🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1972

Engine Variants Covered:

350ci V8 (L48, L82)

Trim Levels Covered:

All

Transmission Types Covered:

All (Manual and Automatic)

Engine Code Example:

VBC (350/200hp L48), VBG (350/255hp L82)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1972 Corvette represented a pinnacle of American sports car design and performance for its era, with the C3 generation offering a distinctive Stingray styling.

Competitors:

Primarily competed with other high-performance American coupes and roadsters of the period, as well as European sports cars like the Jaguar E-Type and Porsche 911.

Styling:

Iconic second-generation C3 'Stingray' body, removable T-tops or convertible option.

Performance:

Powerful V8 engine options, rear-wheel drive, and sports-tuned suspension contributed to its exhilarating driving experience.

Manual Utility:

An indispensable resource for owners and mechanics seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair this classic American performance icon.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair

Specific Areas:

Engine, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical, Body, Climate Control, Emission Control

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 800-1000 pages (typical for full workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanicals (assembly, disassembly, rebuild), cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (carburetor specifications, diagnosis), ignition system, emission control systems (PCV, AIR injection)

Drivetrain Systems:

Manual transmissions (Muncie M20, M21, M22), automatic transmissions (Turbo-Hydra-Matic 350/400), clutch system, driveshaft, rear axle assembly (Positraction options)

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (independent front, multi-link rear), steering system (power steering), braking system (disc front, drum rear, parking brake)

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, radio, accessory circuits, fuses, relays

Body Systems:

Body construction, doors, windows, convertible top operation, interior trim, bumpers, weatherstripping, paint and trim specifications

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, tune-up procedures, fluid level checks and replenishment, brake adjustments, belt inspection and replacement

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuild (pistons, rings, bearings, camshaft), cylinder head service, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake caliper/wheel cylinder service, steering linkage repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement

Troubleshooting Guides:

System-specific diagnostic charts for engine performance, starting issues, braking problems, electrical faults, and more

Depth:

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

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable text, allowing for quick location of specific information

Quality:

Digital reproduction quality, allowing for clear viewing of diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (Digital download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Standard Engine:

350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8

Base Engine Code Hp Torque:

L48: 200 net horsepower @ 4000 rpm, 310 lb-ft torque @ 2400 rpm (with 8.0:1 compression)

Optional Engine:

350 cubic inch (5.7L) L82 High Performance V8

Performance Engine Code Hp Torque:

L82: 255 net horsepower @ 5600 rpm, 315 lb-ft torque @ 3600 rpm (with 8.5:1 compression)

Compression Ratio L48:

8.0:1

Compression Ratio L82:

8.5:1

Fuel Delivery L48:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor

Fuel Delivery L82:

Holley 780 cfm 4-barrel carburetor (often) or Rochester Quadrajet, depending on specific build

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (required for 1971 onwards emissions standards)

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system with fan and shroud

Lubrication System Type:

Wet sump lubrication system

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual transmission (Muncie M20, M21, M22)

Optional Transmission:

3-speed Turbo-Hydra-Matic automatic transmission (THM350 or THM400)

Manual Transmission Features:

Available in close-ratio (M21) and wide-ratio (M20) configurations. M22 'Rock Crusher' heavy-duty option sometimes available.

Automatic Transmission Features:

Smooth shifting, often preferred for cruising and daily driving. Torque converter lock-up may be present on later THM400 applications.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Lubricant (e.g., Pennzoil Synchromesh, Red Line MT-90)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

98 inches (2489 mm)

Overall Length:

177.7 inches (4514 mm)

Overall Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Overall Height:

47.9 inches (1217 mm) (Coupe)

Curb Weight Est:

3,300 - 3,500 lbs (1497 - 1588 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:

4,300 lbs (1950 kg)

Wheel Size:

15 x 7 inches

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 4.75 inches (5 x 120.65 mm)

Standard Tire Size:

F70-15 or 215/70R15

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data Availability:

NHTSA testing standards were nascent in 1972; formal ratings as we know them today are generally not available. Focus is on passive safety features.

Braking System:

Front power disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Parking brake operates on rear wheels.

Steering System:

Recirculating ball steering with power assist (optional). Unassisted steering available as standard.

Seat Belts:

Three-point retractable front seat belts

Interior Safety:

Energy-absorbing steering column, padded interior surfaces, safety glass.

Body Structure:

Integral body-frame construction, designed for rigidity and driver protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

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

Assistance Features:

Primarily mechanical systems like power steering and power brakes. No electronic driver assistance systems (e.g., ABS, traction control) were available.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era; check manual for specific recommendations)

Tune Up Interval:

Every 12,000 - 24,000 miles (includes spark plugs, points, condenser, distributor cap/rotor inspection)

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 24,000 - 36,000 miles (or as specified in manual)

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter (check manual for exact capacity for specific engine)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for ambient temperature recommendations)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 20-22 US quarts (18.9-20.8 Liters) with heater (check manual)

Coolant Type:

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

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual, typically a sealed system)

Carburetor Issues:

Rochester Quadrajet carburetors can be prone to vacuum leaks, flooding, and accelerator pump issues if not properly maintained.

Electrical Gremlins:

Vintage electrical systems can develop issues with wiring insulation degradation, faulty grounds, and corroded connections.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can wear over time, leading to alignment issues and vague steering.

Fiberglass Body:

Gelcoat cracking, delamination, or impact damage to the fiberglass body panels.

Body Sealing:

Door seals, window seals, and T-top seals can degrade, leading to water leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Heritage:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing American performance cars and muscle cars since its inception in 1911.

Corvette Evolution C3:

The 1972 model is part of the third-generation (C3) Corvette, produced from 1968 to 1982. This generation is renowned for its distinctive 'Stingray' styling, which was heavily influenced by the Mako Shark II concept car.

Key Changes 1972:

Last year for chrome front bumper, revised interior, introduction of more stringent emissions controls impacting engine power, removal of 'Stingray' designation from official badging, though commonly referred to as such.

Production Period:

1972 Model Year

Total Units Produced 1972:

27,250

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Collectible Status:

The 1972 Corvette is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, recognized for its iconic styling and V8 performance.

Automotive Hall Of Fame:

The Corvette nameplate is a significant part of automotive history, with many generations earning prestigious awards and recognitions.