🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1966

Specific Model:

Corvette 427

Engine Code L36:

390 hp

Engine Code L68:

400 hp

Engine Code L72:

425 hp

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Classification:

Iconic American Sports Car, Performance Grand Tourer.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, collectors, owners seeking detailed maintenance and repair information for a classic Corvette.

Competitors 1966:

Ford Mustang, Shelby Cobra (for performance variants), Jaguar E-Type (for European comparison).

Iconic Status:

The 1966 Corvette, particularly the 427 variants, is a highly sought-after collector's item known for its potent big-block engine and striking design.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides the essential technical data and procedures required for authentic restoration, maintenance, and repair of this legendary vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All Models, Engines, Trim, and Transmission Types for the 1966 Corvette 427

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive, typically 600+ pages for a full workshop manual of this era.

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control (where applicable for the era).

Transmission Systems:

Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, operation, and troubleshooting.

Drivetrain Systems:

Driveshaft, U-joints, differential, axle shafts, and related components.

Suspension Systems:

Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering knuckles, bushings.

Brake Systems:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake system.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system (generator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams.

Body And Chassis Systems:

Body construction, doors, windows, interior trim, convertible top mechanism, frame, bumpers.

HVAC Systems:

Heater, defroster, and optional air conditioning system servicing.

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine maintenance, fluid changes, lubrication, filter replacement, tune-up procedures.

Repair Procedures:

Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major systems.

Troubleshooting Procedures:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common issues.

Diagnostic Techniques:

Step-by-step diagnostic sequences for electrical, mechanical, and fuel system problems.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Tools:

Mentions necessary special tools and equipment for advanced diagnostics and repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Typically text-searchable in PDF format, allowing quick navigation to specific topics.

Image Resolution:

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

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Chevrolet Big-Block V8 (Mark IV)

Displacement L36:

427 cubic inches (7.0 Liters)

Displacement L68:

427 cubic inches (7.0 Liters)

Displacement L72:

427 cubic inches (7.0 Liters)

Horsepower L36:

390 hp @ 5,400 RPM

Torque L36:

460 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM

Horsepower L68:

400 hp @ 5,400 RPM

Torque L68:

460 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM

Horsepower L72:

425 hp @ 5,600 RPM (often underrated)

Torque L72:

460 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM

Fuel Delivery L36 L68:

Quad-barrel (4) Rochester 2-bbl Carburetors

Fuel Delivery L72:

Single 4-barrel (4) Holley Carburetor

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (minimum 91 Octane recommended)

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Bore X Stroke:

4.25 in x 3.76 in

Compression Ratio L36:

10.5:1

Compression Ratio L68:

10.25:1

Compression Ratio L72:

11.0:1

Valve Train:

Overhead Valve (OHV), Pushrod Actuated

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-Speed Manual Transmission (Muncie)

Optional Transmission:

3-Speed Turbo-Hydramatic Automatic Transmission (THM400)

Manual Gear Ratios:

Varies by specific Muncie M20/M21/M22 option, detailed in manual.

Automatic Transmission Features:

Torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic controls.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

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

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III (or equivalent specification for THM400, typically Type A Suffix A originally)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

98 inches (2,489 mm)

Overall Length:

173.8 inches (4,414 mm)

Overall Width:

69.2 inches (1,758 mm)

Overall Height Coupe:

47.7 inches (1,212 mm)

Overall Height Convertible:

47.5 inches (1,207 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (1,406 - 1,497 kg) depending on engine and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified as a GVWR for sports cars of this era, but payload capacity would be limited.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No standardized crash test data available for vehicles of this vintage; safety features were basic by modern standards.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes with vacuum-assisted dual-circuit hydraulic system; rear drum brakes.

Steering System:

Recirculating ball steering; optional power steering.

Seat Belts:

Standard lap belts; shoulder belts were optional.

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass.

Body Construction:

Fiberglass reinforced plastic body panels mounted on a separate ladder frame chassis.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM Radio, optional AM/FM with 8-track player. Manual may cover basic troubleshooting.

Power Steering:

Optional feature, significantly aids maneuverability.

Power Brakes:

Standard vacuum-assisted power brakes for improved stopping performance.

Connectivity Features:

None by modern standards; basic electrical systems and mechanical linkages.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months; adjust based on driving conditions. Manual will provide specific recommendations.

Tune Up Interval:

Typically every 12,000 - 15,000 miles. Manual details specific spark plug gap, timing, and carburetor adjustments.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months for automatic transmissions. Manual specifies procedure.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter for 427 engines. Manual will confirm exact capacity.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher rated oil, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Refer to manual for precise vintage recommendations.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual specifies capacity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.

Carburetor Tuning:

Quad-carb setups (L36/L68) can be challenging to keep perfectly synchronized. Manual provides detailed tuning procedures.

Ignition System Maintenance:

Points, condenser, and distributor cap/rotor require regular inspection and adjustment. Manual covers ignition timing procedures.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings and ball joints are common wear items in vintage vehicles. Manual details replacement procedures.

Fiberglass Body Repair:

Cracks or delamination in fiberglass requires specialized repair techniques, detailed in the manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Performance Legacy:

Chevrolet has a long-standing history of performance vehicles, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.

Second Generation C2:

The 1966 model year falls within the C2 generation (1963-1967), also known as the Sting Ray, a significant departure from the C1 with its iconic independent suspension and distinctive styling.

Introduction Of 427:

The 427 Big-Block V8 engine was introduced for the 1966 model year as a high-performance option, replacing the 396.

Production Volume 1966:

Approximately 27,780 Corvettes produced in 1966, with a significant portion being 427 models.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Classic Car Status:

Widely recognized as a desirable classic and collectible American sports car, frequently featured in automotive media and awarded at shows.

Manual Certification:

This manual is a reproduction of the official Chevrolet factory service manual, representing the highest standard of technical documentation for the period.