Segment:
American Sports Car Icon
Competitors:
Ford Mustang, Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Challenger (contemporary models)
Design:
Second generation Corvette (C3) Stingray, known for its distinctive coke-bottle styling and T-top roof (coupe).
Performance Focus:
Engineered for performance, particularly with the potent 396 Big Block V8 option.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, mechanics, collectors, and owners of the 1969 Corvette 396.
Engine Systems:
Cooling System, Lubrication System, Fuel System (Carburetor Tuning), Ignition System, Exhaust System, Engine Mechanical (Disassembly, Reassembly, Specifications)
Transmission Systems:
Manual Transmission (4-speed Muncie), Automatic Transmission (Powerglide, Turbo Hydramatic 350/400), Clutch System, Drive Axles, Universal Joints
Chassis Systems:
Frame, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Hydraulic, Disc Front/Rear), Wheels & Tires
Electrical Systems:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Starting & Charging System, Ignition System, Gauges & Instruments, Accessories (Wipers, Horn, Radio), Power Windows/Locks (if equipped)
Body Systems:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Convertible Top Mechanism
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Tune-up Procedures, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Lubrication Points
Repair Procedures:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Gearbox Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Repair, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Charts for Engine Performance Issues, Electrical Malfunctions, Transmission Problems, Braking Concerns
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Comprehensive diagnostic procedures for all major vehicle systems, including step-by-step instructions for identifying and rectifying common and uncommon faults.
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed overhaul instructions for engines, transmissions, carburetors, and other major mechanical assemblies, including component clearances, torque specifications, and assembly sequences.
Specifications Tables:
Extensive tables of technical specifications, including engine data, transmission gear ratios, torque values, electrical resistance, and clearances.
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine Type:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV), Pushrod
Displacement:
396 cubic inches (6.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
4.125 in x 3.76 in (104.8 mm x 95.4 mm)
Compression Ratio:
10.25:1 (typical)
Horsepower:
350 hp @ 5,200 rpm (gross)
Torque:
415 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm (gross)
Carburetor:
Holley 780 cfm, 4-barrel (Model 4150)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum)
Available Engines:
350 CID V8 (L46 - 350hp, L48 - 300hp), 427 CID V8 (L36 - 390hp, L68 - 400hp, L71 - 430hp, L88 - 430hp, ZL1 - 430hp)
Transmission Type:
Muncie M20/M21 4-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
Turbo Hydramatic 350 (TH350), Turbo Hydramatic 400 (TH400) 3-Speed Automatic
Clutch:
Single Dry Plate (Manual Transmission)
Gear Ratios:
Varies by transmission model (detailed in manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 80W/90
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
Length:
175.1 inches (4448 mm)
Width:
69.0 inches (1753 mm)
Height:
47.8 inches (1214 mm)
Wheelbase:
98.0 inches (2489 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,000 - 3,300 lbs (1360 - 1497 kg), depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
N/A (Not commonly specified for performance vehicles of this era)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 5.7 cubic feet (161 liters)
Crash Test Results:
NHTSA and IIHS ratings were not standardized or publicly available for 1969 vehicles.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (standard), Vacuum-assisted hydraulic system.
Steering System:
Recirculating ball, optional power steering.
Seatbelts:
Standard lap belts (shoulder belts optional/became more common in later years).
Rollover Protection:
N/A (No specific structural rollover protection beyond A-pillar and windshield frame).
Audio System:
AM/FM Radio (Optional AM/FM Stereo), with optional 8-track tape player.
Gauges:
Full complement of analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, ammeter, and clock.
Driver Aids:
None (no electronic driver assistance systems available).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (recommended for vintage vehicles).
Tune Up Interval:
Every 12,000-15,000 miles, including spark plugs, points, condenser, and carburetor adjustment.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 24,000-30,000 miles, or annually.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Capacity:
5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter (for 396)
Engine Oil Type:
API SF/CD or higher rated multi-viscosity oil, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for general use. Vintage oils with ZDDP additives are often preferred for flat-tappet camshafts.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Common Wear Items:
U-joints, ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, brake components (pads, rotors, calipers), carburetor leaks, vacuum leaks.
Engine Specific:
Potential for carburetor flooding or adjustment issues, ignition system wear (points, condenser, coil), oil leaks (especially from rear main seal), overheating if cooling system is not maintained.
Electrical Common Faults:
Wiring harness degradation, faulty voltage regulator, instrument cluster illumination issues, starter solenoid failure.
Body Corrosion:
While primarily fiberglass, steel mounting points, frame components, and trim can be susceptible to rust. Birdcage (internal structure) can trap moisture.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles since its founding in 1911.
Corvette Generations:
The 1969 model is part of the third generation (C3) Corvette, introduced for the 1968 model year, evolving from the earlier C2 (Sting Ray) design.
Production Years:
1968-1973 (C3 Generation)
Plant Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
1969 Production Volume:
38,498 total Corvettes produced (includes all engine/trim variants).
๐ Awards & Recognition
Classic Car Status:
Highly regarded as a classic American muscle car and sports car icon, frequently appearing on 'best of' lists for its era.
Collector Value:
High collector value, particularly for well-maintained examples with original or period-correct modifications.
Historic Vehicle Status:
Eligible for historic vehicle registration and associated benefits in many jurisdictions.
