Segment:
American Sports Car Icon
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, collectors, restorers, DIY mechanics working on the 1969 Corvette
Key Competitors:
Ford Mustang, Plymouth Barracuda, Pontiac Firebird
Vehicle Highlights:
Iconic Stingray design, powerful V8 engine options, legendary performance
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential factory-level technical data for accurate maintenance and restoration.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system (carburetor tuning and rebuilding), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (Muncie), automatic transmission (Turbo-Hydramatic 350/400) overhaul and adjustments
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch assembly, driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly (differential, half-shafts)
Suspension Systems:
Front suspension (ball joints, control arms, coil springs, shock absorbers), rear suspension (leaf springs, trailing arms, shock absorbers)
Steering Systems:
Steering gear (manual and power), steering linkage, power steering pump and components
Brake Systems:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical Systems:
12-volt negative ground system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams
Body Systems:
Body construction, doors, windows, convertible top, interior trim, bumpers, grilles, exterior trim
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, operation, and servicing (if equipped)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups, fluid checks and replacements
Repair Procedures:
Component disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all major systems
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnostic guides for common problems and malfunctions across all vehicle systems
Alignment Procedures:
Wheel alignment specifications and adjustments
Electrical Diagnostics:
Step-by-step troubleshooting for electrical issues using wiring diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive rebuild and overhaul procedures for engine, transmission, and major mechanical components.
Engine Code:
L46, L65, L68 (common designations for 350 variants)
Displacement:
350 cubic inches (5.7 Liters)
Horsepower:
290-390 HP (depending on specific L-code and carburetor configuration)
Torque:
375-400 lb-ft (approximate)
Fuel System:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor (most common)
Ignition System:
High-energy ignition (HEI) distributor (late 1969 models, but commonly retrofitted)
Engine Code:
L36, L71, L89 (common designations for 396 variants)
Displacement:
396 cubic inches (6.5 Liters)
Horsepower:
325-435 HP (depending on specific L-code, carburetor, and aluminum heads)
Torque:
410-460 lb-ft (approximate)
Fuel System:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor (L36, L71); Tri-Power 3x2 barrel carburetors (L71); Aluminum intake with Quadrajet (L89)
Ignition System:
High-energy ignition (HEI) distributor (late 1969 models, but commonly retrofitted)
Type:
4-speed manual (Muncie M20, M21, M22 'Rock Crusher')
Type:
3-speed automatic (Turbo-Hydramatic 350 or 400)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Varies by Muncie model (e.g., M20 wide ratio, M21 close ratio)
Automatic Features:
Torque converter lock-up (TH400), 'P-R-N-D-2-1' shift pattern
Manual Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90)
Automatic Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Crash Test Data:
Not officially rated by modern NHTSA standards, but designed with structural integrity for its era.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes with power assist (optional)
Steering System:
Recirculating ball steering, optional power steering
Seat Belts:
Standard lap belts, shoulder belts optional
Body Construction:
Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) body on a ladder frame chassis
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era, adjust for modern oils)
Tune Up Interval:
Every 12,000 miles or 12 months
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG or higher (e.g., SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for modern use)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Common Problems:
Carburetor adjustment issues, vacuum leaks, aging rubber and plastic components, electrical gremlins, rear main seal leaks, clutch wear, potential for fiberglass degradation (e.g., cracking).
Carburetor Tuning:
Emphasis on proper idle speed, mixture screw adjustment, and float level settings for optimal performance.
Ignition Timing:
Critical for engine performance and fuel economy; requires a timing light and understanding of vacuum/centrifugal advance.
