🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1976

Body Style:

2-Door Coupe

Engine Codes:

L48 (350ci), L82 (350ci), LS4 (454ci) - Note: Manual explicitly lists 350 and 396, which is likely an error in the product name, as a 396 was not standard or optional in 1976. Assuming focus on 350ci variants.

Trim Levels:

All Trim Levels Covered

Transmission Types:

All Transmission Types Covered (e.g., Turbo Hydramatic 350, M21 4-speed Manual)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1976 Corvette represented Chevrolet's flagship sports car, a blend of American performance and evolving design. It competed in a niche market with European sports cars and other high-performance American offerings, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a powerful V8 engine and striking styling.

Competitors:

Primary competitors included cars like the Porsche 911, Jaguar E-Type (in its final years), and other American muscle cars adapted for sports car duty. The Corvette offered a unique combination of a removable roof panel (T-top) and a powerful V8.

Features:

Distinctive Stingray styling, powerful V8 engine options, independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, optional T-top roof for an open-air driving experience. The 1976 model was the last year for the Stingray nameplate until its return in 1978.

📋 Manual Details

States:

Covers all models, engines, trims, and transmissions for the 1976 Chevrolet Corvette.

Pages:

Comprehensive (Actual page count not specified, but implied to be a full workshop manual)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine Mechanical (350ci L48/L82), Fuel System (Carbureted - Rochester Quadrajet), Ignition System (Electronic Ignition), Cooling System, Exhaust System, Lubrication System.

Transmission:

Automatic Transmission (Turbo Hydramatic 350 - THM350), Manual Transmission (Muncie M21 4-speed). Includes disassembly, assembly, and repair procedures.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, Universal Joints, Rear Axle Assembly (Differential, Half Shafts), Wheel Bearings.

Suspension:

Front Suspension (Independent, Ball Joints, Control Arms, Shock Absorbers, Springs), Rear Suspension (Independent, Half Shafts, Transverse Leaf Spring, Shock Absorbers).

Brakes:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes, Parking Brake System, Brake System Hydraulics (Master Cylinder, Lines, Calipers).

Steering:

Power Steering System (Pump, Hoses, Steering Gear), Steering Column, Tie Rods, Idler Arm.

Electrical:

12-Volt Negative Ground System, Battery, Charging System (Alternator), Starting System (Starter Motor), Ignition System, Lighting System (Headlights, Tail Lights, Interior Lights), Instrumentation, Gauges, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams.

Body And Frame:

Frame Construction, Body Panels (Doors, Hood, Fenders, Bumpers), Glass and Seals, Interior Trim, Seats, Convertible Top Mechanism (if applicable to specific trim).

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC System Components, Operation, and Service.

Maintenance:

Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Tune-up Procedures, Belt Inspection and Replacement, Fluid Level Checks and Top-offs.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Procedures for Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Electrical Systems, and other components. Symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, and electrical system diagnostics.

Overhaul:

Complete overhaul procedures for engine and transmission assemblies.

Specifications:

Torque Specifications for all fasteners, Clearances and Tolerances, Fluid Capacities, Wiring Schematics.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from routine maintenance and tune-ups to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text within the PDF for quick access to information.

Quality:

High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and legible text.

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8 (L48)

Optional Engine:

350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8 (L82 - Higher Performance)

Engine Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Cast Iron

Bore X Stroke:

4.00 in x 3.48 in (101.6 mm x 88.4 mm)

Compression Ratio:

L48: 8.0:1; L82: 8.5:1

Horsepower L48:

180 hp @ 4400 rpm

Torque L48:

270 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Horsepower L82:

205 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque L82:

275 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-Barrel Carburetor

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Regular and Premium)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

3-Speed Automatic (Turbo Hydramatic 350 - THM350)

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Manual (Muncie M21) - Optional

Clutch Type:

Single Dry Plate (Manual Transmission)

Gear Ratios M21:

Typical Ratios: 2.52 (1st), 1.88 (2nd), 1.42 (3rd), 1.00 (4th)

Automatic Gear Ratios:

Typical Ratios: 2.48 (1st), 1.48 (2nd), 1.00 (3rd)

Rear Axle Ratio:

3.08:1 (Standard for automatic), 3.70:1 (Optional for manual, L82)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

176.6 inches (4486 mm)

Width:

69.0 inches (1753 mm)

Height:

47.5 inches (1207 mm)

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (2489 mm)

Front Track:

58.7 inches (1491 mm)

Rear Track:

59.2 inches (1503 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,500 - 3,700 lbs (1588 - 1678 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly specified, but typically around 4,200 lbs (1905 kg).

Trunk Volume:

Small, behind-seat storage compartment.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

NHTSA testing data for this era is limited and not directly comparable to modern standards.

Braking:

Four-wheel disc brakes with power assist.

Steering:

Power steering standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point lap and shoulder belts.

Rollover Protection:

Integral roll bar behind seats (part of the structural design).

Energy ABSorbing Steering Column:

Standard.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM Radio, often with optional 8-track tape player. Speakers typically mounted in doors and rear.

Features:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on mechanical systems like power steering and power brakes.

Features:

N/A (No electronic connectivity features).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.

Filter Replacement:

Oil filter with every oil change. Air filter as needed, typically every 12,000-15,000 miles or if dirty. Fuel filter every 24,000-30,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Inspect every 12,000 miles, replace as needed. Typically use AC Delco plugs (e.g., CR45TS).

Tune Up:

Inspect ignition timing, carburetor, and PCV valve every 12,000-15,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid:

Check fluid level regularly. Change fluid and filter every 24,000-30,000 miles for automatic transmissions.

Engine Oil:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40, API SF or SG. Capacity: 5 quarts (with filter).

Coolant:

50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water. Capacity: Approx. 18 quarts.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 heavy-duty hydraulic brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II or III automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or III ATF. Capacity: Approx. 3-4 quarts for a fluid/filter change.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 Gear Lube (e.g., SAE 80W-90). Capacity: Approx. 2 quarts.

Common Problems:

Carburetor tuning issues (Quadrajet sensitivity), potential for vacuum leaks, age-related wear on rubber components (hoses, seals, bushings), electrical connector corrosion, fiberglass body stress cracks, potential for manual transmission synchro wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles. The Corvette, introduced in 1953, is America's iconic sports car, evolving through numerous design and engineering changes.

Evolution To 1976:

The 1976 model is part of the C3 generation (1968-1982), characterized by its 'Mako Shark' inspired styling. This generation saw a gradual reduction in engine power due to emissions regulations and the shift towards unleaded fuel, but retained its sporty appeal. The 1976 model marked the final year for the 'Stingray' designation.

Production Years:

C3 generation: 1968-1982. 1976 specific model year.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Production Volume 1976:

Approx. 46,558 units produced for the 1976 model year.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Acclaim:

The Corvette has consistently received acclaim as an American sports car icon. While specific awards for the 1976 model are not as widely documented as modern vehicles, it was recognized for its performance and styling during its era.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports reviews from the era often highlighted the Corvette's performance but also noted issues with build quality and ride comfort compared to European competitors.