Segment:
Sports Car / Performance Coupe
Usp:
American icon known for V8 power, rear-wheel drive, and distinct styling. The 1996 model represents the final year of the highly successful C4 generation.
Competitors 1996:
Porsche 911, Ferrari 348, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-7, Dodge Viper (higher performance tier).
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on V8 performance, handling, and driver engagement.
Design Evolution:
The 1996 model incorporates final refinements of the C4 design, including updated interior ergonomics and performance enhancements.
Coverage Summary:
Comprehensive owner's information for the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette, covering operation, maintenance, and safety features.
Specific Coverage Points:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving Operations, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 150-250 pages (typical for a factory owner's manual of this era).
Digital Format:
PDF (Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit, or compatible required)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, basic lubrication, cooling system basics, starting and charging system (battery).
Chassis:
Brakes (operation), steering (operation), suspension (basic operation).
Electrical:
Instrument cluster functions, lighting controls, basic electrical accessories, entertainment system operation.
Body:
Doors, locks, security system (basic operation), seating adjustments, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts).
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, using climate controls, operating lights and wipers, adjusting seats and mirrors, using safety restraints.
Maintenance:
Checking engine oil, checking other fluid levels (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic operational troubleshooting.
Depth:
Designed for the vehicle owner, focusing on daily operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or repair procedures.
Quality:
Digital PDF, derived from original factory scans, typically high resolution for readability.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if OCR was applied during digitization.
Implication For Printing:
Printable from PDF reader, quality depends on user's printer.
Digital:
Not applicable (digital format)
Digital:
Not applicable (digital format)
Engine Type:
V8, Small Block
Displacement:
5.7 L (350 cu in)
Engine Code:
LT4 (Grand Sport and Collector's Edition), LT1 (standard)
Horsepower Lt1:
260 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque Lt1:
330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Horsepower Lt4:
330 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque Lt4:
335 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (96 RON) recommended for LT4, 87 octane (91 RON) acceptable for LT1.
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:
Likely 4-star driver and passenger ratings (typical for vehicles of this era without advanced restraints).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard on Grand Sport and Collector's Edition; optional on LT1.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point active-locking retractable seat belts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player; optional CD player available. Bose premium sound system optional.
Display Technology:
Digital dashboard display for some functions (early C4s had LCD; 1996 likely had a mix or updated digital cluster).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Anti Theft:
Factory alarm system with Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) optional.
Early Systems:
No modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth or USB ports. Designed for the era's technology.
Oil Change Recommendation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Tire Rotation Recommendation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Engine Coolant Change:
Refer to manual for specific interval, often around 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) for initial change, then more frequent.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API SG or SH certified.
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.5 US quarts (5.2 L) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GM Synchromesh or equivalent manual transmission fluid (e.g., GL-4 rated).
Coolant Type:
GM specified ethylene glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common C4 Wear Items:
Power steering pump leaks, fuel injector issues (especially for early LT1s), aging plastic intake manifold components, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on early models), aging suspension bushings, CCM (Central Control Module) issues.
Oil Leak Locations:
Valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, oil cooler lines.
Air Filter Example:
GM Part Number: 17803631 (typical, but specific part number should be verified).
Oil Filter Example:
GM Part Number: 25010203 (typical AC-Delco equivalent: PF44).
Chevrolet Sports Car:
Chevrolet has a long history of performance vehicles, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.
C4 Generation:
The C4 generation, introduced in 1984, marked a significant departure in styling and technology for the Corvette, featuring a sleeker, more modern design and improved handling.
Final Year C4:
1996 was the final production year for the C4 Corvette, making this model year significant as the culmination of its development.
Editions:
Grand Sport (GS) and Collector's Edition (CE) were offered, featuring unique styling and performance enhancements (LT4 engine, manual transmission standard on GS/CE).
C4 Reputation:
The C4 Corvette consistently received praise for its handling improvements over previous generations and its competitive performance against international sports cars.
Motortrend Car Of The Year Nominee:
Corvette models were often contenders or finalists for various automotive awards in their respective years.
Emission Standards:
Compliant with U.S. Federal Emission Standards for 1996 model year.
