🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1966

Chassis Code:

C2 Sting Ray

Engine Designation:

427 Big Block (L72)

Engine Displacement Cu In:

427

Engine Displacement Liters:

7.0

Engine Option Codes:

L72

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

High-performance sports car

Key Competitors:

Shelby Cobra, Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari 275 GTB, Porsche 911

Performance Focus:

Emphasis on raw power, acceleration, and handling for its era.

Iconic Status:

Recognized as a legendary American muscle and sports car.

Target Audience:

Corvette enthusiasts, classic car restorers, mechanics specializing in vintage vehicles.

Benefit To Owner:

Enables owners to perform accurate maintenance, diagnose issues, and execute repairs with factory-level detail.

📋 Manual Details

Major Systems Covered:

Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission, Driveshaft, Rear Axle, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Body, Interior, Chassis Components

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds (exact count not specified, but comprehensive)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, lubrication, timing

Fuel System:

Carburetor identification and adjustment (e.g., Holley 4-barrel), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank

Cooling System:

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

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, pipes, mufflers, catalytic converters (N/A for 1966), hangers

Drivetrain Clutch:

Clutch assembly, pressure plate, flywheel, clutch release mechanism

Drivetrain Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, gear shifting, fluid types

Drivetrain Driveshaft Axle:

Driveshaft U-joints, rear axle assembly, differential, half-shafts, axle ratio information

Suspension Steering:

Independent front suspension, rear suspension (transverse leaf spring), steering box, power steering system, ball joints, tie rods

Brake System:

Disc brakes (front and rear), hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake fluid type, caliper service, parking brake

Electrical System:

Ignition system (points, condenser, coil), charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, gauges, wiring diagrams, fuse identification

Body Chassis:

Frame construction, body panel alignment, door mechanisms, window regulators, weatherstripping, bumpers, trim

Interior:

Seats, dashboard, instrument cluster, interior trim panels, carpeting

Maintenance Tasks:

Tune-ups, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, ignition timing adjustment, carburetor adjustment

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper service, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download - Print-on-Demand)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download - Print-on-Demand)

Searchable Text:

Yes (typically OCR-enabled PDFs allow text searching)

Copy Paste Print:

Typically unrestricted for personal use, allowing printing of necessary pages

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

L72

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Bore X Stroke:

4.25 in x 3.98 in (108.0 mm x 101.1 mm)

Compression Ratio:

11.0:1

Horsepower Gross SAE:

425 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque Gross SAE:

475 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm

0-60 Mph:

Approx. 5.5 seconds (depending on transmission and driver)

Quarter Mile:

Approx. 13.0 - 13.5 seconds (depending on transmission and driver)

Carburetor:

Holley 4150 Four-Barrel (e.g., List #3310 or similar)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating suitable for high compression)

Oil Type Specification:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact viscosity based on temperature)

Oil Capacity Quarts:

5 US quarts (with filter)

Points Gap:

0.016 - 0.018 inches (0.40 - 0.46 mm)

Ignition Timing Base:

5 degrees Before Top Dead Center (BTDC) at idle (refer to manual for specific settings)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Manual Transmission (Muncie M20, M21, or M22 'Rock Crusher')

Transmission Type:

Powerglide 2-speed Automatic Transmission

Manual Gear Ratios:

Varies by Muncie model (e.g., M20 common ratios: 2.52:1, 1.88:1, 1.42:1, 1.00:1)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90, refer to manual for exact specification)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III or equivalent (GM specification for Powerglide)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.2 inches (4448 mm)

Width:

69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

47.9 inches (1217 mm)

Wheelbase:

98 inches (2489 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,000 - 3,100 lbs (1360 - 1406 kg)

Wheel Size:

15 x 6 inches (standard front), 15 x 7 inches (standard rear, optional for front)

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 4.75 inches (5 x 120.7 mm)

Tire Size Standard:

F70-15 (front and rear)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No standardized crash testing as per modern protocols in 1966.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes (standard, a significant safety feature for the era)

Steering Assist:

Optional Power Steering

Seat Belts:

Standard lap belts

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass

Roll Over Protection:

N/A (convertible only)

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

AM/FM radio (optional, often tube-based or early transistorized)

Speaker System:

Single dashboard speaker (standard, optional dual speakers)

Air Conditioning:

Optional factory-installed air conditioning

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for the era, consult manual for precision)

Tune Up Interval:

Every 10,000 - 12,000 miles or annually

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid

Grease Type:

Lithium-based multi-purpose grease for chassis lubrication points

Carburetion Challenges:

Holley carburetors can require precise tuning; vacuum leaks are common.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring harnesses and components can lead to intermittent electrical issues.

Suspension Wear:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can wear over time, affecting handling.

Cooling System Efficiency:

Original radiators and fans may need upgrading or frequent flushing to maintain optimal temperatures, especially with the 427.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing popular and performance-oriented vehicles.

C2 Sting Ray:

The second generation Corvette (C2) was introduced for 1963 and featured iconic styling and independent rear suspension. The 1966 model year saw refinements and the introduction of the potent 427 engine.

Production Years:

1963-1967 (C2 generation)

1966 Corvette Production Total:

27,720 units

427 Engine Production 1966:

Approx. 5,200 units equipped with the 427 engine (across various horsepower ratings).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Icon:

Consistently ranked among the greatest American sports cars and muscle cars of all time by numerous automotive publications.

Collectible Status:

Highly sought-after collector car, particularly with the 427 engine option.