🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1976

Engine Variant:

454

Vin Code Engine:

8

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Market Segment:

American Sports Car, Performance Grand Tourer

Competitors 1976:

Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, European sports cars like Porsche 911, Jaguar E-Type.

Vehicle Highlights:

Powerful big-block V8 engine option, iconic Corvette styling, removable T-tops, rear-wheel drive performance.

Target Audience:

Corvette owners, mechanics specializing in classic American cars, restoration enthusiasts.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage Scope:

All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types for 1976 Corvette 454

Estimated Page Count:

Refer to actual manual for exact count; typically 1000+ pages for full workshop manuals of this era.

Manual Classification:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Delivery Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (carburetion), ignition system, exhaust system.

Drivetrain Systems:

Manual transmission (Muncie 4-speed), automatic transmission (Turbo Hydramatic 400), clutch system, driveshaft, rear axle assembly (Positraction optional).

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (independent, A-arms), rear suspension (independent, trailing arms), power steering system, steering column, steering wheel.

Brake Systems:

Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, parking brake system, brake hydraulics, vacuum booster.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, horn, wipers, radio.

Body Chassis:

Body construction, frame, doors, hood, T-tops, bumpers, interior trim, weatherstripping, seats, glass replacement.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid change, tune-up procedures, lubrication points.

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, differential repair, brake caliper overhaul, power steering pump replacement, starter motor replacement, alternator replacement, carburetor rebuild/adjustment.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Diagnostic charts, symptom analysis, common problems and solutions for engine performance, electrical faults, brake issues, and transmission operation.

Technical Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, clearance measurements, fluid capacities, wiring color codes, diagnostic trouble codes (where applicable for the era).

Diagnostic Capability:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting flowcharts, and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for mechanical and electrical systems.

Rebuild Instructions:

Comprehensive step-by-step instructions for rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, carburetors, and brake assemblies.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, factory-accurate electrical wiring schematics covering all vehicle systems, including color coding and connector pinouts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Type:

PDF

PDF Quality:

High resolution scans, typically text-searchable if OCR processed, allowing for easy navigation and keyword searching.

Printability:

Designed for printing individual pages or sections as needed for workshop use. High fidelity to original factory documentation.

Original Binding Type:

Original manuals were typically hardcover or spiral-bound for durability in a workshop environment.

Original Paper Type:

Heavyweight, durable paper stock to withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

LS4 (for 454 cu in)

Engine Type:

Overhead Valve (OHV) V8

Displacement:

454 cubic inches (7.4 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

4.25 in x 4.00 in (108 mm x 101.6 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Horsepower Net SAE:

270 hp @ 4,000 rpm

Torque Net SAE:

380 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Carburetor:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel (Model 17059207 for automatic, 17059205 for manual)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Minimum Recommended)

Ignition Type:

Breaker point ignition with single coil.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 20 quarts (18.9 Liters) with heater and automatic transmission cooler.

Oil Capacity:

5 quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

Turbo Hydramatic 400 (THM400) 3-speed automatic

Transmission Type Opt:

Muncie SM465 4-speed manual (less common with 454 engine in '76)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Heavy-duty construction, lock-up torque converter (later versions), smooth shifts.

Manual Transmission Features:

Robust design, direct drive in 4th gear.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent, originally Dexron II)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 80W-90 gear oil

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (2489 mm)

Overall Length:

182.5 inches (4636 mm)

Overall Width:

70.8 inches (1798 mm)

Overall Height:

47.9 inches (1217 mm) (coupe)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,450 - 3,650 lbs (1565 - 1656 kg) depending on options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

N/A (Typically not a specified metric for sports cars of this era).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

No formal government crash test ratings available for this model year.

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes (standard), power assist brakes.

Passive Safety Features:

Lap belts, padded dashboard, safety glass.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

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

Advanced Driver Systems:

None. This era predates modern driver assistance technologies.

Connectivity Features:

No integrated connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB) were available. Primarily analog systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Use high-quality oil meeting GM specifications for the era.

Tune Up Interval:

Recommended every 12,000 miles or annually, including spark plug, points, and condenser check/replacement, and carburetor adjustment.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months for automatic transmission. Manual transmission fluid inspection at 12,000 miles, change as needed or at major overhaul.

Engine Oil Specification:

API Service SE or SF, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water) for freeze and corrosion protection.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 brake fluid (non-silicone based).

Engine Common Problems:

Carburetor tuning issues, valve stem seal leaks (blue smoke on startup), oil leaks (valve covers, oil pan), potential overheating if cooling system is not maintained.

Transmission Common Problems:

Automatic transmission clutch pack wear, torque converter issues, manual transmission synchro wear (less common for TH400).

Electrical Common Problems:

Aging wiring harnesses (brittle insulation), corrosion in connectors, faulty switches, alternator or voltage regulator issues.

Chassis Common Problems:

Fiberglass cracks (especially around headlights and bumpers), frame rust (if exposed to salt), suspension bushing wear, vacuum leaks affecting HVAC and power assist.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet History Icon:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing mass-market and performance vehicles since 1911.

Corvette Generation:

Third Generation (C3) "Shark" - 1968-1982.

1976 Corvette Changes:

Introduction of fiberglass front spring. Removal of 'Corvette Stingray' badging, reverting to simply 'Corvette'. Engine lineup simplified with the 454 big-block being a prominent, though not base, option.

Corvette Production 1976:

Total production: 46,558 units.

454 Engine Production 1976:

Production numbers for the 454 engine variant are not separately detailed by GM for this specific year, but it was a desirable high-performance option.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Awards Corvette:

The Corvette has consistently been recognized as a premier American sports car, with many accolades for performance and design across its generations. Specific awards for the 1976 model are less documented in the context of modern awards.

Performance Ratings:

Highly regarded in its time for its powerful V8 options and handling capabilities, though performance metrics were different than today's standards.

Vintage Certification:

Models in good original or restored condition are eligible for various classic car certifications and awards from organizations like Bloomington Gold, NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society), and others.