🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1978

Engine Codes Covered:

L48 (305ci), L82 (350ci), LS3 (454ci - Canada only), ZQ3 (350ci - base, not specified by displacement in product title but implied by model year and common variants), L48 350ci, L82 350ci, L81 350ci (base engine for 1978), 396ci (not a standard 1978 Corvette engine, likely a typo or referring to earlier models if included), 427ci (not a standard 1978 Corvette engine, likely a typo or referring to earlier models if included), 454ci (only in Canadian models as LS3, US models did not have a 454ci)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1978 Corvette represented a significant year for the C3 generation, offering a range of powerful V8 engines and iconic styling. This manual is essential for owners and technicians aiming to maintain or restore these classic American sports cars.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against other premium sports cars of its era, such as the Porsche 928, Jaguar XJS, and other high-performance American vehicles. The Corvette's V8 engine options provided a distinct advantage in raw power for its price point.

Key Features:

The 1978 model year introduced the 'Silver Anniversary' edition and a limited 'Pace Car' replica, both highly collectible. Engine options were robust, offering strong performance. This manual provides the factory-backed information needed to keep these vehicles in top condition.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete official factory service repair for all specified engine variants and vehicle systems of the 1978 Chevrolet Corvette.

Page Count:

Hundreds (specific count not provided in product info, typical for factory service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Download PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Service:

Engine overhaul, diagnostics, timing, ignition system, fuel system (carburetor and fuel injection where applicable), cooling system, lubrication system, emission control systems.

Transmission Service:

Automatic and manual transmission repair, overhaul, fluid specifications, troubleshooting, and removal/installation.

Drivetrain Service:

Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle service, differential, and half-shafts.

Suspension Service:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment, springs, shocks, bushings, and control arms.

Steering Service:

Steering gear box, power steering system, steering linkage, and column service.

Brake Service:

Disc brake systems (front and rear), master cylinder, power booster, parking brake, brake fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.

Electrical System Service:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, radio, and accessory circuits.

Body And Interior Service:

Body panel repair, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, carpet, weatherstripping, and chassis lubrication.

HVAC Service:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant, and troubleshooting.

Routine Maintenance:

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

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic charts, symptom analysis, and step-by-step troubleshooting for common and uncommon problems across all systems.

Repair Rebuilding:

Comprehensive instructions for component disassembly, repair, rebuilding, and reassembly of major vehicle systems.

Installation Replacement:

Procedures for replacing or installing new or remanufactured parts and components.

Specification Charts:

Torque specifications, clearances, engine timing settings, electrical specifications, and component data.

Depth:

Full factory level detail, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for printing. Designed to reproduce original factory manual clarity.

Binding Type:

Not applicable for download PDF (suggests printability for binding)

Paper Type:

Not applicable for download PDF (suggests printing on standard paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8, L81 engine, producing 185 gross horsepower (net figures would be lower).

Optional Engine 1:

350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8, L48, producing 220 gross horsepower.

Optional Engine 2:

350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8, L82, producing 220 gross horsepower (higher compression and more aggressive camshaft than L48).

Optional Engine 3:

305 cubic inch (5.0L) V8, LM1 (primarily in California models), producing 170 gross horsepower. (Note: The product title mentions 305ci, which was less common in Corvettes compared to other Chevy models, but could be included in certain markets or specific build combinations).

Rare Engine 1:

454 cubic inch (7.4L) V8, LS3 (Canada only), producing 270 gross horsepower. (Note: The product title lists 396ci and 427ci, which were not standard 1978 Corvette engines; these are likely errors in the product listing or refer to earlier generations covered in a broader context not specified here).

Horsepower Range:

170 to 270 gross horsepower (depending on engine and market)

Torque Specs:

Specific torque figures vary by engine (e.g., L82 350ci estimated around 280-300 lb-ft gross). Manual will contain precise specifications.

Carburetion:

Primarily Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetors for 350ci and 454ci engines. 305ci engine often used a Rochester 4-barrel as well.

Fuel Injection Availability:

No fuel injection was offered in 1978; all engines were carbureted.

Engine Code L81:

Standard 350ci V8 for 1978, with reduced compression ratio to meet emissions standards.

Engine Code L48:

Higher compression 350ci V8, offering improved performance over the L81.

Engine Code L82:

Performance 350ci V8, featuring higher compression, improved camshaft, and better-breathing heads.

Engine Code Lm1:

305ci V8, primarily for California emissions compliance, typically with lower power output.

Engine Code Ls3:

454ci V8, only for Canadian market Corvettes in 1978.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission (THM-350 or THM-400 depending on engine).

Transmission Type:

4-speed manual transmission (M21 Close-Ratio for L82, M40 for others).

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic clutch system for manual transmission models.

Transmission Fluid Spec:

Dexron III (or equivalent for its time) for automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions use specific gear oil (manual will specify SAE grade).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

182.5 inches (4635.5 mm)

Width:

70.8 inches (1798.3 mm)

Height:

47.8 inches (1214.1 mm)

Wheelbase:

98 inches (2489.2 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg), depending on engine and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Not directly comparable to modern NHTSA ratings. Focus on structural integrity and passive safety features of the era.

Brakes:

Power-assisted front and rear disc brakes. Power steering.

Steering:

Recirculating ball steering gear, power assist standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia reel seat belts (lap and shoulder).

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass windshield.

Interior Safety:

Energy-absorbing steering column, padded dashboard and interior surfaces.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio, often with 8-track player or cassette deck as an option. Manual covers radio removal, installation, and basic electrical troubleshooting.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Features include power steering and power brakes. No electronic driver aids were available.

Connectivity Features:

None by modern definition. Manual details the electrical system for factory-installed accessories.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 to 6,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Manual will provide specific recommendation based on oil type.

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs, points (if applicable), and distributor cap/rotor typically checked/replaced every 12,000 to 24,000 miles. Manual provides specific intervals.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter recommended to be changed every 24,000 to 36,000 miles. Manual will detail this.

Engine Oil Recommendation:

API SG or SF, viscosity typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Manual will confirm specific OEM requirements and grades.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify concentration and type.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Manual will specify required type.

Common Issues:

Vacuum leaks affecting engine performance, carburetor adjustments, aging rubber components (hoses, belts, bushings), windshield wiper pivot seizing, potential electrical gremlins, interior trim deterioration, and exhaust system corrosion. Manual covers diagnosis and repair for these.

Body Integrity:

Corrosion can affect birdcage, frame, and lower body panels. Manual includes body repair sections.

Spark Plugs:

Specific AC-Delco or equivalent plugs (e.g., AC R45TS or similar depending on engine). Manual will list exact part numbers and gap specifications.

Ignition Timing:

Initial timing specifications vary by engine and transmission. Manual provides precise settings and diagnostic methods.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing iconic American vehicles. The Corvette, introduced in 1953, is the brand's flagship sports car and an enduring symbol of American automotive performance and design.

Model Evolution:

The 1978 Corvette is part of the third generation (C3), which ran from 1968 to 1982. This generation is characterized by its distinctive 'Mako Shark' styling. The 1978 model year marked the 25th anniversary of the Corvette, celebrated with special editions.

Production Years:

1978

Production Total:

Approximately 47,000 units produced for the 1978 model year.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Silver Anniversary Edition:

A special trim level celebrating 25 years of Corvette production, featuring unique badging and color schemes (e.g., two-tone paint).

Pace Car Replica:

A limited production model replicating the official Indy 500 Pace Car, featuring unique graphics and body modifications.

Performance Ratings:

Period reviews often praised its straight-line performance, especially with the L82 engine, and its distinctive styling, though criticized for less refined handling compared to some European rivals.