🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1966

Engine Codes:

305ci, 327ci, 350ci, 396ci, 427ci, 454ci (Note: 305ci and 350ci were not factory options for the 1966 Corvette. The manual likely covers these for aftermarket or general V8 information. Factory engines were 327ci, 396ci, and 427ci.)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Personal Luxury Sports Car

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, classic car owners, mechanics specializing in vintage Corvettes.

Competitors 1966:

Shelby Cobra, Jaguar E-Type, Porsche 911 (though different segment, competed for performance buyers), Ford Mustang (higher volume, but often cross-shopped).

Vehicle Highlights:

Iconic Sting Ray design, choice of powerful V8 engines, independent suspension, available convertible and coupe body styles, performance-oriented handling.

Manual Benefit:

Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to maintain, diagnose, and repair their 1966 Corvette, preserving its historical and performance integrity.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Clutch, Manual Transmission (Muncie), Automatic Transmission (Powerglide), Driveshaft and U-Joints, Rear Axle and Suspension, Front Suspension and Steering, Brakes (Disc and Drum), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Components), Body and Frame, Interior Trim, Climate Control (Heater), Exterior Trim and Bumpers, Wheels and Tires

Page Count:

Estimated 800-1200 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory-style service manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, component testing, specifications, cylinder head service, piston and ring installation, crankshaft and bearing service, camshaft and valvetrain overhaul.

Fuel And Emissions:

Carburetor service (Holley, Rochester Quadrajet, Rochester 2-G), fuel pump testing and replacement, fuel line routing, emission control systems (if applicable for late 1966 models).

Ignition System:

Distributor service, spark plug selection and gap, ignition coil testing, wiring, timing specifications.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan, coolant specifications and capacity.

Lubrication System:

Oil pump service, oil filter replacement, oil pan removal and installation, oil capacity and specifications.

Transmission Manual:

Muncie 4-speed transmission overhaul, clutch service, shifter linkage adjustment.

Transmission Automatic:

Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission overhaul, fluid specifications, band adjustment.

Driveline:

Driveshaft removal, U-joint replacement, rear axle housing service, differential inspection, wheel bearing replacement.

Suspension Front:

Ball joint replacement, tie rod end service, kingpin overhaul, steering box adjustment, alignment specifications.

Suspension Rear:

Leaf spring replacement, shock absorber service, trailing arm inspection, sway bar adjustment.

Brakes:

Front disc brake caliper service, rotor replacement, rear drum brake shoe adjustment and replacement, master cylinder overhaul, brake fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, starter motor service, alternator testing and replacement, battery maintenance, lighting system troubleshooting, gauge cluster repair.

Body And Frame:

Frame inspection and repair, body panel alignment, door and window regulator service, convertible top mechanism troubleshooting.

Interior:

Seat removal and upholstery, dashboard disassembly, carpet replacement, interior trim panel installation.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions with torque specifications for all major component repairs and replacements.

Maintenance Schedules:

Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and inspections.

Special Tool Recommendations:

Identification of specialized tools required for specific repair tasks.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

Searchable PDF with high-resolution images and diagrams, suitable for printing.

Print Quality Description:

Clear, legible text and sharp, detailed illustrations and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement Ci:

327

Engine Type:

Overhead Valve (OHV) V8

Horsepower Base:

250 hp (Turbo-Fire 327)

Horsepower Optional 1:

300 hp (Turbo-Fire 327, higher compression/cam)

Horsepower Optional 2:

350 hp (L79 327, high performance)

Horsepower Optional 3:

365 hp (L79 327, high performance, often similar to 350hp but with specific carb/intake) or higher output if specified by manual.

Torque Base:

350 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm (Turbo-Fire 327)

Torque Optional 1:

360 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (300 hp 327)

Torque Optional 2:

350 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm (350 hp L79 327)

Fuel System:

Single 4-barrel carburetor (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet) or Dual 4-barrel carburetors (e.g., Holley 2x4) on high-performance models.

Engine Displacement Ci:

396

Engine Type:

Overhead Valve (OHV) V8

Horsepower:

390 hp (L36 396 Big Block)

Torque:

425 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (L36 396 Big Block)

Fuel System:

Single 4-barrel carburetor (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet)

Engine Displacement Ci:

427

Engine Type:

Overhead Valve (OHV) V8

Horsepower Base:

390 hp (L36 427 Big Block)

Horsepower Optional 1:

425 hp (L68 427 Big Block, Tri-Power)

Horsepower Optional 2:

450 hp (L72 427 Big Block, Holley 4-barrel, high performance)

Torque Base:

460 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (L36 427)

Torque Optional 1:

460 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (L68 427)

Torque Optional 2:

460 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (L72 427)

Fuel System:

Single 4-barrel carburetor (L36, L72) or Triple 2-barrel carburetors (L68 Tri-Power).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

Muncie 4-Speed Manual (e.g., M20, M21, M22)

Optional Transmission Type:

Powerglide 2-Speed Automatic

Clutch Type:

Single Dry Plate

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Dexron III/Mercon (or equivalent for Powerglide)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Inches:

98

Overall Length Inches:

175.2

Overall Width Inches:

69.6

Overall Height Inches:

47.7 (Coupe) / 47.1 (Convertible)

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 3,000-3,500 lbs (depending on engine and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:

Not typically published as a distinct GVWR for Corvettes of this era; focuses on vehicle capacity.

Wheel Size:

15 x 6 inches (standard)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 4.75 inches (5 x 120.65 mm)

Tire Size Standard:

6.95 x 15 or 7.75 x 15 (bias-ply)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A (Crash testing protocols and ratings were not standardized or widely published in the same manner as today.)

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes (standard on all 1966 models), dual-circuit master cylinder.

Passive Safety Features:

Three-point seat belts (optional, often dealer installed), padded dashboard and steering wheel hub.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Factory AM/FM Radio (often with power antenna), optional multiplex AM-FM stereo. Often cassette tape players were aftermarket additions.

Driver Assistance Features:

None as modern features were non-existent. Focus on driver control and feedback.

Climate Control System:

Basic heater system with defroster. Air conditioning was an optional, dealer-installed accessory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (typical recommendation for the era)

Transmission Service Interval:

Check fluid level every 6 months, change fluid and filter every 24,000 miles or 24 months.

Differential Service Interval:

Check fluid level periodically, change if contaminated or every 24,000-36,000 miles.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (depending on ambient temperature and engine condition); API Service ML or MS rated oil.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene Glycol antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

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

Rear Axle Fluid Type:

GL-5 Gear Oil with limited-slip additive if equipped with Positraction (e.g., 80W-90)

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, U-joints, brake components, clutch components, carburetor gaskets, vacuum hoses, weatherstripping.

Potential Engine Issues:

Oil leaks (valve covers, oil pan), coolant leaks, carburetor tuning issues, ignition timing drift, valve guide wear.

Potential Chassis Issues:

Frame rust (especially around trailing arms and front crossmember), suspension bushing wear, steering wander, differential whine.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet, founded in 1911, has a long history of producing accessible and performance-oriented vehicles. The Corvette, introduced in 1953, became America's premier sports car.

Corvette C2 Generation:

The 1966 model is part of the C2 ('Sting Ray') generation (1963-1967), known for its dramatic styling, hidden headlamps, and independent rear suspension.

Significant 1966 Changes:

Introduction of the 427 cubic inch engine, refinements to suspension and brakes, updated interior and exterior trim. The 'Stinger' hood scoop became a signature visual cue for big-block cars.

Production Years:

Corvette C2: 1963-1967

1966 Production Volume:

27,720 units (Coupe: 5,251, Convertible: 22,469)

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Collectible Status:

Highly collectible classic sports car, frequently featured in automotive media and recognized for its design and performance heritage.

Industry Acclaim:

The C2 Corvette, particularly the 1966 models with desirable engine options, is a celebrated example of American automotive design and engineering.