🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1972

Variant:

427

Chassis Code:

C3

Engine Code:

LS5 (454 cu in)

👋 Introduction

Era:

Iconic American sports car of the early 1970s.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, restorers, and owners of the 1972 Corvette 427 seeking detailed technical information for maintenance, repair, and restoration.

Comparison:

Competed against other high-performance sports cars of its era, such as the Jaguar E-Type and Ferrari Daytona, offering American muscle and comfort.

Vehicle Features:

Powerful 454 cubic inch V8 engine, classic Corvette styling, independent suspension, and available in coupe or convertible configurations.

Value Proposition:

An indispensable resource for anyone working on a 1972 Corvette 427, providing the factory-authorized procedures and specifications necessary for accurate repairs and authentic restoration.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All 1972 Chevrolet Corvette 427 models

Engine Coverage:

454 cubic inch V8 (LS5)

Transmission Coverage:

Manual (Muncie M20, M21, M22) and Automatic (Turbo Hydra-Matic 400)

Trim Level Coverage:

All available trim levels

Estimated Pages:

Detailed, comprehensive page count not specified in product info, but typically 500+ pages for a full workshop manual.

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, and repair of the 454 cubic inch V8 (LS5) engine, including lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, and exhaust systems.

Transmission:

Service and repair procedures for Muncie manual transmissions (M20, M21, M22) and Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 automatic transmissions, including clutch, driveshaft, and differential.

Brakes:

Detailed information on hydraulic brake system, including master cylinder, wheel cylinders, calipers, brake lines, parking brake, and power assist systems. Disc brake and drum brake servicing.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including ball joints, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers, and steering linkage.

Steering:

Manual and power steering systems, including steering column, steering gear, power steering pump, hoses, and linkages.

Electrical:

Comprehensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, gauges, and accessory circuits.

Body:

Body construction, exterior trim, doors, windows, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior components, and upholstery.

Heating And Air Conditioning:

Service and repair of the heating and ventilation systems, and air conditioning components if equipped.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, and component inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Diagnostics:

Specific diagnostic charts, testing procedures, and specifications for electrical and mechanical components.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance and troubleshooting to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution PDF, typically with searchable text and printable pages.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of original factory service manual pages, intended for clear viewing and printing.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8

Displacement:

454 cubic inches (7.4 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

4.25 in x 4.00 in (108.0 mm x 101.6 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Cylinder Head Material:

Cast Iron

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Horsepower Net SAE:

270 hp @ 4,000 rpm (LS5)

Torque Net SAE:

380 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm (LS5)

Fuel Delivery:

Four-barrel Rochester Quadrajet carburetor

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition Type:

Breaker Point Ignition

Oil Capacity With Filter:

5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) - plus 1 quart for filter

Coolant Capacity:

21.5 Quarts (20.3 Liters)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Manual (Muncie M20, M21, M22) likely standard on 427, though automatic was common.

Type:

3-speed Automatic (Turbo Hydra-Matic 400)

Manual Gear Ratios:

M20 (Wide Ratio), M21 (Close Ratio), M22 (Heavy Duty 'Rock Crusher') - Specific ratios detailed in manual.

Automatic Gear Ratios:

2.48:1 (1st), 1.48:1 (2nd), 1.00:1 (3rd)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90 or SAE 75W-90)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent, as per original spec)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.1 inches (4,448 mm)

Width:

69.2 inches (1,758 mm)

Height:

47.9 inches (1,217 mm)

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (2,489 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,356 lbs (1,522 kg) for Coupe, 3,581 lbs (1,624 kg) for Convertible

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly stated, but typically around 4,000 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

No standardized crash test ratings (e.g., NHTSA, IIHS) exist for vehicles of this era. Safety features were less regulated.

Braking System:

Standard 4-wheel disc brakes (a significant advancement at the time).

Steering System:

Optional power steering for improved maneuverability.

Seat Belts:

Standard lap belts (three-point belts became more common later).

Interior Design:

Designed with a focus on driver and passenger containment, though lacking modern safety structures like airbags or crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, optional AM/FM with 8-track tape player.

Gauges And Instruments:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, and voltmeter. Warning lights for various systems.

Features:

Limited to power steering and power brakes. No electronic driver aids.

Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era, refer to manual for exact specs).

Tune Up Interval:

12,000 - 15,000 miles (ignition points, spark plugs, filters).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 24,000 - 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 (check manual for climate-specific recommendations).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze (50/50 mix with water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Bushings (suspension and body), weatherstripping, vacuum lines, ignition components (points, condenser), and carburetor seals due to age.

Frame Corrosion:

Potential for frame rust, especially in areas exposed to salt or moisture; inspection is crucial for restoration projects.

Fiberglass Body Issues:

Cracks or delamination in fiberglass body panels can occur over time; proper repair techniques are detailed in the manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet's long-standing tradition of performance and innovation in American automotive manufacturing.

C3 Generation:

Part of the third generation (C3) Corvette (1968-1982), known for its distinctive Mako Shark II-inspired styling.

1972 Updates:

The 1972 model year saw the discontinuation of the Stingray nameplate officially (though the styling persisted), and a move to net horsepower ratings. It was also the last year for the optional true '427' badge, though the 454 cubic inch LS5 was the primary large-displacement engine.

Production Volume:

Approximately 20,100 Corvettes produced in 1972, with a significant portion featuring V8 engines.

Key Collectibility:

The 1972 Corvette, particularly with the potent 454 engine, is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for its performance and classic styling.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Collectible Status:

Widely recognized as a classic and collectible automobile, frequently featured in automotive magazines and lauded for its performance and design.