🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1979

Sub Model:

427 Big Block (referred to in product name, though 1979 models typically featured L48/L82 Small Blocks or the LS4 454 Big Block for specific markets; manual coverage likely encompasses these)

Vin Prefix:

1G111

Engine Code Primary:

L48 (350 ci)

Engine Code Optional:

L82 (350 ci), LS4 (454 ci - for specific export markets or limited production)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

American Sports Car Icon

Target Audience:

Enthusiast owners, mechanics, restorers

Contemporaries:

Porsche 924/928, Datsun 280Z, Jaguar XJS, BMW M models

Design Era:

Third generation (C3) Corvette, final year of significant updates for this generation

Performance Focus:

V8 power, rear-wheel drive, sports suspension

Distinctive Styling:

Long hood, short deck, aggressive stance, removable T-tops

📋 Manual Details

All Models Engines Trims Transmissions:

Yes

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine overhaul, diagnostics, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control systems (e.g., EGR, PCV), exhaust system

Transmission:

Manual (Muncie/BorgWarner) and Automatic (Turbo Hydramatic TH400) transmission overhaul, diagnostics, service procedures, fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

Rear axle overhaul, driveshaft, CV joints (if applicable, though less common on C3s for RWD), U-joints, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (upper/lower control arms, ball joints, steering knuckle, coil springs), rear independent suspension (trailing arms, transverse leaf spring, camber rods, differential carrier)

Steering:

Power steering system overhaul, steering box, tie rods, steering linkage, steering column

Brakes:

Front disc brakes (power assist), rear disc brakes, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake system, hydraulic circuits

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), ignition system components, lighting system, gauges and instruments, power windows, power locks, radio, accessories

Body:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, T-tops (if equipped), glass, bumpers, interior trim, weatherstripping

Chassis:

Frame inspection, body mounts, lubrication points

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, tune-ups, fluid level checks and changes, lubrication

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common issues, electrical fault finding, engine performance problems, braking system issues

Repair:

Component disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all major systems

Rebuild:

Complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuild procedures

Installation:

Installation procedures for replacement parts and accessories

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF

Printable:

Printable pages

Clarity:

Professional, clear diagrams and text

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Name:

350 ci V8 (L48)

Displacement:

5.7 Liters (350 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

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

Compression Ratio:

8.2:1

Horsepower Gross:

195 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque Gross:

285 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Name:

350 ci V8 (L82)

Displacement:

5.7 Liters (350 cubic inches)

Compression Ratio:

8.9:1

Horsepower Gross:

225 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque Gross:

290 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Name:

454 ci V8 (LS4) (Less Common for US market 1979)

Displacement:

7.4 Liters (454 cubic inches)

Compression Ratio:

8.0:1

Horsepower Gross:

210-225 hp @ 3600-4000 rpm (varies by application)

Torque Gross:

360-370 lb-ft @ 2800-3200 rpm (varies by application)

Carburetion:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor (all engines)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Type:

Electronic Ignition (GM HEI - High Energy Ignition)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Muncie M20/M21 4-speed Manual (optional, often RPO M20/M21)

Gear Ratios Manual:

Typically around 2.52:1 (1st), 1.88:1 (2nd), 1.42:1 (3rd), 1.00:1 (4th), 2.73:1 (Reverse - M20)

Type:

Turbo Hydramatic TH400 3-speed Automatic (standard on L48, optional on others)

Gear Ratios Automatic:

Typically around 2.48:1 (1st), 1.48:1 (2nd), 1.00:1 (3rd)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate (for manual transmission)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

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

📐 Dimensions

Length:

185.1 in (4701.5 mm)

Width:

70.8 in (1798.3 mm)

Height:

47.9 in (1216.7 mm)

Wheelbase:

98.0 in (2489.2 mm)

Front Track:

59.6 in (1513.8 mm)

Rear Track:

61.6 in (1564.6 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3400-3600 lbs (1542-1633 kg) depending on engine and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4200 lbs (1905 kg)

Front Weight Distribution Percentage:

Approx. 50-52%

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Results:

N/A (No standardized ratings for this era)

Braking System:

Power assisted four-wheel disc brakes

Steering System:

Power steering

Seat Belts:

Three-point retractable front seat belts, lap belts for passengers

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass

Side Windows:

Tempered safety glass

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, optional 8-track player or cassette player

Gauges And Instruments:

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, coolant temperature gauge, voltmeter

Cruise Control:

Optional feature

N A:

No modern connectivity features

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (recommendation for older vehicles)

Oil Filter:

Replace with oil change

Air Filter:

Inspect every 6,000 miles, replace as needed

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 20,000-30,000 miles (adjust based on plug type and wear)

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Change every 24,000-36,000 miles or 24 months

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Change every 30,000-50,000 miles

Coolant:

Flush and replace every 24,000-36,000 miles or 24 months

Lubrication:

Chassis lubrication points every 6,000 miles

Engine Oil:

SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40 (API SF/CD rated or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity 350:

5 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 454:

6 US quarts (5.7 L) with filter

Coolant:

50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 (or DOT 4) glycol-based brake fluid

Carburetor Issues:

Rochester Quadrajet can be prone to wear, linkage issues, and flooding if not properly maintained

Electrical Gremlins:

Corrosion in connectors, aging wiring harnesses, vacuum advance issues, dash gauge failures

Suspension Wear:

Control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and shock absorbers can wear out due to age and mileage

Rear Main Seal Leaks:

Common leak point on many GM V8s of this era

Fuel System Decay:

Aging fuel lines, fuel pump issues, and fuel tank sending unit problems

📚 Vehicle History

Marque:

Chevrolet, division of General Motors

Legacy:

Long history of performance vehicles, including the Corvette's introduction in 1953

C3 Generation:

1968-1982

1979 Updates:

Last year for the original Mako Shark II-inspired body style; introduced new interior with bucket seats and console, standard power windows, improved ventilation, heavier gauge chassis frame, larger rear sway bar for improved handling.

Production Years For Model:

1968-1982 (C3 generation)

Production Volume 1979:

53,807 units

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Iconic Status:

Considered a classic American sports car and collector's item

Enthusiast Following:

Strong community of owners and restorers