Positioning:
The 1978 Corvette represented Chevrolet's flagship sports car, a blend of performance and style during an era of evolving automotive regulations.
Competitors:
Primarily competed against European sports cars like the Porsche 928 and European GTs, as well as domestic performance coupes.
Design:
Distinctive 'Coke bottle' styling, removable T-tops, long hood, short deck, iconic sports car silhouette.
Engine Options:
Offered with the base L48 305 cubic inch V8 and the more powerful L82 350 cubic inch V8.
Audience:
Enthusiasts, owners, and professional mechanics seeking in-depth technical information for maintenance, repair, and restoration.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals (assembly, disassembly, inspection), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (M21) overhaul and repair, automatic transmission (TH350) overhaul and repair, clutch system, driveshaft, differential, axles.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, power steering, wheel alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, parking brake system, hydraulic system, power brake booster, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), ignition switch, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, latches, locks, interior trim, seats, dashboard, heating and ventilation (HVAC) system, air conditioning system (if equipped).
Accessories:
Radio, power windows, power locks, cruise control (if equipped), wipers, horn.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and top-offs, belt and hose inspection/replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common symptoms (e.g., no-start conditions, poor performance, overheating, electrical faults), guided troubleshooting steps.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation of virtually all vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for engine, transmission, electrical, and other systems using factory-specified methods.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed specifications and torque values.
Engine 1 Variant:
L48 (305ci)
Engine 1 Displacement:
305 cubic inches (5.0 Liters)
Engine 1 Configuration:
V8
Engine 1 Horsepower:
175 HP (approximate, Gross SAE)
Engine 1 Torque:
245 lb-ft (approximate, Gross SAE)
Engine 2 Variant:
L82 (350ci)
Engine 2 Displacement:
350 cubic inches (5.7 Liters)
Engine 2 Configuration:
V8
Engine 2 Horsepower:
220 HP (approximate, Gross SAE)
Engine 2 Torque:
275 lb-ft (approximate, Gross SAE)
Fuel Delivery L48:
Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor
Fuel Delivery L82:
Holley 4-barrel carburetor (typically)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (GM HEI distributor)
Crash Test Data:
Specific crash test ratings for 1978 models are not readily available in the modern NHTSA format, but safety features were evolving.
Braking System:
Four-wheel power disc brakes with ventilated front rotors.
Steering System:
Power recirculating ball steering.
Seatbelts:
Three-point lap and shoulder belts, lap belts for passengers.
Windshield:
Laminated safety glass.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced windshield frame, no dedicated roll bar in standard models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 24,000-36,000 miles. Manual: Check condition, often fluid is not specified for change unless leaking.
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000-36,000 miles or 2 years.
Spark Plugs Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., standard copper vs. platinum).
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH classification, SAE 10W-40 or 10W-30 recommended (consult manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron-III (or equivalent like Type A Suffix A).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 80W-90 recommended.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent).
Common Problems:
Fiberglass body delamination, electrical gremlins, aging weatherstripping leading to leaks, carburetor tuning issues, potential U-joint wear, brake caliper seizing.
Engine L82 Specific:
Can be prone to valve guide wear and oil consumption if not properly maintained.
Electrical System Notes:
Wiring harnesses can degrade over time, leading to intermittent electrical issues. Ground points are critical.
Heritage:
Chevrolet has a long history of performance and sports car development, with the Corvette being its halo product since 1953.
Generation Code:
C3 (Third Generation)
C3 Era:
1968-1982. The 1978 model year was a significant one for the C3, featuring design updates and the introduction of the 'Pace Car' replica.
1978 Specifics:
Year of the Silver Anniversary Corvette and the Indy 500 Pace Car edition. Revised interior, new rear glass fastback design.
Production Years C3:
1968-1982
1978 Production Volume:
Approximately 47,000 units.
Assembly Location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA.