🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1979

Platform:

C3 (Third Generation)

Chassis Code:

C3

👋 Introduction

Segment:

High-performance sports car

Competitors 1979:

Porsche 928, Ferrari GT models, Jaguar XJ-S

Value Proposition:

American muscle heritage combined with increasingly sophisticated styling and performance options.

Design:

Iconic C3 'shark' body style, removable T-tops, aggressive stance.

Engine Variety:

Wide range of V8 engine displacements catering to different performance and budget levels.

Handling:

Independent suspension, rear-wheel drive, contributing to sports car dynamics.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

305 ci, 327 ci (V8), 350 ci (V8), 396 ci (V8), 427 ci (V8), 454 ci (V8)

Chassis Coverage:

Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Brakes

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring Diagrams, Ignition System, Charging System, Lighting, Accessories

Body Coverage:

Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (specific count not provided, indicative of comprehensive scope)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnostics, overhaul procedures, component identification for all listed V8 engine displacements.

Transmission:

Automatic (TH350, TH400) and Manual (Muncie, BorgWarner T-10) transmission overhaul, repair, and adjustment procedures.

Fuel System:

Carburetor (Quadrajet, Holley) diagnosis and rebuild, fuel pump and lines troubleshooting.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan, and associated plumbing diagnosis and service.

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil pan, filter, and lubrication circuit service.

Ignition System:

Distributor, coil, spark plugs, points (if applicable), and timing adjustments.

Electrical System:

Starter, alternator, battery, charging circuit, lighting, horn, wipers, and accessory electrical troubleshooting.

Braking System:

Front and rear brake systems, including disc brake overhaul, hydraulic system bleeding, and parking brake.

Steering System:

Power steering pump, gearbox, steering linkage, and alignment procedures.

Suspension System:

Front and rear suspension components, including control arms, springs, shocks, bushings, and wheel bearings.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, pipes, mufflers, and catalytic converter service.

Climate Control:

Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and component replacement.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for mechanical, electrical, and drivability issues.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Overhaul:

Complete engine, transmission, differential, and carburetor overhaul procedures.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and critical measurements for all components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostics:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including component testing and symptom analysis.

Precision:

Detailed torque values, backlash specifications, and critical tolerances for accurate repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, facilitating quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

305 cubic inch (5.0L) V8 (L48)

Optional Engines:

350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8 (L82 - higher performance), 350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8 (base L48), 454 cubic inch (7.4L) V8 (LS4 - L82 variants for some markets/years if applicable to 79), potentially 327 (for earlier C3 models carried over in documentation), 396, 427 (less common in '79 but often included in comprehensive manuals for the generation).

Horsepower 305 L48:

Approx. 195 hp (net)

Torque 305 L48:

Approx. 290 lb-ft (net)

Horsepower 350 L82:

Approx. 225 hp (net)

Torque 350 L82:

Approx. 275 lb-ft (net)

Carburetor Base:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel

Carburetor Performance:

Holley 4-barrel (on L82 or optional setups)

Ignition:

Electronic Ignition (HEI distributor)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard:

3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic (THM350 or THM400 depending on engine)

Transmission Optional:

4-speed Manual Transmission (Muncie SM465 or Borg-Warner T-10 variations)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate clutch (manual)

Differential:

Independent Rear Suspension with limited-slip differential options.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 185.8 inches (4720 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.8 inches (1798 mm)

Height:

Approx. 47.9 inches (1217 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 98.0 inches (2489 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg), varies by engine and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Era-specific safety standards, less stringent than modern vehicles. Data may be limited or not directly comparable.

Brakes:

Power-assisted front disc and rear disc brakes.

Steering:

Power steering standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point shoulder and lap belts.

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM Radio, optional Cassette Player. Speakers typically located in doors and rear. Analog controls.

Features:

No modern driver-assistance systems. Features are mechanical or analog.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (recommendation based on era, consult manual for exact specs).

Tune Up:

Spark plugs, points (if applicable), ignition timing typically every 15,000-30,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid:

Check every oil change, change every 24,000-36,000 miles (recommendation based on era).

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH rated oil, viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (consult manual for specific engine and climate).

Coolant:

50/50 Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze/Water mixture.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Dexron III (or equivalent specification for the era).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 Brake Fluid.

Body Corrosion:

Susceptible to rust, especially in wheel wells, rocker panels, and frame rails due to age.

Fiberglass Cracking:

Minor cracking or spiderwebbing in fiberglass body panels, particularly around stress points.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring harnesses and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical issues.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings, ball joints, and tie rods can wear out, affecting handling and alignment.

📚 Vehicle History

Marque Legacy:

Chevrolet has a long history of performance vehicles, with the Corvette being its flagship sports car since 1953.

C3 Generation:

The C3 generation (1968-1982) is characterized by its distinctive 'shark' styling, evolving through various facelifts and powertrain updates. The 1979 model is considered a late-stage C3 with updated interior and exterior features.

Production Volume 1979:

Approx. 53,807 Corvettes produced in 1979.

Manufacturing Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

Corvette consistently lauded for performance and styling within its class and era, often featured in automotive enthusiast magazines.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer reports from the era would focus on performance, comfort, and reliability relative to contemporary benchmarks.