🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1975

Engine Code:

LS4 (454 CID)

Chassis Code:

C3

Generation Designation:

Third Generation (C3)

Generation Years:

1968-1982

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Iconic American Sports Car

Era:

Muscle Car Era, transitioning into emissions-controlled performance era

Competitors 1975:

Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, Pontiac Firebird, possibly European sports cars like Porsche 911 (though in a different price bracket)

Design:

Long hood, short deck, aggressive styling, T-top roof option (standard on '75), convertible option

Performance Focus:

Emphasis on V8 power, rear-wheel drive, and sporty handling

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a full workshop manual)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

454 CID (7.4L) V8 (LS4), including disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and overhaul

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications

Fuel System:

Carburetor (Quadrajet), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, specifications, and adjustments

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, points, condenser, timing specifications

Transmission:

Automatic (Turbo Hydramatic 400 - THM400), removal, installation, internal components, fluid specifications, and troubleshooting

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly, differential, bearings, seals

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (unequal length A-arms, coil springs, shock absorbers), rear transverse leaf spring, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, pump, hoses, tie rods, steering column, specifications

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake calipers, brake pads, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake system

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, instruments, gauges, switches, fuse block, troubleshooting by circuit

Body And Frame:

Chassis structure, body panels, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism (if applicable), interior trim, bumpers, glass, weatherstripping

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (if equipped), blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant, system diagnostics

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication, tune-up procedures, belt adjustments, brake adjustments

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for common and uncommon issues across all systems

Repair And Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation

Diagnostics:

Component testing, circuit analysis, diagnostic flowcharts

Specifications And Tolerances:

Engine torque specifications, valve lash, bearing clearances, alignment angles, fastener torque values

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and chassis component overhauls

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution PDF, enabling clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, facilitating quick access to specific information

Printability:

Designed for printing, with clear layouts and readable text/diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8

Displacement:

454 cubic inches (7.4 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

4.25 in x 4.00 in (108.0 mm x 101.6 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.0:1 (required for unleaded fuel)

Horsepower Gross:

205 hp @ 4000 RPM (SAE Gross)

Torque Gross:

350 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM (SAE Gross)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Carburetor:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel (Model 17059205)

Fuel Pump:

Mechanical, diaphragm type

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Head Material:

Cast Iron

Valvetrain:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder, hydraulic lifters

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Turbo Hydramatic 400 (THM400) 3-speed automatic

Type:

None (Manual transmission was discontinued for the 454 in 1975)

Gear Ratios:

1.45:1 (1st), 1.00:1 (2nd), 0.70:1 (3rd - overdrive not present in THM400)

Fluid Type:

Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent

Torque Converter:

3-element torque converter

📐 Dimensions

Length:

194.3 inches (4935 mm)

Width:

70.8 inches (1798 mm)

Height:

42.2 inches (1072 mm)

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (2489 mm)

Front Track:

59.6 inches (1514 mm)

Rear Track:

60.0 inches (1524 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,800 - 4,000 lbs (1724 - 1814 kg), depending on options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified in marketing materials for Corvettes of this era; focused on performance rather than payload.

Cargo Volume:

Limited due to sports car design; rear storage compartment behind seats.

Standard Wheel Size:

15 x 7 inches

Standard Tire Size:

GR70-15 (e.g., Goodyear Wingfoot) or similar metric equivalent

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 4.75 inches (5 x 120.65 mm)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

No comparable standardized crash test ratings from NHTSA existed in 1975.

Braking:

Four-wheel disc brakes, power assist

Steering:

Power steering

Seat Belts:

Three-point retractable front seat belts, lap belts for passengers

Rollover Protection:

Integral roll bar structure incorporated into the windshield frame and body B-pillars

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass

Energy ABSorbing Steering Column:

Standard

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, often with an 8-track tape player option.

Gauges And Instruments:

Tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter, fuel gauge. Warning lights for brakes, generator, oil pressure, etc.

Cruise Control:

Optional feature on some models.

Connectivity Features:

None in the modern sense (no Bluetooth, USB, etc.).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era; manual may specify less frequent for synthetic oil if available/recommended).

Oil Filter Change:

With every oil change.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months, or as per manual's recommendation, especially under severe usage.

Tune Up:

Spark plugs and points replacement every 10,000-12,000 miles (if points ignition); check timing, carburetor adjustments as needed.

Coolant Flush:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.

Engine Oil:

API SF, SE, or CC rated oil, viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. (Manual will specify exact API rating).

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter (check manual for exact capacity).

Coolant:

50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and clean water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF.

Engine Performance:

Low compression for the era leads to reduced power compared to earlier 454s. Potential for carburetor tuning issues (Quadrajet).

Electrical System:

Aging wiring harnesses, connectors, and switches can lead to intermittent issues. Faulty voltage regulators or alternators are common wear items.

Fiberglass Body:

Fiberglass can develop stress cracks, especially around stress points like wheel wells and door openings. Repair requires specialized knowledge.

Chassis Corrosion:

While the body is fiberglass, the underlying chassis and suspension components are steel and susceptible to rust, particularly in humid or salt-prone climates.

HVAC:

A/C systems can suffer from leaks, compressor failure, and degraded seals/hoses. Heater cores can also leak.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM)

Founding:

Founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet and others

C3 Introduction:

1968

1975 Specifics:

Significant styling changes began post-1973. 1975 saw the introduction of standard catalytic converters to meet emissions regulations, revised bumpers for federal compliance (though less drastic than later years), and a move towards unleaded fuel, necessitating lower compression ratios (8.0:1 for the 454). The T-top became standard for coupes.

454 Engine History:

The big-block 454 was introduced in 1970 as a high-performance option. Its power output gradually decreased through the 1970s due to emissions controls and lower compression ratios.

Production Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Units Produced 1975:

Approximately 24,600 Corvettes produced for 1975, with a significant portion being coupes. The 454 LS4 was an optional engine.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

The C3 Corvette, especially with the big-block 454, is widely recognized as a classic American muscle car and a desirable collector's item.

Industry Awards 1975:

Specific awards for 1975 models are not prominently documented; the focus was on evolving emissions standards. However, the Corvette as a model line consistently received praise for its styling and performance within the constraints of the era.