🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1972

Engine Code Designation:

LT-1 (350ci), LS5 (454ci), L48 (350ci - Base)

Chassis Code:

C3 (Third Generation)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Iconic American sports car, representing a blend of performance and style in the early 1970s.

Target Demographic:

Enthusiasts, performance car buyers, those seeking a stylish American sports car.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with European sports cars and high-performance American coupes, offering a distinctive American muscle car flair.

Key Features:

Removable T-tops, distinctive Stingray styling, powerful V8 engine options, sophisticated independent suspension for its time.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All Models, Engines, Trim, Transmission Types

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, Fuel system, Ignition system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Exhaust system, Clutch, Manual transmission, Automatic transmission, Driveshaft, Differential, Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (front disc, rear disc), Chassis, Electrical system (wiring diagrams, components), Body (interior, exterior, trim, glass, weatherstripping), Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Electrical System Detail:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits, component locations, troubleshooting flowcharts for common electrical faults (e.g., lighting, ignition, charging system).

Body Sheet Metal:

Covers repair procedures for fiberglass body panels, including patching and refinishing techniques.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, Tune-up procedures, Component removal and installation, Disassembly and assembly of major systems, Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic procedures, Electrical system diagnostics, Torque specifications, Alignment specifications, Special tool requirements, Overhaul procedures

Engine Rebuild Procedures:

Complete engine disassembly, inspection, machining specifications (e.g., bore, hone, valve seat), assembly with torque sequences and clearances for all major internal components.

Suspension Steering Procedures:

Front and rear suspension component replacement (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings), alignment specifications, steering gearbox adjustment and overhaul.

Brake System Procedures:

Disc brake caliper and rotor replacement, brake line and hose inspection/replacement, master cylinder and brake booster diagnosis and replacement, parking brake adjustment.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical troubleshooting, and bodywork repairs.

Diagnostic Tools:

Details on standard diagnostic tools of the era, including timing lights, dwell meters, vacuum gauges, and multimeters. May also reference specialized GM SST (Special Service Tools).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Searchable PDF, Printable

Searchability:

Yes, text is typically OCR'd for search functionality.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine Options:

350ci (5.7L) V8 (L48 and LT-1), 454ci (7.4L) V8 (LS5)

Horsepower 350 Lt1:

255 hp @ 5600 rpm (gross)

Torque 350 Lt1:

345 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (gross)

Horsepower 350 L48:

200 hp @ 4400 rpm (gross)

Torque 350 L48:

300 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (gross)

Horsepower 454 Ls5:

365 hp @ 5400 rpm (gross)

Torque 454 Ls5:

470 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (gross)

Fuel System:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor (L48, LS5), Holley 4-barrel carburetor (LT-1)

Engine Design:

Overhead Valve (OHV), V8 configuration

Bore Stroke 350:

4.00 in. x 3.48 in. (101.6 mm x 88.4 mm)

Bore Stroke 454:

4.25 in. x 4.00 in. (108.0 mm x 101.6 mm)

Compression Ratio Lt1:

11.0:1

Compression Ratio Ls5:

8.5:1

Compression Ratio L48:

8.0:1

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual (M20, M21, M22) was standard on LT-1, optional on others.

Optional Transmission:

3-speed Turbo Hydramatic 400 (THM400) automatic transmission.

Manual Transmission Features:

Close-ratio options available (M21/M22 for higher performance).

Automatic Transmission Features:

Robust and reliable, suitable for street cruising.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Length:

175.1 inches (444.8 mm)

Exterior Width:

69.0 inches (175.3 mm)

Exterior Height:

47.9 inches (121.7 mm)

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches (248.9 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3,300 - 3,600 lbs (depending on engine and options)

Cargo Capacity:

Limited due to sports car design, primarily rear compartment behind seats.

Exterior Ground Clearance:

Approximately 5.5 inches (140 mm)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings Era:

Safety standards of the era were less stringent than modern vehicles. Focus on passive safety features.

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes with power assist.

Passive Safety Features:

Lap and shoulder belts (may have been optional or seat-specific), padded interior surfaces, energy-absorbing steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM radio (optional: AM/FM with 8-track tape player). No digital displays or advanced audio features.

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern standards. Relies on driver skill and mechanical systems.

Connectivity Features:

None.

Climate Control System:

Optional air conditioning system, typically a V-belt driven compressor mounted to the engine. Manual fan and temperature controls.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, using quality oil and filter.

Tune Up Interval:

Recommended annually or every 10,000-15,000 miles, including spark plugs, ignition points (if applicable), condenser, distributor cap, rotor, and fuel filter.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SF or SG rated oils, viscosity typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Check manual for precise recommendations.

Coolant Specification:

50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 gear oil for manual transmissions, SAE 80W-90 recommended. For THM400: Dexron III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid.

Known Issues General:

Age-related issues such as carburetor tuning problems, vacuum leaks, worn suspension bushings, aging electrical components, potential for rust in body panels and frame, fuel system deterioration (especially rubber components).

Known Issues Engine Ls5:

Large displacement engines can be prone to oil consumption if not properly maintained.

Known Issues Electrical:

Original wiring harnesses can become brittle; thorough inspection and repair are often necessary.

Known Issues Body:

Fiberglass body panels can crack or spiderweb over time. Weatherstripping often requires replacement due to age.

Maintenance Schedule Detail:

The manual will provide detailed checks for belts, hoses, fluids, brakes, ignition timing, carburetor adjustments, and chassis lubrication at various mileage intervals.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

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

Model Evolution 1972:

The 1972 model is the final year for the 'Stingray' designation without the chrome bumper integrated into the bodywork on the rear. It also marks the last year for the big-block 454 in the C3 until the 1990s.

Production Years:

1968-1973 (C3 Generation)

Production Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Consistently recognized as a desirable classic sports car and a collector's item. The C3 Corvette line is celebrated for its design and performance.

Ratings:

As a classic, ratings are typically for its automotive significance and design rather than objective performance metrics by today's standards.