Segment:
American Sports Car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, owners, mechanics seeking detailed repair information
Competitors:
Datsun 280Z, Porsche 911 (entry level), Jaguar E-Type (late models)
Styling:
Iconic 'Coke bottle' styling, removable T-tops, aggressive stance
Performance Focus:
Rear-wheel drive, V8 power, performance-oriented suspension
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valvetrain, lubrication system, cooling system
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Q-Jet 4-bbl), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank, emissions control system
Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, spark plug wires, electronic spark control (ESC)
Transmission Manual:
Muncie SM465 (4-speed), BorgWarner T-10 (4-speed), Drivetrain, clutch, flywheel, shifter mechanism
Transmission Automatic:
Turbo Hydramatic TH350 (3-speed), TH400 (3-speed), torque converter, transmission cooler lines
Chassis Suspension:
Independent front suspension (A-arms, ball joints, tie rods), rear transverse leaf spring, shocks, sway bars
Brakes:
Front disc brakes (power assisted), rear disc brakes (power assisted), master cylinder, brake calipers, brake lines, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering linkage
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), battery, instruments, gauges, horn
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, T-tops, interior trim, seats, dashboard, HVAC system, climate control
Emissions Control:
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), Air Injection Reactor (AIR) system
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common problems and solutions
Repair:
Component removal and installation, rebuild procedures, adjustments, specifications for all major systems
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic procedures for electrical and mechanical issues, testing component functionality
Depth:
Comprehensive (from routine maintenance to major overhaul)
Engine 350 L48:
350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8, 170 horsepower @ 4000 rpm, 270 lb-ft torque @ 2400 rpm, 4-barrel carburetor (Rochester Quadrajet)
Engine 350 Lm1:
350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8, 225 horsepower @ 4800 rpm, 275 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm, 4-barrel carburetor (Rochester Quadrajet), higher compression
Engine 350 Zq3:
350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8, 180 horsepower @ 4000 rpm, 275 lb-ft torque @ 2400 rpm, 4-barrel carburetor (Rochester Quadrajet), California emissions
Engine 396 L37:
350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8, 195 horsepower @ 4000 rpm, 285 lb-ft torque @ 2400 rpm, 4-barrel carburetor (Rochester Quadrajet), California emissions
Compression Ratio L48:
8.0:1
Compression Ratio Lm1:
8.9:1
Carburetor Type:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel (all engines)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Engine Identification:
Engine block stamping contains specific engine code and build date
Standard Transmission:
4-Speed Manual (Muncie SM465 or BorgWarner T-10)
Optional Transmission:
3-Speed Automatic (Turbo Hydramatic TH350 or TH400)
Automatic Features:
Column or console shifter, vacuum modulator control
Manual Features:
Single disc dry clutch, direct linkage shifter
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (recommendation based on era)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 36 months
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Tune Up Interval:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SF, SE (e.g., 10W-30 or 10W-40 depending on climate)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Common Problems:
Carburetor tuning, vacuum leaks, electrical connector corrosion, aging suspension bushings, potential for fiberglass cracking (rarely), exhaust manifold leaks
Oil Filter Example:
AC-Delco PF2 (or equivalent like Fram PH8A, Wix 51049)
Spark Plug Example:
AC-Delco R45TS or Champion RN12YC (verify with manual)
Chevrolet Legacy:
Long history of performance vehicles and V8 engines
C3 Generation:
Third generation Corvette (C3) ran from 1968 to 1982. 1979 was the last year for a manual transmission option (though rare).
1979 Specifics:
Significant redesign for 1979 with new interior, revised front/rear fascias, and a steeper windshield rake for improved aerodynamics.
Production Years:
1968-1982 (C3 Generation)
1979 Production Units:
53,807 units (record for C3)
