🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1966

Generation:

C2 (Sting Ray)

Chassis Code:

C2

Engine Code Identifier:

454 (Note: 1966 Corvettes primarily offered 327 and 427 CID V8s. The '454' in the product name likely refers to the engine displacement covered by the manual, or a specific variant/package discussed within. Official 1966 models did not have a '454' engine. The largest offered was the 427. This manual likely covers variants of the 427 or is referencing a specific high-performance package.)

👋 Introduction

Era Classification:

Iconic American Sports Car of the 1960s.

Competitors 1966:

Shelby Cobra, Jaguar E-Type, Porsche 911 (though in different price brackets and philosophies), Ford Mustang (for performance variants).

Design Philosophy:

Independent rear suspension (IRS) on all models, robust V8 engine performance, fiberglass body construction, driver-focused cockpit.

Target Audience Manual:

Owners, mechanics, and restoration specialists seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information for the 1966 Corvette.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Engines Trims Transmissions:

Yes

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Likely 1000+ pages for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head overhaul, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing inspection, camshaft and valve train adjustment, lubrication system service, cooling system service.

Engine Fuel System:

Carburetor adjustment and overhaul (e.g., Holley, Rochester Quadrajet), fuel pump service, fuel tank and line inspection, fuel filter replacement.

Engine Ignition System:

Distributor service and timing adjustment, spark plug replacement, ignition coil testing, starter motor and solenoid service, battery and charging system (alternator) diagnosis.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch service and adjustment, manual transmission removal/installation, gear inspection, lubrication, and repair.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission removal/installation, hydraulic system diagnosis, internal component service (e.g., Powerglide, Turbo Hydra-Matic if applicable to specific engines/models).

Chassis Suspension:

Front suspension service (e.g., ball joints, control arms, springs), rear suspension service (e.g., trailing arms, transverse leaf spring), steering linkage and power steering system overhaul, wheel bearing service.

Brakes:

Disc brake service (front and rear), brake caliper overhaul, brake pad replacement, brake line inspection and replacement, brake booster and master cylinder service, parking brake adjustment.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, lighting system repair, gauge cluster diagnosis, wiper system service, horn system, power windows and seats (if equipped).

Body And Interior:

Body panel alignment, door and window regulator repair, seat adjustment and repair, interior trim removal/installation, convertible top mechanism service (if applicable).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures, lubrication points, fluid level checks.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

System-specific fault finding, diagnostic charts, common problem identification and solutions.

Component Rebuilds:

Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of major automotive components.

Specifications And Measurements:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and diagnostic values.

Depth:

Comprehensive Workshop Level (Detailed repair procedures, overhaul instructions, and diagnostic aids suitable for professional mechanics and experienced enthusiasts).

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High Resolution (Likely scanned from original print, offering clear diagrams and text).

Searchability:

Likely Text-Searchable (if OCR has been applied during PDF creation).

Original Print Quality:

Professional Technical Manual Quality (Expect detailed diagrams, exploded views, and clear instructions).

Binding Original:

Stapled or Hardcover (for original print manuals).

Paper Original:

Durable Pulp Paper (common for workshop manuals of the era).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8 (OHV)

Bore Stroke:

Typically 4.00 x 3.25 inches for 327ci; 4.25 x 3.25 inches for 396ci (L36); 4.25 x 3.25 inches for 427ci (L36, L72). The '454' reference likely pertains to the 427ci or a performance variant.

Displacement:

327 cubic inches (5.4 L), 396 cubic inches (6.5 L - rare option), 427 cubic inches (7.0 L).

Horsepower:

300-350 HP (327), 390 HP (396), 390-425 HP (427 variations).

Torque:

Ranges from approximately 360 lb-ft to 475 lb-ft depending on engine option.

Carburetion:

Single 4-barrel (e.g., Rochester 4GC, Holley 4160) or Dual 4-barrel carburetors (e.g., Holley 2x4 setups).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium octane required).

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 5.5-6.0 U.S. quarts (including heater).

Oil Capacity:

5 U.S. quarts with filter change.

Oil Viscosity Recommendation:

SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 (depending on ambient temperature). Older manuals might specify SAE 30 for warmer climates.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission (M11 or M11-based).

Transmission Type:

4-speed manual transmission (Muncie M20, M21, M22 'Rock Crusher').

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate (for manual transmissions).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III or equivalent (GM Specification P-1000000). Early automatics may have used Dexron-B.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GM Synchromesh Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (e.g., SAE 80W-90 GL-4 gear oil).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

98 inches

Overall Length:

175.1 inches

Overall Width:

69.7 inches

Overall Height:

47.4 inches (Coupe), 47.5 inches (Convertible)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,000 - 3,200 lbs (depending on engine and options).

Standard Wheel Size:

15 x 6 inches (steel or alloy) for most models.

Tire Size Recommendation:

e.g., E70-15 or F70-15.

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 4.75 inches (5 x 120.65 mm).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No standardized crash test ratings from modern agencies (NHTSA/IIHS) for vehicles of this era.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes standard on all 1966 Corvettes.

Seatbelts:

Standard lap belts. Shoulder belts often optional or dealer-installed.

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column designed for improved impact protection.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

Optional AM/FM radio, often with an 8-track tape player available as an aftermarket or later addition.

Driver Aid Features:

Limited to power steering and power brakes (optional). No electronic driver assistance systems.

Connectivity Features:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Vintage vehicles may benefit from more frequent changes due to less advanced oil formulations and engine wear.

Tune Up Interval:

Recommended every 12,000 - 15,000 miles, including spark plug replacement, ignition timing, and carburetor adjustment.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 24,000 miles or 24 months. Manual: Check and top off as needed, fluid change approximately every 30,000-50,000 miles (or when degraded).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mixture with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Chassis Corrosion:

While fiberglass bodies resist rust, chassis components (frame, suspension parts) are susceptible to corrosion in humid or road-salt environments.

Carburetor Performance:

Carburetors of this era can be prone to wear, vacuum leaks, and require regular adjustment for optimal performance and fuel economy.

Electrical Reliability:

Age-related issues with wiring insulation, connectors, and electrical components (e.g., voltage regulator, alternator).

Rear Suspension Wear:

Wear in the bushings and U-joints of the independent rear suspension can lead to noise and handling issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Sports Car Legacy:

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

C2 Sting Ray Design:

The C2 generation (1963-1967) is renowned for its iconic 'Sting Ray' styling by Larry Shinoda, inspired by the Mako Shark. The 1966 model year saw minor styling refinements and the introduction of the potent 427 big-block V8.

Engine Introduction 1966:

The 1966 model year marked the first availability of a big-block engine in the Corvette, the 396, followed by the legendary 427.

Production Volume 1966:

27,715 Corvettes produced in 1966.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Classic Car Status:

Widely considered a highly desirable and collectible classic American sports car, often featured in automotive media and collector circles.

Collectibility Index:

High, especially for models equipped with big-block engines and manual transmissions.