Vehicle Segment:
Sports Car / Personal Luxury Coupe
Key Competitors:
Ford Mustang, Pontiac Firebird (later), Jaguar E-Type (European comparison)
Performance Focus:
Designed for high performance and exhilarating driving experience, particularly with the big-block V8 engine options.
Design Language:
Iconic C2 Sting Ray design, celebrated for its sculpted lines, hidden headlights, and independent rear suspension.
Overall Coverage:
All Models, Engines, Trim, Transmission Types
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (typically 800-1200 pages for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (396ci, 427ci options), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Driveshaft, Rear Axle Assembly, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Hydraulic System, Disc Brakes Front, Drum Brakes Rear), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Instrumentation, Accessories (Wipers, Horn, Radio)
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Glass, Seals, Convertible Top Mechanism (if applicable)
Maintenance:
Lubrication, Fluid Checks and Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-Up Procedures, Belt Adjustments
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair and Alignment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides for Engine, Electrical, and Mechanical Issues
Diagnostic Level:
Comprehensive, including specifications for component tolerances, testing procedures, and diagnostic flowcharts
Rebuild Detail:
Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances
Engine Displacement Ci:
396
Engine Displacement Liters:
6.5
Engine Configuration:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Horsepower Gross 396 L35:
375 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque Gross 396 L35:
415 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Bore X Stroke 396:
4.125 in x 3.625 in
Compression Ratio 396 L35:
10.25:1
Carburetor 396 L35:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (high octane recommended)
Available Engines:
327ci (250 hp, 300 hp, 350 hp variants), 427ci (390 hp, 425 hp, 435 hp variants)
Standard Transmission:
4-Speed Manual Transmission (Muncie M20, M21, M22)
Optional Transmission:
3-Speed Automatic Transmission (Powerglide - typically with 327, Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 with big blocks)
Clutch Type:
Single Dry Plate
Rear Axle Options:
Various gear ratios available depending on engine and transmission choice (e.g., 3.08, 3.36, 3.55, 4.11 for performance applications)
Length:
174.6 inches (4435 mm)
Width:
69.0 inches (1753 mm)
Height Coupe:
47.8 inches (1214 mm)
Height Convertible:
47.4 inches (1204 mm)
Wheelbase:
98.0 inches (2489 mm)
Front Track:
55.0 inches (1397 mm)
Rear Track:
56.0 inches (1422 mm)
Curb Weight Approx Coupe:
3,125 lbs (1417 kg)
Curb Weight Approx Convertible:
3,215 lbs (1458 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approximately 3,750 lbs (1701 kg)
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 10 cubic feet (0.28 cubic meters)
Niosh Crash Testing:
No standardized NHTSA crash ratings for this era; relied on internal GM testing and design principles.
Brakes:
Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes (standard on 1965 and later models, though rear drums were still common on some variants or early production).
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering system; optional power steering.
Seatbelts:
Standard lap belts; shoulder belts optional or part of specific packages.
Frame Construction:
Integrated body-frame construction contributing to structural rigidity.
Windshield:
Laminated safety glass windshield.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months; check manual for specific viscosity and capacity.
Tune Up Frequency:
As needed, typically every 12,000-15,000 miles for spark plugs, points, and condenser, depending on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Check:
Check every oil change; change fluid and filter as per manual recommendations (e.g., every 20,000-30,000 miles).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Refer to manual; commonly 10W-30 or 10W-40, depending on climate and application. For high-performance or break-in, specialized oils were often used.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant. Consult manual for specific mixture ratio.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 90).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron-III/Mercon (or equivalent for THM400, Powerglide specification may differ slightly).
C2 Corvette Common Issues:
Fiberglass body cracking or spiderwebbing, aging rubber bushings and weatherstripping, electrical system faults (aging wiring harnesses), carburetor tuning, ignition system reliability, potential for steering wander, differential issues if abused.
Big Block Specifics:
Overheating issues can be more pronounced with big blocks, requires proper cooling system maintenance. Carburetor calibration is critical for performance and drivability.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of performance and innovation in the American automotive market, dating back to 1911.
C2 Sting Ray:
The 1966 model is part of the C2 generation (1963-1967) of the Corvette, known for its revolutionary design by Larry Shinoda and Zora Arkus-Duntov's influence on its performance.
1966 Updates:
Minor styling revisions, including a new grille with improved airflow and updated interior appointments. The introduction of the powerful 427 Big Block V8 engine marked a significant performance leap.
Production Years:
1963-1967 (C2 Generation)
Production Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA (Chevrolet-Fisher Body Plant)
1966 Production Volume:
Approximately 27,772 units (across all variants)
Automotive Icon:
Widely recognized as an automotive icon and a significant piece of American automotive history. Celebrated for its styling and performance capabilities.
Collectible Status:
Highly collectible classic car, with strong demand from enthusiasts and collectors.
Historical Significance:
Considered a landmark model in the evolution of the sports car, bridging classic styling with potent performance.
