Market Position:
Iconic American sports car, representing performance and luxury in its era.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with European sports cars such as Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-Type, offering a distinctly American take on performance.
Key Features:
Removable T-tops, fiberglass body, powerful V8 engine options, advanced (for its time) independent suspension.
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Driveshaft, Differential, Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front and Rear), Chassis Electrical, Lighting, Body Exterior, Body Interior, HVAC, Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Specifications.
Electrical System Details:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, alternator/generator service, starter motor repair.
Suspension Details:
Independent front suspension (A-arms, coil springs, shocks), rear trailing arms, transverse leaf spring, U-joints, bearing service.
Brake Details:
Front disc brakes (power assisted), rear disc brakes, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines, parking brake system.
Procedures Included:
Routine Maintenance, Tune-Up Procedures, Engine Overhaul and Reassembly, Transmission Removal and Installation, Clutch Service, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul, Steering System Repair, Electrical System Diagnostics and Repair, HVAC System Servicing, Body Panel Alignment and Repair, Diagnostic Tree Charts for Troubleshooting, Component Specifications and Tolerances.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Includes detailed troubleshooting flowcharts and diagnostic procedures for common issues across all major systems.
Engine Tuning:
Carburetor adjustment and rebuilding, ignition timing, dwell angle (if applicable), valve lash adjustment.
Bodywork:
Body panel alignment, weatherstripping replacement, interior trim removal and installation, glass replacement.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and factory specifications.
Primary Engine:
396 cu in (6.5L) Big-Block V8 (L34)
Horsepower Net 396:
Approx. 250-270 hp (SAE Net)
Torque Net 396:
Approx. 370-390 lb-ft (SAE Net)
Fuel System:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor
Ignition System:
Breakerless Electronic Ignition System (Delco-Remy)
Cooling System:
Pressurized, recirculating, thermostatically controlled
Oil Capacity:
5 Quarts (with filter)
Bore Stroke 396:
4.0625 in x 3.76 in
Compression Ratio 396:
8.0:1
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Standard Transmission:
4-Speed Manual (Muncie M21/M22 optional)
Optional Transmission:
3-Speed Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic (THM400)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron III/Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (check specific manual for viscosity recommendations)
Manual Gear Ratios:
First: 2.52, Second: 1.88, Third: 1.41, Fourth: 1.00, Reverse: 2.20 (Muncie M21 typical)
Automatic Gear Ratios:
First: 2.48, Second: 1.48, Third: 1.00 (THM400 typical)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (No modern standardized crash test ratings available for this era)
Active Features:
Power front disc brakes, Power assist steering
Passive Features:
Lap and shoulder belts, energy-absorbing steering column
Seat Belts:
Three-point retractable front seat belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (recommended)
Tune Up Interval:
Every 12,000-15,000 miles or 12 months
Transmission Service:
Automatic: Every 24,000-36,000 miles; Manual: Inspect every 24,000 miles
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF or SG service classification, SAE 10W-40 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations)
Coolant Specification:
50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon ATF or dedicated power steering fluid (check manual)
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 Hypoid Gear Lubricant, SAE 90
Known Issues:
Carburetor adjustment issues, potential for overheating (especially with Big-Block), fiberglass body stress cracks, vacuum line deterioration, electrical connector corrosion.
Oil Filter Part Number:
AC PF25 or equivalent
Air Filter Part Number:
AC A307C or equivalent (for Quadrajet)
Spark Plug Gap:
0.035 inches (typical for points ignition; electronic may vary slightly)
Ignition Timing:
See manual for specific BTDC setting (e.g., 8° BTDC for 396)
Brand Heritage:
Chevrolet, America's longest-standing automotive brand, known for its diverse range of vehicles from economical sedans to high-performance sports cars.
Model Evolution:
The C3 Corvette (1968-1982) is distinguished by its groundbreaking 'Mako Shark' design. 1975 marked the end of the big-block engine option for Corvettes and the introduction of catalytic converters for emissions compliance.
Production Years:
1968-1982 (C3 generation)
Production Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
1975 Production Units:
38,467
