE Gross:

205 HP @ 4800 RPM

Torque Optional SAE Gross:

275 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM

Fuel Requirement:

Unleaded Regular (87 Octane Minimum)

Fuel Delivery:

Mechanical fuel pump, carburetor

Cylinders:

8

Bore X Stroke 350:

4.00 in x 3.48 in

Valve Train:

Overhead Valve (OHV)

Cooling System:

Water-cooled, pressurized system

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition (Delco-Remy HEI distributor)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

Automatic (Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 - THM350)

Gear Ratios Thm350:

1st: 2.52:1, 2nd: 1.52:1, 3rd: 1.00:1, Reverse: 2.07:1

Transmission Type Opt:

Manual - 4-speed

Manual Transmission Codes:

M20 (Wide-ratio), M21 (Close-ratio) - M22 'Rock Crusher' less common in '75

Clutch Type:

Dry, single plate (manual transmission)

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

Dexron III (or equivalent, check manual for exact specification)

Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:

Approximately 9-10 quarts (including torque converter)

Rear Axle Ratio:

Varied based on transmission and engine (e.g., 3.08:1, 3.36:1, 3.55:1 - typically found in manual)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.8 inches (4516 mm)

Width:

69.0 inches (1753 mm)

Height:

46.1 inches (1171 mm)

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (2489 mm)

Front Track:

58.6 inches (1488 mm)

Rear Track:

59.2 inches (1504 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3,500 - 3,700 lbs (1588 - 1678 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4,300 lbs (1950 kg)

Weight Distribution:

Near 50/50 front/rear when properly equipped

Cargo Volume Approx:

10.3 cubic feet

Wheel Size:

15 x 7 inch

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 4.75 inch (5 x 120.65 mm)

Tire Size Standard:

F78-15 or GR70-15

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Data:

Comprehensive crash test data from 1975 is limited by modern standards. Focus on specific tests available.

Brakes:

Four-wheel disc brakes (standard), power assisted

Steering:

Power steering (standard)

Headlights:

Retractable halogen headlights

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts, shoulder belts

Interior:

Energy-absorbing steering column, padded dashboard (in specific areas), safety glass

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

AM/FM monaural radio, AM/FM stereo radio with tape player (optional)

Gauges:

Comprehensive analog gauge cluster: Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel Level, Water Temperature, Oil Pressure, Ammeter

Cruise Control:

Optional (Speedminder)

Connectivity Features:

None by modern standards. Focus on mechanical and basic electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (recommendation)

Oil Filter Change:

With every oil change

Tune Up:

Check spark plugs, points (if applicable to distributor setup), and ignition timing every 12,000-15,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 24,000-36,000 miles or 24-36 months

Coolant Flush:

Every 24,000-36,000 miles or 24-36 months

Engine Oil:

API SF, SE, or CC specification, viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult manual for precise recommendation based on climate)

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mixture with distilled water

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific type)

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Type A or Dexron II/III (verify with manual)

Emissions System:

Catalytic converter clogging, EGR valve issues due to carbon buildup, potential vacuum leak issues impacting emissions

Fuel System:

Carburetor adjustment and cleaning, fuel pump reliability

Electrical System:

Wiring harness degradation, starter motor issues, alternator reliability, headlight vacuum system leaks (on earlier models, though fixed for '75).

Suspension:

Worn bushings (control arms, sway bars), ball joint wear, shock absorber fatigue

Body:

Fiberglass body crack repairs, door alignment, weatherstripping degradation leading to leaks

Oil Filter Example:

AC-Delco PF25 or equivalent (verify application)

Spark Plugs Example:

AC-Delco FR3LS (check manual for exact part number)

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet, founded in 1911, has a long history of performance and innovation in the American automotive industry, with Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.

C3 Generation:

The 1975 model year falls within the third generation (C3) of the Corvette, which ran from 1968 to 1982. This generation is characterized by its distinctive 'Mako Shark' styling.

1975 Specifics:

1975 saw significant changes due to government regulations, including the mandatory catalytic converter, removal of the vacuum-operated headlight covers (replaced by fixed headlamps), and a reduction in engine power output due to lower compression ratios and emissions controls.

Production Volume 1975:

Approximately 38,467 units

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Collectible Status:

Highly collectible classic American sports car, appreciated for its styling and performance heritage.

Automotive Press Reviews:

Contemporary reviews often praised its handling and performance, though some noted the power decrease compared to earlier years due to emissions. Recognized as an automotive icon.