🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1970

Engine Code Primary:

L48 (350ci OHV V8)

Engine Code Optional 1:

LT1 (350ci OHV V8)

Engine Code Optional 2:

LS5 (454ci OHV V8)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Sports Car / Personal Luxury Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, collectors, mechanics specializing in classic American performance vehicles.

Key Competitors 1970:

Ford Mustang, Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Challenger, American Motors Javelin.

Vehicle Highlights:

Iconic American sports car styling, powerful V8 engine options, rear-wheel drive, independent suspension, optional removable T-tops or convertible top.

Manual Value Proposition:

Essential resource for preserving and maintaining the performance and originality of a classic Corvette, empowering DIY repairs and informed professional service.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Coverage Scope:

All Models, All Engines, All Trim Levels, All Transmission Types

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 700-900 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (carburetion and injection for LT1), ignition system, exhaust system, emission controls.

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission (Muncie M20, M21, M22), Automatic transmission (Turbo Hydramatic 400 - THM400).

Chassis Systems:

Steering system, suspension (front and rear independent), braking system (front disc, rear drum), frame and body mountings.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrumentation, ignition, starting system, charging system (alternator), accessories (radio, wipers, etc.).

Body And Interior:

Body construction, interior trim, seats, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism (if applicable), bumpers, exterior trim.

Maintenance Procedures:

Fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-up procedures, belt adjustments, spark plug replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuilds (short block, long block), cylinder head repair, carburetor overhaul, transmission overhaul and repair, brake caliper and wheel cylinder service, suspension component replacement, electrical component testing and replacement.

Troubleshooting Procedures:

Diagnostic charts for engine performance issues, electrical faults, braking problems, and drivability concerns.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostics for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems, including specific tests and specifications.

Rebuild Instructions:

Comprehensive instructions for complete engine, transmission, and major component rebuilds with torque specifications and clearances.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Detailed torque specifications, engine clearances, electrical resistance values, and alignment data.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, enabling quick access to information.

Resolution:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Diagram Clarity:

Clear, legible wiring diagrams, exploded views, and schematics.

Format Type:

Digital Download (PDF)

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

350ci V8 (L48)

Displacement:

350 cubic inches (5.7 Liters)

Configuration:

Overhead Valve (OHV), V8

Horsepower Gross:

300 hp @ 4800 RPM

Torque Gross:

380 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM

Compression Ratio:

10.25:1

Fuel System:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor

Engine Name:

350ci V8 (LT1)

Displacement:

350 cubic inches (5.7 Liters)

Horsepower Gross:

370 hp @ 5800 RPM

Torque Gross:

380 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM

Fuel System:

Holley 780 cfm 4-barrel carburetor, mechanical fuel pump, high-performance camshaft.

Engine Name:

454ci V8 (LS5)

Displacement:

454 cubic inches (7.4 Liters)

Horsepower Gross:

390 hp @ 5400 RPM

Torque Gross:

500 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM

Fuel System:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor

Engine Design:

Cast-iron block and cylinder heads (L48/LS5), Aluminum heads (LT1 option), pushrod design.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended for LT1/LS5)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Manual Transmission

Manual Options:

Muncie M20 (wide-ratio), Muncie M21 (close-ratio), Muncie M22 'Rock Crusher' (heavy-duty close-ratio).

Transmission Type:

Automatic Transmission

Automatic Option:

Turbo Hydramatic 400 (THM400) 3-speed automatic.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate (manual transmission).

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 90)

Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:

Dexron III/Mercon (or equivalent specification for THM400)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.1 inches (4448 mm)

Width:

69.2 inches (1758 mm)

Height:

47.8 inches (1214 mm) (Coupe), 47.0 inches (1194 mm) (Convertible)

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (2489 mm)

Front Track:

55.0 inches (1397 mm)

Rear Track:

55.0 inches (1397 mm)

Curb Weight Approximate:

3400 - 3600 lbs (1542 - 1633 kg), depending on engine and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly rated, but safe operating load generally considered around 500 lbs (passengers and cargo).

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 7.1 cubic feet (Coupe/Convertible)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No official NHTSA or IIHS crash test data available for this era of vehicle.

Braking System:

Front: Power-assisted disc brakes. Rear: Power-assisted drum brakes.

Steering Type:

Recirculating ball, power steering (optional, standard on LS5).

Seat Belts:

Standard front lap and shoulder belts.

Body Construction:

Body-on-frame construction with fiberglass body panels.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional AM/FM radio, or AM/FM with 8-track player.

Instrumentation:

Full complement of analog gauges: speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temperature, ammeter, fuel level. Warning lights for brakes, generator, oil pressure.

Cruise Control:

Optional speed control system.

Vehicle Diagnostics:

Basic diagnostic capabilities; troubleshooting relies heavily on mechanical understanding and manual reference, rather than electronic scan tools.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Frequent use, especially under hard conditions, may necessitate more frequent changes.

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs: Inspect every 10,000-15,000 miles, replace as needed. Ignition points and condenser (if equipped): Inspect and adjust/replace every 10,000-15,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 24,000-30,000 miles or 24 months. Manual: Inspect fluid level annually, change every 50,000-60,000 miles.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

API SF/SG rated motor oil, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for general use. SAE 30 or 10W-30 for colder climates.

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter (for 350ci/454ci).

Coolant Type:

50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Heavy Duty Hydraulic Brake Fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Carburetor tuning and rebuild, vacuum leaks, aging rubber hoses and seals, suspension bushings, U-joints, clutch wear (manual transmission).

Electrical Gremlins:

Corrosion in wiring harnesses and connectors, aging ignition switch, faulty voltage regulator or alternator.

Frame And Body:

Potential for frame rust in certain climates, fiberglass cracks or stress fractures, delamination of fiberglass panels.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

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

C3 Generation Start:

The third generation (C3) of the Corvette began in 1968.

1970 Updates:

Introduction of the 454ci LS5 big-block engine, revised front and rear suspension geometry for improved handling, power steering became standard on all models, redesigned interior with improved ergonomics, new steering wheel.

Design Era:

Dominated by the 'Mako Shark' styling cues introduced in 1968, characterized by its aggressive lines, long hood, and hidden headlights.

Production Years C3:

1968-1982

Production Numbers 1970:

Approximately 20,100 Corvettes produced for the 1970 model year.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Icon:

The C3 Corvette is widely recognized as an automotive icon and a symbol of American muscle and performance.

Enthusiast Appreciation:

Consistently ranks high among collectors and enthusiasts for its design and performance capabilities.