Positioning:
The Chevrolet Corvette C3 represents an iconic American sports car, and this manual serves as an essential resource for owners and enthusiasts aiming to maintain, repair, or restore these classic vehicles.
Comparison:
Compared to other manuals of its era, this workshop manual provides in-depth technical information specific to the C3 Corvette, covering a broad range of model years and engine options.
Value Proposition:
Offers comprehensive diagnostic and repair procedures, detailed diagrams, specifications, and maintenance schedules essential for preserving the performance and originality of a C3 Corvette.
Covered Years:
1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982
Coverage Scope:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair
Estimated Pages:
Very Comprehensive (Thousands of pages expected for this range)
Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Engine:
All L-Series V8 engines, including 327, 350, 427, 454 variations, carburetor and fuel injection systems, cooling, lubrication, ignition, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmissions (Muncie, Saginaw, Turbo Hydramatic), clutch, drivetrain, driveshafts, axles, differentials.
Brakes:
Front disc, rear disc brakes, hydraulic systems, parking brake, power assist systems.
Suspension Steering:
Independent front suspension, rear leaf spring suspension, steering gears, power steering systems, chassis components.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, charging system (alternator, starter), gauges, power windows, antennas, accessories, diagnostic procedures.
Body Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, hood, bumpers, interior trim, convertible top mechanisms, glass, weatherstripping, corrosion protection.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication, fluid checks and changes.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilding, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical system troubleshooting and repair, body panel alignment and repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for all major systems, common problem identification and solutions.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical faults, and mechanical issues.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all vehicle systems.
Engine Family:
Chevrolet Small-Block (283, 327, 350 cu in) and Big-Block (396, 427, 454 cu in) V8s.
Horsepower Range:
Varied widely from approximately 200 HP (base 350) to over 430 HP (LS7 454) across the model years and options.
Torque Range:
Ranges from approximately 300 lb-ft to over 470 lb-ft depending on engine displacement and configuration.
Fuel Delivery:
Primarily carburetor-based (Holley, Rochester Quadrajet) with early fuel injection (Bosch/GM) on select models. The manual covers tuning and maintenance for both.
System Type:
Breaker point ignition system through early 1974, followed by electronic ignition (e.g., GM High Energy Ignition - HEI) in later years. The manual details both.
Cooling Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with radiator, fan (mechanical or electric later), water pump, and thermostat.
Standard Transmission Type:
Manual transmissions (e.g., Muncie SM465, M20, M21) were standard on many models, with 3 and 4-speed configurations.
Optional Transmission Type:
Automatic transmissions (e.g., Turbo Hydramatic TH350, TH400) were widely available options.
Clutch System:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate clutch system for manual transmissions.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity varies by year and application).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent specification for earlier models) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Wheelbase:
98.0 inches (2489 mm)
Overall Length:
Approx. 182.5 inches (4635 mm), varying slightly by year.
Overall Width:
Approx. 70.8 inches (1798 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 47.9 inches (1217 mm) for coupe, 47.1 inches (1196 mm) for convertible.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,300 - 3,700 lbs (1497 - 1678 kg), depending on engine and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 4,100 - 4,400 lbs (1860 - 2000 kg).
Crash Test Data:
Modern crash test data is not directly applicable to vehicles from this era. Safety was addressed through structural design and basic restraint systems.
Braking System:
Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, with standard front discs and rear discs across most of the C3 generation. Some early models had rear drums.
Seatbelts:
Lap and shoulder belts standard. Interior impact-absorbing features on steering wheel, dashboard, and pillars.
Body Structure:
Body-on-frame construction with a ladder frame and fiberglass body panels. The frame provided the primary structural integrity.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radios, often with an 8-track player option in earlier years, later replaced by cassette players. Manual will cover removal and installation of these units.
Power Steering:
Power steering was widely available and is covered in detail, including pump, hoses, and steering gear.
Power Brakes:
Power brake booster and master cylinder systems are extensively detailed for troubleshooting and replacement.
Interior Features:
Manual covers operation and repair of power windows, power door locks (on some models), and power antenna systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Manual will specify for each engine and oil type.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plug replacement, ignition timing, and carburetor adjustments typically every 12,000-24,000 miles or as needed, detailed in the manual.
Transmission Service:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change recommended every 24,000-30,000 miles. Manual transmission fluid check and replacement at similar intervals.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG, SF, or SE rated oils. Viscosity grades like 10W-30 or 10W-40 depending on ambient temperature. Manual will provide detailed recommendations.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze solution, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity around 19-20 quarts.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Carburetor adjustment issues, vacuum leaks, aging electrical components (wiring harnesses, relays), fiberglass fatigue/cracking, weatherstripping degradation, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), exhaust system corrosion.
Fuel System Problems:
Clogged fuel filters, worn fuel pump diaphragms, carburetor float adjustment problems, vapor lock in hot weather.
Electrical System Issues:
Flickering gauges, non-functional headlights (especially vacuum-actuated), starter solenoid issues, alternator output problems, corroded grounds.
Chevrolet Heritage:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing performance vehicles, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.
C3 Introduction:
The C3 Corvette, designed by Larry Shinoda and Zora Arkus-Duntov, was introduced for the 1968 model year, replacing the C2 Sting Ray. It featured a distinctive 'Mako Shark' body style.
C3 Changes:
The C3 generation underwent significant evolution, including updates to bumpers (from chrome to urethane), engine offerings, interior refinements, and the transition from vacuum-actuated headlights to electric motors. Emissions and safety regulations also drove changes.
Production Years:
1968-1982
Manufacturing Location:
St. Louis, Missouri (until 1981), then Bowling Green, Kentucky (from 1981 onwards).
