Vehicle Class:
Sports Car
Era:
C3 Generation (Late)
Competitors 1980:
Porsche 928, Jaguar XJ-S, Datsun 280ZX
Design Language:
Long hood, short deck, removable roof panel (T-top)
Performance Focus:
V8 engine power, rear-wheel drive handling
Iconic Status:
American sports car heritage
Engine Mechanical:
Yes (Disassembly, Assembly, Rebuild)
Engine Fuel System:
Yes (Carburetor, Fuel Pump, Lines)
Engine Ignition System:
Yes (Distributor, Coil, Spark Plugs)
Engine Cooling System:
Yes (Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat)
Engine Lubrication System:
Yes (Oil Pump, Filter, Pan)
Engine Exhaust System:
Yes (Manifolds, Pipes, Muffler)
Transmission Automatic:
Yes (THM350)
Transmission Manual:
Yes (4-Speed)
Drivetrain:
Yes (Driveshaft, Differential, Axles)
Suspension:
Yes (Front/Rear, Springs, Shocks, Bushings)
Steering:
Yes (Power Steering System, Column)
Brakes:
Yes (Front/Rear Disc, Parking Brake)
Electrical System:
Yes (Battery, Charging, Starting)
Lighting System:
Yes (Headlights, Taillights, Interior)
Accessories:
Yes (Wipers, Horn, Radio)
HVAC:
Yes (Heater, Air Conditioning)
Body And Frame:
Yes (Structural Components, Body Panels)
Interior Trim:
Yes (Seats, Dashboard, Door Panels)
Exterior Trim:
Yes (Bumpers, Grilles, Badges)
Scheduled Maintenance:
Yes
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Yes (Extensive)
Component Removal Installation:
Yes
Transmission Overhaul:
Yes
Brake System Service:
Yes
Electrical System Repair:
Yes
Suspension And Steering Alignment:
Yes
Body Panel Replacement:
Yes
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full rebuilds)
Torque Specifications:
Yes
Clearances And Tolerances:
Yes
Troubleshooting Flowcharts:
Yes
Engine Type:
V8, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
350 cubic inches (5.7 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
4.00 in x 3.48 in (101.6 mm x 88.4 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.2:1 (Federal Emissions)
Cylinder Heads:
Cast Iron
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Net:
190 hp @ 4200 rpm (Federal Emissions)
Torque Net:
280 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (Federal Emissions)
Carburetor:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Pump Type:
Mechanical
Type:
3-Speed Automatic (THM350)
Type:
4-Speed Manual (Muncie SM465 variant or similar, less common)
Automatic Gear Ratios Th350:
1st: 2.52:1, 2nd: 1.52:1, 3rd: 1.00:1, Reverse: 2.08:1
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid
NHTSA Rating:
Not rated under modern standards, historical safety features apply.
Braking System:
Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes
Steering System:
Power steering
Seatbelts:
3-point lap and shoulder belts
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column
Body Construction:
Uniframe construction with separate body
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (typical recommendation)
Tune Up Interval:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles (or as needed based on performance)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific temp range)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or specified power steering fluid
Common Wear Items:
Urethane bushings, suspension components, carburetor adjustment, vacuum leaks
Electrical Quirks:
Corrosion in connectors, aging wiring harnesses
Engine Performance Degradation:
Due to age and emissions equipment (e.g., EGR valve, catalytic converter)
Chevrolet Legacy:
Iconic American automotive manufacturer since 1911, known for performance and value.
C3 Generation Timeline:
1968-1982
1980 Updates:
Minor styling revisions, powertrain refinements for emissions compliance, introduction of optional FE7 Gymkhana suspension.
Production Years:
1968-1982
1980 Production Numbers:
40,660 units (total Corvette production)
Manufacturing Location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
