Positioning:
High-performance American sports car aimed at enthusiasts seeking style, power, and open-air driving.
Competitors Era:
Dominated by domestic muscle cars and emerging European sports cars. Competed with models like the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, and European offerings such as Porsche 911, Jaguar E-Type, and Datsun Z-cars.
Design:
Distinctive 'Coke-bottle' styling, removable T-top roof panels (coupe) or fully convertible top, long hood, short deck proportions.
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on V8 power, rear-wheel drive, and sporty handling characteristics, though 1975 saw a significant shift towards emissions control impacting raw performance.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission, Drivetrain, Clutch
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering System, Brakes (front and rear, including parking brake), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instruments and Gauges, Accessories (radio, wipers, HVAC, power windows if equipped)
Body And Frame:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Targa Top, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seat Belts, Chassis Frame
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication, Tune-Up Procedures, Fluid Checks and Replacements
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Bodywork Procedures
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Common Problems and Solutions, Electrical Troubleshooting Guides, Mechanical System Fault Finding
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Diagnostic Specifications (e.g., ignition timing, fuel pressure)
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic adjustments and maintenance to complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and detailed electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Code:
L48 (Standard 350ci V8) - *Note: Product title mentions 305, which was not a factory option for the 1975 Corvette. The standard engine was the 350 ci (5.7L) L48.* Assuming product title error for 305.
Displacement:
350 cubic inches (5.7 Liters)
Configuration:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 (due to unleaded fuel requirements)
Horsepower Gross:
165 hp (net), approximately 210-220 hp (gross equivalent before 1972 rating changes)
Torque Gross:
270 lb-ft (net), approximately 300-320 lb-ft (gross equivalent)
0 60 Mph:
Approximately 7.5 - 8.5 seconds (depending on transmission and driver)
Carburetor:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), Air Injection Reactor (AIR) system
Transmission Type:
Muncie M21 4-speed manual (optional)
Transmission Type:
Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 (THM350) 3-speed automatic
Automatic Features:
Variable 3-speed automatic with torque converter
Manual Features:
Close-ratio 4-speed manual offering more driver engagement
Automatic Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent, GM specification) Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Fluid:
GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil (SAE 80W-90 recommended)
NHTSA Ratings:
Not available for this model year by modern standards.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (standard)
Steering System:
Recirculating ball power steering (standard)
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts (standard)
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced windshield frame and steel bars behind seats (convertible)
Fuel Tank Protection:
Relocated behind rear axle within frame rails for improved impact resistance.
Audio System:
AM/FM radio, often with an 8-track player or cassette adapter. Speaker placement in doors and rear deck.
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning (optional), heater, and ventilation system.
Features:
Minimal by modern standards. Primarily power steering and power brakes.
Features:
None (no Bluetooth, USB, or integrated smartphone connectivity).
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions.
Tune Up:
As needed or every 12,000-15,000 miles. Includes spark plugs, points, condenser, distributor cap/rotor, and timing adjustment.
Transmission Service:
Automatic: Fluid and filter change every 24,000 miles. Manual: Fluid change as recommended, typically 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
API SF/CD or SG/CD, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate).
Coolant:
50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Disc Brake Fluid.
Engine Carburetion:
Rochester Quadrajet carburetors can be finicky and require regular adjustment/rebuilding for optimal performance and emissions.
Emissions Systems:
AIR system and catalytic converter can be prone to failure or clogging, significantly impacting performance and drivability.
Fiberglass Body:
Gelcoat cracking, stress cracks around openings, and delamination can occur over time. Repair requires specialized knowledge.
Interior Wear:
Seat upholstery, dashboard, and carpet can show significant wear from UV exposure and use. T-top seals can degrade, leading to leaks.
Oil Filter:
AC Delco PF2 (or equivalent like Fram PH8A, Wix 51515)
Air Filter:
AC Delco A561C (or equivalent)
Heritage:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing accessible and performance-oriented vehicles, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.
Generation:
C3 (Third Generation, 1968-1982)
1975 Updates:
Introduction of catalytic converter and demand for unleaded fuel. Horsepower ratings significantly reduced due to emissions and fuel economy mandates. Power steering and power brakes became standard equipment. Convertible model production ceased after 1975 until 1986. Removal of chrome bumpers for integrated urethane bumpers.
Production Years C3:
1968-1982
Production Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Units Produced 1975:
38,467 (including approximately 7,751 convertibles)
Awards Received:
The Corvette has consistently received accolades for its design and performance throughout its history, though specific awards for the 1975 model year are less documented in modern terms. It was a prominent American sports car of its era.
Consumer Guides:
Often praised for its styling and handling, but criticized for decreased power and increasing emissions regulations impacting performance compared to earlier models.
