🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1979

Engine Code 305:

LG3 (typically)

Engine Code 327:

L48 or L82 (depending on specific configuration and option packages)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Performance sports car, iconic American muscle car.

Competitors 1979:

Chevrolet Camaro Z28, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, Ford Mustang Cobra, Datsun Z-cars, Porsche 924.

Platform:

C3 Corvette generation, known for its distinctive 'Coke bottle' styling and powerful V8 engines.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on performance, handling, and American V8 power, with a focus on driver engagement.

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, and restoration on their 1979 Corvette.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Trims Transmissions:

Yes, covering all models, engines, trims, and transmissions specified.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 1000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era).

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, diagnosis, repair, tuning for 305ci (LG3) and 327ci (L48/L82) V8 engines.

Fuel System:

Carburetor (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet, Edelbrock) overhaul, adjustment, fuel pump, fuel lines, and emissions control systems.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan, and cooling system diagnostics.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, gauges, switches, and accessories.

Drivetrain Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch service, driveshaft, differential, and axle repairs.

Brake System:

Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, brake system diagnostics, hydraulic components, and parking brake.

Suspension Steering:

Independent front suspension, rear leaf spring suspension, shock absorbers, ball joints, steering gear, and alignment specifications.

Body Chassis:

Frame construction, body panel repairs, doors, windows, interior trim, and weatherstripping.

HVAC System:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair (if applicable).

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, points (if applicable), timing, and electronic ignition systems.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and replacements, lubrication.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.

Component Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, carburetors, and brake systems.

Adjustments:

Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing, clutch adjustment, and parking brake adjustments.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagram interpretation, testing of electrical components, and troubleshooting of electrical faults.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans, suitable for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Size 305:

5.0 Liters (305 cubic inches)

Engine Type 305:

OHV V8

Horsepower 305:

Approx. 155-180 hp (depending on specific calibration and emission controls)

Torque 305:

Approx. 245-260 lb-ft

Fuel System 305:

2-barrel or 4-barrel carburetor (e.g., Rochester 2GC or Quadrajet)

Engine Size 327 L48:

5.4 Liters (327 cubic inches)

Engine Type 327 L48:

OHV V8

Horsepower 327 L48:

Approx. 205-225 hp

Torque 327 L48:

Approx. 275-295 lb-ft

Fuel System 327 L48:

4-barrel carburetor (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet)

Engine Size 327 L82:

5.4 Liters (327 cubic inches)

Engine Type 327 L82:

OHV V8

Horsepower 327 L82:

Approx. 225-250 hp (higher compression, more aggressive camshaft)

Torque 327 L82:

Approx. 285-305 lb-ft

Fuel System 327 L82:

4-barrel carburetor (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet)

Compression Ratio L82:

Typically higher (e.g., 8.5:1 or 9:1) compared to L48

Camshaft L82:

More aggressive camshaft profile for improved performance

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., Muncie M20, M21, or Saginaw)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

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

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 176.4 inches

Width:

Approx. 69.0 inches

Height:

Approx. 47.8 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,200 - 3,500 lbs (depending on engine and options)

Wheel Base:

98.0 inches

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 4.75 inches (5 x 120.65 mm)

Tire Size Standard:

e.g., 225/70R15 or similar

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

NHTSA crash test data for 1979 vehicles is generally not available in a comparable format to modern ratings.

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel power disc brakes, variable-ratio power steering.

Passive Safety Features:

Three-point seat belts, padded interior surfaces, energy-absorbing steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

AM/FM radio (often with cassette tape player as an option), analog gauges.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on the mechanical driving experience.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No onboard computers or external connectivity).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for this era, modern recommendations may vary based on oil quality).

Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace with oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 6,000 miles; replace as needed.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 24,000 miles or 24 months. Manual: Check and top off as needed, change every 50,000 miles.

Coolant Change:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.

Engine Oil Type:

API SF/CD or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Consider a high-zinc content oil for flat-tappet camshaft protection.

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 quarts (with filter) for most V8 engines.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Common Issues:

Carburetor tuning and adjustment, vacuum leaks, overheating due to radiator efficiency, aging electrical components, interior wear and tear (seat foam, dash cracks), fiberglass body stress cracks.

Chassis Corrosion:

While primarily fiberglass, frame and suspension components can be susceptible to rust, especially in areas with road salt.

Oil Filter Part Example:

AC-Delco PF2 (common OEM replacement for this era)

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Heritage:

Chevrolet, established in 1911, is renowned for its wide range of vehicles from economy cars to performance sports cars and trucks.

Corvette C3 Generation:

The C3 generation (1968-1982) is characterized by its groundbreaking 'Mako Shark' styling, evolving through the 70s with changes in engines, transmissions, and emissions controls.

1979 Updates:

Minor styling updates including redesigned interior, new seats, and optional power sport mirrors. Introduction of the CE 'Collector's Edition' for 1978, but 1979 was a standard model year.

Production Location:

Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA (moved from St. Louis, Missouri in 1981)

1979 Production Volume:

53,807 units (highest production year for the C3 generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Iconic Status:

The C3 Corvette, including the 1979 model, is widely considered an icon of American automotive design and performance, frequently featured in popular culture and automotive media.

Classic Car Value:

Appreciated by enthusiasts for its styling and V8 power; values vary significantly based on condition and engine option (L82 typically commands higher prices).