🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1970

Engine Code:

L46 (350ci/370hp), LS5 (454ci/390hp), LS7 (454ci/460hp - Special)*

Transmission Codes:

M20 (4-speed Manual), M21 (4-speed Manual - Close Ratio), M40 (3-speed Automatic)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners, mechanics, restoration specialists, and enthusiasts of the 1970 Chevrolet Corvette.

Historical Significance:

The 1970 Corvette represents a pinnacle of American sports car design and performance from its era, making accurate repair information highly valuable for preservation.

Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive, factory-authorized information essential for maintaining, repairing, and restoring the iconic 1970 Corvette, surpassing generic Haynes or Chilton guides in detail.

Manual Features:

Covers all 1970 Corvette models/engines/transmissions, includes detailed troubleshooting, expert repair procedures, and extensive electrical schematics.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Ignition System, Electrical System (including wiring diagrams), HVAC, Chassis, Body & Frame, Interior Components, Emissoins Control

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Complete engine overhaul procedures, component identification, disassembly, inspection, assembly, tuning, diagnostics for all specified engines (350ci and 454ci variants).

Transmission Systems:

Detailed repair and rebuilding procedures for M20, M21 manual transmissions and M40 automatic transmissions, including clutch service, torque converter replacement, and shift linkage adjustments.

Electrical Systems:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, troubleshooting guides for electrical faults, component testing, starter, alternator, lighting, and instrumentation diagnostics.

Chassis And Suspension:

Detailed overhaul and repair of independent front suspension (upper and lower ball joints, control arms, bushings), rear suspension (trailing arms, universal joints, differential), shocks, and steering components.

Brake System Coverage:

Disc brake caliper overhaul, pad replacement, rotor inspection, drum brake adjustment and relining, power brake booster testing and replacement, brake line routing and troubleshooting.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, tune-up procedures, brake bleeding, tire rotation.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, rebuilding, and adjustment for all major systems including engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and steering.

Troubleshooting Procedures:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common mechanical and electrical issues, fault code identification (where applicable).

Body And Frame Procedures:

Body panel alignment, weatherstrip replacement, door and window adjustments, structural component inspection, fiberglass repair guidelines.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Systematic diagnostic approaches for drivability issues, starting problems, overheating, and electrical malfunctions, often presented as troubleshooting charts.

Depth Of Information:

Factory-level detail covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications, clearances, and specialized tool requirements.

Engine Rebuild Detail:

Includes piston ring gap, bearing clearances, valve seating, timing chain tension, and cylinder head torque sequences.

Transmission Rebuild Detail:

Specific gear train components, synchro ring inspection, clutch pack specifications (for automatic), and linkage adjustments for precise shifting.

Electrical Schematic Detail:

Component-level wiring diagrams showing wire colors, gauge, and routing for all factory-installed electrical accessories.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use

File Type:

Digital PDF

Image Resolution:

High-resolution scans of original factory diagrams and illustrations

Clarity Of Diagrams:

Sharp, clear line drawings and exploded views for easy identification of parts and assembly sequence.

Binding Type:

Digital Download (PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

350 cu in (5.7L) V8 (L46 - 370hp), 454 cu in (7.4L) V8 (LS5 - 390hp), 454 cu in (7.4L) V8 (LS7 - 460hp - Special Order)

Engine Block Material:

Cast Iron (LS5 and L46)

Ls5 Horsepower:

390 hp @ 5000 rpm

Ls5 Torque:

500 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

L46 Horsepower:

370 hp @ 6000 rpm

Ls5 Carburetor:

Quadrajet 4-barrel (Model 7040212)

L46 Carburetor:

Holley 4150 4-barrel (Model 4777)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium octane required)

Ignition System:

Breaker points ignition system with distributor and coil.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

M20 4-speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

M21 4-speed Manual (Close Ratio), M40 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic Automatic

M40 Features:

Column or floor shift, torque converter lock-up on some models (not standard for 1970).

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate clutch (for manual transmissions).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (2489 mm)

Overall Length:

175.1 inches (4448 mm)

Overall Width:

69.0 inches (1753 mm)

Overall Height:

47.9 inches (1217 mm)

Front Track:

59.0 inches (1500 mm)

Rear Track:

59.2 inches (1504 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3324 - 3650 lbs (1508 - 1656 kg) depending on engine/options

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing Era:

Pre-NHTSA standardized testing era; data is limited and not directly comparable to modern ratings.

Braking System:

Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional power-assisted rear disc brakes.

Steering System:

Power steering optional.

Seat Belts:

Three-point lap and shoulder belts (standard in US models).

Body Construction:

Body-on-frame construction with fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) body panels.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, optional AM/FM stereo, optional 8-track tape player.

Driver Assistance Features:

None (era-appropriate, focus on driver control).

Connectivity Features:

None (no external connectivity).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical recommendation for the era).

Tune Up Interval:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles, including spark plugs, points, condenser, and timing adjustment.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 (API Service SE/SF rating recommended).

Coolant Specification:

50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 Gear Lubricant (e.g., SAE 80W-90)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent, originally Dexron II)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 Heavy Duty Hydraulic Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron III)

Common Issues:

Carburetor adjustment and tuning, vacuum leaks, aging rubber hoses and seals, potential U-joint wear, electrical connector corrosion, headlight vacuum actuator failures.

Suspension Wear Points:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar bushings, and monoleaf rear spring fatigue.

Cooling System Maintenance:

Radiator condition, thermostat operation, water pump seal integrity, and heater core leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Heritage:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, established in 1911, known for its accessible, mass-market vehicles and performance icons like the Corvette.

C3 Corvette Generation:

Third Generation (C3) Corvette, introduced in 1968, characterized by its distinctive "Mako Shark" styling and long hood, short deck design.

1970 Updates:

Minor styling updates including revised grille, fender louvers, and interior trim. Introduction of the larger 454ci engine option.

Production Volume 1970:

17,316 units

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA