🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1966

Engine Displacement Name:

350

Chassis Code:

C2 Sting Ray

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The definitive guide for owners and mechanics seeking to maintain, repair, and restore the iconic 1966 Chevrolet Corvette.

Comparison:

This workshop manual provides a level of detail and accuracy that surpasses basic owner's manuals or generic repair guides, focusing on factory-specified procedures.

Value Proposition:

Essential for accurate diagnosis, efficient repair, and preservation of the 1966 Corvette's performance and originality.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Engines Trims Transmissions:

True

Estimated Page Count:

Comprehensive (Exact count not specified in product info, but typical for full workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components (e.g., block, heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valvetrain).

Fuel System:

Carburetor (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet, Carter AFB) servicing, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank inspection and cleaning.

Cooling System:

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

Ignition System:

Distributor, spark plugs, ignition coils, wiring, timing specifications.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, pipes, mufflers, and catalytic converter (if applicable) servicing.

Transmission Manual:

Service, repair, and overhaul procedures for Muncie 4-speed transmissions.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair procedures for the Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission (if specified for the '350' engine option, though less common in '66).

Drivetrain Rear Axle:

Rear axle assembly, differential service, lubrication, and inspection.

Suspension Front:

Independent front suspension components (control arms, ball joints, springs, shock absorbers), alignment specifications.

Suspension Rear:

Rear leaf springs, shock absorbers, U-joints, driveshaft.

Brakes Front:

Disc brake system servicing (calipers, pads, rotors), hydraulic lines, master cylinder.

Brakes Rear:

Drum brake system servicing (wheel cylinders, shoes, drums), parking brake system.

Steering System:

Steering column, steering box, tie rods, power steering system (if equipped).

Electrical System Charging:

Generator, voltage regulator, battery servicing.

Electrical System Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lighting, wiring diagrams.

Electrical System Ignition:

Refer to ignition system; includes starter motor, ignition switch.

Electrical System Instruments:

Gauges, speedometer, tachometer, warning lamps, dashboard wiring.

Body Exterior:

Body panel alignment, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, trim, glass, convertible top mechanisms.

Body Interior:

Seating, carpets, dashboard assembly, interior trim panels, sound insulation.

HVAC:

Heater core, blower motor, defroster system (factory A/C system if equipped).

Preventative Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication points, tune-up procedures.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues across all systems.

Engine Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine teardown, inspection, measurement, and reassembly.

Transmission Repair:

Complete rebuild procedures for manual and automatic transmissions.

Brake System Repair:

Disc and drum brake component replacement, hydraulic system bleeding, parking brake adjustment.

Suspension Component Replacement:

Ball joint, control arm, tie rod end, and shock absorber replacement and alignment.

Electrical Component Replacement:

Starter motor, alternator/generator, voltage regulator, ignition switch, lighting components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Body Panel Repair Adjustment:

Procedures for fitting and adjusting body panels, doors, and glass.

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers routine maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and complete overhaul/rebuilding of all major systems).

Diagnostic Tools:

Mentions use of basic mechanical tools and diagnostic procedures, likely implies factory specifications for measurements and clearances.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable for efficient information retrieval (standard for professional PDF manuals).

Quality:

Assumed high-quality scans of original factory documentation.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement Ci:

327 cubic inches (Commonly referred to as the '350' engine family for Chevrolet V8s of this era, though the specific designation for '66 was the 327ci. The manual likely covers all 327 variants available.)

Bore X Stroke:

4.00 inches x 3.25 inches (for 327ci)

Compression Ratio:

Varies by specific 327cid option (e.g., 10.5:1 for L79, 11.0:1 for L72, 10.0:1 for base 327).

Horsepower Net Est:

Ranges from 250 hp (Powerglide) to 365 hp (L79) and 425 hp (L72 - 427ci, but relevant to performance variants of the era).

Torque Lb Ft Net Est:

Varies by specific 327cid option (e.g., 310 lb-ft to 360 lb-ft).

Carburetor Options:

Single 4-barrel Rochester Quadrajet or Carter AFB; Dual 4-barrel Holley setups for performance models.

Fuel Type Recommended:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (or Leaded Gasoline of 91-93 Octane rating for original tune).

Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40, API SF or SG classification (or equivalent for modern oils, consider zinc additive).

Oil Capacity Quarts:

5 quarts (with filter change).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

Muncie 4-speed manual (e.g., M20, M21, M22 variants depending on engine/performance package).

Transmission Type Optional:

Powerglide 2-speed automatic (less common with performance engines but available).

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate (for manual transmission).

Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90, often specified with limited-slip additive if equipped).

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:

Dexron-III (or equivalent modern ATF like Dexron-VI, though original spec was likely Dexron-B).

📐 Dimensions

Length Inches:

173.7

Width Inches:

69.7

Height Inches:

47.4 (Coupe) / 47.7 (Convertible)

Wheelbase Inches:

98.0

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 2,870 - 3,100 lbs depending on options (Coupe/Convertible, engine, transmission).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No formal crash test ratings available for this era by modern standards.

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes (optional on earlier models, standard on many '66s), effective handling due to independent suspension.

Passive Safety Features:

Collapsible steering column, padded interior components (limited by era).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, optional AM/FM with 8-track player (rare), antenna.

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern standards. Focus is on driver control and mechanical feedback.

Connectivity Features:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on usage and oil type. For older vehicles, more frequent changes are recommended, especially if driven infrequently.

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs, points, and condenser typically every 10,000-20,000 miles. Distributor cap and rotor checked during tune-ups.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Inspect fluid level annually, change every 30,000-50,000 miles. Automatic: Change fluid and filter every 25,000-30,000 miles.

Coolant Change:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 standard (ensure compatible with original seals if rebuilding).

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron-II/III (if equipped with power steering).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., 50/50 mix with distilled water).

Common Problems:

Carburetor adjustment/rebuild, potential for overheating if cooling system is not maintained, wear on suspension bushings, aging electrical components (wiring, voltage regulator), vacuum leaks, limited steering precision on non-power steering models.

Recommended Upgrades:

Electronic ignition conversion, modern radial tires, upgraded brake pads/lines for improved performance and safety, higher zinc content engine oil.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

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

C2 Sting Ray Era:

The C2 generation (1963-1967) is renowned for its iconic 'Sting Ray' styling, independent rear suspension, and introduction of disc brakes. The 1966 model year saw refinements and engine upgrades.

Production Volume 1966:

Approximately 27,720 Corvettes produced for the 1966 model year.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Icon:

The 1966 Corvette is widely recognized as a classic American sports car and a desirable collector's item.

Design Acclaim:

The C2 design is acclaimed for its sculptural beauty and sports car aesthetic, influenced by concepts like the Mako Shark.