Positioning:
The 1973 Corvette 427 represented the pinnacle of American performance and luxury for its era, a halo car for Chevrolet and a direct competitor to European sports cars.
Competitors:
Primary competitors included high-performance variants of Porsche 911, Jaguar E-Type, and American muscle cars like the Ford Mustang Mach 1 and Plymouth Barracuda.
Performance:
Iconic LS4 454 cubic inch V8 engine (though the manual specifically mentions '427' as the model designation, it's crucial to note Chevrolet transitioned to the 454 in '70, with the '73 427 designation likely referring to the legacy or specific engine option, or a typo in the product name referring to the classic Big Block era. The actual engine for '73 would be the LS4 454). High-performance suspension and braking systems.
Design:
Striking C3 Stingray design, removable T-top roof panels, luxurious interior for its time.
Manual Value:
Essential for owners and mechanics to maintain, repair, and restore this classic American sports car, ensuring its longevity and performance.
Models Covered:
All 1973 Corvette 427 models, including all engine, trim, and transmission variants.
Estimated Pages:
Estimated 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era, though exact count not specified).
Type:
Workshop Repair and Service Manual
Mechanical:
Engine, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshaft, rear axle assembly.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (front and rear), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, starting system, charging system, ignition system, lighting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, accessories.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, convertible top (if applicable).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system service, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, bodywork repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and explanations for various systems.
Adjustments:
Carburetor adjustments, timing adjustments, clutch adjustments, brake adjustments.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and system overhauls. Includes detailed diagrams and specifications.
Engine Code:
LS4 (for 1973 model year, likely the intended engine for '427' designation emphasis)
Displacement:
454 cubic inches (7.4 liters)
Configuration:
V8, overhead valve (OHV)
Horsepower:
275 net horsepower (SAE) at 4000 RPM (for LS4)
Torque:
395 lb-ft at 3200 RPM (for LS4)
Carburetor:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition Type:
Point-type distributor with vacuum advance.
Radiator Capacity:
Approximately 23 quarts (21.8 liters) with heater.
Type:
M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission.
Type:
M21 Close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission (mandatory for L82 350, optional for 454).
Fluid Type Auto:
Dexron III (or equivalent) Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 gear oil, SAE 80W-90 (for manual transmission).
Length:
179.1 inches (4549 mm)
Width:
69.0 inches (1753 mm)
Height:
46.0 inches (1168 mm)
Wheelbase:
98.0 inches (2489 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3600-3800 lbs (1633-1724 kg) depending on options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not prominently specified for this era, but general guidance would be around 4400 lbs.
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 8.3 cubic feet (0.24 cubic meters).
Crash Test Ratings:
No standardized crash test ratings existed in the modern sense for 1973 vehicles.
Brakes:
Standard front disc brakes, optional rear disc brakes. Power assist standard.
Steering:
Standard power steering.
Seat Belts:
Standard three-point lap and shoulder belts.
Impact ABSorption:
Energy-absorbing steering column, padded interior surfaces.
Radio:
AM/FM radio, optional AM/FM Multiplex stereo radio.
Speakers:
Standard front speakers, optional rear speakers.
Cruise Control:
Optional Cruise Control system.
Connectivity Features:
N/A for this era; no modern connectivity features.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era).
Tune Up:
Recommended every 12,000-15,000 miles, including spark plug replacement, points and condenser check/replacement, carburetor adjustment.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months (automatic); inspect and change as needed for manual.
Engine Oil:
API SF/CD, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (depending on climate and engine condition, consult manual for specifics).
Coolant:
50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Carburetor tuning issues, vacuum leaks, rear differential mounting problems (common on C3s), electrical system gremlins, fiberglass body stress cracks, aging weatherstripping, overheating under heavy load.
Spark Plugs:
AC Delco C852, Champion L42YC, or equivalent.
Oil Filter:
AC Delco PF2 (or equivalent).
Manufacturer:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM).
Generation:
Third Generation (C3) Corvette (1968-1982).
1973 Changes:
Removal of vacuum-operated front and rear bumper guards in favor of integrated, softer urethane bumpers (front end redesign), updated interior trim, sound insulation improvements, and the phasing out of the last '427' badging in favor of Big Block V8 nomenclature (like 454).
Production Years:
1968-1982 for C3 generation. 1973 model year production.
Production Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Units Produced 1973:
39,467 total Corvettes produced for 1973. Specific 454 (Big Block) production numbers are part of the manual's detail.
Automotive Icon:
The C3 Corvette, especially the Big Block variants, is widely recognized as an automotive icon of the 1970s, celebrated for its design and performance.
Enthusiast Following:
Strong and enduring enthusiast following, with active clubs and a robust aftermarket parts industry.
Historic Vehicle Status:
Qualifies for classic/historic vehicle registration and insurance in many regions.
