Target Audience:
Restorers, classic car enthusiasts, mechanics specializing in vintage American automobiles, and Corvette owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge.
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level repair and maintenance information essential for preserving and servicing the iconic 1968 Corvette.
Comparison To Owner Manuals:
Significantly more detailed than an owner's manual, offering in-depth mechanical procedures, diagnostics, and specifications.
Comparison To Other Manuals:
A professional workshop manual, generally more exhaustive and authoritative than general Haynes or Chilton manuals for this era.
Comprehensiveness:
Covers nearly every mechanical and electrical system of the 1968 Corvette.
Technical Accuracy:
Information derived from GM factory documentation ensures high accuracy for repairs and maintenance.
Visuals:
Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, and troubleshooting flowcharts.
Engine Service:
Engine overhaul, tune-up, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (carburetors, fuel injection systems for L88), ignition system, exhaust system, engine diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Transmission Service:
Manual and automatic transmission removal, installation, disassembly, assembly, adjustments, and troubleshooting.
Drivetrain Service:
Clutch, driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly (differential, half-shafts, U-joints) service and repair.
Braking System Service:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake service, troubleshooting.
Suspension And Steering Service:
Front and rear suspension components (springs, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings), steering system (steering gear, linkages, power steering) service and alignment procedures.
Electrical System Service:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, instruments, gauges, horn, power windows, radio, and troubleshooting electrical faults.
Body And Chassis Service:
Frame, body panels, doors, windows, convertible top, weatherstripping, bumpers, interior trim, seats, and body repair procedures.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-offs, lubrication points, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments, tune-up procedures.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, starter motor and alternator repair, fuel pump replacement.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, including engine performance issues, electrical faults, braking system malfunctions, and transmission shifting problems.
Adjustment Procedures:
Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing settings, brake adjustments, clutch pedal adjustment, steering gear adjustments.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, specific component testing procedures, electrical system schematics.
Rebuild Instructions:
Comprehensive step-by-step instructions for complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of major components like engines, transmissions, and differentials, including torque specifications and clearances.
Specifications Data:
Precise torque values for all fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, alignment specifications, and critical measurement data.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Text-searchable for quick information retrieval
Printability:
Printable for offline use and workshop reference
Image Quality:
High-resolution scans of original diagrams and photographs
Original Source:
Likely derived from original GM factory service manuals or professional aftermarket publications.
Binding For Physical Copy:
N/A (Digital PDF download)
Paper Type For Physical Copy:
N/A (Digital PDF download)
Base Engine Displacement:
327 cubic inches (5.4 Liters)
Optional Engines Displacement:
427 cubic inches (7.0 Liters)
327Ci Hp Range:
300 hp (L30) to 350 hp (L79, L46)
427Ci Hp Range:
390 hp (L36, L68) to 430 hp (L88)
427Ci Tri Power Availability:
Yes (L68, L71)
L88 Engine Type:
High-performance, racing-oriented, typically with aluminum heads and high compression.
Carburetion:
Single 4-barrel carburetor (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet, Holley) for 327s and base 427s. Tri-Power (three 2-barrel carburetors) for L68 and L71. Single 4-barrel (Holley) for L36 and L46. Specific racing carburetors for L88.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating requirements vary by engine, higher compression engines require higher octane).
Fuel Pump:
Mechanical fuel pump.
Standard Transmission Type:
Muncie 4-speed manual transmission (e.g., M20, M21, M22 variants).
Optional Transmission Types:
3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 automatic; Powerglide 2-speed automatic (less common in performance models).
Clutch System:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated clutch.
Rear Axle Ratio Options:
Various ratios available, typically ranging from 3.08:1 to 4.56:1 depending on engine and transmission. Positraction (limited-slip differential) was an option.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months. For high-performance or spirited driving, more frequent changes are recommended.
Tune Up Interval:
Recommended every 12,000 - 24,000 miles, depending on ignition system condition (points vs. electronic) and driving habits.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Inspect periodically, change as needed. Automatic: Typically every 24,000 - 48,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for general use. SAE 20W-50 for high-performance or hot weather. Consult specific engine manual for exact recommendations.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter for 327 engines; 6 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter for 427 engines.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90 or SAE 75W-90).
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron III/Mercon (or equivalent). Originally Dexron II.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixed with water (typically 50/50 ratio).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific DOT rating).
Carburetor Issues:
Vibration leading to carburetor adjustments, vacuum leaks, flooding (especially with Tri-Power).
Electrical System Issues:
Aging wiring harnesses, corrosion in connectors, intermittent electrical faults, headlight vacuum actuators (if equipped).
Suspension And Chassis Wear:
Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, and tie rod ends due to age and mileage. Frame corrosion in certain climates.
Body And Trim Deterioration:
Cracking fiberglass, deteriorating weatherstripping, fading paint, interior component wear.
L88 Engine Specifics:
High-strung nature requires careful maintenance; prone to overheating if cooling system is not optimal. Often modified from original specifications.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles and sports cars, with the Corvette being its flagship.
C3 Introduction:
The 1968 model year marked the introduction of the third-generation Corvette (C3), codenamed 'Stingray', featuring an iconic Mako Shark-inspired design.
Design Influences:
The C3 design was heavily influenced by the Mako Shark II concept car developed by Larry Shinoda.
Engine Options Evolution:
The 1968 model offered both the smaller 327 V8 and the potent Big-Block 427 V8, including the highly sought-after L88 variant designed for racing.
Production Period:
1968-1982 (C3 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
1968 Production Volume:
Approximately 38,762 units (across all variants).