Positioning:
Iconic American sports car known for performance and style
Competitors 1974:
Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, American Motors Javelin, limited European sports cars
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on powerful engine options and sporty handling
Design Era:
Representing the peak of the C3 Corvette's distinct Stingray styling
Collectibility:
Highly collectible classic car, making factory service information invaluable
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, rebuilding, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, emission controls
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, lighting system, instrumentation
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, driveshaft, universal joints
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front and rear), steering system, wheels and tires
Brakes:
Brake system components, hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, power distribution, accessory systems, diagnostic procedures
Body And Accessories:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, convertible top system, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid changes, tune-up procedures
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom analysis, diagnostic charts
Repair:
Component replacement, adjustments, rebuilding procedures
Overhaul:
Complete engine, transmission, and differential overhaul instructions
Installation:
Component installation and alignment
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional mechanics and experienced enthusiasts
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters
Illustrations:
Diagrams, schematics, and exploded views to aid in disassembly and reassembly
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely searchable text, enabling quick location of information
Print Capability:
Printable in its entirety or selected pages
Binding:
Not applicable for PDF download, but implies a cohesive document
Paper Quality:
Not applicable for PDF download, but original factory manuals were typically on high-quality paper
Engine Type:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV)
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:
8.0:1 (LS4)
Horsepower Net SAE:
270 hp @ 4000 rpm (LS4)
Torque Net SAE:
380 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm (LS4)
Fuel Delivery:
Four-barrel (4-bbl) carburetor, Rochester Quadrajet (typical)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (required from 1975, but 1974 engines were designed for it or low-lead)
Cylinder Heads:
Cast iron with 2.06" intake, 1.72" exhaust valves (LS4)
Camshaft:
Hydraulic flat tappet, specific lift and duration for LS4
Transmission Type:
Automatic: Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 (THM400)
Transmission Type:
Manual: 4-speed Muncie (M21/M22, though less common with 454)
Gearing Automatic:
3-speed planetary gear set
Transmission Fluid Thm400:
Dexron III (or equivalent, originally Dexron II)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate (for manual transmission)
Length:
approx. 176.9 inches (4493 mm)
Width:
approx. 69.0 inches (1753 mm)
Height:
approx. 46.0 inches (1168 mm)
Wheelbase:
98.0 inches (2489 mm)
Curb Weight:
approx. 3,400 - 3,700 lbs (1542 - 1678 kg) depending on options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically specified for sports cars of this era, but implied by chassis strength.
Crash Test Data:
No standardized crash test ratings exist for vehicles of this era in the modern sense.
Brakes:
Front disc, rear disc brakes
Steering:
Power steering (standard on 454 models)
Seat Belts:
Three-point retractable seat belts (driver and passenger)
Interior Materials:
Impact-absorbing steering wheel and dashboard padding
Windshield:
Laminated safety glass
Radio:
AM/FM radio (optional factory or aftermarket) or standard AM radio
Speakers:
Dash-mounted speakers (typically two)
Cruise Control:
Optional factory cruise control system
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense; purely mechanical and analog systems.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era)
Tune Up:
As needed, but typically every 12,000-24,000 miles (includes spark plugs, points, condenser, filters)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 24,000 - 36,000 miles (or as specified by manual)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5 quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter (check manual for exact capacity and type, e.g., SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 20-22 quarts (18.9-20.8 Liters) (50/50 Ethylene Glycol/Water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (or DOT 4) hydraulic brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Carburetor Problems:
Vacuum leaks, sticky accelerator pump, flooding (common with Rochester Quadrajet)
Fiberglass Delamination:
Potential for delamination or cracking of body panels due to age and stress
Ignition System:
Wear on points and condenser, distributor cap/rotor issues
Differential Leaks:
Common wear items in rear axle seals and bearings
Oil Filter Recommendation:
AC-Delco PF-2 (or equivalent equivalent from Fram, Wix, etc.) - manual will list specific GM part numbers.
Spark Plug Recommendation:
AC-Delco R45TS (or equivalent) - manual will specify exact type and gap.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet's long history of performance and innovation in American automotive manufacturing.
C3 Corvette Generation:
Third generation (C3) Corvette, introduced in 1968, known for its 'Coke bottle' styling.
1974 Updates:
Introduction of a new rear bumper system with integrated lights, elimination of side vent windows, further refinements to the chassis and engine management.
Production Volume:
Approximately 37,500 Corvettes produced in 1974, with a smaller percentage equipped with the 454 engine.
Manufacturing Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Performance Awards:
While specific awards for the 1974 model are rare, Corvettes of this era were consistently praised for their performance capabilities within the American market.
Consumer Satisfaction:
Corvettes generally held a strong reputation for enthusiast satisfaction, though repair costs and complexity were higher than mainstream vehicles.
Manual Accuracy:
Certified as original factory documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
